Rankings Update: 2028 Stock Risers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Makhi Robinson-Akin, ATH Lincoln Prep</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>5'11" 170</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A true triple threat as a playmaker on offense at WR, defense at S and as a returner. Makhi has a good speed, great hands and ball skills, is quick and elusive with the ball in his hands, is physical and likes to hit, but most of all he is a football player. This is why he excels in all aspects of the game. You could line him up along the OL or DL and you would get production from him because he's a football player who is a very good athlete. While he doesn't play at a pipeline school it will be hard for his talent to be missed by colleges.<br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gunnar Holmes, LB Parkway West </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>6'2" 200</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>One of the most productive linebackers in the area regardless of class with 95 tackles in 2024, Holmes came into his first year of varsity football and played like a season vet with his ability to read and make plays using his speed and physical style of play to his teams leading tackler on defense as a freshman. Gunnar has grown since the end of the season and is closing in on 6'3" and continues to fill out his frame. He has great quickness, hips and ability to change direction. He also has above average hands and will also play TE as a sophomore. <br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1602911' first='Issiac' last='Smith'], New Madrid County Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>6'5" 315</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Massive young offensive lineman with exceptional athleticism for his size. Quick feet and body control and explodes into his blocks and gets out quick when pulling. Runs very well, has very good strength, power and finishes his blocks. I was on sidelines and watched his have a great showing against Mizzou DE signee Hopkins. Does play like a freshman and has a high ceiling to continue to grow both physically and as a player. Looks like he could play either OG or OT in college. <br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1600978' first='Jalen' last='Jones'], CB/ATH Hickman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>6'4"180</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>One of the more intriguing freshman prospects I watched this past season. Jones was a long, athletic cornerback for the Kewpies down the stretch and showed his outstanding potential to cover receivers, press and be physical, have good ball skills and cover a lot of ground on the field. He's still raw and learning but the upside is undeniable. He has a good frame and I am hearing that he may grow out of the corner/safety position in years to come. He has good speed and hands. Also plays basketball and is a prospect on the rise to watch for. <br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1600985' first='Jaxyn' last='Buckley']. CB McCluer North</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>5'9" 155</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Another talented freshman cornerback prospect who started on varsity until he suffered an injury late and contributed 22 tackles and a pick in the process. Buckley has shown lock down cover skills both him middle school, 7v7 and now as a freshman on varsity. Jax has great speed and ability to get on a receivers him and not let up being able to run with anyone. He also has quick hands and good balls skills and good burst he uses to make plays. Strong tackler who plays well against the run too.<br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='991868' first='Gage' last='Hale'], WR Logan- Rogersville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>5'11" 155</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>One of the top offensive performers in the freshmen class in the state in 2024 who earned multiple post season honors after recording 42 receptions for 565 yards and 4 touchdowns and also rushed for 160 yards. He also pulled duty at defensive back and added 60 tackles at that position. Hale is a dangerous offensive threat in space and quick twitch athlete with good speed and hands. A versatile athlete and football player who helps his team in all aspects of the game. He's a player to watch this off season and in the coming years.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->