SPOTLIGHT: C/O 28 Prospects With Early D1- Verbal Offers

We published an update to the Class of 2028 ranking list today. This is the first of two winter updates for this class. Today's update will highlight new freshmen prospects that raised my attention during the fall 2024 season. The second winter update will encompass all current watch list prospects, previously ranked players, and those recognized for their performance awards during the 2024 season, all of whom will be evaluated for potential film reviews and higher rankings. Below are several top rising freshmen prospects with early verbal college offers at the top of this ranking list to know now.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />     🎉 Player Spotlight: [player_tooltip player_id='400828' first='Christopher' last='Vargas'] 🌟 As a rising freshman, [player_tooltip player_id='400828' first='Christopher' last='Vargas'] is making waves as the premier quarterback for the class of 2028, playing for St. John's Preparatory School in New England. Standing tall at 6'4" and weighing 180 pounds, he possesses the perfect size and athleticism that scouts dream of! This rising star, currently ranked as the No. 1 QB in the state, has caught the attention of major college programs, boasting offers from elite institutions such as Penn State, Boston College, UMass, UConn, Syracuse, Illinois, and Ohio State, as of January 25, 2025! Chris showcases exceptional pocket presence and poise, allowing him to stay calm under pressure and deliver strikes with laser-like accuracy. His rocket arm coupled with his mobility enables him to extend plays and capitalize on scoring opportunities while on the run. He's not just a player; he's an electrifying talent who ignites the field with every snap! This young phenom is truly the total package, and his highlight reel offers just a glimpse of the remarkable skill set he brings. Keep an eye on [player_tooltip player_id='400828' first='Christopher' last='Vargas'], as he is a future star to watch! 🚀💪 Check out his highlights here: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17190500/Chris-Vargas-QB-2028/highlights">Chris Vargas Highlights</a>     Player Spotlight: [player_tooltip player_id='889357' first='Liam' last='Conlon'] - Linebacker, Catholic Memorial (Class of 2028) Introducing a standout prospect from New England to watch: [player_tooltip player_id='889357' first='Liam' last='Conlon'], a powerful linebacker hailing from the prestigious Catholic Memorial High School, boasts a striking 6'2" frame and weighs in at 205 pounds. As a freshman starter on a powerhouse team, he's already carved out a name for himself, with early verbal offers from Boston College, Syracuse, and North Carolina! Liam put on a noticeable display at the Prep Redzone New England Stockup Showcase, showcasing explosive power that allows him to deliver bone-crushing tackles and disrupt plays right at the point of contact. His incredible speed, akin to Division 1-caliber athletes, enables him to cover significant ground swiftly, making him a formidable presence in both run defense and pass coverage. What truly sets Liam apart is his keen instinct for the game. He reads plays like a seasoned veteran, demonstrating a remarkable understanding of pursuit angles and coverage dynamics. His explosive knee bend adds balance and control while tackling, enhancing his effectiveness on the field. With a confident attitude and a hunger for improvement, Liam is primed to dominate high school football and beyond. Keep an eye on this rising star! 🎉🏈     Player Spotlight: [player_tooltip player_id='425609' first='Rory' last='Funke'] - Quarterback, Dexter Southfield (Class of 2028) Meet [player_tooltip player_id='425609' first='Rory' last='Funke'], a rising quarterback star from Dexter Southfield in New England, standing tall at 6'2" and weighing 175 pounds. Rory is not only following in the footsteps of his older brothers, with one already making waves at the Division 1 level and the other, Dominic, currently garnering attention in the class of 2026, but he's also carving out his own dynamic path in the football world! In his first season as a varsity quarterback, Rory has already made his mark, throwing for an impressive 722 yards and 7 touchdowns in just the first three games. His fluid athleticism, competitive drive, and dual-threat capability make him a defensive nightmare. With exceptional pocket awareness and the ability to make plays on the run, he patiently navigates through his progressions to locate open targets effectively. Rory's impressive skills have caught the eyes of college recruiters, earning him early verbal offers from Toledo and UMass. Alongside his talents on the football field, he shines as a standout baseball student-athlete, showcasing his all-around athletic prowess. Keep your eyes peeled for [player_tooltip player_id='425609' first='Rory' last='Funke']—a name that's sure to echo in the halls of college football in the coming years! 🌟🏈⚾️     Player Spotlight: Josh Moore - Offensive Lineman, Winnacunnet High School (Class of 2028) Introducing the force known as Big Josh Moore, an offensive lineman out of Winnacunnet High School in New England! At a towering 6'5" and weighing in at 270 pounds, Josh is a physical specimen who has established himself as a dominant presence on the gridiron. His impressive strength is showcased by his ability to move a 1,400-pound sled for 10 yards—a feat that speaks volumes about his raw power! Josh possesses an exceptional skill set that allows him to effectively control the line of scrimmage. He frequently demonstrates the ability to dominate defenders, often knocking them to the ground and moving the line of scrimmage in his favor. His agility and good feet enable him to reach the second level of the defense, showcasing his versatility and capability as a lineman. His outstanding balance sets Josh apart, playing with a low pad level, good knee bend, and a naturally wide base that enhances his blocking technique. With an early offer from Boston College already on the table for fall 2024, it's clear that this rising star is on the radar of top programs. Keep an eye on Big Josh Moore—he's certainly one to watch as he continues to grow and dominate in his high school career! 💪🏈🌟     Player Spotlight: [player_tooltip player_id='889345' first='Anthony' last='Whaley'] - Defensive Back, Springfield Central High School (Class of 2028) Meet [player_tooltip player_id='889345' first='Anthony' last='Whaley'], a dynamic defensive back from Springfield Central High School in New England! Standing at 5'9" and weighing 170 pounds, Anthony might not be the tallest player on the field, but he makes up for it with his explosive athleticism and fearless playing style. As a former AYF Springfield competitor, he's developed into a very fluid athlete, known for laying the boom on any ball carrier that crosses his path—a true game-changer in the defensive backfield! Anthony's technical skills are remarkable; he boasts an impressive backpedal and can quickly flip his hips to stay in line with receivers. This agility allows him to adapt to plays instantly, making him a reliable presence in both man-to-man and zone coverage. His quick reactions and tenacity on the field have attracted attention from college recruiters, earning him offers from URI, Syracuse, and UMass. Anthony's impressive combination of athleticism, technique, and confidence positions him as one of the top prospects in the class of 2028. Keep an eye on this talented young defensive back as he looks to make his mark in high school football and beyond! 🏈🔥💥     Player Spotlight: [player_tooltip player_id='425663' first='Xavier' last='Thomas'] - Defensive Back, Springfield Central High School (Class of 2028) Introducing [player_tooltip player_id='425663' first='Xavier' last='Thomas'], a rising defensive back significantly impacting Springfield Central High School in New England! Standing at 5'10" and weighing 180 pounds, Xavier has been a standout performer as a freshman starter on the varsity team this 2024 season. He's gained recognition for effectively locking down some of the region's most talented receivers, showcasing incredible potential at such a young age. Despite weighing in at 160 pounds, Xavier's skill set is impressive! He exhibits a smooth backpedal, allowing him to read plays effectively and react fluidly. His ability to flip his hips instantly gives him an edge in coverage, demonstrating agility and finesse on the field. Fearless and aggressive, Xavier isn't afraid to deliver potent hits that resonate with fans and intimidate opponents. With verbal offers already rolling in from Syracuse, the University of Rhode Island, and UMass, it's clear that college scouts are taking notice of this rising star! As Xavier continues to grow physically and in his game IQ, there's no doubt he'll become an even greater asset to his team. Keep an eye on [player_tooltip player_id='425663' first='Xavier' last='Thomas']—this is just the beginning of his promising journey in football! 🏈💥🌟     Player Spotlight: [player_tooltip player_id='541812' first='Owen' last='DeSalvo'] - Athlete, Buckingham Browne & Nichols (Class of 2028) Introducing [player_tooltip player_id='541812' first='Owen' last='DeSalvo'], a rising two-way athlete from Buckingham Browne & Nichols, poised to impact the field significantly during the upcoming seasons! At 5'11" and 185 pounds, Owen has been a starter at strong safety since the 2023 season, where he impressively debuted on varsity as an 8th grader and has only continued to rise since then. His dedication during the off-season has resulted in a more refined athletic frame and an enhanced skill set that sets him apart from his peers. Owen's speed grabs attention—highlighted on film by his long strides that elevate his game. He plays with tenacity, demonstrating a physical style that allows him to tackle runners aggressively. He can cover from deep thirds to the boundary as a protective safety, showcasing his outstanding field vision and ball skills. On offense, Owen is a force to be reckoned with! His explosive speed, sharp-cutting hips, and ability to change direction make him a defensive nightmare. Recently, he has drawn attention from high-level Division 1 programs, earning verbal offers from UMass and the University of Rhode Island. If Owen receives full-time carries, buckle up—this kid is bound to be a game-changer! Keep an eye on him as he continues to shine on the field! 🏈🔥🌟     Player Spotlight: [player_tooltip player_id='1542880' first='Ramar' last='Thomas'] - Quarterback, Catholic Memorial (Class of 2028) Introducing [player_tooltip player_id='1542880' first='Ramar' last='Thomas'], a rising star quarterback at Catholic Memorial and a prospect you should watch! Standing tall at 6'3" and weighing 180 pounds, Ramar showcased immense talent and poise during his first varsity game against St. John's Shrewsbury, where he stepped in due to the injury of QB1. In that standout performance, he boasted an impressive 63.6% completion rate, racking up 161 passing yards and three touchdown passes as a freshman! Ramar's solid, lean frame combines strength with agility, making him an effective dual-threat quarterback. He demonstrates excellent velocity on his throws, and his ability to escape the pocket opens up opportunities both as a passer and a runner. His accuracy on the run, particularly without throws, adds an exciting dynamic to his game. On January 19, 2025, Ramar received an offer from Boston College and promptly committed, solidifying himself as a future Division 1 quarterback prospect. With his talent and work ethic, there is no doubt that [player_tooltip player_id='1542880' first='Ramar' last='Thomas'] is destined for great things in high school football and beyond. Get ready because he's just getting started! 🏈🌟🔥     Player Spotlight: [player_tooltip player_id='1027707' first='Xzavier' last='Chafin'] - Defensive Lineman, Buckingham Browne & Nichols (Class of 2028) Introducing [player_tooltip player_id='1027707' first='Xzavier' last='Chafin'], a powerhouse defensive lineman out of Buckingham Browne & Nichols, who is making waves as a top prospect in New England! Standing at 6'2" and 240 pounds, Xzavier began his varsity career as an 8th grader—a testament to his exceptional talent and skill at such a young age. Having reclassified, he now boasts a huge ceiling for growth in height and overall athleticism, making him an exciting player to watch! Xzavier is an athletically coordinated defensive tackle whose film from spring football demonstrates his solid quickness and impressive get-off. His technique shines as he uses his hands adeptly to disengage from blocks while maintaining a keen awareness of the ball carrier's movement. This ability to read and react quickly allows him to make impactful plays on the field. With consistency in his efforts, Xzavier thrives in the trenches, proving he is more than capable of handling the physical demands of the position. His skills were further confirmed in his 2024 season film, showcasing the same abilities that have led to a Division 1 college projection. His recent offer from UMass in January 2025 solidifies his status as one of the top defensive line prospects to watch. Keep an eye on [player_tooltip player_id='1027707' first='Xzavier' last='Chafin']—his future is bright! 💪🏈🌟     Player Spotlight: [player_tooltip player_id='1270302' first='Eric' last='Jefferys'] - Wide Receiver, Moses Brown School (Class of 2028) Meet [player_tooltip player_id='1270302' first='Eric' last='Jefferys'], an electrifying wide receiver from Moses Brown School in New England! Standing at 5'10" and weighing 165 pounds, Eric is a dynamic athlete who quickly made a name for himself by starting on the varsity team as a freshman this season. As of October 16, 2024, his game film has earned him a ranking and showcased his impressive abilities on the field. Eric's recent highlight film, submitted on October 12, 2024, displays his extraordinary hands and fluid athleticism, making him a true playmaker. His strong game speed and high football IQ allow him to react and adjust seamlessly during plays. Notably, he excels in yards after the catch, always pushing to gain valuable extra yardage. His ability to chase down defenders in the open field demonstrates his speed, competitive spirit, and tenacity. With a commendable early GPA of 3.8, Eric exemplifies the balance of academics and athletics, which is crucial for any aspiring Division 1 athlete. The impressive performance didn't go unnoticed, as he received a scholarship offer from Syracuse on November 5, 2024. Keep an eye on [player_tooltip player_id='1270302' first='Eric' last='Jefferys']—this young talent is just beginning to scratch the surface of his full potential and is poised for a bright future in football! 🏈🌟💪       Player Spotlight: [player_tooltip player_id='541812' first='Owen' last='DeSalvo'] - Athlete, Buckingham Browne & Nichols (Class of 2028) Meet [player_tooltip player_id='541812' first='Owen' last='DeSalvo'], a versatile athlete and rising star at Buckingham Browne & Nichols in New England! At 5'11" and 185 pounds, Owen has made a name for himself as a starting strong safety since his 8th-grade year, consistently proving himself at the varsity level. His dedication during the off-season has paid off, as he has enhanced his athletic frame and skill set, setting the stage for an incredible high school career. One of Owen's standout attributes is his exceptional speed, evident in the remarkable long strides he displays on film. He plays with a physical edge and is not afraid to deliver bone-crushing hits when diagnosing runs. As one of the top two-way players in New England, Owen possesses a unique combination of speed, ball skills, and field vision that allows him to excel on both sides of the ball. He gets downhill rapidly on defense, effectively covering ground from deep thirds to the boundary. On offense, his speed and quick hips make him an unstoppable force, particularly when he changes direction at high speed. With recent verbal offers from UMass and the University of Rhode Island, it's clear that Owen is drawing high-level Division 1 interest. Once he receives full-time carries, watch out—[player_tooltip player_id='541812' first='Owen' last='DeSalvo'] is poised to be a game-changer! 🏈🔥🌟

We published an update to the Class of 2028 ranking list today. This is the first of two winter updates for this class. Today's update will highlight new freshmen prospects that raised my attention during the fall 2024 season. The second winter update will encompass all current watch list prospects, previously ranked players, and those recognized for their performance awards during the 2024 season, all of whom will be evaluated for potential film reviews and higher rankings. Below are several top rising freshmen prospects with early verbal college offers at the top of this ranking list to know now.