2027 Ranking Preview of Offered OL, DL, & TE Prospects

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our Prep Redzone VA Class of 2027 Rankings will soon be out. There are many prospects who have already made a name for themselves on the national recruiting stage who you will see ranked high in the upcoming rankings update. Today, I am previewing seven linemen and one tight end who currently hold Division 1 offers. Both [player_tooltip player_id='1631100' first='Sam' last='Faniel'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1404794' first='Ilan' last='Ervin'] will be making their debut in our 2027 Rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>**At the time of publishing, the updated 2027 rankings have not been posted. The rankings for each prospect are subject to change in the update***</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1311465"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bc85d02366d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Solid height with a very good frame with room to add functional mass to keep his athleticism. Very good athletic ability for his size with elite foot quickness, lateral movement, very good acceleration, flexibility, explosiveness, and good balance. Plays with elite upper and lower body strength that allows him to win his reps. Elite run blocking due to very good pad level and explosiveness coming off the ball using his elite lateral movement to quickly engage the block with good initial hand placement and block fit, and using his elite strength to turn and drive the defender out of the gap. Elite blocking in space on Zone and on the second level, using good processing, angles, and athleticism to position himself and remove defenders from the play. Very good pull blocker with the athleticism to block on the move to kick defenders out or lead block through the hole to the second level. Very good pass protection, with good set points and very good hand quickness in his punch. Elite mirror in pass pro due to his foot quickness, lateral movement, and strength. Very good anchor to drop his hips and halt the bull rush. Room to develop his balance and footwork at the point of attack that will allow him to play with better body control. Overall, an elite prospect who can play Offensive Tackle at the Power-4 level and has the combination of size, strength, athleticism, and flexibility needed to succeed at the position. Currently holds multiple Power-4 offers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18008584/JR-Saunders" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/JrSaunders8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1311466"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bc85d02371a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Very good height and frame. Very good athletic ability with very good acceleration, explosiveness, balance, change of direction, foot quickness, lateral movement, and flexibility. Elite speed rush with an elite upfield burst at the snap, using his acceleration and explosiveness to gain outside leverage to bend around the offensive tackle to corner and finish on the QB. Very good outside-to-inside move at varying speeds within his pass-rush plan to apply pressure in multiple ways. Very good use of hands, utilizing his long arms to keep separation and offensive linemen from gaining a grip inside his frame. Very good run defender, using his very good hand placement to engage offensive linemen to shed the block, using his lateral movement to make tackles down the line of scrimmage showing good range out of the position. Overall, an elite prospect who is one of the best in his class. As he develops his strength, he will add a power rush into his pass rush plan that will allow him to be a dominant edge defender at the Power-4 level. Currently holds offers from multiple Power-4 schools, most notably <a href="https://x.com/chriswhiteheadz/status/1882472730160980201" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Georgia</strong></a>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20649913/Chris-Whitehead" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/chriswhiteheadz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401056"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bc85d0236d1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Recently securing his first <a href="https://x.com/BigELawson/status/1891573805446758474" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Power-4 offer from Syracuse</strong></a>, Ethan has good height with elite size and frame with very good arm length at 81 1/2 inches. This past season saw Ethan playing with more explosiveness and aggressiveness in his play becoming an enforcer on the offensive line. Displays good athleticism, with very good explosiveness, hand quickness, good foot quickness, acceleration, balance, lateral movement, flexibility, and solid change of direction. Good pass protector, showing good set points and use of hands to punch and disrupt the defender's pass rush plan. Can quickly anchor himself and hold his ground versus the bull rush and remain balanced. Very good in Gap blocking, coming off the ball with very good explosiveness and engaging with very good hand placement, with good sustain and leg drive on the blocks. Operates best in Base and Down blocks where he can quickly engage and drive defenders out of the gap. Good lateral movement on Pull blocks and Zone blocking schemes, allowing him to block in space where he will overpower anyone he faces on the second and third levels. Would like to see him continue to develop consistent block fits in Pull and Zones as he can win now with his size and strength, but will need to hone that technique for the next level. Overall, a good prospect with very good upside who has the size you cannot teach with good athleticism to play Division 1 football. Made visible improvements in his game this year, playing with better flexibility, explosiveness, and aggressiveness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/2/134585/6762f0b36b5a9d080d3a962b" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/BigELawson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1170677"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bc85d02375a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Good height and frame, with room to add mass. Defensive End prospect who could be used across the line as he adds mass to his frame. Good athletic ability with very good foot quickness, lateral agility, acceleration, balance, good explosiveness, and foot speed. Good upfield burst with very good use of hands to engage offensive linemen and set himself up to shed the block keeping his eyes in the backfield to make a run/pass read. Has the strength to stalemate the initial block of the offensive linemen and wins his rep with his very good processing and block shed in the second half of the play with relentless pursuit. Very good pass rush, using his speed, flexibility, and quickness to get past the offensive linemen with a very good finish to the Quarterback to disrupt the pass. Good run defender showing good range with his lateral agility and speed to defend the edge of the formation and inside. Overall, a good prospect who currently holds <a href="https://x.com/camden_chalkley/status/1879947624838832432" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>an offer from Liberty University</strong></a>, and more will come for him as he continues to develop his game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17953208/Camden-Chalkley" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/camden_chalkley" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["400876"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bc85d023796"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Michael is one of my favorite players to watch, and he has made a jump in our rankings. Anyone looking for a Defensive Tackle/Nose Guard. Elite run defense and very good pass rush, Michael is one of the top players in the state. I have already featured a full-season report on his 2024 season that you can read below:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Good height and elite size. Very good athleticism for his size displaying elite balance, very good acceleration, lateral movement, bend, foot quickness, hand quickness, good hip fluidity, change of direction, and solid foot speed. Very good up-field burst utilizing his very good foot quickness and bend to gain depth with good pad level. Very good use of hands to engage offensive linemen with his elite play strength with the ability to enforce his will against anyone. Elite run defense, forcing a double team against him that he can split with his strength and use of hands, with very good lateral movement when disengaging blocks to defend his run gap. Very good power pass rush, with very good leg drive to push the depth of the pocket and put offensive linemen off balance, disallowing QBs to step up in the pocket. He is a great competitor who pursues though the whistle. Michael is an FBS prospect who has picked up a&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://x.com/Michael_Gibbs_/status/1753152489690419463" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marshall offer</a>&nbsp;</strong>already and will see many more. In my mind, he can play in the Power 4.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"right"} --> <p class="has-text-align-right"><i>From: </i><a style="font-style: italic" href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/11/defensive-line-full-season-highlight-scouting-reports/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Defensive Line Full-Season Highlight Scouting Reports</a>. <i>November 29, 2024</i></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17895288/Michael-Gibbs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/michael_gibbs_?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1311622"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bc85d0237d5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Good height and a very good frame. Good athletic ability, displaying very good balance, flexibility, explosiveness, lateral movement, foot quickness, change of direction, and foot speed. Good pass protector with good initial set points, keeping a balanced set with good bend ready to strike with his strong and explosive punch. Good mirror and sustain in pass pro versus speed and power, displaying good lateral movement to counter inside moves and the quickness in his kick step versus outside rush. His good bend and hip flexibility allow him to quickly anchor himself and prevent himself from being walked back with his very good strength. Good run blocker with very good grip strength and sustain on his blocks. Works best in Base blocks where he can quickly engage and drive the defender out of the gap. Has very good recovery ability to win his reps even if initially out of position. Can work on his initial quickness off the ball and block fits in run blocks. Overall, a good prospect who I believe can play Offensive Tackle at the Division-1 level. Currently holds an offer from <a href="https://x.com/brodymcneel/status/1884683894810644711" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>East Carolina</strong></a> and more will come for him as he continues to develop his game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19190145/Brody-McNeel" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/brodymcneel" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":[1206167],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bc85d023811"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Interior Offensive Line and Defensive Tackle prospect with solid height and a very good frame. Good athletic ability displaying very good balance, flexibility, explosiveness, good acceleration, foot quickness, lateral movement, solid foot speed, and change of direction. He is a run-blocking mauler on the offensive line, keeping very good pad level coming off the snap with good explosiveness and solid block fit, with very good grip and leg strength to drive defenders out of the gap. Good blocking space with good angle processing and awareness on the field to identify his defender with the athleticism to get to the second level and sustain a block. Good pass protector with solid set points and mirror, winning his pass pro reps with his strength in his punch and good anchor. As a Defensive Tackle, he displays good upfield burst with good acceleration and lateral movement in his initial steps to create leverage, with good use of hands and very good strength when engaging offensive linemen. Very good block shed using strength and power to throw linemen and rip past them. Good tackler in his gap versus the run. Good pass rush, using his power to push the pocket, and good ability to shed the block to finish with a sack or disrupt the throw. Overall, a good prospect who can play either side of the ball at the next level. I like him best as a Defensive Tackle based on his sophomore film. Currently holds offers from <strong><a href="https://x.com/IlanErvin/status/1851431936251871610" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marshall</a> </strong>and <a href="https://x.com/IlanErvin/status/1869165537974227294"><strong>Middle Tennessee</strong></a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19608633/Ilan-Ervin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/IlanErvin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1631100"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bc85d0238b1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Very good height with a good frame with lots of room to add functional mass. Good athletic ability with good foot speed, acceleration, lateral agility, flexibility, change of direction, and solid explosiveness. A balanced Tight End can be used as a receiver and as a blocker. As a receiver, he has solid route running ability, with solid release out of two and three-point stances. Solid route stems setting up the top of the route, able to run change of direction routes and deep Seams, Posts, and Corners. Good separation quickness versus Zone coverages, with good processing of the defense to find the hole in the coverage. Solid separation quickness versus man, winning with his size. Good hands and adjust to throws, with solid run-after-catch ability. Good run blocker with good competitive toughness in his blocks, showing good block fits and drive on his blocks with good sustain. Can be used in Gap and Zone blocking schemes and as a puller to lead block to the second level. Overall, a good Tight End prospect with high upside as he develops his body, strength, and explosiveness. Currently holds an offer from <a href="https://x.com/samfaniel_/status/1882236155699351814" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>East Carolina</strong></a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18380124/Sam-Faniel" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/samfaniel_" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/prospect-index/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>&nbsp;to claim your Prep Redzone Prospect Index profile.<br>Follow me on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/GoLions1934" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@GoLions1934</a>&nbsp;for further content |&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneVA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@PrepRedzoneVA</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/PrepRedzone" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@PrepRedzone</a>&nbsp;| Virginia Scouts&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/carljfred" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@carljfred</a> &amp; </em><a href="https://x.com/EdOBrienCFB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>@EdOBrienCFB</em></a><em>&nbsp;</em>|&nbsp;<em>View my previous Prep Redzone articles&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/author/cole-laing-author/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->