2028 Initial Rankings: Top Central Valley Prospects

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">In-depth evaluations of the top central valley prospects in the initial 2028 state rankings.</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">The freshman performed well throughout the 2024 season and lands as the top ranked 2028 prospect from the central valley and #25 overall. Possesses a well-developed frame with length at 6'2” 185 lbs. Excels at improvising and keeping plays alive with his legs. His ability to extend isn't limited to tucking and running when protection breaks down but more about his ability to read the defense while moving and creating opportunities for his receivers to get open. Flashes plus instincts to avoid pressure by sliding left or right to sidestep defenders without gaining too much depth. Accelerated release allows him to get the ball out quickly and put velocity behind it. Doesn't sacrifice arm strength or accuracy when throwing from off balance platforms. True dual-threat skillset that has the speed to make big plays as a ball carrier. First offered by Miami prior to playing a down of high school football and will earn many more going forward.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Idoni is one of the top ranked backs in the state after leading the 2028 class in rushing with 1,659 yards and 18 touchdowns while averaging 8.6 yards per carry. At 5'11” 180 lbs. he's got a good combination of strength and speed to run between the tackles or turn the corner to the outside. Does a great job making the first guy miss at the LOS and then using his vision to work to space. He's slippery and shows he can absorb contact and maintain forward momentum with good leg drive. All-around speed allows him to weave through defenders at the second level and possesses a sustained second gear to break away. Great ability to consistently break long runs and be a threat to score every time he touches the ball. No offers yet but is a D1 caliber player.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Silva led the 2028 class in passing throwing for 2,456 yards and 29 touchdowns while completing 63%. The position comes naturally to him with a versatile skillset to be a threat as a passer and a ball carrier. He's a savvy athlete that is smooth with his movement as he maneuvers the pocket to escape the rush or takes off as a runner. An instinctual player that can anticipate defenders reactions to establish a throwing lane and get the ball out on time to his receivers. Like his ability to feel pressure, move his feet, and then reset to deliver an accurate ball. Can sit back in the pocket and attack a defense at all three levels or tuck it and use his speed to pick up chunk yardage on the ground, rushed for 600 yards and 12 touchdowns. He's a competitor that already plays at high level with confidence.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ScoutSilva6/status/1876386112698286371 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Johnson flashed great potential and playmaking ability in his first varsity season as a freshman. Applies quick pressure to the defense to be gap sound by being quick out of his stance and attacking the running lane. Does a good job making one quick cut and then getting downhill. Plus lateral quickness in the short area to be elusive but can also squeeze through tight spaces to get up the field. Shows good awareness and that he can read his blocks and use them to his advantage as a ball carrier. Like his ability to find the cut back lane and make defenders miss with a quick head and shoulder move. Good upside/potential to build on as he develops and is expected to be one of the top backs in the central valley over the next several years.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">High level physical tools with a strong combination of length, athleticism, and ball skills at 6'2” 175 lbs. Shows a great ability to create separation at all three levels against different coverages. Has the speed and leaping ability to stretch the field vertically and attack the ball at the high point but can also get in and out of his breaks at the short and intermediate levels. A natural hands catcher that extends to play the ball outside his frame with high level body control and coordination. Consistently catches the ball away from his body to bring in tough contested receptions in traffic. Aggressive blocker that plays with effort and is physical at the POA. Strong all-around skillset that will move him up recruiting boards as the cycle progresses.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Impressive freshman season for the receiver out of Golden West finishing with 808 yards and seven touchdowns on 44 receptions while being selected first team all-league. He's calculated as a route runner showing a good understanding of how to create positional leverage to play the ball in the air. Like his ability to mix up speeds based on his route to create separation. Plus judgement skills and adjustment ability to track the deep ball into his hands. He's strong at the catch point and doesn't need a lot of space to bring it in. He competes for every ball thrown to him and can fight through contact to make a play. A tough tackle for secondary defenders after the catch using his strength and physical running style to break contact and extend gains. Quality young prospect that is one to watch and see his recruitment rise as he develops.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CadillacPina_15/status/1870529249272353044 </div></figure>