2028 Offensive Playmakers Already Stepping Up

The weekend tape review rolls along into the wee hours of the morning as we come down the home stretch of working through the 2027 ranking updates, as well as flushing out unranked ballers flying under the proverbial radar so far in their high school careers.   I have a few more 2027 reports to post but decided to shift gears and jump ahead to the upcoming 2028 ranking updates with a look at some standout players who have already started turning heads after their first year of varsity ball.   Then it's back to the 2027 ballers to wrap up before the ranking updates hit.   In this report we will take a look at a couple of freshmen dual-threat quarterbacks who will be lighting it up this fall, and then zoom in on two dynamic receivers and an up-and-coming running back.   So, without further adieu, let's check these guys out:   [player_tooltip player_id='1433319' first='Cooper' last='Cranston']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/cooper-cranston/"></a> , 6'0, 190, ATH, Holcomb, '28, ranked #16, he didn't waste any time turning heads, as he got in a handful of reps behind a senior QB, completing six of nine passes, including a TD pass, and beyond that, stayed busy playing multiple positions. On the ground he ran for 170 yards on 22 carries for an eight-yard average, and in the air caught 19 passes for 400 yards. He also added just under 200 yards in kickoff and interception return yards to give him 800+ total yards. On defense he piled up 78 tackles, two TFL, a sack and two picks. He is going to be one of the more dangerous young-gun QB's in the state. He has all the physical tools - size, speed, strength - and is ultra competitive with a strong goal-driven mindset. He plays 7v7 with the Kansas Colts. Get your popcorn ready this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1433331' first='Spencer' last='Crumrine'], 5'9, 155, WR, Sedgwick, '28, ranked #18, is coming off a standout season last fall as the leading receiver in the Cardinal's high-octane offense. Last year he caught passes from his all-state QB brother, making 32 catches for 613 yards, averaged 20 yards a reception and accounted for 10 total touchdowns. On defense he was in on 40 tackles, had a pair of TFL and picked off a pass. He also averaged 35 yards a kick return when called on. He runs tight, definitive routes and is unflinching going over the middle to make the contested catch. He is also fast, with top-end acceleration and 4.55 speed that he uses to incinerate the secondary on the long ball. He is the top returning freshman receiver in the state for a reason and is getting ready to really burn it up in 2025.   [player_tooltip player_id='1487563' first='Colton' last='Elmore']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/colton-elmore/"></a> , 5'9, 165, Wellington, '28, ranked #34, is a multi-positional playmaker who goes both ways and can play any of the skill positions or any of the spots in the secondary. With a graduating QB now moving on, he will be counted on to step in behind center and supercharge the Crusader offense in 2025. Last fall he stayed focused on both sides of the ball, zipping five completions in 11 attempts and ran and passed for 100+ yards and a touchdown. He also picked up 10 tackles, a tackle for loss and a sack when he got in on defense. He was a legend in the youth football ranks with 100+ touchdowns in his career and will be looking to transition some of that to a dynamite season this fall. This spring he is playing 7v7 with the Kansas Colts. He is getting ready to deliver the fireworks this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1615988' first='Nikko' last='Hinojos'], 5'10, 165, RB/DB, Newton, '28, is unranked, is an up and coming two-way baller who got acclimated to the varsity game this past fall and when he had opportunities he demonstrated quickly that he is more than ready to take the next step. On offense he is an elusive running back who lines up in the backfield or can be moved around in the formation. He has a lightening quick game on offense, with good burst and breakaway speed once he cuts to daylight. Last year he piled up almost 1,000 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns in junior varsity action and is looking to translate that to his varsity game. He was also a ballhawk in the secondary on defense, intercepting an impressive five passes. He is getting ready to crush it in 2025.   Tavion Richardson, 6'2, 195, WR, Mulvane, '28, is unranked, is another rising-star baller flying under the radar who is getting ready to put the state on notice that a dangerous new wideout is getting ready to hit the gridiron this fall. He hasn't received as much attention yet, but that won't last long once he gets going. He already has game-breaker size and speed that he is getting ready to optimize this fall. He can line up split wide or in the slot, runs good routes and is skilled at creating separation off the ball. With his next-level catch radius and sticky hands he is going to be deadly in the redzone. He plays hoops and runs the hurdles when not training for football. He is also playing with the Kansas Colts this spring. This guy is going to be a baller in 2025.     In conclusion, get these guys on your watchlist and follow them through the coming years. And, as always, if you know of any players or teams flying under the radar, give me a shout via DM on X.

The weekend tape review rolls along into the wee hours of the morning as we come down the home stretch of working through the 2027 ranking updates, as well as flushing out unranked ballers flying under the proverbial radar so far in their high school careers.