Stepping Up: Underclassmen to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are five players in classes 2027 and 2028 who are projected to pop this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1506721' first='Xavier' last='Jones'] | 2028 | Running Back | Marion</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1506721' first='Xavier' last='Jones'], standing at 5-foot-6, 140-pounds, exhibits a strong and physical running style complemented by impressive bursts of speed. As a freshman, he has demonstrated versatility by effectively bouncing plays to the outside for significant gains and embracing contact to secure essential yardage in tight situations. Jones also contributes defensively as a safety, showcasing his quickness and play-reading abilities. An A-B honor roll student, he maintains a strong academic record alongside his athletic commitments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1584535' first='Decorian' last='Jackson'] | 2028 | Defensive Back | Wynne</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1584535' first='Decorian' last='Jackson'] (5-8, 145) is a disciplined and instinctive defensive back with impressive shadow speed, making him a tough matchup in deep coverage. His footwork on go-routes is precise, seamlessly transitioning his hips to stay in stride with receivers. He consistently positions himself well to challenge throws, making him a defender who is difficult to beat over the top. His ability to play the ball in the air adds another layer to his coverage skills, making him a reliable presence in the secondary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tyler Whitted | 2028 | Offensive Lineman | Rivercrest </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tyler Whitted (6-1, 330) is a powerful interior lineman with an imposing frame and raw strength that makes him a force in the trenches. His size allows him to generate significant push in the run game, consistently opening lanes for ball carriers. He also displays solid reflexes against quick blitzes, using his strength and awareness to divert defenders and maintain pocket integrity. With continued development, his combination of size, power, and instincts makes him an intriguing prospect with high upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1227660' first='Cain' last='Price'] | 2027 | Quarterback | Stuttgart</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1227660' first='Cain' last='Price'], 6-foot-2, 170-pound dual-threat quarterback, amassed 2,471 passing yards and 25 touchdowns in 2024, complemented by 438 rushing yards and 8 rushing touchdowns on 80 carries. Price's arm strength is exceptional for his age, enabling him to deliver accurate deep throws exceeding 40 yards, even under pressure. His pocket presence reflects a high football IQ, as he adeptly manipulates pass rushers and maintains solid footwork to create throwing opportunities. Academically, he maintains a 3.8 GPA, underscoring his dedication both on the field and in the classroom.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/qb_doctor/status/1887212316288295143?s=61","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/qb_doctor/status/1887212316288295143?s=61 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='927131' first='Zandan' last='Massey'] | 2028 | Offensive Lineman | Little Rock Parkview</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A rising prospect to keep an eye on, [player_tooltip player_id='927131' first='Zandan' last='Massey'] (6-2, 280) demonstrates impressive skills for a 2028 recruit. His acceleration off the snap in the run game is difficult for defenders to anticipate, allowing him to create consistent push and disrupt blocking schemes. His footwork and hand techniques in pass blocking are already showing refinement for his age, making him a versatile asset on the line. With continued growth, Massey has the potential to become a standout in both the run and pass protection game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/zanmassey_/status/1883332451562573903?s=61","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/zanmassey_/status/1883332451562573903?s=61 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->