Top-25 debuts in Louisiana’s latest 2027 update

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone Louisiana's winter rankings process continued this past week with the latest 2027 update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And another slew of talented prospects joined the list on the heels of productive sophomore seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at the five new top-25 debuts on the latest list, each of whom possesses clear Division-I FBS talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>No. 8 [player_tooltip player_id='1593644' first='Albert' last='Simien'] — 6-4, 280 OL — Sam Houston</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Broncos' multisport standout, one of Louisiana's first 2027 prospects to earn an offer from home-state LSU, was the highest-ranking debut in the most recent round of Prep Redzone Louisiana rankings updates. Simien already manned the critical left tackle role for his team as an underclassman where his combination of size, strength and athleticism make him a difference-maker even against older, more experienced opponents. He fires out of his stance, generates a powerful initial punch and is a tenacious blocker with good mobility to quickly get outside or upfield and consistently neutralize multiple defenders on a given play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>No. 10 [player_tooltip player_id='1593649' first='Zyion' last='Wesley'] — 6-4, 285 OL — Edna Karr</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This round of Prep Redzone Louisiana rankings' pair of top-10 debuts were both offensive tackles, who already earned starting roles for their Class 5A programs. Wesley held down the right side of his Cougars' line with his eye-catching, next-level frame, strength and mobility to effectively stay in front of opposing rushers even as his athletic junior quarterback extended plays and bought more time. Ole Miss helped kick off his recruitment late in the season, and several additional offers have rolled in since then. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>No. 11 [player_tooltip player_id='1610147' first='Ethan' last='Kimmie'] — 6-4, 190 WR/DB — University Lab</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top-debuting non-lineman, the Cubs' multisport standout is still raw as a football prospect, but flashed some special potential this fall with his speed, all-around athleticism and ball skills in his big frame. Kimmie had shown more as a freshman on the basketball court and flown under the radar among the potential next big hoopers-turned-receivers as a wave of young Louisiana athletes vies to follow the footsteps of stars such as Brian Thomas Jr. and Trey'Dez Green.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>No. 19 [player_tooltip player_id='1610130' first='Devine' last='Duhon'] — 5-11, 180 ATH — Jeanerette</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The versatile, speedy Jeanerette standout appears to be one of the state's most explosive weapons in the 2027 class early in the group's development. Duhon racked up more than 1,400 yards and 25 touchdowns with his shiftiness, explosive burst and breakaway speed — primarily out of the backfield, but also with good ball skills as a pass-catcher and the flexibility to be moved around the formation and the ability to find the end zone in the blink of an eye from anywhere on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>No. 21 [player_tooltip player_id='1593755' first='Karon' last='Eugene'] — 6-2, 170 DB — Catholic (New Iberia)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The son of former Louisiana Tech and Oakland Raiders safety Hiram Eugene may very well prove to still be underrated even in his high-ranking debut this winter. The younger Eugene already checks a lot of boxes from his long and wiry-strong frame, instincts and anticipation, hard-hitting mentality and ball skills. Fresh off an all-state performance on the field and a key role in helping the Panthers win a state championship, he's trying to help the school make a title run on the basketball court as well — after which he'll have an opportunity to make a statement on the camp circuit. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->