Underclassmen Making Their Move In The Off-Season

With the 2028 rankings officially launched this week and the '27 updates still fresh on everyone's mind, there is significant interest in what the underclassmen are going to bring to the table this fall.   As mentioned a few times, the sophomore and junior seasons are when ballers set the stage for a huge senior year that catapults them into the college ranks soon after.   For some the process of getting attention early or at all is tough if you play at the bigger schools or face stiff competition from older players. If this is the case you work through the grind, keep the football world apprised of your progress via social media so interested parties can track your trajectory and when the times comes - BOOM!   You ball out because you are ready...   In this report we will take a look at three players who are looking good in the latest 2028-ranking updates and then take a quick look at a couple of guys who I have had my eye on from the recent '27 updates. These players already know what the off-season means, how critical it is if you want to be elite and are hard at it in the weight room, doing speed work, playing 7v7 or other sports and are gearing it all toward a sizzling season this fall.   So without further adieu, let's dive in and check out the Mid-Week 5:   [player_tooltip player_id='884942' first='A'Keem' last='“King” Anderson']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/akeem-king-anderson/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/akeem-king-anderson/"></a> , ATH, 5'10”, 165, Salina Central, ‘28, he is a young multi-positional playmaker who came highly recommended so I was interested in checking out his tape. He did not disappoint. Coming off a good start last fall, he has played well enough to secure the #6 ranking. On offense he is a savvy receiver who gets separation off the ball with great quickness and acceleration and seamlessly rolls into running precise routes. He has sticky hands and is fearless going over the middle to make the contested catch. On defense he is an assassin coming out of the secondary and closes fast to cause disruption and make jarring open-field tackles. He is getting ready to play with the Kansas Colts 15U 7v7 team and this fall will be delivering the fireworks.   [player_tooltip player_id='1591856' first='Elijah' last='Bergeson'], 6'1, 170, RB/ATH, Winfield, '28, he is another standout underclassman from Winfield who is going to help the Vikings turn some heads this fall. He is coming off a solid start from a year ago as an elusive playmaker on offense and an all-purpose running back. He started getting attention last fall as a slashing runner with great burst who makes quick cuts and zips into the second level in a flash. He has the wheels to hit the perimeter and turn the corner, or pound the rock between the tackles and get consistent yardage after the initial hit. He is a versatile back who can catch the ball out of the backfield, in the flat, or over the middle and can provide the lead block when called on to do it. He is another baller playing 7v7 for the Kansas Colts 15U team this spring.   [player_tooltip player_id='1590414' first='Derek' last='Leggett']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/derek-leggett/"></a> , 6'2, 240, OL/DL, Sedgwick, '28, he is coming off a good start to his high school career last fall and established himself early on as a guy who wasn't going to be intimidated in the varsity trenches. He earned plenty of playing time as a freshman and developed quickly into a mauling, brawling offensive guard by the end of the year. He has good size and reach and a powerful base that he uses effectively getting leverage in the run game. He also has good mechanics with quick feet who walls off in pass pro and can pull and lead backs on the perimeter. He has an aggressive off-season plan for making improvements in his game, which includes working locally with Coach Daniels (@rashaddaniels12). This guy is getting ready for a standout season this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1593083' first='Gus' last='Ketteler'], 6'0, 175, RB/DB, Shawnee Mission East, '27, is a promising playmaker RB who dominated in JV and also showed promise at the varsity level with 80 yards rushing, caught a 20-yard touchdown pass and averaged 25+ yards a pop on special teams returning kicks. As a running back he has next-level instincts, with excellent spatial awareness sizing up the field before making decisive cuts and using his track speed to roast defenders on the perimeter. He can operate as a speed back when needed, but where he really shines is as an elusive, ankle-breaker in the open field who also happens to have a wicked stiff-arm. He is getting ready to play 7v7 with the KC Shockers and running sprints in track this spring. He is a guy who shows up and works the grind to be great. He is going to go off this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1581303' first='Raivion' last='Richardson'], 5'10, 165, RB/LB, KC Washington, '27,  he is coming off an excellent sophomore season as a two-way playmaker who is a baller running back on offense and a ball-busting hybrid linebacker/strong safety on defense. He showed early on that he was ready for the varsity game, picking up 23 tackles and seven tackles for loss. As a backer he is already a master at shrewdly inching up to the LOS before hitting the gap like a torpedo to wreck plays in the backfield before they get started. He is an aggressive player wherever he lines up and has the closing speed to arrive in a hurry and make punishing hits in the open field. He is also a force on special teams as a headhunter on the kickoff team. This guy has an exciting game and is getting ready for a huge season this fall.   In conclusion, some promising talent to follow who are going to do big things this fall. And, as always, let me know if you run across any under the radar guys via DM on X. Keep grindin'...

With the 2028 rankings officially launched this week and the '27 updates still fresh on everyone's mind, there is significant interest in what the underclassmen are going to bring to the table this fall.