2027 Prospects Ready for Spring Football

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The class of 2027 has the potential to be one of the strongest classes that the Natural State has seen in quite some time. Spring football practices are gearing up, and it is time to highlight several prospects to watch out for this spring. Here are several 2027 prospects to keep track of throughout the spring and summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1189935' first='Reece' last='Simpson']-Quarterback-Joe T. Robinson-6'2” 185-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1189935' first='Reece' last='Simpson'] is a prospect who shows up ready to work each time he steps on the field. Simpson does a good job of throwing the football with accuracy. He is able to fit the ball into tight windows and throw his wide receivers open. Simpson is not afraid to test the opposing secondary with the deep ball. He is athletic enough to extend the play and use his legs to pick up yards on the ground. Simpson is a player to watch out for during spring and summer practices.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1586103' first='Eli' last='Thornton']-Defensive Line-Valley View-6'3” 275-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Valley View Blazers always do a great job of producing talented prospects all over the field. [player_tooltip player_id='1586103' first='Eli' last='Thornton'] is versatile enough to play any position along the defensive front. He uses his mix of power and speed well to get into the offensive backfield. Thornton can stuff the rushing attack or pressure the opposing quarterback. He is a prospect to watch out for over the spring and summer for the Blazers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Terry McGinister III-Defensive Back-Greenwood-6'3” 180-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Terry McGinister III has the size and quickness to cause plenty of problems for opposing wide receivers. He is physical enough to separate the ball from the ball carrier. McGinister III has the ability to track the ball in the air and make a play on the football. He is not afraid to move up and help clog up the rushing lanes. McGinister III is a prospect to watch out for over the next couple of seasons for the Bulldogs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1649900' first='Colby' last='Castling']-Offensive Line-Southside-6'3” 285-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1649900' first='Colby' last='Castling'] has the ability to play each position along the offensive line for Southside. He is explosive out of the stance and gets into the opposing defender quickly. Castling uses his hands well to drive opposing defenders backward. He has no trouble opening rushing lanes and does a good job of blocking at the second level. Castling is a major player to watch out for over the spring and summer months for Southside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1195586' first='William' last='Gaines']-Linebacker-Searcy-5'11” 205-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1195586' first='William' last='Gaines'] had a tremendous 2024 season and has not slowed down a bit during the offseason. Gaines reads the play well and puts himself in a position to bring down the opposing ball carrier. He has the speed to get sideline to sideline in pursuit of the ball carrier. Gaines does a great job of pressuring the opposing quarterback. Meanwhile, he has the speed needed to drop back into pass coverage and disrupt the passing attack. He is a player to watch out for with the Lions over the next few months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->