Diamonds in the Rough- 2027 Prospects Who Deserve More Eyes

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Welcome back to Diamonds in the Rough! Where we evaluate and discuss some of the state's hidden gems.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today, we are looking at some of our prospects in the state's 2027 class- these guys have dominated the last two years, and are set to do the same this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As always, be sure to check out these prospects' film below- trust me, you won't be disappointed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1127591"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ed650f09cff"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1127591' first='Sye' last='Byrd'] is a dynamic ATH who has lined up and produced on both sides of the ball for Citronelle over the last two years and is now set to make his debut at Saraland this upcoming fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At WR, Byrd is a talented route runner who uses his size and catch radius to dominate DBs downfield for huge receptions. He can gain tons of separations off of his routes and has a reliable set of hands he uses to haul in passes through coverage and contact, consistently making some highlight reel catches all throughout the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, Byrd lines up at EDGE and is constantly in the backfield making plays. Byrd is explosive off the snap, can work his way around OL with his speed and strength, and is a productive pass rusher who racks up tons of pressures/sacks and consistently uses his hands to bat down passes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Byrd put together some impressive tape from his sophomore year you can check out below- he's a talented prospect with a big year ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23004467/6525ec85bed73604d0b4b9b9' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67eda5ed0a108"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1127667"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ed650f09d5b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='440301' first='Judson' last='Harris'] is a talented QB out of Gulf Shores who has played really well for his team's offense in back-to-back seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harris is a dual-threat QB who can make huge plays with his arm and legs. Harris has impressive arm talent- he can deliver accurate passes all over the field, threading the needle on tight-window throws and perfectly hitting his WRs downfield in stride by placing great touch underneath his passes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harris is also a rushing threat on the ground- he has great speed and mobility he uses to carve up defenses off of designed runs or by scrambling out of the pocket- he's a really dynamic QB with plenty of ways to make plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harris played really well last season, ending his sophomore year completing 55/94 passing attempts for 701 yards, 10 TDs, and only 3 INTs in 7 games played.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Be sure to watch Harris's tape from last season- he's a talented QB with a big junior season ahead this fall at Gulf Shores.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19330897/67bf5064b7328418c01be20b' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67eda5ed0a1d9"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1225919"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ed650f09d9e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1225919' first='Dylan' last='Philpott'] is an up-and-coming DB out of Homewood who has made some big plays in his team's secondary the last two seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Philpott is a dynamic defender who is terrific at defending the run and pass for his defense. Against the run, Philpott is a talented tackler who does really well in pursuit- he plays with a ton of effort and consistently tracks and hustles to the ball to make sideline-to-sideline plays nearly every down.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Philpott is just as productive out in coverage- he's physical at the line of scrimmage, isn't easily beaten downfield, and has the skills to stick with WRs in coverage and locate and get hands on the ball to create big stops for his defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Do yourself a favor and check out some of Philpott's tape below- he has a lot of potential and is set up for a big junior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16614924/66f2156142061ad878cd1d6e' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67eda5ed0a2b5"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["749640"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ed650f09e57"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='749640' first='Tanner' last='Ehmen'] is a talented WR/TE prospect who has been a huge playmaker for Prattville for the last two seasons and is now set to make his debut at Thompson this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ehmen is a highly athletic pass catcher who can do so many things well out wide- at 6'4 195 he's a complete mismatch for opposing DBs who does a great job using his size and speed to create huge plays. Ehmen is quick on his feet, runs great routes, and consistently gets open downfield for big plays. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When open, Ehmen has a reliable set of hands, a great catch radius, and impressive body control he uses to haul in passes over the tops of defenders, through contact, and in tough-to-catch spots down the sideline and in the back of the endzone. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ehemen is also terrific at blocking- he uses his size, leverage, and strength to drive back DBs and LBs several yards downfield, opening up huge opportunities for his teammates. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ehmen hauled in 11 receptions for 221 yards and 3 TDs last fall, making some impressive plays all throughout his sophomore season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Do yourself a favor and check out his tape from last season below, he's a dynamic playmaker with a bright future ahead at Thompson these next two years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18122725/66edc9b9136bd181ba8d0dbf' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67eda5ed0a3dc"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["429625"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67eda781e281e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='429625' first='Sharontae' last='Bailey'] is a talented RT out of Anniston who made a huge impact on his team's offensive line last fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6'4 285, Bailey is highly athletic and is a force for his team's rushing attack. Despite his size, Bailey moves really well and consistently works from level to level to flatten out defenders and create huge rushing lanes for his teammates to capitalize on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bailey is just as impressive in pass protection- he's quick on his feet, can counter pass rushers, and has the strength, leverage, and size to hold his own on the right side and provide a clean pocket for his quarterback every time he drops back. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over the last year, Bailey has seen his recruitment take off- picking up offers from Vanderbilt, Kennesaw State, North Alabama, and more. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bailey put together some impressive tape from his sophomore year you can check out below- keep your eyes on him going forward, he has a bright future ahead of him on Anniston's offensive line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20787676/6755bdd2ea1f1b1824e36c06' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67eda781e2b89"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->