High Upside 2028 Watchlist Prospects

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Highlighting the emerging 2028 watchlist prospects with next level potential and upside.</h2>    McKinstry flashed good upside on both sides of the ball as a freshman on varsity for Catalina Foothills. His size, athleticism, and wide skillset allow him to play multiple positions on both sides of the ball including LB, DB, RB, and WR. 6'2” 185 lbs. he's got a very projectable frame that is well-built while still holding added growth potential. He's got natural movement skills and good all-around game speed showing in his change of direction and top end speed. Confident in his playmaking ability he attacks the ball at every position with good instincts and awareness. Finished the 2024 season with 60 tackles, four TFL, and two INT's on defense and also had good production on offense both as a ball carrier and receiver. One to watch as he develops.      Brown is a gifted athlete and explosive playmaker with the ball in his hands. 5'8” 165 lbs. he saw time at RB, slot receiver, and CB as a freshman flashing outstanding speed and twitch. His fluidity, short area acceleration, and break away speed set him apart from his peers. He's instinctive and balanced as a ball carrier being able to separate from defenders or absorb contact while maintaining forward momentum. Shows excellent elusiveness in both tight spaces and the open field. In coverage, he's quick footed and is able to stay in phase vertically or at the short/intermediate levels. Picked up his initial college offer from Arizona in March and will see a lot of D1 recruiting attention going forward. Played his freshman year at Centennial and then transferred to Desert Edge for his sophomore season.      As a freshman, Powell already possesses ideal physical traits for a D1 TE. At 6'4” 205 lbs. he's got natural movement skills, bend, and coordination for his size and age. He's got a well-rounded skillset showing he can be a three down TE being effective as both a receiver and blocker. He's a reliable target in the passing game, using his frame to his advantage to box out defenders and secure contested catches. Runs well allowing him to run clean routes and shows good hands at the catch point, making him a dependable option on short/intermediate routes as well as up the seam. Tough runner after the catch, capable of breaking tackles and picking up extra yardage with his physicality and balance. High effort blocker that can use his hands and sustain, though there's room to continue developing functional strength at the POA. High ceiling prospect that already collected an offer from Arizona.     Excellent skillset that blends his size, length, and athleticism as a TE. At 6'3” 225 lbs. he's multidimensional creating mismatches as a receiving threat and bringing a strong presence as a blocker. Moves well at his size with plus body control, lateral agility, and speed. Soft hands at the catch point, he's got a large catch radius and shows the ability to make tough receptions in traffic and adjust to off-target throws. He's a tough tackle after the catch that can break contact and maintain good leg drive. He's a powerful blocker that brings heavy initial contact and violent finishing ability attacking with leverage and balance to move defenders. A high upside prospect that is already receiving major D1 attention and will look to bring in that first college offer this offseason.      Antillon led all 2028 QB's in passing during the 2024 season throwing for 1,552 yards and 17 touchdowns on 223 attempts with a 54% completion rate. He's got an athletic 5'10” 185 lb. frame with natural passing ability and plus arm strength. Smooth footwork from his drop back to his delivery, he's balanced throughout and maintains good rhythm. Adds velocity with a strong throwing platform and good rotation in his hips and shoulders. Mixes up speeds well to throw with zip across the middle and to the perimeter boundary while putting good touch and trajectory on the deep ball. A name to know as he continues to develop throughout the next three seasons.