2027 Rankings Preview, Some Top Ranked ATHs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Combine season is over for Prep Redzone Virginia. This means we will now be turning our focus to updating the rankings. I have been previewing our Class of 2027 rankings the last couple months, and we will be posting the 2027 updates soon. Today, I have 6 ATHs you need to know in the Class of '27.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>**The order reflected in this article does not necessarily reflect the order of our upcoming rankings.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["447439"],"_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-681e6df33e409"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Our top-ranked ATH from last year's initial Class of '27 rankings, Matt is a player you will see all over the field for Maury. He has found a home as a CB on their defense, and that is where I see his future at the next level. He also plays QB and WR, and with the graduation of [player_tooltip player_id='1228853' first='Au'tori' last='Newkirk'], we could see him more at QB this next season. As a DB, patience sticks out in both his Press and Off/Soft coverage alignments. He has the athleticism you look for with lateral movement, change of direction, hip fluidity, and speed, which prompted him to be our top ATH. He plays tight man coverage to lock down outside WRs, and shows very good processing in Zone coverage, allowing him to jump the pass and force interceptions. On offense, you see his athleticism shine at WR in creating separation. There is not enough film to give a firm evaluation of his QB play last season, but he shows the arm strength and athleticism to be a weapon for Maury if he becomes a feature this fall. Overall, a very good prospect who has picked up several D1 offers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19407648/Matt-Williams" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/williams2_ma" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1196951"],"_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-681e6df33e4c0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The WR/DB ATH had another great season this past fall. I really like the development I see in the WR position. He has a good frame that lets him have very good strength through his route, making him a dependable route runner who has good route stem, combined with his good short-area quickness and change of direction. He has dependable hands and can catch through contact. He displays very good long speed that lets him break away from almost anyone he faces. As a Safety, he shows good processing and displays very good range in deep coverage. He does a good job at reading routes and the QB to make a play on the ball with his very good ball skills. He is a willing tackler and can be trusted to make the open-field tackle. Overall, he is a good prospect who will play D1 ball at the next level. Currently holds an Old Dominion offer, and more will come for this top-ranked ATH.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19304990/Zion-Boisseau" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/boisseauzion?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1311483"],"_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-681e6df33e548"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A high-end athlete, Levi is a Running Back and Defensive Back ATH in our rankings. At RB, he shows good competitive toughness by following his blocks and running the designed play. He displays very good burst and balance through the hole, and once he hits the open field, his athleticism takes over with very good short-area quickness, speed, and elusiveness. I would attribute him to more of a speed and elusive back, but he has no issue lowering his shoulder through contact. At Cornerback, he can align in Press and Soft/Off coverages. He has quick feet and hands to engage WRs with very good hip fluidity to turn and run. He is an aggressive player, looking to make a play on the ball and has no issues coming up to make a tackle. One look at his film will show why he made our Top-20 overall in last year's initial rankings. So far has received offers from Virginia Tech, West Virginia, UNC Charlotte, and Old Dominion.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19749519/Levi-Babin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/moneylee_?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1311629"],"_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-681e6df33e5db"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kaleb is a Quarterback and Defensive Back who is a good athlete. A dual-threat QB, he can win with his arm and his legs on <a href="https://x.com/ballout_kaleb/status/1868490513395114449"><strong>Varina's offense</strong></a>. Passing for 1650 yards and rushing for 1100 yards, he is a playmaker that must be accounted for. He shows good accuracy and touch on his throws and can throw on all levels of the field. As a runner, he shows good vision and burst, with the creative ability to make a positive play when the blocking breaks down. On defense, he shows good processing and reaction from his Safety position. He is good at coming downhill to disrupt the quick screen or assist against the run. Overall, a good prospect whose versatility will intrigue schools. Currently holds some offers including <strong><a href="https://x.com/ballout_kaleb/status/1883978684094374160" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">East Carolina</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://x.com/ballout_kaleb/status/1882228258076524550" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charlotte</a></strong>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18999849/Kaleb-Wyche" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/ballout_kaleb?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1311634"],"_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-681e6df33e65e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kenaz is a Wide Receiver, Defensive Back, and Kick Return Specialist you need to know. A very good athlete in speed, quickness, and change of direction, you see him utilize his athletic ability as he plays the game at each position. At WR, he has the quick suddenness in his movement that allows him to create separation and yards after the catch to evade defenders. On defense, he displays very good range and the ability to read and react to the QB in order to make a play on the ball. He can align as a Safety or a Cornerback and can be used in Man or Zone coverages. He is a good tackler and trusted in the open field. A dynamic kick returner who can change the game on any opportunity given. I really like what I see in his game. He has received a number of P4 offers and more will come.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19688611/Kenaz-Sullivan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/KenazSullivan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1312751"],"_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-681e6df33e6de"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Derek is making his ranking debut and will find himself high in the ATH ranking position. He displays very good range at the Safety position, with good read and react to the offensive's play call. His athleticism allows him to jump the pass and force interceptions. He has very good manual dexterity to snatch the ball outside of his frame in all directions. An enforcer in run defense, he is willing to come up and play the run, putting big hits on the ball carrier and bringing them down. While listed as a WR, his offensive film shows him at the QB position, highlighting his ball-carrying ability. Very good acceleration and burst allow him to be untouched by the first level defender on his carries. His second and third gear take off as he reaches the second level with good top-end speed that outruns many he faces. Derek currently holds a number of D1 offers, and more will come for him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19777360/Derek-Fisher" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/FisherDerek14" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>**Cole cannot communicate with prospects directly due to his work in college football. Any questions related to his content must be directed to the&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneVA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@PrepRedzoneVA</a></em>&nbsp;<em>account**</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/prospect-index/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>&nbsp;to claim your Prep Redzone Prospect Index profile.<br>Follow me on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/GoLions1934" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@GoLions1934</a>&nbsp;for further content |&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneVA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@PrepRedzoneVA</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/PrepRedzone" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@PrepRedzone</a>&nbsp;| Virginia Scouts&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/carljfred" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@carljfred</a>,&nbsp;</em><a href="https://x.com/EdOBrienCFB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>@EdOBrienCFB</em></a><em>&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/coachbrown757">@coachbrown757</a></em>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<em>View my previous Prep Redzone articles&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/author/cole-laing-author/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->