Rising Underclassmen Making Noise At PRZ AZ Combine - Offense

You never quite know what to expect from the youngest guys in the combine lineup, but the 2028 and 2029 classes showed they're not just along for the ride — they came to compete. A few of them played well beyond their age and looked every bit ready to take on bigger roles this fall. These underclassmen stood out and made sure their names are on my radar going forward.    Zach Williams was one of the youngest players at the entire event, but you wouldn't have known it based on the way he performed. As a 2029 prospect, he was going up against guys two or three years older — and in some cases, much bigger — but still managed to get open over and over again. He showed zero hesitation. His confidence was obvious from the moment he lined up. What really stood out was his footwork. He ran routes with precision and urgency, getting in and out of his breaks with quickness that caught the DBs off guard. His burst out of cuts created enough separation to give quarterbacks a window, and more often than not, he was there to finish the play. His hands looked steady all day, and even though his frame is still developing, he already has a knack for positioning and body control. As he continues to grow physically, that catch radius will only expand, and it's scary to think about what that could mean for his upside. For such a young athlete to already show this kind of polish and competitive edge — that's a name you circle and keep tabs on. The tools are real, and the confidence matches them.     Bodie Walker is one of those young quarterbacks who you just know has spent real time honing his craft. At first glance, he doesn't demand attention with flash or noise — but once you watch him throw, it becomes pretty clear why a few college coaches started paying closer attention. His motion is smooth, repeatable, and built for accuracy. From the over-the-top release to the tight whip and clean follow-through, everything about his mechanics looked sharp and intentional. What stood out just as much as the mechanics was his poise. Bodie was very even-keeled throughout the day — never too high or too low — which is something you don't always see from younger QBs, especially when they're surrounded by older competition. He didn't flinch. He delivered accurate balls consistently, putting passes out in front and showing touch when needed. He also threw a pretty ball in general — tight spiral, nice spin, and smooth trajectory. At his age and stage of development, you're looking for flashes of long-term potential — and Bodie showed more than just flashes. He looked like a player with a foundation in place and the mindset to keep building on it. He was one of the youngest prospects out there, but he held his own against older, more physically developed players. There's a lot to like here, and even more to look forward to.     [player_tooltip player_id='1327948' first='Valentine' last='Antillon'] Jr. showed glimpses of what could become a really complete quarterback skill set. While he's not the biggest or flashiest athlete on the field, he's got a sturdy build and enough agility to move the pocket and extend plays when needed. You can tell there's a foundation of arm strength — he dropped in a few throws with really nice touch down the field that made you take notice. One of the biggest things that stood out was his understanding of where he wanted to go with the ball. The intent was always there, and when he connected, it looked smooth and on time. The next step in his development is getting that level of placement on a more consistent basis. There were moments where the ball sailed a bit or missed outside, but he's clearly trending in the right direction. As a 2028, there's still a lot of physical and technical development ahead, but there was certainly enough to be excited about. If he ends up hitting a growth spurt and continues to refine that timing and accuracy, he could take a major leap. For now, he's already showing he belongs — and the upside is definitely there.     [player_tooltip player_id='1326074' first='Jake' last='Nevins'] is one of those receivers who might not blow you away with his 40 time — he ran a 4.81 — but the moment you watch him run routes, it becomes clear that he plays much quicker than that. He came into the combine in excellent shape and was locked in from the first rep. His footwork stood out immediately — quick, choppy steps that helped him snap in and out of his breaks and keep defenders on their heels. What really set Jake apart was how consistently he created separation despite not having elite straight-line speed. He understands how to use tempo, angles, and precise cuts to win matchups, and that's not something you always see at this stage. He was just tough to cover. But maybe the most impressive part of his game was how natural he looked catching the ball. He had one of the softest pair of hands at the event. Passes didn't bounce or bobble — they just stuck. Whether it was a clean throw or one with a DB's hand swatting nearby, Jake caught everything cleanly and confidently. Definitely a player to keep watching.     [player_tooltip player_id='1127503' first='Adam' last='Schrum'] came into this combine with the kind of attitude you love to see in a young offensive lineman — locked in, tough, and ready to battle every rep. He's still developing, and there's no question foot speed is one area he'll need to improve, but that's expected for a guy going into just his sophomore year. What he does already have is a strong foundation: long strides, a powerful lower half, and a willingness to work through mistakes. Where Adam really made an impression was in how he responded to adversity. Not every rep was a win, but it was never from a lack of effort. If a defender got the jump on him, he was fighting to recover and still make it a scrap — never checking out, never backing off. That kind of competitive fire means more at the OL position than people realize. It's about more than just physical traits — it's about showing you belong in the trenches, and Adam did that. The tools are there, and the mindset is even further ahead than most at his age. With continued growth and refinement, there's a ton of potential in his game.

You never quite know what to expect from the youngest guys in the combine lineup, but the 2028 and 2029 classes showed they're not just along for the ride — they came to compete. A few of them played well beyond their age and looked every bit ready to take on bigger roles this fall. These underclassmen stood out and made sure their names are on my radar going forward.