When the Lights Come On: 2027 Technicians Built for the Big Stage

These aren't quite what I'd consider hidden gems — at least by the folks who really follow this stuff. Some are future D1 dudes. Others are just straight-up gamers who might not have a dozen offers yet but are absolute difference-makers on Friday nights.   What they all have in common is that they're absolutely built for the moment. They're the ones their teams will lean on in the biggest games this fall. Whether they're already stars or just about to be, these 2027 skill players are in a perfect position to take over in 2025 — and they've got the tools to back it up.    [player_tooltip player_id='677968' first='Jaden' last='Baldwin'] is electric with the ball in his hands, and his coaching staff wasted no time finding ways to get it to him. Jet sweeps, screens, quick hitters over the middle — anything that lets him operate in space and turn short gains into big plays. His speed is the real deal, and it puts constant stress on a defense. Corners have to respect his ability to get those yards after the catch, which sets them up perfectly to get beat on double moves where Baldwin will absolutely torch them. What makes him especially dangerous is that he's not just fast — he's a natural athlete who's comfortable making plays in traffic, on the move, and downfield. As he gains more experience and takes on a bigger role in Basha's offense this year, he's the kind of guy who could go from a highlight here and there to being the centerpiece of an explosive attack.      [player_tooltip player_id='1423910' first='Elias' last='Tiah'] was a nightmare for opposing offenses last season — racking up 60 tackles, two and a half sacks, two interceptions, and forcing five fumbles as just a sophomore. That kind of production speaks to how versatile and disruptive he can be. Now making the move to Cesar Chavez, he's set to be a key part of a defense that's looking to take a big step forward. At 6'0", 185 pounds, he's got a compact, powerful build that fits that outside linebacker role perfectly. But what makes him so intriguing is how well he moves in space. He's fluid in coverage, reads plays quickly, and has the instincts to get where the ball is going. You watch him enough, and it's hard not to wonder if he might even be best as a full-time coverage guy. That hybrid skill set — big enough to hold his ground in the box, agile enough to stick with receivers in space — is incredibly valuable. Wouldn't be surprised to see Cesar Chavez lean into that versatility with more nickel packages this fall, giving him the freedom to roam and make life tough for quarterbacks all over again.      [player_tooltip player_id='1190656' first='Sean' last='Roebuck'] had 613 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns last season for a team that earned the top seed in the Open Division — pretty impressive production for a sophomore. He's the younger brother of [player_tooltip player_id='368908' first='Dezmen' last='Roebuck'], Arizona's Gatorade Player of the Year, who's now off to Washington to play D1 ball. But Sean's carving out his own name. He's incredibly smooth through his routes, with some of the most reliable hands you'll see at the high school level. He just glides across the field, effortlessly creating space, and it shows in his average of 16.4 yards per catch last season. That number might dip a bit this year, but only because he'll likely take over a larger chunk of the short-yardage, high-pressure targets that went to Dezmen last year. What sets him apart even more is how mature his game already looks. His technique is sharp and his awareness is incredibly advanced for his age. With a bigger role on tap in 2025, don't be surprised if he steps fully into the spotlight.      [player_tooltip player_id='884769' first='Keegan' last='McCarthy'] is the kind of athlete who turns heads as soon as the play starts. A legit track guy with serious speed, he brings more than just wheels to the table — he's got instincts and a physical edge that you don't often see in young DBs. He plays the run like a linebacker, never afraid to lower his shoulder and deliver a hit, but also has the agility and ball skills to stick with just about anyone in coverage. That blend of physicality and finesse is rare, and it's exactly what makes him such an intriguing safety prospect moving forward. What really stands out is how naturally he balances his run and pass responsibilities — he's rarely out of position and always seems to be around the ball. Add in his high motor and willingness to compete on every down, and you've got a guy with a sky-high ceiling.      There aren't many corners where you feel good about letting them press just about anyone they line up against, but Nas Eason is one of them. He's got that rare combination of length, physicality, and recovery speed that gives him a real edge. Even if a receiver manages to get a clean release, Nas has the athleticism to recover and get back into the play. He does an excellent job using his hands early in the route to disrupt timing and makes it tough for receivers to even get off the line clean. Once he's in phase, he's got the footwork and hand placement to stay right in a receiver's pocket and challenge the throw. As his ball skills continue to develop — and he's already around the ball a ton — his ceiling is only going to climb. He plays with confidence and swagger, and he's one of the big reasons that Higley's secondary could be a problem for a lot of teams in 2025.      [player_tooltip player_id='677784' first='Braylon' last='Kasper'] averaged an eye-popping 21 yards per reception as a sophomore at Williams Field, and now he's bringing that explosiveness to ALA Queen Creek. The move puts him in a great situation — he's got a strong-armed quarterback who can push the ball downfield and an offense that clearly wants to get him involved. From everything he's shown this offseason, he's taken a big step forward. You can already see recruiting starting to heat up, with offers from NAU and Cal rolling in recently. What makes Braylon such a nightmare to cover is his ridiculous burst off the line. He gets into his routes fast, and defenders are often stuck reacting, and not nearly quick enough. When he lines up in the slot, it's almost unfair — linebackers simply can't stay in front of him, and he's got the footwork to shake veteran DBs. His ability to separate in and out of breaks, combined with that vertical threat, makes him one of the most complete receiving weapons in his class. With more touches and a featured role coming, he's on track for a huge breakout year.      [player_tooltip player_id='884014' first='Jonah' last='Lubno'] brings a lot to like to the quarterback spot for Campo Verde. After transferring from Hamilton, he's going into a situation where he can really step into his own as a player. He's got good size and throws with noticeable zip, especially when firing over the middle. What really stands out is his form when he's throwing on the move — it's clean, polished, and consistent. From the chest up, he looks exactly the same as he would in a clean-pocket throw, but what's impressive is how well he's able to twist his hips and generate power without needing perfect foot placement. That kind of body control shows he's been coached up and puts in the work. He's got a really smooth, quick release and throws a very catchable ball. The big question is how quickly he adjusts to the varsity lights, but if he settles in early, there's no reason he can't have a huge year.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/therealbeadle/status/1923534650938622343 </div></figure>

These aren't quite what I'd consider hidden gems — at least by the folks who really follow this stuff. Some are future D1 dudes. Others are just straight-up gamers who might not have a dozen offers yet but are absolute difference-makers on Friday nights.