Next in Line: The Underclassmen Already Flashing Star Power

<p>Every year, new names pop up that make you pause the film and say, "Wait, who's that kid?" That's part of the fun of high school football — watching raw talent turn into the next big thing before anyone else is really talking about it. And right now, there's a whole new wave coming.</p>   <p>The classes of 2028 and 2029 might seem far off, but trust me, there are already names worth knowing. Some of these guys are barely teenagers, but they're making an impact on varsity, drawing interest, or just flat-out dominating at their level. Here are some of the early standouts you'll want to keep an eye on.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2028</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">There's just something different about the way [player_tooltip player_id='1327778' first='Devante' last='Roebuck'] moves. He's already got great size for a young back, but it's his footwork that really stands out. You don't always expect someone that stocky to have light, quick feet — but Devante does. That combo makes him a mismatch on both sides of the ball. On offense, he's a load to bring down and uses that frame to run through arm tackles. On defense, that same footwork shows up in coverage, where he's surprisingly fluid and able to stay in-phase with backs and tight ends. He's got the kind of size-speed combo that jumps off the screen, and it's rare to see it come together this early. Hamilton has a real weapon here, and it'll be interesting to see how they start working him into more meaningful reps. Whether it's downhill as a backer or downhill as a runner, he brings physicality, balance, and effort on every snap. He's still early in the development curve, but it feels like it's only a matter of time before the buzz gets loud.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">You don't see many defensive backs this young play with this kind of edge. [player_tooltip player_id='1327834' first='Daylen' last='Moore'] isn't just fast — he's a striker. The kid flies downhill like he's shot out of a cannon and doesn't hesitate to throw his body around to finish a play. But he's not just a run-and-hit guy. He's got really clean footwork in coverage and a knack for staying glued to his assignment, even when the route gets tricky. What really stood out is how refined he already looks. You can tell he's been coached well and applies it, whether it's knowing when to flip his hips or using his hands at the top of the route without drawing a flag. He's got the tools and the mindset, which is a dangerous combo for someone his age. If he keeps adding to that frame, he's going to be a problem for a long time.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2029</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">You don't usually find this kind of presence in a 2029 offensive lineman — especially not one who's never played football before. Yuen Taufete'e already looks the part — big, strong, and surprisingly nimble for his size. What makes him different isn't just the size, though. It's how he uses it. He completely controls reps. Every snap, he's the one dictating where the defender ends up. That probably comes from his judo background, which you can see in how precise he is with hand placement and leverage. He knows exactly how to lock in, turn defenders, and put them on their heels. And while a lot of young bigs struggle with speed off the edge, Yuen slides his feet comfortably and doesn't get caught reaching. Brophy's got a rare one. He's already a tone-setter, and if he keeps growing into that frame, he's going to be one of the most dominant linemen in the state by the time he's an upperclassman.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">There's no way around it — [player_tooltip player_id='1585417' first='Arnel' last='Ahmetovic'] just looks like a quarterback. Strong frame, confident presence, and an arm that pops on tape. He can sling it to any part of the field and makes it look effortless, whether it's a deep ball down the sideline or a layered throw over the middle. But it's not just power — there's a really nice touch to his passes too. He knows how to take a little off when needed and drop it in perfectly. What stood out most is the trust he already shows in his receivers. He's not afraid to give his guys a chance, and that's rare at this stage. There's still plenty of polish to add to the little things, but he's got time. And with this foundation, the ceiling is high. If he keeps developing the details, Arnel has all the tools to become a top guy down the line.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1702227' first='Bishop' last='Allen']'s game is just smooth. He moves like he's been doing this for years — gliding across the field with real purpose and confidence. For an incoming freshman, his combination of athleticism and footwork is rare. He reads routes well, doesn't panic when the ball's in the air, and just has a natural feel for how to position himself to make plays. What really jumps out is how polished he looked during ASU 7s. He wasn't just hanging with older players — he was standing out. Brophy's got big expectations this year, and Bishop is already pushing to be a real contributor. There's still room to grow physically, but mentally and technically, he's already ahead of the curve. Richard Obert went as far as to say, "He might be the best freshman Brophy head coach Jason Jewell has had," and that's no small statement.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">You look at Esteban Molina and the first thing you think is, “No way that kid's just a freshman.” He's every bit of 6'5" and 275, but he carries it like an outside linebacker — lean, stocky, and shockingly light on his feet. Most young linemen either have size or movement skills, not both. Esteban has both, and that's what makes him such a scary prospect this early. He's strong enough to anchor against bigger defensive linemen, but also quick enough to mirror edge guys who try to win with speed. That blend of size, strength, and mobility is rare, especially at his age. If he stays healthy and keeps progressing technically, Salpointe might have one of the most dominant linemen in the state by the time he's a junior.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1111798' first='Jason' last='Haines'] doesn't play like an incoming freshman. He's got a calmness to his game that you just don't see at this level — like he's always in control, no matter what the defense throws at him. His poise in the pocket is legit, especially for someone so young. He doesn't rush throws or panic under pressure. Instead, he stays composed, goes through his reads, and delivers with a clean, smooth release. One thing that really stands out is how well he throws with anticipation. He's not waiting for guys to get open — he's throwing them open. That's advanced stuff for a 2029 QB. And while his eye level does change a bit through his delivery, it doesn't seem to throw off his mechanics. The ball comes out on time and on target, without that rise affecting the throw. If he keeps developing like this, Jason could end up being one of the most polished quarterbacks in the state.</p>

Every year, new names pop up that make you pause the film and say, "Wait, who's that kid?" That's part of the fun of high school football — watching raw talent turn into the next big thing before anyone else is really talking about it. And right now, there's a whole new wave coming.