PRZVA 2028 Rankings Initial Reactions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We recently published our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/virginia/rankings/2028-watch-list/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Class of 2028 Rankings</strong> </a>for Prep Redzone Virginia. This is a startup list that you will see grow and change over the next few seasons. Below are some of my initial reactions to the rankings. Stay tuned as our entire Prep Redzone Virginia Scouting staff continues to cover these players. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Top Dog</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1014900' first='Charles' last='Scott Jr.'] took home the number 1 spot. I've watched a good chunk of the players ranked, and I did not see anyone that I felt could unseat him at this time. Elite size at 6'4", 210lbs. A strong and accurate arm that can lead receivers in their route. Comfortable in the pocket with good athleticism that makes him an effective maneuverer of the pocket, with the ability to roll out and pick up positive yards beyond the line of scrimmage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players I Have Seen Live</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are four players that I have seen live at games or events that I want to highlight. The first is [player_tooltip player_id='1170028' first='JD' last='Grubb']. [player_tooltip player_id='1170028' first='JD' last='Grubb'] was one of the first prospects I became aware of when I began with Prep Redzone in the 2023 season. At that time, he was the starting running back for Radford as a Freshman. His big play ability stood out. He is elusive with good balance and burst. This year, he has transferred to North Cross, and I am excited to see how he continues to develop this fall. A second running back I have been very impressed with is [player_tooltip player_id='1508898' first='Kamharie' last='Steelman']. He was the backup to now Syracuse RB Malachi Coleman in 2024, but he made the most of <strong><a href="https://x.com/GoLions1934/status/1834750204978864182?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">his opportunities</a></strong>. I am looking forward to seeing what he can do with more opportunities this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The next two names are linemen who I look forward to seeing this fall. First is [player_tooltip player_id='1637150' first='Daven' last='Reed']. I first came across Daven at the <strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/05/top-virginia-prospects-from-the-appalachia-prep-combine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Appalachia Prep Combine</a></strong> in 2024. At that time, he was an 8th grader who had no issue competing against the varsity players. Since then, he has picked up numerous Power 4 offers. He is one of the best players you will see in this class coming out of Virginia. The second name is [player_tooltip player_id='1014899' first='Kayden' last='Brice']. Kayden attended our January PRZVA Showcase and won our MVP honors for the defensive line over some very good upperclassmen players. The college coaches in attendance were impressed. Keep an eye on him this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Names to Know</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1004745' first='Andre' last='Alexander'] might be my favorite guy to watch. His speed, instincts, and ability to be a big hitter and dependable tackler are traits that stick out at the linebacker position. He also plays running back, and I like his tape there as well. He currently holds <strong><a href="https://x.com/8Djalexander/status/1933145569762873435" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">12 offers</a></strong> and many more will come.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Future Names to Know</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1695832' first='Mason' last='Gunn'] is currently on our Watch List, but he will be ranked after this season. Time will tell if we will see him on the varsity field for the back-to-back state champions LCA Bulldogs, but when he gets his opportunity, they have a big play weapon in their backfield. His speed and burst stick out on his tape. Once he gets his opportunity on varsity, I believe he will quickly make a name for himself behind the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/08/the-offensive-trenches-liberty-christian-academy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>offensive line</strong></a> Liberty Christian boasts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Craig County defensive backs [player_tooltip player_id='1684816' first='Bradyn' last='Dunbar'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1694494' first='Bentley' last='Smith'] are two small school names we could see ranked if they have good varsity campaigns. Both have good length for the defensive back position and will have their shot to compete for playing time this fall on a team that is looking to build off of a great 2024 season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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;</em> <a href="https://x.com/robking2020" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>@robking2020</em></a>&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 --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->