Unfair Advantage: Quiet Strengths, Real Results

Some guys just figure it out early.   Whether it's a first step that leaves defenders grabbing at air, a motor that doesn't stop, or the kind of vision that makes the game feel like it's moving in slow motion — these players have something special. Not in a hype-train, five-star, everyone's-watching kind of way. It's more subtle than that. More polished. Like they've already mastered a piece of the game that most are still trying to get a handle on.   This group isn't about potential or projection. It's about the part of their game that's so good it seems unfair. The thing that makes coaches trust them, makes opponents frustrated, and makes you do a double take when you're watching the film.    You don't usually see a 2027 kid who's this comfortable on both sides of the ball. Taylan just gets it. On defense, he moves like he's reading the play a beat ahead of everyone else, slipping into the right spot without panic or wasted motion. His footwork is clean, his hand placement is textbook, and he's physical without being reckless. There's a calm confidence in the way he plays — like he's already seen the route before it's been run. Offensively, he brings some of that same poise. He's not just out there trying to win with speed (though he's got enough of it); he plays smart, finds soft spots, and stays balanced through contact. But it's on defense where he really shines, where the instincts and feel for the game turn into that unfair advantage. Taylan's not the loudest dude on the field, but he's one of those players who always seems to be where the ball is. That's not luck — that's awareness, and it's rare to see it this dialed in at his age.     It's hard to ignore how Ricky plays the game. He's not out there trying to finesse his way around anyone — he's bringing force and attitude from the jump. You can see it in the way he gets off the line: quick, violent, and with one goal — disrupt everything. And while he might not have the deepest pass rush toolbox just yet, it almost doesn't matter. He wins with a quick first step and raw strength that lets him drive linemen backwards like they're on skates. But it's not just brute force. Ricky stays under control, doesn't over-pursue, and plays like someone who understands his lane. There's a balance there — toughness without chaos — and that's what gives him that edge. That strength/aggression combo is already developed enough to give opposing tackles real problems. And as he keeps adding polish to his game, that ceiling just keeps getting higher.     This dude moves way faster than you'd ever expect for a kid with his build. He's got that short-area burst that makes ballcarriers freeze up — like they didn't expect him to be in their face that quick. Once he plants and drives, he's on you. And even in traffic, he doesn't get lost behind the big guys. His eyes stay locked in on the ball, and his ability to sift through the mess and get to the action is flat-out impressive. He's also got real pop when he engages. Uses his hands well to shed blocks and doesn't get stuck in the wash. That first step, the quick acceleration, and the way he finishes plays, is what gives him the unfair advantage. You don't see a lot of ‘backers move like that — especially not ones who are still this young. Coming over from Bishop Gorman, he's already showing he can make an immediate impact.     Isaiah's not the flashiest back you'll see, but there's something steady and sharp about how he plays. He runs like a guy who's been through traffic before and knows exactly where to go when things get messy. He doesn't panic, doesn't dance — he just finds lanes and hits them with purpose. And if contact is coming, he's ready for it. He certainly doesn't shy away from a hit, but he's got enough shiftiness to make defenders miss too. Where he really catches you off guard is as a pass-catcher. Most backs his age don't look that smooth getting in and out of breaks or creating separation on routes. But Isaiah moves like a receiver when he's out in space, and his hands are reliable. He averaged 5.5 yards per carry last season without ever being the featured guy. At Perry, with that passing attack spreading things out, he's set up to be the perfect complement — smart, tough, and capable of doing a little bit of everything.     There's something to be said about a guy who just does his job — and does it well — on every snap. That's Josh Chappell. He's out there reading the quarterback, setting the edge, and finding ways to make an impact. One of the biggest things that stands out is his ability to get his hands in passing lanes. It's not just timing — it's instincts and awareness, and it's no fluke. You see it on film again and again. He knows when to sit back, when to shoot, and when to disrupt. Physically, he's not maxed out yet, and there's still room to grow when it comes to burst and foot speed. But the base of his game is rock solid. Coaches know they can trust him to hold his side down and make smart decisions. That kind of consistency is rare, and it gives him a real edge — literally and figuratively. There's value in reliability, and Chappell brings that in spades.

Some guys just figure it out early.