2027 Watchlist to Ranked: Northern California

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Northern California's newest wave of talent is here. Here we take a closer look at five rising stars that have moved up from the watchlist to the official rankings. These players have impressed with standout performances, big offers, and the ability to make an impact at the college level.</h2>    McElvane is a high caliber and versatile WR who can consistently threaten all areas of the field with a combination of speed, refined route running, and advanced feel for levers. He understands how to manipulate defenders with sharp stems, hard nods, and clean footwork to create separation at the top of routes. Whether working underneath, across the middle, or vertically, he runs with purpose and precision. His ability to accelerate out of breaks adds another layer to his route discipline, forcing pressure on defenders to stay in phase. Flashes excellent body control in his routes and as he adjusts fluidly to ball flight. Tracks the ball naturally and maintains balance through contact. Holds three D1 offers but with his strong hands at the catch point and the athleticism/speed to stretch the field or work in traffic, he's a complete receiver with the tools to be a top end recruit.   3 Offers: Sacramento State, SDSU, San Jose State      Dynamic two-way athlete who brings impressive playmaking ability and natural football instincts to both sides of the ball. At 6'0” 170 lbs. he's got good length in his frame with room to add weight/strength as he develops. He's a smooth and twitchy mover with the kind of burst and short area quickness that shows on tape whether he's cutting through traffic as a RB or closing on the ball as a DB. Offensively, he runs with vision, balance, and acceleration capable of pressing gaps downhill with strength or bouncing plays outside and outrunning defenders to the edge. Plus change of direction and runs hard to pick up yards after contact. Defensively, he plays with sharp awareness and physicality, reading plays quickly and triggering downhill to close space. He's comfortable in coverage and is a reliable open field tackler who plays under control but fast. With his versatility, explosiveness, and natural feel he's a strong recruit on both sides of the ball and has great upside as his development continues.   5 Offers: Arizona, ASU, Cal, Oregon State, San Jose State      Outstanding upside and potential for the dual sport athlete out of De La Salle (football/track). At 6'3” 180 lbs. he's a long, physical CB who plays with toughness and physicality. Uses his length effectively in coverage to disrupt passing lanes and challenge receivers at the catch point. His quick feet and change of direction allow him to match movement and stay in phase to all areas of the field. His movement and change of direction are fluid being able to flip his hips, cover ground laterally, and recover with speed. Strong and aggressive tackler that brings heavy force by accelerating through contact with good forward momentum and leverage. Length and skillset make him a valuable asset against both the run and pass and will see him building on his four current D1 offers.   4 Offers: SDSU, San Jose State, Sacramento State, Stanford     Cargill is an explosive, high-upside athlete with the tools to contribute on both sides of the ball at the college level but excels at WR. At 6'0” 170 lbs. he combines smooth movement with verified track speed (10.8 100m, 21.96 200m), allowing him to stress defenses vertically and create separation at all three levels. He bursts off the line with a strong drive phase, utilizes a variety of release moves, and breaks off defenders with sharp, tempo controlled routes. Tracks the deep ball with ease, extends naturally at the catch, and easily adjusts to off-target throws with balance and coordination. Finishes tough catches in tight windows and is a problem after the catch being able to slip tackles, cut quickly in space, and accelerate into space. With three early D1 offers, he's a fast rising prospect whose natural ability, speed, and playmaking will result into more recruiting attention going into his junior year.   3 Offers: Sacramento State, Portland State, Hawaii      At 6'3” 240 lbs. Lata is a powerful, position flexible DL with the size, motor, and athleticism to play across the line on either side. He's disruptive on the DL being strong at the POA, explosive off the ball, and relentless in pursuit. Whether lined up on the edge or inside, he plays with violent hands, can control gaps, and sheds blockers with easy. His versatility allows him to impact the game in multiple ways showing he can set the edge against the run, collapse the pocket as a pass rusher, or plug interior lanes with leverage and power. He plays with a high motor and physical edge flashing the ability to win with both strength and technique. Will be an interesting prospect to watch as he develops to see where he lines up going into his junior season and beyond.   3 Offers: Utah, UNLV, SDSU