2027s Ready to Make a Varsity Impact

This fall is going to be huge for the Class of 2027. They enter their first year as upperclassmen, and for several it is also going to be their time to step into a big role on Friday nights. Or at least enter their training camps in competition for a varsity spot. While working through the 2027 Rankings Update several athletes stood out to me as kids who have been waiting their turn and it looks like their time has come. So let's talk about those kids, what they bring to the field, and why I think their time is now. Get ready for these kids to make their marks on WI HS football.    This Arrowhead roster looks like it is loading up to be one of the top teams I have seen in WI. They have talent returning all over the field with a few impressive athletes ready to step up and contribute in the few holes left by graduating seniors. One of those athletes I have my eyes on for a big role is edge defender [player_tooltip player_id='1639174' first='Keith' last='Willingham']. The 6'2" 225 lbs athlete is just starting to tap into what he could become. The kid can rocket off the line of scrimmage at the snap of the ball with a low pad level that gives OTs a very small target to try and get hands on. Keith has excellent range for the position too, chasing down plays or closing quickly to unload a violent hit on the ball handler. The '27 edge also has shown plenty of examples of his ability to turn that initial burst into power to fight through OL on the way to the QB. I'm pumped to see what his role will be this season on this special roster.     This is no surprise. Clark has been a favorite of ours as a potential breakout performer this season. Bay Port graduated a ton of pass catching production from the State Championship team. Clark is one of the athletes that look to be next up in the competition for WR1. The raw tools are there. Ball skills to find the ball and run underneath it under control. The ability to make the last second adjustment to make the catch. Plus he has the speed to be a big play threat any time he is needed to get deep. I'm going to be locked in on this Bay Port team to see who steps up into new roles after the graduation of the 2025s.     It looks like we were a year ahead when it comes to Max. We thought he could breakout last year, but Mukwonago had plenty of older receivers ahead of him. With those athletes graduating the only kids who return with a reception to their name from 2024 is a TE and RB. So the WR position should be wide open for a big framed, strong, and explosive incoming junior. Max has flashed dominance at the lower levels, and with two years under his belt making plays at that level it seems like a natural fit for him to make the jump to Friday nights. I'm excited for him to have this opportunity and hope to see him become a go to weapon for Mukwonago.     This Class of 2027 QBs is a deep one, and I have a feeling it is only going to get deeper as Keegan takes over the helm at Franklin and carves out his own story with the Sabers. The 6'3" 185 lbs QB definitely looks the part standing behind center and his right arm verifies that he is going to be a dude to know in this Class of QBs. Even in the limited tape from 2024 it was very obvious how poised he was, keeping his eyes downfield and sliding around the pocket to buy time. You will also see him go through progressions, showing a firm understanding of the offense and where his men are going to be. Finally, the arm talent is at a good place. Accurate to all three levels, confident in his arm strength, and the control to use touch when necessary. I'm excited to watch this offense roll with Keegan leading the way.     Oconomowoc is looking to replicate their outstanding 2024 season, but they will need some new kids to step up. One of those kids could be safety [player_tooltip player_id='1331350' first='Max' last='Basso']. The 6'2" 185 lbs athlete shined on the JV team. Whether it was roaming a deep half or picking up a WR 1 on 1, Max demonstrated the range, ball skills, and awareness to be reliable in coverage in a variety of situations. Max even showed off the ability to bait QBs into bad decisions and then make them pay for it. Just as important, Max is a kid that you can trust to make tackles in space or in the box against the run game. Keep an eye on the role this kid carves out as a junior.     West De Pere is going to continue what they have done for several years now. Throw the ball early and often. They have the top talent when it comes to the QB position, so it will be about finding the talent to surround him with. They did a great job of it in 2024, and there are several solid options for 2025. My first choice is WR [player_tooltip player_id='1282584' first='Landon' last='Kibbe']. Kibbe has had to recover from some injuries going back to last season, but he is 100% and ready to make his mark on this team. Landon is a long target with a large catch radius. Kids this size usually fall under the possession WR archetype, but Landon can get deep on a DB quick. He has an accomplished track career and that speed does flash on the gridiron. Landon has also shown he is a dude that will go up and fight for the ball in traffic. Between that, his size, and his long speed we could see plenty of highlight reel plays from his this fall. One thing is for certain, his QB isn't afraid to spread the ball around. So the open guy is going to get it, and Landon is a kid that can create space consistently.

This fall is going to be huge for the Class of 2027. They enter their first year as upperclassmen, and for several it is also going to be their time to step into a big role on Friday nights. Or at least enter their training camps in competition for a varsity spot. While working through the 2027 Rankings Update several athletes stood out to me as kids who have been waiting their turn and it looks like their time has come. So let's talk about those kids, what they bring to the field, and why I think their time is now. Get ready for these kids to make their marks on WI HS football.