Login Subscribe
    • Players/Parents
    • College Coaches
  • Choose Your State Middle School Coverage
    Alabama
    Arizona
    Arkansas
    California
    Canada
    Colorado
    Dakotas
    Florida
    Georgia
    Idaho
    Illinois
    Indiana
    Iowa
    Kansas
    Kentucky
    Louisiana
    Maryland
    Michigan
    Minnesota
    Mississippi
    Missouri
    Nebraska
    Nevada
    New England
    New Jersey
    New Mexico
    New York
    North Carolina
    Ohio
    Oklahoma
    Oregon
    Pennsylvania
    South Carolina
    Tennessee
    Texas
    Utah
    Virginia
    Washington
    West Virginia
    Wisconsin
  • Loading...
  • Loading...
  • Tournaments
    • 7 on 7 7 on 7
    Showcases
    • Stock Up Showcase Tour Stock Up Showcase Tour
    About Our Events
  • Prep Redzone for
    • Players
    • Parents
    • Club Coaches
    • High School Coaches
    • College Coaches
    • Fans
    View All Features
    • Coverage Access Prep Redzone articles year-round without ads.
    • Rankings See how players stack up in each state.
    • Player Profiles Build your own profile and join the Prep Redzone database.
    • Coach Views Get notified when a college coach views your profile.
    • Profile Trends Track your Player Profile views over time.
    • Recruiting Tasks Stay on-track in the recruiting process
    • Recruiting Dashboard All your recruiting tools in a single place.
    • College Match Recommends colleges that match with your profile.
    • Coach Contacts Contact any program in the country.
    • Event Credits Save $25 on all Prep Redzone combines.
    • Recruiting Tips Become an expert on the recruiting process.
    • College Email Templates Send customized emails directly to college coaches.
    • Scouts
    • How We Rank
    • About Us
  • Michigan
  • Rankings
    • How We Rank

    • Archived Rankings

    • 2026 Rankings

    • 2027 Rankings

    • 2028 Rankings

    • 2029 Rankings

  • Player Database
  • Team Database
  • Scores
  • Scouts
  • Home
  • Coverage
      Choose Your State Middle School Coverage
      Alabama
      Arizona
      Arkansas
      California
      Canada
      Colorado
      Dakotas
      Florida
      Georgia
      Idaho
      Illinois
      Indiana
      Iowa
      Kansas
      Kentucky
      Louisiana
      Maryland
      Michigan
      Minnesota
      Mississippi
      Missouri
      Nebraska
      Nevada
      New England
      New Jersey
      New Mexico
      New York
      North Carolina
      Ohio
      Oklahoma
      Oregon
      Pennsylvania
      South Carolina
      Tennessee
      Texas
      Utah
      Virginia
      Washington
      West Virginia
      Wisconsin
  • Events
      Tournaments
      • 7 on 7 7 on 7
      Showcases
      • Stock Up Showcase Tour Stock Up Showcase Tour
      About Our Events
  • Rankings
      Loading...
  • Scores
      Loading...
  • Features
      Prep Redzone for
      • Players
      • Parents
      • Club Coaches
      • High School Coaches
      • College Coaches
      • Fans
      View All Features
      • Coverage Access Prep Redzone articles year-round without ads.
      • Rankings See how players stack up in each state.
      • Player Profiles Build your own profile and join the Prep Redzone database.
      • Coach Views Get notified when a college coach views your profile.
      • Profile Trends Track your Player Profile views over time.
      • Recruiting Tasks Stay on-track in the recruiting process
      • Recruiting Dashboard All your recruiting tools in a single place.
      • College Match Recommends colleges that match with your profile.
      • Coach Contacts Contact any program in the country.
      • Event Credits Save $25 on all Prep Redzone combines.
      • Recruiting Tips Become an expert on the recruiting process.
      • College Email Templates Send customized emails directly to college coaches.
  • About Us
      • Scouts
      • How We Rank
      • About Us
  • Support
Login Subscribe

No Sophomore Slump for These Five Prospects

No Sophomore Slump for These Five Prospects
Alex Pallone
Alex Pallone July 20, 2025 @ 02:12 PM
Facebook
X (Formerly Twitter)

In this article:

Bryan Collins
Bryan Collins 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB | 2028
MI
Xavier Szymoniak
Xavier Szymoniak 5'8" | 155 lbs | ATH/LB | 2028
MI
Solomon Elam
Solomon Elam 5'9" | 160 lbs | ATH | 2028
MI
Antonio LaLama
Antonio LaLama 6'1" | 205 lbs | LB | 2028
MI
Grayson Thurston
Grayson Thurston 6'2" | 170 lbs | QB | 2028
MI
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every Class of 2028 prospect who earned a ranking is expected to have an incredible Sophomore season. Really, every one of these prospects should break out this year or next year. This article includes five prospects who I firmly beleive will show a massive amount of improvement this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1615746"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687d3f93cf568"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Athletically, Bryan is on par with a few D1-offered running backs. I witnessed this first-hand at the Wayne State Mega Camp and have the testing numbers to back it up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bryan's tape shows a ton of potential. The speed shows. If Bryan is able to get into the second level, he's consistently able to find a lane and run away from DBs. He also flashes vision, sometimes being able to sidestep a defender and quickly adjust his course in tight space. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's an incredible foundation here, but still some things to improve upon. If Bryan works on his contact balance, he could break many more tackles and earn a ton more explosive plays. In addition, his vision can be much more consistent. Most of these issues will be fixed with time in the weight room, plus a ton of intentional practice. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1553772"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687d3f93cf5d3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Play speed is something I mention a lot. This is something that transcends talent or athletic ability. Consistently playing fast is all about confidence, conditioning, and decisiveness. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20516308/672ab8e8d02c66eefe003b7d">Xavier's tape</a> is all about play speed. At linebacker, I love how quickly he reacts to the developing play. Plays like 0:53 showcase Xavier's ability to go sideline-to-sideline to make a tackle. I really like Xavier's upside as a high school linebacker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Xavier also has potential on the offensive side of the ball. At running back, the effort shows. While not an elite athlete, Xavier works hard to run through arm tackles. He also has a couple of blocking highlights. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm confident that Xavier will continue to perform at Alpena. Underrated player in Northern MI! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1398320"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687d3f93cf61e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Antonio has been doing everything right. Working out with Rising Stars, active in the weight room, and unafraid to compete at prospect camps. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I love Antonio's trajectory. Last season, I thought he was quite raw, and I wasn't sold on him. Now, after an incredible offseason, I'm more confident than ever. I'm not sure if Antonio will be a Varsity player this season. No matter where he plays, I expect to see vast improvements in his tape. Lastly, no matter if he's on JV or Varsity, the trajectory is the same- another year of relentless hard work, he'll easily be an amazing college prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1403930"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687d3f93cf666"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Look out for Elam this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last season, Elam tore it up at the JV level. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/24068173/67f476a47c5aa4454e2294c8">Soloman's tape</a> displays his elite versatility. He can line up wide and burn your best DB on a go route, earn a ton of RAC on a screen, or deal damage in the wildcat. Elam is another great athlete at West Bloomfield. With a lot of talent having graduated, Elam should be on track for a breakout season on Varsity as a sophomore. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["212645"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687d3f93cf6ac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I don't know if I've ever been more confident in an incoming sophomore QB. At least from what I see on HSFB recruiting Twitter, there's a lot more hype surrounding other Michigan (or even Catholic League) QBs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I don't think Grayson is far behind our #1 ranked QB in this class. Grayson is already mechanically sound, excelling in areas where most QBs (even very talented ones) struggle. Of course, excellent mechanics can only improve consistency everywhere else. I've seen Grayson complete just about every throw to every area of the field. When he's got time to set up, he's incredibly accurate. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On top of that, Grayson is confident, outgoing, and knows what he still needs to work on. Not enough good things I can say about Grayson- sky's the limit! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->

Every Class of 2028 prospect who earned a ranking is expected to have an incredible Sophomore season. Really, every one of these prospects should break out this year or next year. This article includes five prospects who I firmly beleive will show a massive amount of improvement this season.

Bryan Collins

Bryan Collins

MI
RB
HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 190
POS RB
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Bryan
Collins RB
Class
2028
Height
5'11"
Weight
190
HS
Avondale
|
MI
No Sophomore Slump for These Five Prospects
Athletically, Bryan is on par with a few D1-offered running backs. I witnessed this first-hand at the Wayne...
Written by Alex Pallone
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Bryan Collins

Instagram Twitter
State: Michigan
School: Avondale
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Xavier Szymoniak

Xavier Szymoniak

MI
ATH/LB
HEIGHT 5'8"
WEIGHT 155
POS ATH/LB
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Xavier
Szymoniak ATH/LB
Class
2028
Height
5'8"
Weight
155
HS
Alpena
|
MI
No Sophomore Slump for These Five Prospects
Play speed is something I mention a lot. This is something that transcends talent or athletic ability. Consistently...
Written by Alex Pallone
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Xavier Szymoniak

State: Michigan
School: Alpena
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Antonio LaLama

Antonio LaLama

MI
LB
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 205
POS LB
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Antonio
LaLama LB
Class
2028
Height
6'1"
Weight
205
HS
Romeo
|
MI
No Sophomore Slump for These Five Prospects
Antonio has been doing everything right. Working out with Rising Stars, active in the weight room, and unafraid...
Written by Alex Pallone
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Antonio LaLama

Instagram Twitter
State: Michigan
School: Romeo
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Solomon Elam

Solomon Elam

MI
ATH
HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 160
POS ATH
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Solomon
Elam ATH
Class
2028
Height
5'9"
Weight
160
HS
West Bloomfield
|
MI
No Sophomore Slump for These Five Prospects
Look out for Elam this season. Last season, Elam tore it up at the JV level. Soloman’s tape...
Written by Alex Pallone
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Solomon Elam

Instagram Twitter
State: Michigan
School: West Bloomfield
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Grayson Thurston

Grayson Thurston

MI
QB
HEIGHT 6'2"
WEIGHT 170
POS QB
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Grayson
Thurston QB
Class
2028
Height
6'2"
Weight
170
HS
De La Salle Collegiate
|
MI
No Sophomore Slump for These Five Prospects
I don’t know if I’ve ever been more confident in an incoming sophomore QB. At least from what...
Written by Alex Pallone
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Grayson Thurston

Twitter
State: Michigan
School: De La Salle Collegiate
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Prep Redzone

Access all of Prep Redzone

Continue reading this article and more.

Continue Reading
Already a subscriber? Log in

Rankings

589 Players Ranked

  • 1
    Corey Sadler

    Corey Sadler

    Cass Tech

    UNC-Chapel Hill
  • 2
    Marcello Vitti

    Marcello Vitti

    Divine Child

    Iowa
  • 3
    Lincoln Keyes

    Lincoln Keyes

    Saline

    Georgia
  • 4
    Gregory Patrick

    Gregory Patrick

    Portage Northern

    Notre Dame (IN)
  • 5
    Khalief Canty

    Khalief Canty

    Cass Tech

    Missouri
View Full Rankings

Related Articles

  • Michigan’s Clear Top 8 Junior RBs

    Michigan’s Clear Top 8 Junior RBs

    Alex Pallone • October 21

  • Caledonia vs. Rockford – Quick Impressions

    Caledonia vs. Rockford – Quick Impressions

    Alex Pallone • October 18

  • GR Northview vs. GR Catholic Central – Quick Impressions

    GR Northview vs. GR Catholic Central – Quick Impressions

    Alex Pallone • October 18

  • Minnesota Gophers 2027/2028 Midwest Recruiting Tracker

    Minnesota Gophers 2027/2028 Midwest Recruiting Tracker

    Oliver West • October 17

  • Week 7 Scouting Report: East Kentwood

    Week 7 Scouting Report: East Kentwood

    Tyler Graham • October 15

Follow Us

  • Alex Pallone

    Alex Pallone

    @alex_pallone

Loading...
Home Michigan No Sophomore Slump for These Five Prospects

Prep Network

  • Prep Network
  • Prep Dig
  • Prep Girls Hoops
  • Prep Hoops
  • Prep Lacrosse
  • Prep Redzone
  • Prep Soccer
  • Prep Softball

Company

  • News
  • About
  • Careers
  • Store
  • Partner Interest Form

Resources

  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • Cookie Policy
  • NCSA College Recruiting
  • Recruiting Tips
  • Student Loan Resources
  • College Scholarship Search

Support

  • My Account
  • Contact
  • Sitemap

© 2025 Prep Redzone. All rights reserved.