Ohio’s 2027 Rising Stars: 7 Prospects Poised to Dominate

<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='968851' first='Jamier' last='Averette Brown'] – WR – Wayne (Dayton)</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jamier Brown headlines Ohio's 2027 class as one of the most polished receivers in the country. At 6'1”, 170 pounds, Brown has elite top-end speed and fluid route running, making him a nightmare matchup for defensive backs. He has already pledged to Ohio State, and his film shows a player capable of winning deep on vertical routes while also creating separation on quick-breaking patterns underneath. Brown's acceleration and ability to turn short receptions into big gains make him a potential Day 1 contributor at the next level.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='814115' first='Ace' last='Alston'] – DB – Anderson (Cincinnati)</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alston is an instinctive and highly competitive defensive back whose coverage skills put him among Ohio's elite in the 2027 class. At 5'10”, 160 pounds, he's quick in and out of his breaks, playing with a smooth backpedal and the ball skills to create turnovers. His Hudl film showcases sticky man-to-man coverage, strong tackling technique, and an ability to read the quarterback's eyes to jump routes. Alston's football IQ and physicality enable him to play both outside and slot corner roles, providing his coaches with flexibility in their schemes.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1207692' first='Reed' last='Gerken'] – OL – Perrysburg</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Once a wide-eyed pup is now moving people like a vet! [player_tooltip player_id='1207692' first='Reed' last='Gerken'] has all the tools college coaches look for in a cornerstone offensive lineman. Standing at 6'5” and 290 pounds, Gerken combines size, athleticism, and a tenacious playing style that makes him effective in both pass protection and run blocking. His footwork and body control are advanced for his age, allowing him to handle speed rushers while maintaining a strong base against power defenders. His Hudl highlights show a player with a strong punch and a knack for finishing blocks at the second level.<br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='481435' first='Jaylen' last='Mercer'] – DL – Winton Woods (Cincinnati)</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='481435' first='Jaylen' last='Mercer'] is one of Ohio's most versatile defensive linemen, capable of lining up inside or on the edge depending on the matchup. At 6'5” and 235 pounds, Mercer possesses explosive quickness off the snap and the length to disrupt passing lanes and disengage from blockers. His Hudl film highlights his relentless motor and ability to chase plays down from the backside, traits that translate well to college schemes. He shows natural strength at the point of attack and a developing arsenal of pass-rush moves that make him a constant threat in one-on-one situations.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='552747' first='Brayton' last='Feister'] – RB – Archbishop Hoban (Akron)</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='552747' first='Brayton' last='Feister'] brings rare versatility to the field as both a downhill power back and finesse runner. At 6'3”, 230 pounds, he flashes sideline-to-sideline speed and a physical style of play, showing patience and balance as a ball carrier. His Hudl clips show explosive runs, the ability to run by defenders, and good vision when running between the tackles. Few players in the 2027 class offer his two-way potential.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1345033' first='Monsanna' last='Torbert Jr.'] –QB/ATH – Taft (Cincinnati)</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Monsanna Torbert is a dynamic athlete with the ability to impact a game in multiple ways. At 6'0”, 160 pounds, he's electric with the ball in his hands, displaying excellent vision and the ability to make defenders miss in open space. Monsanna will be one of the most electric QBs in Ohio this fall. Torbert's quickness and ability to change direction make him a nightmare for opposing coordinators.<br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1296450' first='Reinaldo' last='Perez'] – DL/OL – Columbus Academy</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1296450' first='Reinaldo' last='Perez'] is an imposing lineman at 6'5”, 245 pounds with the size and athleticism to excel on either side of the ball. He's powerful at the point of attack and shows quick hands and feet, allowing him to win leverage battles and control gaps defensively. His Hudl tape highlights a player who can collapse pockets from the edge and uses his quickness to beat any chance of a double team, giving him true scheme versatility—Perez's upside as a defensive tackle or defensive end. <br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->