PRZIA ’27 Rankings Update Position Breakdown: Specialists

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;howe30&nbsp;in the coupon code area</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last week, Prep Redzone Iowa dropped its updated <a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2028-rankings/">Class 2028 rankings</a>. Next up is a <a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2027-rankings/">rankings update for the Class of 2027</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Like we did with the sophomores, we're taking a closer look at the group through position breakdowns. This piece will look at the student-athletes listed as kickers, punters and long snappers - The Specialists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a closer look at some notable guys at those positions:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1699950"],"_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-686693cde8ad2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Little Hawks don't like to punt much. They're aggressive on offense and defense. It's good to know that they have a leg like Bright's when they do choose punting. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19341892/672c4a7a7e6f7b7de76f1e54">sophomore highlight video</a> from 2024 reveals a prospect with potential. In addition to leg strength, he appears adept at angling his offerings and achieving hang time to maximize coverage. Bright's operation is quick and efficient, lowering the risk of having attempts blocked. Keep an eye on Bright this season, when a breakout is possible with more opportunity and development.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1571476"],"_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-686693cde8b5d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Barton's production matches up with anybody in the state, regardless of class or grade. The Warrior specialist recorded 26 touchdowns on 33 kickoffs and hit a 48-yard field goal, both illustrating his leg strength. Barton connected on six field goals and averaged 39.9 yards on 37 punts. During his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19945239/6746107fce73d8d9ec9eea14">sophomore highlight video</a> from 2024, Barton impresses. His 48-yarder would have been good from 55. Barton brings plenty of punch to his field-goal attempts. He's also a well-rounded punter that achieves hangtime and excels at directional kicks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1617666"],"_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-68669b2564ebe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Boxa handled kickoff and place-kicking duties for the Prairie Hawks in 2024. He kicked off 48 times with two touchdowns and was true on a 37-yard field goal, making one of two attempts. Boxa looks the part on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19731161/66fb7c6840045b398433b7f1">sophomore highlight video</a>. He easily made his field goal. On kickoffs, he manages effective hang-time in allowing his coverage team to do its job. Boxa can hit the corners on kickoffs, giving his teammates an added advantage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1617640"],"_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-68669b2564f4a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Duncan-Porter handled place-kicking duties as a 10th-grader on the Lion varsity in 2024. He converted all three of his field-goal tries with a long of 34 yards. Duncan-Porter made 37 of his 42 extra-point attempts. He's followed up a successful sophomore campaign with a productive summer at kicking camps. A multi-sport athlete, Duncan-Porter should have plenty of development to go before reaching his potential, which should be exciting for college scouts. He's one to watch this season as another step forward could significantly raise his prospect stock.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1617692"],"_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-68669b2564fb7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Place-kicking duties fell at the feet of Ly last season. The sophomore knocked three of his four field-goal attempts through the uprights with a long of 34-yards. Ly proved true on 26 of 32 extra points and kicked off 21 times. When checking out highlights on his Hudl page, we witness a specialist with a strong leg and accuracy. His process is repeatable, which was developed through reps. With more dedication to his craft and two years of high school to move closer to reaching his potential, Ly is a prospect on which to keep an eye. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->