10 To Know: Class of 2028 Breakouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're on the eve of the new season, and everybody is ready to go. We've also had plenty of class of 2028 content after releasing an update to that class on Monday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here, we have a piece that combines those two things, giving fans an idea of which rising sophomores to keep an eye out for this year. Here are 10 potential sophomore breakouts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">10 Sophomores Breakouts</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A few quick notes: This isn't simply a rundown of the top 10 players in the class. Nor is this an attempt to list players the majority of fans don't know. Instead, this combines the two, focusing on high-upside players who could put up big numbers, whether they're ranked first or 101st.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1044292' first='Skylar' last='Alston']</strong>, LB, Cardinal Gibbons</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of our favorite players in the class, Alston's offers flew in this offseason. He's also the perfect candidate for a list like this. While his talent is obvious, he didn't put up huge numbers last season, but is in a position to do so this year. He's the leader of a talented defense and can stuff the run like few others.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1616138' first='Xavier' last='Hutchens']</strong>, WR, Kings Mountain</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hutchens played in four varsity games last season, catching four passes for 67 yards. His blend of size and speed in impressive, as is his ability to play both sides of the ball. Don't be surprised if Kings Mountain goes to him more this year. He's got the ball skills to put up some big touchdown numbers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1616143' first='Ryan' last='Rizzuti']</strong>, QB, Myers Park</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rizzuti got a taste of varsity last season, featuring in seven games and throwing just over 100 passes for the Mustangs. He started a few games down the stretch and now takes over as the full-time starter on a team with hopes of a deep playoff run. A smooth pocket passer, expect big things from Rizzuti.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1687882' first='Malik' last='McKoy']</strong>, DB, St. Pauls</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While he's played some on varsity, McKoy isn't yet a household name. He's a guy with great ball skills and speed who can make highlight plays, St. Pauls has a great defensive line and that could give him an opportunity to add some interceptions to his resume. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1687747' first='Braydon' last='Walden']</strong>, QB, Lincoln Charter</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Walden technically hasn't played varsity, but that doesn't mean he hasn't led this particular team before. As Lincoln Charter transitions to its first year of varsity, Walden is leading the charge. He's a long, tall pocket passer with the speed to get out and run in space. I'm excited to see how he fares in the team's first season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1152715' first='Charlie' last='Jones']</strong>, DB/LB, Lake Norman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jones' physical profile is impressive. He has impressive weight room numbers and that shows on the field with the way he's able to play bigger than his frame would suggest. That being said, he can play safety or linebacker and I'm interested to see where he plays in the future. He moves well, has good instincts, and can hit, suggesting he'll thrive where he plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1749317' first='Sebastian' last='O'Keefe']</strong>, RB, Sanford</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>O'Keefe averaged over seven yards a carry on 70 carries last year. The path to more touches isn't obvious, as the two upperclassmen ahead of him on the depth chart return as seniors. However, he's bigger and stronger this year, so that might be his ticket to more touches and bigger runs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1046790' first='Brayden' last='Hunt']</strong>, LB/Edge, Hough</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hunt comes over to Hough from Metrolina Christian where he flashed as both an off-ball linebacker and a talented edge rusher. The Huskies will likely need him to rotate in and provide valuable snaps after losing a ton of production off of last year's team. We think he'll be up to the task.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1717897' first='Deuce' last='Geer']</strong>, DB, Chapel Hill</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Geer's freshman numbers aren't eye-popping, but the film sure is. He's a long, disciplined corner who can run stride-for-stride with faster receivers. He gets some extra help this year in the form of a transfer safety and we think another year in the weight room will pay dividends. Don't be surprised if he has a few highlight-reel plays this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1264500' first='Jayden' last='Arthur']</strong>, Ath., South Rowan </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Arthur flashed the type of versatility that will make it easier to give him more playing time in the future. He's primarily a running back, but can do a lot as a receiver and a returner as well. He wasn't able to find much consistent running room last season, but he has the type of ability that could turn into big yardage this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->