2026 Rankings: Playmakers Making Waves

<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1306346"],"_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-68939b96a121e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Esparza is a two-way athlete playing both WR and DB. Measuring in at 5'9 160 pounds, he had 23 receptions for 254 yards and 1 touchdown. As a DB, he had 23 total tackles, (9 solo, 14 assisted), and 2 TFL. He has good athletic ability due to very good change of direction , jumping, good acceleration, and speed. He uses his very shift feet to have a good release at the line of scrimmage. Esparza uses his quick cuts to get open, and has good separation quickness. He'll fight through the contact during the route. Good ball tracking skills and catching. He also has good body adjustment and will contort his body to make the catch. When the ball is in his hands, he uses his very good change of direction to juke out defenders and get extra yardage. I'm very excited to see how he does this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1621239"],"_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-68939b96a1327"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wade is a phenomenal edge rusher, and I'm glad to see his rankings has skyrocketed to reflect his play. At 6'5 230-pounds, he accounted for 64 total tackles (27 solo, 37 assisted), 12.5 TFL, 7 sacks, 17 QB pressures, 2 PD, 2 FR, and a blocked field goal. He has very good athletic ability due to very good acceleration, lateral agility, change of direction, and good speed. He has elite strength, and wins reps consistently against whoever is lined up against him. Elite quickness out of his stance, instantly engaging with the defender. Very good bend around the edge, showing his flexibility. Very good bull rush. Very good block shedding and get off speed. This dude is a monster and will be looking to build upon a nice junior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1623170"],"_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-68939b96a13ac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another Green Mountain baller on this list. Gardzelewski measures in at 6'5 300 pounds. He has very good athletic ability due to very good speed and acceleration. As a big body, I'm very impressed with his athletic ability. He has very good strength and a good quickness out of his stance. Good hand placement paired with very good hand strength to control and steer the defensive line. Good knee bend and very good balance. Gardzelewski is a very good pull blocker thanks to his athletic ability. He also can go out in space and create lanes in the 2^nd or 3^rd level of the defense. Asher consistently plays at a high level and plays through the whistle. Colleges need to take a look, as he can slot in as a guard, left tackle, or right tackle. Kid's a beast.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1673490"],"_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-68939b96a142c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Makaafi is a fantastic coverage linebacker who can also get dirty with blitzing. Measures in at 6'0 205 pounds. He has very good athletic ability due to very good change of direction, acceleration, lateral agility, and speed. Very good range. He has very quick reactionary speed. He reads the play and attacks. Makaafi has very good block shedding and tackling, being stout in the run game. As a blitzer, he shows off his very good strength and powerful bull rush. In coverage, he is sticky not allowing much room. He has very good adjustment in pass coverage especially during the scramble drill. He also creates contact at the last second to throw the receiver off. Very good at pass break up timing. He already has an offer from a D1 program in Kent State, and I believe he will have more after a strong senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1306336"],"_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-68939b96a14ae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Manthey is a phenomenal and reliable kicker. Last season, he accounted for 35/35 on PAT, and 11/15 on field goals with only 3 being blocked. His longest this season was 46 yards. However, Manthey's high school career stats are impressive. He went 74/77 on PAT with only 3 being blocked, and 20/26 FG with 3 being blocked as well. His career high is 52 yards and he is worthy of being the #1 ranked kicker in Colorado. He has very good kick power and very good kick accuracy. He stays poised in the big moments and delivers the kick. Phenomenal kicker that deserves looks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->