2027 Player Rankings Update: Newly Ranked Watchlisters, Part IV

For some prospects, the long wait is over. Part of the beauty of Prep Redzone's rankings watchlist is in the name and intention itself – we watch. After watching countless hours of film, here some of the prospects who lived on our watchlist for various periods of time, only to be revealed as top prospects.    Figuratively speaking, the torch of outstanding linebacker play at Toms River North has been passed on from Blaise Boland to [player_tooltip player_id='1530243' first='Jack' last='Baker']. With Boland since graduating, Baker is primed to be "da man" to lead our state's only 3-time state champion. Baker is a full-force tackler that lies to lay the boom. Timing his blitzes well, we see him burst though the line. Using his flipper well, Baker is physical with oncoming blockers. Perhaps what he is most excellent at is playing down hill and/or fighting the reach. For as great of a "throwback" linebacker he is, there is from for this rising junior to improve his stop/start speed when he changes direction, and I would like to see him break down a bit more when closing in on tackles.     Edge players with length typically present major problems for offenses. For East Orange's [player_tooltip player_id='910052' first='Esa' last='Wittingburg'], he is no exception to this adage. With his type of length, he is hard to block when he creates separation at the line of scrimmage, most notably when we see him use the swipe to neutralize the hands of offensive tackles. Wittingburg takes very good angles when pursuing the quarterback, keeping contain and judging speed to save plays. I think that Wittingburg has an exceptional first and second step out of his stance. His strides allow him to beat offensive tackles to his 5-yard behind landmark easily when pass rushing. Yes, he correctly spills; however, that same rip technique can be better applied when he rips inside. Additionally, many of his clips get cut off before the conclusion as he closes in on the quarterback. Does he make the play? Does the pass get off? Does he disrupt the pass? These questions I wish to have answered.     I typically do not get much of a look at the talent in Wood-Ride for whatever reason, but there is an awfully talented defensive lineman out there in [player_tooltip player_id='1326342' first='Melvin' last='Zabaleta']. In terms or raw potential, I think Zabaleta's name should be atop the list. I noticed a lot of raw talent and good tendencies such as hustle, not running around blocks, burst of closing speed, block disengagement, strong wrapping when tackling, long arms, and the ability to change direction - all of which are strong positives. Should Zabaleta clean a few details up - improved power angle in his stance, keep his feet moving, improved strength to re-establish the line of scrimmage - expect Zabaleta's collegiate stock and ranking to continue to rise.     From one raw prospect in Zabaleta to an even more raw prospect in [player_tooltip player_id='807032' first='Maurice' last='Davis'], Glassboro has an embarrassment of riches lining up on defense. A standup edge, Davis takes extremely good strides, attacking the offensive line with each and ever step. When engaged with lineman we see him extend and lock out to create space to operate, while also showing flshes of the wrong arm. Matching the hand when he does not to the quarterback causes Davis to interrupt many passes too. Moreover, his pad level gets high at times and he can stand to play lower. Additionally, he seems hesitant and waits at moments - where as I, personally, love seeing him perpetually in attack mode.     In terms of fluidity, watching Pennington's [player_tooltip player_id='1057664' first='Braydon' last='Bonfig'] is like watching poetry in motion. Bonfig is blessed with a seamless and effortless ability to move in all directions with ease, quickness, and explosiveness. I feel as though his approach to tackling and run fits are extremely disciplined and you could make a clinic tape with them. Unlike many players who obsess with putting big hits all over their film, Bonfig understands that discretion is the better part of valor, only lighting up opponents when he has help near. The post-grad school prospect competes for every pass thrown his way - if he cannot contest it, expect Bonfig to deliver a hit and tackle on the receiver in hopes to dislodge the ball loose. To my naked eye it seems as though he has played match coverage, making quick and effective reads. As much as I like Bonfig's tape and his game, I was left wanting to see him on film tested on an island deep and disengage with blockers in run support to warrant a higher ranking.     In my opinion, Carteret has been home to several slept on athletes in recent years. That said, I try my best to make the state aware of the talent in this little town off of the Turnpike. [player_tooltip player_id='1524429' first='Al-Naiquan' last='Boseman'] is the next name I will add to this list. Boseman gets to top speed very quickly, allowing himself to make something out of nothing. His vision and explosiveness has put him in the backfield as the wildcat at moments; however, he is not just a mere speed and finesse-type player. Boseman is also used as a lead blocker and puts his absolute everything into blocking for his teammates - looking to light up and level opponents and spring big plays in the process. I felt as though Boseman runs his track as to a T a ball carrier and does not deviate from him, only really showing cutback vision once he gets through the hole. In space he is rather nimble, jump cutting and side stepping defenders to create for himself. This said, I thought that he carried the ball a bit too low for my liking and I am curious to know what he runs in the 40-yard dash. Listed at 185 pounds, should his running time be on-point, Boseman is going to be a total steal of a college prospect.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2027 Player Rankings Update Coverage</h2>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/08/2026-player-rankings-update-breakout-candidates-part-i">Breakout Candidates, Part I</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/08/2027-player-rankings-update-breakout-candidates-part-ii">Breakout Candidates, Part II</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/08/2027-player-rankings-update-newly-ranked-watchlisters-part-i">Newly Ranked Prospects from the Watchlist, Part I</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/08/2027-player-rankings-update-newly-ranked-watchlisters-part-ii">Newly Ranked Prospects from the Watchlist, Part II</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/08/2027-player-rankings-update-newly-ranked-watchlisters-part-iii">Newly Ranked Prospects from the Watchlist, Part III</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/08/2027-player-rankings-update-newly-ranked-watchlisters-part-iv">Newly Ranked Prospects from the Watchlist, Part IV</a>

For some prospects, the long wait is over. Part of the beauty of Prep Redzone's rankings watchlist is in the name and intention itself – we watch. After watching countless hours of film, here some of the prospects who lived on our watchlist for various periods of time, only to be revealed as top prospects.