2027 Watchlist to Ranked: Skilled Positions

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">In-depth evaluations of the 2027 skilled prospects making the leap from the watchlist to the PRZ state rankings. </h2>    Fitzgerald is a highly talented TE prospect that brings an ideal blend of size, athleticism, and versatility to the position. 6'5” 215 lbs. he moves like a WR but has the prototypical size for a major D1 TE. Runs exceptionally well for his size showing a hard burst off the LOS and the ability to stretch the field vertically. Elite level body control, ball skills, and a massive catch radius allowing him to win consistently in contested situations. His ability to extend and make acrobatic catches in tight spaces sets him apart. Understands how to use his size/length to box out defenders at the catch point and then attack the ball in the air. Holds nine D1 offers from a variety of programs but expect him to be a national recruit as he gains varsity experience and more exposure.     Sprott is a dynamic two-way athlete that brings explosive quick-twitch ability and elite short-area acceleration. At both WR and DB, his suddenness in tight spaces gives him a clear edge over opponents. Offensively, he's a natural separator that is quick off the LOS and possesses excellent start/stop speed to be a threat both as a route runner and after the catch. He's smooth in and out of his breaks and can drop his hip level to change directions at the top of his route. Defensively, he mirrors receivers with fluidity and quick reactions. His acceleration allows him to recover and close space with the ball in the air. Recruitment kicked off in the spring contact period with offers coming in from Idaho and NAU. Watch his offer count rise going into his junior year. Ranked #39 overall and the is the fifth ranked two-way athlete.     Tyler is a high level athlete that showed great potential as a sophomore on varsity for Williams Field and led to his first two college offers from Bethune-Cookman and Georgia State. 6'0” 175 lbs. he combines fluid athleticism with top end burst, allowing him to accelerate quickly off the line and stack defenders vertically with ease. His speed is not just straight-line, he's twitchy and sudden in his movements helping him create separation at all three levels. A plus route runner that sells vertical, attacks leverage, and maintains speed throughout the route. Good ability to force DB's to transition and break them off at the top. Strong at the catch point, he competes for every ball and shows the ability to make tough catches in stride without breaking momentum. Also a willing blocker and plays with an edge to add value even without the ball in his hands. Will continue to stack up offers as he showcases his skillset.      Schuder is a natural football player with the versatility and positional flexibility to make an impact on both sides of the ball at DB, LB, RB, or QB. 6'1” 180 lbs. he's a competitor that plays hard and with an edge on every snap. A plus athlete that shows good coordination, speed, and lateral movement. Offensively, he's an equal threat as a both a passer and ball carrier. Flashes good arm strength to push the ball vertically and can hit his spots to give his receivers an opportunity to make play. Hard downhill runner with the ball in his hands that displays good straight line acceleration and runs with good leverage and balance to fight through contact. Defensively, he's constantly attacking. He chases hard in pursuit and shows he can shed blockers to free himself up for a tackle. All around solid player with a high football IQ. Moves from the watchlist to the rankings at #77 overall and the #11 two-way athlete.      Garduno is a high upside QB with clean mechanics, sharp footwork, and excellent pocket presence. 6'0” 195 lbs. he delivers a tight, catchable ball with consistent velocity and touch showing the ability to layer throws into tight windows. Smooth arm action with an over the top release that is quick and compact. Precise with his work from his drop back to his delivery. He's able to reset quickly, keeps a strong throwing platform, and stays poised when moving within the pocket and navigating pressure. Reads the field well with good vision and awareness while going through his progression. His balance and posture allow him to stay in rhythm and maintain accuracy even when the pocket collapses. Like his ability to get the ball out with defenders in his face. One to watch entering his junior year.     Silva is an active and instinctive defender with excellent read and react ability and strong eye discipline. 5'11” 185 lbs. he's got a well-built frame with good athleticism and closing speed. He processes plays quickly, staying locked in on keys and rarely falling for misdirection. His quick trigger allows him to close downhill in a hurry, whether filling gaps in the run game or breaking on short passes in coverage. He plays fast but under control, showing great pursuit angles and the ability to redirect in space. When he arrives at the ball, he brings strong and physical contact finishing tackles with to the ground with aggression/power. Great nose for the football and impacts the game with high motor, intelligence, and physicality. Can play and be effective from a variety of positions on the defensive side.     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other Players to Note:</h2>    Schmitz flashed his dual-threat skillset as a sophomore for Paradise Honors. A natural athlete with good speed and elusiveness as a runner that can hit his spots as a passer. Good ability to manipulate pressure and extend the play while keeping his eyes downfield for a target. Accelerated release that gets the ball out quick and can throw on the move to either direction.     A gifted pass catcher with exceptional ball judgement and advanced route running ability. He tracks the ball effortlessly in the air, adjusts smooth, and consistently makes tough catches look routine. Does a great job creating positional leverage at the catch point and controlling his body to rip the ball out of the air. Separates from defenders with good change of direction, timing, and acceleration out of the break. High level playmaker with strong bloodlines, brother of Matthew Klopfenstein who was a top 2023 TE recruit that is now at Baylor and racked up 24 D1 offers.     A lot to like about Rushing's skillset and demeanor. Constantly attacking as a WR to apply pressure to DB's in coverage and be a threat to all areas of the field. He's a technical route runner that mixes up speed and sells his routes hard to gain leverage/separation. Does a good job dropping his hip level to get in and out of his cuts and comes out with speed. High level competitor with great ball skills. He's a QB friendly target with his ability to go get it in the air. Doesn't wait for it and goes up to play it at the high point. Had an great showing at the ASU 7on7 and will see increased attention as he showcases the skillset on the field.     The Highland QB has been a top performer at several showcases this offseason where he has shown off his live arm and consistent accuracy. At the PRZ showcase, he won the long ball competition where he displayed his natural arm strength and good rotation in his hips/shoulders to generate velocity. Shows he can anticipate routes to be on time and locate the ball where only his receivers can make a play on it. Intriguing prospect to watch as he gains game experience.