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<p>We're in the middle of August rankings content, but I always have one eye on the future. One of my favorite things to do is have an idea of which prospects are on stock-risers watch for the <em>next</em> rankings update. Often, we have a halfway complete evaluation, but we're still waiting on more info before moving players.</p>
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<p>At this point in the season, that often means I'm simply waiting to see if the hype is real and if it translates to the field this fall. Here are six class of 2027 prospects who will almost certainly be higher in the rankings at the next update, as long as they get off to strong starts to the season.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">6 Potential Rankings Risers</h2>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Turner was recently featured as one of the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/08/2027-rbs-report-august-rankings-update/">new additions to our 2027 RB Rankings</a> but his ceiling is much, much higher than his current mid-300s position. He's one of the more athletic backs in the state, with an excellent 40 and great size. His explosive metrics are excellent as well. Now, we just want to see him dominate on the field. If he can put up some great numbers, proving the hype is warranted, he could fly up the rankings.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">A guy who has always impressed me in person more than the on-field stats would suggest, Carlberg is moving to South Rowan this season. Could a change of scenery really help his varsity career take off? He has all the arm talent to be a dominant quarterback, but we're waiting for the production to catch up. If it does, you can bet on Carlberg moving up in October.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Norton was dominant last year at Red Springs, winning largely off of speed and athleticism off the edge. Now, he's moving up classifications, and I'm interested to see if he can continue that production against more consistent tackle play. If he can, it's a good indication that he can do it at the college level as well.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">When players have a significant offseason transformation, they often have two distinct rankings jumps: one in the offseason when we see them get bigger and stronger, and a second if that actually translates to improved play on the field. We don't like to overreact to physical changes, because we look silly if it doesn't lead to improved play, but I'm expecting Sandler, who put up some serious weight in the weight room this season, to have a great junior season.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Buchear is an old-school run-stuffing linebacker, but a lot of that is out of necessity. He just doesn't have a lot of film in pass coverage because he came from such a run-heavy conference last season. Realignment and the 2025 schedule ensures that Buchear and Lee County will face at least 3-4 capable passing offenses. That alone could give him the opportunity to prove he's a complete linebacker.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">I don't want to add pressure to Bailey, but the reports I've heard are that he's taken a huge step forward as a safety. We can look for all the reasons in the world that guys have breakout seasons whether it's schedule, depth chart changes, scheme changes, etc. and sometimes players just develop. Bailey is one of the guys in the RDU area that I'm most eager to see in person this season as his size and speed profile isn't a common one for a box safety.</p>
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<p><em>Who else will break out this season and improve their stock before the next rankings update? Let me know on Twitter (<a href="https://x.com/whelms21">@whelms21</a>).</em></p>
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We're in the middle of August rankings content, but I always have one eye on the future. One of my favorite things to do is have an idea of which prospects are on stock-risers watch for the next rankings update. Often, we have a halfway complete evaluation, but we're still waiting on more info before moving players.
HEIGHT
6'1"
WEIGHT
200
POS
RB/LB
CLASS
2027
State:
North Carolina
School:
Bandys
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HEIGHT
6'1"
WEIGHT
190
POS
QB
CLASS
2027
State:
North Carolina
School:
South Rowan
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HEIGHT
6'3"
WEIGHT
205
POS
EDGE/TE
CLASS
2027
State:
North Carolina
School:
St. Pauls
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HEIGHT
5'9"
WEIGHT
195
POS
LB
CLASS
2027
State:
North Carolina
School:
Union Pines
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HEIGHT
5'9"
WEIGHT
210
POS
LB
CLASS
2027
State:
North Carolina
School:
Lee County
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HEIGHT
6'3"
WEIGHT
200
POS
DB/LB
CLASS
2027
State:
North Carolina
School:
South Garner
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