2028 Rankings Update: 15 Who Will Continue To Shine

Ok, let's get this out of the way first. If we've got a guy in the rankings already, we're expecting him to be a standout.   Up and down the list in the 2028 class, there are guys who have already made their mark for their respective teams, and guys who we expect big thins from throughout the rest of this season and beyond.   There are some guys, though, who we expect to continue to be the measuring sticks for the 2028 rankings. Maybe they're in a situation that's ideally suited for them. Maybe their talent and potential is something that just can't be overlooked. Maybe they're already being relied on so heavily, we just can't see things changing.   Whatever category they fall under, here's a look at 15 guys from across the 2028 rankings who we think will continue to lead the class for years to come.   [player_tooltip player_id='1151291' first='Brody' last='Lorenzo'] OL, Dutch Fork - Lorenzo made a huge impression early, and he's not going anywhere any time soon. He's already massive, at 6-foot-3 and 300 pounds, and he's got a chance to get even bigger. He's physical, strong, and will likely prove to be the heart of the Silver Foxes' offensive line for years to come.   [player_tooltip player_id='1094520' first='Jace' last='Grass'] QB, Daniel - Grass wasted no time in getting off to a huge start, and his transfer to Daniel in the offseason hasn't slowed him down. He's got a huge arm, a great knowledge of the game, and Daniel will consistently have the weapons to put around him to make him great. When you add his pedigree as a college coach's kid, the sky's the limit for Grass.   [player_tooltip player_id='873100' first='Zion' last='Dawkins'] DB, Gaffney - As a sophomore, Dawkins is already one of the best players on what's shaping up to be a great Gaffney defense. That won't change any time soon. His size and speed allow him to cover a ton of ground in a hurry, and the Indians play with an aggressive edge that allows players like Dawkins to shine. He has a chance to turn into one of the state's best defenders.    [player_tooltip player_id='1615015' first='Warnell' last='Prew'] LB, South Florence - Like Dawkins, Prew is a guy who plays well beyond his years on a lights-out defense. He's a tackle machine, with 34 already this season. But he's also got a sack, a tackle for loss, and an interception to his credit. Prew is just a steady, even-keeled guy who knows where he's suppose to be, what he's supposed to do, and everybody else's assignment as well. He's a guy who absolutely shines at LB.   [player_tooltip player_id='293593' first='Michael' last='Martin'] RB, Christ Church - Martin has speed, balance, and vision and he's ideally suited to the Cavaliers' offense. He's fast enough to go by defenders, but physical enough that an arm tackle typically won't slow him down at all. He seems to just instinctively get where he needs to be, and those instincts are already paying off with a lot of attention.   [player_tooltip player_id='1615026' first='Jeremiah' last='Hunter'] WR, Seneca - Hunter's got a lot going for him right now: a QB who can turn it loose, a gifted RB who relieves some offensive pressure, and complementary receivers around him. What he's also got going for him is the ability to go and get it, unreal speed, and an uncanny sense of where the ball is in the air. He's a game-changer, and is only getting better.   [player_tooltip player_id='1016577' first='Elijah' last='Mitchell'] WR, Berkeley - Mitchell's a big target, he runs well, and he's a nightmare matchup for smaller guys in coverage. His transfer in will give the Stags a new look on offense - one that features Mitchell as a deep threat a whole lot of the time.   [player_tooltip player_id='1615038' first='Emerson' last='James'] DB, Byrnes - James (pictured) burst onto the scene with a huge freshman year, and might just be the best defender in a loaded Byrnes defensive backfield. He brings a little bit of nasty with him as well, as he's a big hitter as well as a talented cover guy. Byrnes' defensive scheme lets guys like James shine - but there are very few guys like James. He just stands out.   [player_tooltip player_id='1820474' first='Preston' last='Smith'] RB, Midland Valley - The Mustangs are going to run the football. They've shown a commitment to the run over the past several seasons, and Smith fits right into that plan. He's also stepped right in and assumed the role of RB1, with nearly twice as many carries as the team's second-leading ballcarrier, along with leading the team in rushing and rushing touchdowns. He's also sneaky good catching the ball out of the backfield, and can do a lot of things well for Midland Valley.    [player_tooltip player_id='1818427' first='Jayden' last='Cunningham'] OL, Greenwood - Cunningham's already 300 pounds, with a chance to get bigger and stronger. There's some bad news for Greenwood's opponents. If you can't find Cunningham when you're watching the Eagles, look for the pile moving. He's the reason why. He moves incredibly well for a person of his size, and seems to take winning one-on-one matchups personally.   [player_tooltip player_id='1467847' first='Beau' last='Hite'] QB, Emerald - Hite was a quick study for the Vikings, replacing a senior last year when he was a freshman. He's improved steadily as he's realized how he fits into Emerald's offense. He's also a baseball standout, and has the arm to show for it. While that's likely the first thing you'll notice about Hite, he's got enough talent with his legs to get out of a lot of trouble, and a good knowledge of the game.   [player_tooltip player_id='1051192' first='Nydarrian' last='Allen'] RB, Hillcrest - Allen's an interesting player for the Rams, as he splits carries with a fellow sophomore, and both provide a change of pace to a talented senior. However, it's what Allen does when the ball is in his hands that's got him on this list. He averages more than 10 yards per carry and does an excellent job catching the ball out of the backfield. Allen can be a spark plug for a versatile Rams offense.   [player_tooltip player_id='1615119' first='Teagan' last='Cantrell'] ATH, Chapman - Cantrell's simply got to be on the field for the Panthers. He's one of those. He makes the team better wherever you line him up, and the Panthers have used him plenty, and in plenty of spots. He was one of the best players on the field for Chapman as a freshman, and he's continued that success early.   [player_tooltip player_id='1824949' first='Jackson' last='Miller'] OL, Powdersville - Miller is big and strong, particularly for a sophomore, but he's much more than just a big body. He's got great footwork and long arms, and shows a desire to finish plays way down the field.    [player_tooltip player_id='1822754' first='Desiray' last='Christian'] WR, Greenwood - Christian already has a remarkable moment on his resume, as his acrobatic 37-yard TD catch against Dorman in the closing seconds in Week 2 set the stage for the Eagles' overtime win. That play showed exactly why Christian is so highly thought of - speed, separation, and ability to adjust to the ball in the air, and all of that while everyone in the stadium knew where the ball was going. Christian is a big play guy, a possession guy, and a go-get-guy all rolled into one.

Ok, let's get this out of the way first. If we've got a guy in the rankings already, we're expecting him to be a standout.