Connecticut "Juniors" To be Ranked in New England Region

The season is just getting underway, and we are already receiving names for evaluation. Additionally, we have compiled new prospect names from the summer evaluation period. In this report, I will highlight several new players who have come to my attention and undergone film review. All the names listed below will be “RANKED” as prospects in our upcoming Class of 2027 ranking update, which is scheduled for December 2025.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />    Player Introduction Report: [player_tooltip player_id='1299830' first='Solomon' last='Efunbajo'] We are thrilled to introduce the dynamic edge rusher and offensive lineman, [player_tooltip player_id='1299830' first='Solomon' last='Efunbajo'], who is set to make a significant impact in the New England 2027 class, as we anticipate his inclusion in the upcoming Prep Redzone New England rankings. Standing tall at 6'3" and weighing 240 lbs, Solomon has established himself as a force on the field at St. Thomas More High School in Connecticut. Having garnered verbal offers from Kennesaw State University, Southern Miss, Miami Ohio, and Sacramento State, it's clear that Solomon is gaining the attention of collegiate programs. His highlight film reveals an athlete with a relentless motor and exceptional skills. Solomon showcases violent hands that can disrupt opponents and impressive short-area quickness that allows him to navigate through tight spaces with ease. His ability to bend around edges and tackle effectively using the wrap and roll technique speaks volumes about his training and skill development. Moreover, Solomon has proactive communication with prestigious programs like Temple, Michigan State, Kennesaw State, and Miami Ohio. He expresses a strong interest in Kennesaw State but remains hopeful of future opportunities with Ole Miss, Boise State, and Penn State. This level of ambition and enthusiasm suggests he is a player to watch closely in the coming years. In summary, [player_tooltip player_id='1299830' first='Solomon' last='Efunbajo'] is not just an impressive athlete; he is also a determined competitor with a bright future ahead. We look forward to seeing how he continues to develop and make his mark in high school football! Keep an eye out for his name in the updated rankings—he's surely on the rise!      Player Introduction Report: Will Zaccagnino As we gear up for the upcoming ranking update for the New England Class of 2027 by Prep Redzone New England, I am thrilled to introduce a standout prospect, Will Zaccagnino from St. Joseph High School in Connecticut. At an impressive 6'4" and 240 pounds, Zaccagnino is a formidable player who excels on both the offensive and defensive lines. Currently, he is recognized as one of the top edge/ol prospects in the region and has garnered attention from several Division I programs, highlighting his potential at the college level. In his recent highlight film, viewers can appreciate his remarkable versatility and high level of play. Last season, during the Hogs' pursuit of the Class M championship, Zaccagnino recorded a notable 57 tackles, including 10 tackles for a loss and two sacks. His ability to rush the passer is complemented by his agility and speed, allowing him to cover ground quickly in pursuit of plays, making him a dual-threat on the field. As of September 19, 2025, Zaccagnino has received an offer from Syracuse, and he is in conversations with other prestigious institutions, including Army, Rutgers, Penn, and Cornell. His commitment to finding a robust football program that fosters camaraderie and prioritizes academic excellence truly stands out. With an eye on schools that offer strong academic programs and solid majors, Zaccagnino is not only an athlete to watch but also a young man with clear goals for his future. Overall, Will Zaccagnino is a player to keep an eye on as he rises in notoriety and prepares to make significant contributions both on and off the field!      Player Introduction Report: [player_tooltip player_id='1624534' first='Luciano' last='Norman'] - Class of 2027 Get ready to take notice of [player_tooltip player_id='1624534' first='Luciano' last='Norman'], a rising star in New England high school football! Standing at an impressive 6'1" and weighing in at 210 pounds, this linebacker from St. Thomas More in Connecticut, formerly of Roosevelt High School in New York, is making waves as he sets his sights on the upcoming season. Luciano showcased his talent during a stellar junior year, where he demonstrated explosive speed and agility on the field, making him a consistent force in the backfield. With his remarkable ability to track down ball carriers, he racked up a significant number of tackles for loss, earning him recognition from Division I programs. In April, he received an offer from Stony Brook, and I anticipate that more schools will follow suit as they discover his impressive skill set. What sets Luciano apart is not just his size and athletic prowess but also his versatility on the field. While Roosevelt High utilized him primarily as a run stopper, his speed and athleticism suggest he could easily adapt to various positions, giving him an edge in recruitment. As he prepares to transfer to St. Thomas More for the fall 2025 season, I believe he is poised for a massive senior year that may elevate his stock even further in the Prep Redzone New England rankings. Fans and scouts alike should keep a close eye on his progress, as he could become one of the most sought-after recruits in the Class of 2027. Don't miss out on this talented player as he continues to rise through the ranks!      Player Introduction Report: [player_tooltip player_id='1311672' first='Mateo' last='Becker'] - Class of 2027 It's an exciting time in New England football, and one standout player making waves is [player_tooltip player_id='1311672' first='Mateo' last='Becker'], a towering 6'7”, 290-pound offensive lineman from St. Thomas More, CT. After transferring from Life Christian Academy in Virginia, Becker is set to make a significant impact in the upcoming fall season. Having reviewed his 2024 highlight film, it's evident that Becker possesses elite height and a solid frame that immediately commands attention. His athleticism is remarkable, showcasing impressive explosiveness, foot quickness, and lateral agility. When it comes to pass protection, Becker shines with a polished vertical set. He maintains a half-man relationship during his kick-steps, which keeps him square and balanced against any rush. His strength against power rushers is commendable, demonstrating the ability to hold his ground without being driven back—a vital skill for any offensive tackle. As a run blocker, Becker is equally impressive, using his grip strength effectively to drive defenders out of the gap. His ability to move laterally during pull blocks is noteworthy, displaying a fantastic blend of explosiveness and block fit against edge defenders. Although his 2024 film lacks zone-blocking reps, his lateral movement hints at a solid foundation in that area. While I'd love to see him attack more with his hands in pass protection and enhance his flexibility, there's no doubt that [player_tooltip player_id='1311672' first='Mateo' last='Becker'] is a compelling prospect for the Prep Redzone New England Class of 2027 rankings. His combination of size, athleticism, and potential makes him a player to watch in the coming season!   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/teonumb77/status/1850669804660851155 </div></figure>       Player Introduction Report: [player_tooltip player_id='1902447' first='Dae'Sean' last='Graves']   Get ready to meet an explosive talent in New England region 2027 class: [player_tooltip player_id='1902447' first='Dae'Sean' last='Graves'] from Holy Cross High School, CT! This dynamic athlete stands at 5'11" and weighs 149 lbs, proving that greatness comes in all sizes. During the thrilling 2024 season, Graves lit up the field, earning a spot on the New Haven Register/Gametime CT All-State third-team after an astonishing performance where he topped 100 yards in 7 out of 10 games! His stats speak volumes: 74 receptions for 1,215 yards and 18 touchdowns! Watching his highlight film, it's clear that Graves is not just a standout – he's a game-changer. His fluid athleticism and impressive short-area quickness make him a nightmare for defenders. With great speed and remarkably soft hands, he consistently demonstrates an explosive burst into his routes, showcasing his uncanny ability to make one-step cuts. What sets Graves apart is his versatility. Whether it's a jump ball, a mesh route, a slant, or a hitch, he catches everything thrown his way. His polished route running combined with outstanding ball skills allows him to separate effortlessly from defenders. Plus, his willingness to block showcases his team-first mentality and commitment on every play. As we gear up for the next ranking update by Prep Redzone New England, there's no doubt that [player_tooltip player_id='1902447' first='Dae'Sean' last='Graves'] will be a name to watch. With his impressive skill set and determination, he's on track to become a top prospect in the New England football landscape!      🎉 Exciting news from the New England Class of 2027 football scene! Meet [player_tooltip player_id='1902453' first='Rody' last='Ricketts'], a standout talent hailing from Bunnell High School in Connecticut. At 5'10" and 165 pounds, this dynamic WR/DB has made waves with his electrifying performances on the field! 🙌 Ricketts truly had a breakout season as a sophomore, showcasing his versatility by racking up an impressive 1,295 all-purpose yards. He's not just a one-dimensional player; he excelled in various facets of the game, accumulating 342 yards receiving, 380 yards rushing, and a jaw-dropping 573 yards on kickoff and punt returns. His agility, speed, and football IQ are evident in every highlight reel, making him a threat to opposing defenses. Rody's outstanding performance has not gone unnoticed — he's already received attention from several Division I programs! With verbal offers from notable schools such as Syracuse and Central Connecticut State, it's clear that he's on the radar of major college scouts. As he shared on September 19, 2025, "I've been offered by Syracuse, UMass, and CCSU. I've also been in talks with some other Power 4 programs." 🎓🏈 Ricketts is searching for a college that embraces a family-oriented culture, especially one that values a competitive environment in the weight room and on the field. With such a strong foundation, Rody is poised to make waves in the upcoming rankings with Prep Redzone New England! Keep an eye out for this young star, as he continues to rise in the ranks and dazzle fans! 💪🔥      Player Introduction Report: [player_tooltip player_id='1902456' first='Jake' last='Rios'] Allow me to introduce [player_tooltip player_id='1902456' first='Jake' last='Rios'], an electrifying athlete from St. Joseph's High School in Connecticut! Standing at 6'0" and weighing 175 pounds, Rios is a true multi-threat player for the Class of 2027, seamlessly excelling as an athlete, WR, CB, K, and P. His dynamic presence on the field has earned him the nickname "Bugs Bunny" — you can find him making impactful plays all over! Last season, during his sophomore campaign in 2024, Rios left a mark with jaw-dropping statistics: he recorded 76 tackles, leading his team with 52 solo tackles and two interceptions on the defensive side. Offensively, he showcased his skills with 35 catches for 487 yards and five touchdowns, while also making a significant impact in the kicking game with 61 points and an impressive 36.7-yard average on punts, including placing 16 of 40 inside the 20-yard line! With the 2025 season on the horizon, Jake is poised to elevate his game even further. He combines confidence with high-level versatility, making him a tough, reactive, and fluid athlete. His excellent field awareness and coordination enable him to shine as both a wide receiver and free safety, and he's set to be recruited primarily as an athlete. On September 21, 2025, Jake stated, “The only school I'm in communication with is the University of Pennsylvania. I'm looking for a high academic school with a strong football program, preferably in the Northeast.” With such ambition and undeniable talent, [player_tooltip player_id='1902456' first='Jake' last='Rios'] is definitely one to watch as he climbs the ranks in New England with Prep Redzone! 🌟🏈     <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/jakerios27/status/1880363045698118096 </div></figure>       Player Introduction Report: [player_tooltip player_id='1799832' first='Bodie' last='Maher'] Position: Offensive Lineman Height/Weight: 6'4, 290 lbs School: St. Thomas More, CT Class: 2027 I'm thrilled to spotlight [player_tooltip player_id='1799832' first='Bodie' last='Maher'], an exceptional offensive lineman out of St. Thomas More in Connecticut, as he makes his mark on the New England Class of 2027! After reviewing Bodie's highlight film, it's clear that he possesses the resources to be a dominating force on the field. At 6'4” and 290 pounds, he combines size with impressive skill that sets him apart from his peers. Bodie flashes an incredible ability to control the line of scrimmage (LOS), showcasing the power to overwhelm high school defenders physically. He consistently demonstrates the skill to knock opponents off their feet and effectively move the line of scrimmage, making him a versatile asset in both run and pass protection. One of the key highlights from his footage is his capacity to get to the second level, which amplifies his effectiveness during plays. His balance is noteworthy, as he remains upright and rarely hits the ground. He plays with an excellent pad level and knee bend, allowing him to leverage his strength effectively. Furthermore, his wide base and footwork skills, particularly in pass sets and mirroring opposing linemen, are impressive and speak volumes about his training and potential for further development. While Bodie has yet to receive offers as he shared with me on September 19, 2025, he remains focused on strong academics, a supportive coaching staff, and a positive team culture in the Northeast. With his talent and aspirations, I am excited to see how [player_tooltip player_id='1799832' first='Bodie' last='Maher']'s journey unfolds in the coming years! Keep an eye on this promising prospect during the next Prep Redzone New England ranking update!   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Bodie_maher/status/1901386230681530500 </div></figure>     Player Introduction Report: [player_tooltip player_id='1902460' first='Matthew' last='Witteman'], 2027 QB - Law High School, Connecticut Get ready to meet [player_tooltip player_id='1902460' first='Matthew' last='Witteman'], a standout quarterback from Law High School in Connecticut who has stormed onto the scene! At 6'0" and 185 pounds, Witteman is a dual-threat dynamo who has already made a significant impact, throwing for an impressive 1,768 yards and 15 touchdowns in the 2024 season! On top of that, he showcased his athleticism with 327 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns, leading the Lawmen to a solid 6-5 record and a coveted Class M playoff berth. Having just reviewed his highlight reel from the Fall 2025 season opener, it's clear that Witteman possesses all the tools needed to excel at the next level. His ability to make accurate throws on the run is truly remarkable, demonstrating both poise and precision. His field awareness is outstanding—he knows how to read defenses and make split-second decisions, never hesitating to escape the pocket when necessary. Witteman's resilient style of play means he doesn't go down easily, and he always looks for opportunities to extend plays, keeping defenses on their toes. While I reached out for a recruiting update on September 19, 2025, he did not respond, but his performance speaks volumes about his potential. With his remarkable skills and determination, [player_tooltip player_id='1902460' first='Matthew' last='Witteman'] is a player to watch and is destined for a spot on the New England Class of 2027 ranking list with Prep Redzone New England during the next update. Exciting times lie ahead for this talented quarterback!   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/STMCT_Football/status/1964473493376184425 </div></figure>       Player Introduction Report: [player_tooltip player_id='1740697' first='Elijah' last='Sam'] We're excited to introduce [player_tooltip player_id='1740697' first='Elijah' last='Sam'], a standout athlete from Granby Memorial High School, as a new addition to the Prep Redzone New England rankings for the class of 2027! Standing at 5'8" and weighing 170 pounds, Elijah showcases versatility as an ATH/DB, making him a vital asset on the field. After reviewing Elijah's 2024 highlight film, it's clear he is a highly competitive and physical player, especially excelling in his defensive back role. His ability to react swiftly to run support is impressive, allowing him to make impactful plays when his team needs it most. Given his current measurables, Elijah is likely suited for a safety position rather than cornerback, but his dynamic skills could also translate well to a running back position. He shows a fluidity in ball carrying that exhibits purpose and determination, complemented by decent speed that ensures he can keep pace with the game. In a recent conversation on September 20, 2025, Elijah expressed his aspirations, stating, "I've been in communication with the coaching staff from two schools through email, including Pace University and Wesleyan University. I'm looking for a program with a strong culture that will help me grow both as a student and an athlete." While he has yet to receive official offers, Elijah's motivation and work ethic shine through, indicating he will continue to strive for success. As we look forward to the next ranking update, keep an eye on [player_tooltip player_id='1740697' first='Elijah' last='Sam']—a player destined to make waves in New England football! 🌟🏈      Player Introduction Report: [player_tooltip player_id='1902467' first='Justin' last='Carroll'] Meet [player_tooltip player_id='1902467' first='Justin' last='Carroll'], a rising junior linebacker hailing from Greenwich High School in Connecticut, class of 2027! At 5'10" and 202 pounds, Carroll has proven himself a force to be reckoned with on the field. During the 2024 season, he showcased an impressive performance, racking up 93 tackles—61 of them solo—while playing a pivotal role in a Greenwich defense that allowed a mere nine points per game on their way to clinching the Class LL championship. As we dive into his highlight film from the opening game of the 2025 season, one thing stands out: his tenacity! Carroll displays remarkable speed and aggression, attacking the ball carrier with a purpose. His solid open-field tackling skills are complemented by his quick decision-making. He fills gaps seamlessly and covers ground sideline to sideline, showcasing those crucial instincts every linebacker needs. While some may overlook his height for Division 1 prospects, it's essential to note that Carroll's skill on the field is undeniable. If he measured in at Division 1 standards, there's no doubt he'd be attracting attention from top programs! On September 19, 2025, he expressed his aspirations to play at a high academic institution with a competitive football program, showing a clear commitment to both athletics and academics. With his incredible work ethic and a drive for excellence, [player_tooltip player_id='1902467' first='Justin' last='Carroll'] is undoubtedly a player to watch! Expect to see him making waves in the New England class of 2027 ranking list with Prep Redzone New England during the next update. His journey is just beginning, and the sky truly is the limit! 🌟🏈   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JustinC5066/status/1967346976938488227 </div></figure>     Player Introduction Report: [player_tooltip player_id='990525' first='Malachi' last='Hymes'] Meet [player_tooltip player_id='990525' first='Malachi' last='Hymes'], a dynamic athlete from Putnam Science Academy, quickly making waves in the New England football scene as a member of the class of 2027. Standing at 5'11" and weighing 175 pounds, Malachi brings an exciting blend of speed and agility—qualities that are clearly showcased in his highlight film from 2024. With an impressive ability to pull away from defenders, Malachi is a game-changer in both offensive and special teams environments. His skills as a returner are particularly noteworthy; he possesses the burst and vision to create explosive plays, making him a vital asset wherever he lines up. Whether it's on a kickoff return or the offensive side of the ball, his fluid movements and strong yards after contact (YAC) ability can turn the tide of a game in an instant! Recent conversations reveal that Malachi is actively engaging with multiple collegiate programs, including notable institutions such as Yale, UConn, and Fordham, to name a few. His criteria for selection emphasize finding a college that feels like home and offers the opportunity to compete at a high level—an admirable mindset that reflects his commitment to both athletics and academics. As we prepare for the next ranking update by Prep Redzone New England, it's clear that [player_tooltip player_id='990525' first='Malachi' last='Hymes'] is a player to watch and will be included in the class of 2027 new england region rankings. His talent, work ethic, and ambition set him apart as a remarkable prospect for the future! Expect to see his name rise as he continues to develop and showcase his skills leading up to the fall of 2025. 🎉🏈   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Malachihymes3/status/1968659003010957757 </div></figure>

The season is just getting underway, and we are already receiving names for evaluation. Additionally, we have compiled new prospect names from the summer evaluation period. In this report, I will highlight several new players who have come to my attention and undergone film review. All the names listed below will be “RANKED” as prospects in our upcoming Class of 2027 ranking update, which is scheduled for December 2025.