Top 2027 Prospects off to Hot Starts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Usually, the biggest jump I see in prospects comes in their Junior season. As a freshman, even the best prospects don't usually earn a ton of Varsity time. As a sophomore, the role is almost always increased, but the real production usually comes as a Junior. Here are five current Juniors who performed amazing during week 1. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["474868"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b9dd5152e28"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Anthony made it look easy out there. His Week 1 tape begins with a really nice defensive play. Lined up as the 5-tech, Anthony does a great job quickly and agressively swiping the OT's hands away before blowing up the play in the backfield. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The latter half of the tape showcases Anthony's receiving abilities. 0:20 is an incredible catch in traffic + RAC. Same with 0:30- catches with hands, sheds defenders, and does best to work forward. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anthony is a traits-heavy player with the performances to back up those traits. Extremely high upside player. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17414403/68b316392c53745973dfbf9e' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b9dd5153504"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1689097"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b9dd51535c2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Love me some week 1 offensive line highlights! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's a small sample size, but to me, Dewey looks better than he did last season. Yes, he has P4 size and strength- that much has been clear for a while. In this short tape and throughout the offseason, Dewey has proven that he's much more than just a traits-heavy offensive tackle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Great fun fits throughout the tape. The first two at 0:00 and 0:15 showcase Dewey's willingness to drive through the whistle. 0:25 shows a good kickstep and balance on the pass set. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The things I just mentioned may seem like no-brainers. These things are actually quite rare in high school offensive tackles. Very rarely do I see someone of Dewey's size move so well, plus being so willing to play through the whistle. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19917990/68b5eed9db7bcab92182edc7' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b9dd5153610"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1113047"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b9dd51536b7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I know a few of us in the media were surprised by the beatdown Dexter laid on Brighton. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yes, it's a small sample size, but it looks to me like Holden has taken a massive step forward. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His first highlight is a great rush off the edge. Playing on-ball, Holden does an awesome job of swiping and then bending past the college prospect OT. Then, multiple plays (0:33, 0:12) showcase great blocks. Most of the best WR/TE blockers I know still struggle to lock on and drive, and Holden did not have this issue last week. Great job blocking! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Of course, Holden is also a good receiver. Exactly what I expected in that department. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With blocking and defensive improvements, Holden could see his ranking improve by mid-season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20478755/68b19d3c62475a1466d06583' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b9dd5153700"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1157440"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b9dd515379e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I hope to see a jump in production for Elijah this season. This week 1 tape makes me optimisitc that he's on his way to his best season yet. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first highlight is a great hit on the receiver running a comeback. Elijah first stays back in his zone, but once the QB cocks his arm, Elijah takes off and pops the receiver. I like the play recognition and hit. 0:56 is another defensive highlight- a good run stop. There are also a couple of coverage highlights, which I appreciate. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 0:10, (WR) Elijah does a nice job sitting in the opening, bouncing off a few tackles, and earning great YAC. That's the best instance of YAC that I can remember from Elijah. Love the week 1 highlights! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19500023/68b1e2b32702df5d88b8aef3' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b9dd51537f5"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1233478"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b9dd515389e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Eric is someone whom I liked more and more throughout the offseason. Early last winter, I thought Eric was pretty raw, but he showed tremendous improvement throughout the offseason. Working with a few other D1 prospects + having an incredibly difficult strength of schedule, I've been optimistic that Eric will show massive improvement this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the run game, Eric appears a little more balanced compared to last season, without sacrificing any power. Love the pancake blocks against a big-looking Chippewa Valley defensive line. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pass blocking still looks a little raw. Footwork has definitely improved. I'm looking forward to seeing how Eric fares against the great DEs in the Catholic League. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19683592/68b306a6750cac69f89d6e89' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b9dd51538ee"} /-->