SoCal’s Next Wave: Underclassmen Stock Risers

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Southern California continues to produce elite football talent year after year, and the next wave is already making its mark. These underclassmen stock risers are turning heads with standout performances, athletic upside, and early college attention. Here's a look at some of the SoCal prospects quickly climbing the recruiting radar.</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">At 6'4” 190 lbs. Long already possesses the prototypical frame D1 college coaches look for. He has a live arm and throws with natural balance and rhythm maintain a tall, strong platform that allows him to generate velocity without sacrificing accuracy. He shows good touch on the deep ball consistently layering passes to his receivers in stride and over coverage. Equally comfortable throwing on the run to either direction, he can deliver accurately from different arm angles and off-platform situations. Statistically, he's put together a strong season throwing 1,728 yards and 25 touchdowns while completing 61%. Recent kicked off his recruitment with an offer from Colorado State and will see increased recruiting attention this off season.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">6'3” 210 lb. receiver that blends size, athleticism, and natural ability to be a dynamic playmaker for Vista Del Lago. Runs a wide route tree with precision and shows the ability to separate at all levels of the field. A natural hands catcher that extends at the catch point and can adjust to make acrobatic grabs with one hand or over the top of defenders. After the catch, he's a tough tackle using both strength and speed to turn short throws into explosive plays. Posted 69 receptions for 1,251 yards and 9 touchdowns showcasing big play production and reliability. With his first offer from Colorado State already in hands as a sophomore, expect him to be a double digit offer prospect when all is said and done.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">With his first offer from Sacramento State, Jackson is gaining good early traction in his recruitment. 6'2” 180 lbs. he's got a good frame for the position with the growth potential to add mass. He plays with a fast trigger, reading and reacting quickly to diagnose plays and attack downhill. Good all around game with strong short area burst to pursue the ball and close space. Demonstrates the ability to fill gaps aggressively against the run while maintaining solid angles to the football. Equally comfortable dropping into coverage, he makes plays on the ball and disrupts passing lanes. Does a great job slipping through traffic and finishing with physical and heavy contact as a tackler. As a sophomore, he's recorded 77 total tackles and 8 tackles for loss, highlighting his production and range on defense.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">At 6'0” and 160 pounds, Letourneau is a versatile strong safety shows the ability to impact the game both in run support and coverage. He plays with excellent reactionary quickness, reading plays early and closing space with speed and confidence. A strong open-field tackler, he breaks down well in space and delivers clean, physical contact while wrapping up consistently. In coverage, he displays good instincts and range, allowing him to stay connected to routes and make plays on the ball. His ability to diagnose plays quickly and arrive with intent makes him a reliable and disruptive presence on the back end of the defense. Initial college offer from Sacramento State and is ranked near the top in tackles among varsity freshmen statewide.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">An impressive all around athlete and natural athlete, Skinner possesses the versatility and skill set to impact the game on both sides of the ball. Excellent secondary defender in coverage, showcasing high level ball skills and anticipation collecting five interceptions on the season thus far. He plays with great technique and disciplined footwork, staying balanced and under control through his back pedal. Flashes a smooth transition and quick hip snap to turn and run with receivers downfield. Also shows he can plant and drive on underneath routes. His ability to recognize routes and anticipate throws sets him apart, consistently putting himself in position to make plays on the ball and flip momentum for the defense. First offer from Hawaii in October and will see a bump in recruitment this offseason.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">A big, physical two-way prospect at TE/DE that brings size, strength, and athleticism to both sides of the ball at 6'3” 230 lbs. He shows impressive body control and coordination for his frame adjusting well to the football in the air. Possesses strong hands and reliable ball judgement ability allowing him to make contested catches and secure tough throws in traffic. After the catch, he's a tough tackle, using his power and balance to fight through defenders and extend gains. As a blocker, he attacks his blocks with power and aggressiveness to finish and sustain throughout the play. His first D1 offer from Sacramento State last month could springboard his recruitment.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/_AidenTanks/status/1978659138579140832 </div></figure>