Connecticut Sophomore Stockrisers From Fall Play

The first winter ranking update for the class of 2028 is nearly finished. The Connecticut players listed below have caught our attention following their strong performances in the 2025 season.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />    Prep Redzone New England Recruiting Report: [player_tooltip player_id='1575814' first='Ryan' last='Sims'], a 6'2" defensive back from Suffield Academy, Connecticut, has emerged as a standout underclassman in the 2028 class after a solid 2025 season. Known for his polished playing style, Sims possesses exceptional ball skills and coverage abilities that make him a formidable presence on the field. His quick feet and loose hips allow him to fluidly navigate coverage, while his impressive short-area quickness enables rapid adjustments. Sims demonstrates a keen understanding of the game, rarely taking false steps and exhibiting instincts that set him apart from his peers. Not only is he effective in coverage, but he also shows the ability to support against the run and excel at defending screens, using his leaping ability for added impact. Additionally, his involvement in basketball enhances his athleticism and competitiveness, potentially attracting college programs looking for versatile athletes. As he continues to develop, Sims has undoubtedly raised his recruiting stock, making him a player to watch in the coming years.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Simsryans/status/1993176470341271926?s=20 </div></figure>     Prep Redzone New England Recruiting Report Underclassmen Spotlight: [player_tooltip player_id='1330953' first='Jack' last='Olsen'] Class: 2028 Position: WR/Tight End School: Weston High School, Connecticut Height/Weight: 6'3" / 180 lbs After an impressive 2025 season, [player_tooltip player_id='1330953' first='Jack' last='Olsen'] has solidified his spot on our recruiting radar. Standing at 6'3" and weighing 180 pounds, Olsen has showcased great potential as a WR/Tight End hybrid. His moderate release from the line of scrimmage allows him to effectively engage defenses, while his keen awareness helps him find soft spots in zone coverages. Olsen's ability to gain yards after the catch is particularly noteworthy, utilizing a powerful stiff arm to break tackles and extend plays. Despite showing some tightness in his hips, his reliable hands and adept route-running continue to impress me. As he progresses, enhancing his agility will be key to maximizing his skill set. Olsen's continued development this season positions him as a promising prospect in New England's recruiting landscape. Watch for his name as the recruiting cycle heats up; he's a player to keep an eye on!      Prep Redzone New England Recruiting Report: Underclassmen Stock Update After a solid 2025 season, [player_tooltip player_id='1070537' first='Jayden' last='Raul Concepcion'], a 6'0", 201-pound defensive back from East Haven High School, has increased his recruiting profile. As a member of our Watch List for the 2028 class, Jayden exhibits commendable aggression on the field and consistently seeks to deliver impactful tackles. Primarily a free safety, he stands out for his field vision, allowing him to read plays effectively and anticipate offensive movements. However, there are some areas for improvement; his speed is a concern that needs to be assessed to better project his collegiate potential. Additionally, strengthening his point of contact will be crucial to his future development. As Jayden continues to refine his skills and address these areas, he remains a promising prospect for college programs seeking an athletic and instinctive defensive back. Monitoring his progress will be essential as we anticipate further growth in the coming seasons. The future looks bright for Jayden, with promising opportunities ahead.      Prep Redzone New England Recruiting Report: [player_tooltip player_id='1122395' first='Kai' last='Young'] I'm thrilled to highlight the remarkable progression of [player_tooltip player_id='1122395' first='Kai' last='Young'], a standout underclassman from Suffield Academy in Connecticut. After an impressive 2025 season, Kai has seen his recruiting stock rise, firmly establishing himself as a rising talent in the class of 2028. Standing at 6'1" and weighing 190 pounds, Kai showcased exceptional skills throughout his sophomore year. Over nine games, he recorded 24 receptions for 484 yards, averaging an impressive 20.1 yards per reception along with three receiving touchdowns. His versatility shone through with 10 carries for 121 yards, two rushing touchdowns, and a solid defensive contribution, registering three pass breakups. Kai's ability to win 50/50 balls, combined with his reliable hands and agility in the open field, makes him a formidable receiver. His good release from the line of scrimmage enables him to effectively defeat press-man coverage, while his willingness to block demonstrates his commitment to the team. With an exceptional blend of speed and skill, [player_tooltip player_id='1122395' first='Kai' last='Young'] is undoubtedly a player to watch as he advances in his football journey.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/kaiyoung22_/status/1988421673113317514?s=20 </div></figure>     2025 Recruiting Report: [player_tooltip player_id='1857172' first='Matteo' last='Anderson'] [player_tooltip player_id='1857172' first='Matteo' last='Anderson'], a 2028 quarterback/athlete from North Branford, Connecticut, has boosted his recruiting stock following an impressive sophomore season. Compiling a 9-1 record, Anderson completed 75 of 115 passes, achieving a 65% completion rate with 1,515 total yards, 16 touchdowns, and only 3 interceptions. Anderson's command presence in the pocket stands out; he showcases a blend of poise and quick decision-making, often hitting assigned targets with precision on short to intermediate throws. His ability to extend plays with his legs adds another layer to his playmaking capabilities, keeping defenses on their toes. While his passing mechanics require refinement—particularly in velocity—his overall skill set indicates a promising upside. As Anderson progresses, his combination of athleticism and football IQ suggests he is well on his way to becoming a top prospect in the New England region. Coaches and recruiters should closely monitor his development as he prepares for the next level. In summary, [player_tooltip player_id='1857172' first='Matteo' last='Anderson'] is an underclassman to watch, with the potential to become a standout competitor in the years ahead.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/matteoand02/status/1998962263185912132?s=20 </div></figure>     Prep Redzone New England Report: Rising Star - [player_tooltip player_id='2086402' first='Oliver' last='Caspi'] As the New England Region Recruiting Analyst for Prep Redzone, I'm excited to spotlight [player_tooltip player_id='2086402' first='Oliver' last='Caspi'] from Brunswick School, a standout 2028 linebacker who has elevated his recruiting profile during the 2025 season. Standing at 6'0" and weighing 210 pounds, Caspi is known for his relentless passion and hustle on the field. This season, he showcased remarkable agility and speed, particularly in special teams, where he consistently flew down the field on kickoff coverage, making impactful plays. Although limited clips exist to evaluate his linebacker skills—primarily because he played behind an upperclassman—his early performances indicate he possesses the potential to excel in that role. Scouts have noted his work ethic and instinctive play, which suggest a bright future ahead, making him one to watch. As he continues to develop and gain more experience, Caspi's stock is likely to rise even further, attracting attention from college programs eager to tap into his burgeoning talent. Keep an eye on this promising young athlete!   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/OliverCaspi5/status/1994059398784729554?s=20 </div></figure>     Prep Redzone New England: Underclassmen Recruiting Report I'm excited to spotlight [player_tooltip player_id='1648991' first='Radley' last='Gonzalez'] from Norwich Free Academy, who has raised his recruiting stock during the 2025 season. Standing at 5'9" and weighing 165 lbs, this talented 2028 WR/DB has demonstrated exceptional skills that have caught the attention of college scouts. Radley has shown he's a solid player with a knack for tackling and a physical presence at the point of attack. His ability to ball hawk and see the field well speaks volumes about his football IQ and awareness. Throughout the season, he made key plays that showcased his versatility on both sides of the ball, making him an asset to his team. His performance this season signifies that he's on the path to becoming a standout player. With continued growth and development, [player_tooltip player_id='1648991' first='Radley' last='Gonzalez'] is undoubtedly a name to watch as he moves through his high school career. Keep an eye on this emerging talent, as his future in football looks very promising!   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/certifiedrg5/status/2000941252054012205?s=20 </div></figure>

The first winter ranking update for the class of 2028 is nearly finished. The Connecticut players listed below have caught our attention following their strong performances in the 2025 season.