2028 Rankings Update: Highest Ranked Newcomers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>*Code Johnson30 saves you 30% on an annual Prep Redzone subscription*</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The update following the sophomore season of a Class is always one of our most important updates. So many new athletes are added in after breakout seasons and you really start to see the framework of where the strengths of this Class will be. When it comes to the Class of 2028 that strength is right up the middle of the offensive and defensive formations. OL, DL, TE, and LB are all well supported by high end talent and depth. That came to light thanks to the massive influx of new talent added into the rankings, and you will see many of those positions featured here as we break down the tape of our highest ranked new additions to the 2028 rankings. Let's hit play on the tape and talk about what these dudes have to offer the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2112349"],"_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-6978174a1ae4c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">You can't have a conversation about the best overall players in this Class without talking about Arrowhead's [player_tooltip player_id='2112349' first='Zach' last='Lavoe']. The sophomore DT started the 2nd half of the season for Arrowhead as they made a run to winning the D1 State Championship. In the middle of their dominant defense was the 6'3" 280 lbs DT.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Turn on the tape and you see a massive DT with outstanding strength. Strength to both set a powerful anchor to control the line of scrimmage and upper body strength to literally throw IOL aside. Zach is violent to put it simply. He is quickly establishing the fact that he is too much to handle 1 on 1 and there are already examples of him being able to win vs double teams. The '28 has a special ability to fire out of his stance quick and with force while also staying low. He also is elite at engaging with the leverage advantage. The Class of 2028 is the best IDL group I have seen and right there leading the way is Zach. Dive into the highlights for yourself of this dominant student athlete.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23146434/6932e3cccd06d6b43c37beef' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6978174a1b045"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1865234"],"_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-6978174a1b0a8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Every Class here in WI seems to have 1 or 2 ILBs who stand out from the crowd. [player_tooltip player_id='1865234' first='Brady' last='Schmidt'] is that for the Class of 2028. Fond du Lac vs Marquette was my first live game of 2025 and that is where Brady quickly put himself on my radar, and since then I have become more and more of a fan of his traits and talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'1" 220 lbs athlete is a grown man among boys on the field. Every play, every movement you see the violent, powerful athleticism that the best LBs plays with. It is wreckless tenacity, but controlled. The sophomore was elite at blitzing in 2025 between his timing, burst through the line and to close. He also brings the range needed at the ILB position to easily pursue to the sideline while still angling towards the line of scrimmage. His tackling is violent and his play recognition is reliable and only going to get better as he stacks more and more games of experience. Big fan of this LB and believe he has future D1 traits. Tap into the highlights.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/21602716/6900ed7c206aefcac2286ea0' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6978174a1b0d7"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1718683"],"_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-6978174a1b12d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Adrian is our highest debuting OL of the update and comes in at OL3 overall. The Waupun LT has an excellent frame to continue to build on over the coming years. A frame with length to help him vs speed on the edge. Adrian is at his best when he can utilize his overwhelming power in the run game and when taking on bull rushers in pass pro. The '28 also has sufficient mobility between his lateral movement and getting depth in his pass set, but there is room to build on that and get even lighter on his feet. If he can continue to put in the work and get his athleticism on par with his next level power then he is only going to continue to climb our board. I'm very excited to watch him get better and better.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19738694/68f8453b3d533836b9a94fa4' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6978174a1b159"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1841137"],"_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-6978174a1b1a3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ben is one of my favorite new players in the Class of 2028. He is a special skill player. One who can be plugged into a lot of spots and thrive. In the Xavier offense you see him take a lot of direct snaps and destroy defenses on the ground. Ben has a rare, massive frame for the RB position. He wins in ways you would expect at that size. Tacklers bounce off that powerful frame that has a low center of gravity even at his size. The big man is very patient with the ball in his hands while behind the line of scrimmage. He understands that he needs to give his OL time, but when it opens up the '28 is there to hit the hole. The biggest surprise is the speed that the 6'3" 220 lbs athlete carries the ball with when he hits the hole and the open field. This kid is fun to watch carry the ball, and his versatility should make teams even more excited for him. Check him out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22718197/69667df618574345fdea7106' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6978174a1b1c8"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2055377"],"_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-6978174a1b211"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mondovi, WI is going to be home to one of the best QB-WR duos in the state. That WR is '28 [player_tooltip player_id='2055377' first='Beau' last='Spindler']. The 6'2" 195 lbs fits the mold of a possession WR. One that a QB can go to on any play and trust that he will come down with it. Beau has a fantastic blend of size, hands, and understanding of leverage and body positioning. All that comes together to make him a monster the catch point. Even if the DB has good position Beau has proven to already be too strong and can go up and over the DB to secure the catch with very strong hands. His ball tracking skills also are strong, aiding in his timing and positioning strengths. Beau is a savvy WR who finds way to get to the ball and after the catch he is equally strong. Check out the small school standout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17689105/691cd912da75fadc20155688' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6978174a1b237"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1715922"],"_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-6978174a1b27e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jack is going to be an OL to get on your radar early on. He plays LT for WBE, but his future home projects to be IOL and his traits fit that perfectly. His highlight reel is 180 seconds of the 6'2" 270 lbs sophomore putting DL flat on their backs. Jack is a bully in the trenches, especially as a run blocker. He moves the line of scrimmage and buries his opponent. His powerful lower body creates that push and his heavy hands control his man rep after rep. Jack's range to burst up to level two is another reason why I think he could really thrive at guard at the next level. His is strong, athletic, and has the right mentality for the trenches. Check in on the OL.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22633304/691f9b3798559ebf51333815' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6978174a1b2a3"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2112352"],"_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-6978174a1b2ec"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Our Prep Redzone rankings don't have a FB position, but if it did Beau would be #1. The 6'2" 225 lbs sophomore paved the way for the most productive RB we have seen in a long time here in WI. Beau is quick out of his stance and turns that speed into power as he runs through his defender. Beau packs a punch right from the point of contact and uses that to instantly clear out holes for his RB. The kid doesn't quick blocking until the whistle either. When he isn't clearing running lanes, Beau also plays ILB and shows that same power while running through OL on his way into the backfield. Don't miss out on the 2028.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/26268767/6925f0f2b8398d560422840c' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6978174a1b310"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2112353"],"_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-6978174a1b358"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Not many athletes can carry 260 lbs and make it look as easy as DJ can. His 6'5" frame looks like it has the space to get up near 300 lbs when he gets to the next level. Right now he is an extremely long and athletic two-way lineman. Don't let the long and lanky build fool you. DJ is a man mover in the run game. He is powerful and does well to keep his pad level low coming off the line. That leverage, his long arms, and lower body power allow him to reset the line of scrimmage and move his man 5+ yards downfield. On the other side of the ball DJ really shows off his quickness. It is impressive watching how difficult it is for OL to land a square block on the big man because he is so quick through gaps and can get skinny to slip around OL. DJ's potential is sky high. Tune into his highlights.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23354037/68fbe0104d11da387be22d92' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6978174a1b37b"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2112354"],"_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-6978174a1b3e4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Our top CB is Brookfield East's [player_tooltip player_id='2112354' first='Dominic' last='Marks']. The sophomore is a well rounded athlete out on the CB island. You can trust him to attack downhill vs the run game or quick passing game and make tackles without hesitation. The most important part, though, is what we see in coverage. His awareness and closing speed allow him to read and react and make plays on the ball at a high rate. He has the quick twitch athleticism to run with WRs and transitions out of his backpedal comfortably and quickly. Dominic has the ball skills to create turnovers on those plays that he reads perfectly too. I'm looking forward to the '28 continuing to develop and pile up varsity experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18133691/6914f065fe1ef8d0b6b428ac' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6978174a1b41d"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2112355"],"_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-6978174a1b467"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I love the aggression Jack brings to the trenches. He comes out of his stance shot out of a cannon and with bad intentions. Even in pass protection the sophomore OL is violent with his hands, and they pack a punch that can quickly send DL to the ground. In the run game Jack is able to turn that quickness out of his stance into power that overwhelms DL because he gets on them so quickly and never lets his feet quit. At just 6'2" 255 lbs the sophomore was able to move a lot of dudes in the trenches in 2025. Big things ahead for him as he continues to grow. Don't sleep on him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/26813284/69126cab1e7a4800429c717e' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6978174a1b48b"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->