Class of ‘28: Six Stock Risers Moving Inside the Top 50

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Earlier this month I gave a preview of some prospects that folks could expect to see move up in the ‘28 rankings. Now that the rankings are live, I'll be breaking down some more stock risers. This January update had several, but this report is headlined by six that moved inside the Top 50. Take a look at the progress they made since the previous update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1656374' first='Bray' last='Witcher'] - Maize South, 5'9”, 150, ATH</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With an increase in rank of more than 120 spots, Witcher of Maize South comes away with the highest increase during this update. This boost in rank comes after his solid all-around ‘25 campaign. Offensively he recorded 179 total yards of offense, and on special teams he racked up 380 kick return yards on 22 returns. On defense he chipped in 34 total tackles and four pass breakups. He's now the 22nd ranked prospect overall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/kross-kemmerer/">Kross Kemmerer</a></strong> - Beloit, 6'3”, 270, DL/OL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beloit is a very underrated program when it comes to producing beasts in the trenches. Kemmerer is the latest example. In this update he climbed to No. 26 overall and is now the top ranked defensive lineman in the class. The sophomore is a defensive tackle that already demands a double team, and is as strong as an ox.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1804106' first='Braylon' last='Reed'] - Derby, 5'11”, 175, DB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Derby Panthers have a strong group of defensive prospects from this class. Reed is one of multiple sophomores that emerged as key contributors for the Panthers' defense in 2025. He is a physical, hard-hitting safety with a bright future. In this update his rank increased by 65 spots and he's now the 6th ranked DB in the class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1667372' first='Brody' last='Hopper'] - Derby, 6'3”, 205, LB/Edge</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Right behind Reed at No. 37 overall in the class is fellow Derby Panther [player_tooltip player_id='1667372' first='Brody' last='Hopper']. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound linebacker is a member of the group I mentioned above. He executes his assignments at a high level, and possesses the versatility to line up at multiple positions. The No. 3 spot in the linebacker group now belongs to him.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1528043' first='Grant' last='Warner'] - Holton, 6'3”, 215, DL/TE</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Up next is Warner of Holton. He's a 6-foot-3, 215-pound defensive end with a high motor. Warner is relentless when pursuing the ball, which is how he piled up 81 total tackles in 2025. Holton also likes to use him as a blocking tight end in their run heavy offense. He's now the 47th ranked prospect overall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1637868' first='Thomas' last='Inkelaar'] - Andover Central, 6'6”, 330, OL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rounding off this group of six is one of the biggest prospects in the sophomore class. [player_tooltip player_id='1637868' first='Thomas' last='Inkelaar'] of Andover Central is an offensive lineman that recruiters need to add to their watch lists this year. Inkelaar played well at left tackle this past fall and went on to receive <em>All-State</em> honors. He's an absolute freight train when run blocking. The big man is still raw when it comes to pass blocking at tackle, but he has plenty of time to develop those skills. Inkelaar moved up 21 spots in this update to No. 48 overall in the class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->