First look at Maryland 2027 ranked prospects – Part 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'll be giving my first evaluation on ranked prospects in the Class of 2027 over the next several weeks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's Part 1. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1709932"],"_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-697d515810fd0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Thompson is a natural playmaker with the ball in his hands. He's not a true burner, but his long stride and vision allow him to outrun angles and finish runs once he gets space. Thompson sees lanes develop, presses blocks well, and stays calm at the quarterback spot. As a passer, he shows confidence, uses his eyes effectively, and delivers the ball in stride on downfield throws. One area to improve is his initial burst. If he can even a little bit of first-step quickness, it would create even more opportunities for explosive plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2100307"],"_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-697d515811060"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Strong is a smooth, confident receiver who consistently stresses defenses vertically. He shows good speed, sells his routes well, and does a nice job manipulating safeties with subtle fakes. Strong tracks the ball naturally downfield and isn't afraid to catch it in traffic or go up and get it. He's also effective working from different alignments, whether outside or in the slot. One thing to work on is strengthening his frame. Strong is on the lighter side, and continuing to improve in that area won't hurt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1716732"],"_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-697d5158110b4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Diggs is a big, physical target who consistently wins in the red zone and on vertical routes. He high-points the football with confidence, plays through contact, and shows strong hands when defenders are draped on him. While Diggs is not a true burner, his long stride allows him to eat up space and pull away once he's moving. He's versatile enough to line up outside, in the slot, or even as a tight end. Diggs makes the most out of his opportunities and gets those big yards after the catch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2107115"],"_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-697d515811106"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br>[player_tooltip player_id='2107115' first='Nisaiah' last='Glass'] is a physical, confident free safety who plays fast and decisively. He reacts quickly from depth and isn't afraid to come downhill and hit. Glass tracks the ball well, gets over the top consistently, and breaks up throws on post routes. He also shows strong instincts and awareness. Glass's highlights show him putting himself in the right spot before the ball arrives. I'm impressed with how he makes momentum-changing plays. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->