January Stock-Risers: 2027 Athletes

We recently released our January <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/updated-2027-north-carolina-rankings/">2027 Rankings Update</a>, and it's time to break down the players who tell the story of the update. I've hit a couple of big-picture items so far, namely <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/three-things-to-know-about-the-class-of-2027/">three things to know</a> about the class and my traditional <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/behind-the-scenes-of-the-2027-rankings-january-update/">behind-the-scenes piece</a>. We've looked at nine positions, and we're finishing out the stock-risers series with a look at the 2027 athletes.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2027 Athlete Stock-Risers</h2>    We didn't have much major movement among our athletes, but Floyd was the one huge exception, as he jumped over 100 spots in the rankings. We like his versatility and his ball skills and think he could contribute on either side of the ball as a college player.     Dempsey was one of several talented Providence Day receivers in 2025, but his athletic profile gives him upside in a variety of roles. He was used more deep and over the middle this season than he was at his previous school, but he still provides elite after-the-catch ability. His ability as a return man gives him a chance to contribute early at the FBS level.     Though a bit undersized, White was used in a variety of roles in 2025. A true athlete, he contributed as a defensive back and receiver, while doing some damage on the ground via jet sweeps, as well. There's some projection needed, but as he gets bigger, White should have ample opportunity to put up big numbers on both sides of the ball.     We may ultimately decide whether Poku-Kankam is a safety, a linebacker, or something else entirely later this offseason, but we're keeping our options open right now. He's an impactful special-teamer, as well, with multiple blocked kicks as a junior. He has length, size, speed, and physicality, and he should have a huge senior year. I'll be interested to see to which position he's recruited most heavily by major college teams.     Yon really stepped up as a leader of the Grimsley defense in 2025, despite being one of only a few underclassman starters. His ball skills are excellent, and he loves to hit, despite his size. He didn't play much on offense this season, but he has the ability to play in the slot, and his defensive versatility opens up a lot of schematic advantages for the Whirlies.     The true definition of an athlete, Henderson finished with over 1,200 scrimmage yards as a junior, was the state's leading punt returner, and racked up 88 tackles, four forced fumbles, and two interceptions on defense. He scored as a rusher, receiver, kick returner, punt returner, and on an interception last year, and was uncoverable on offense. Wherever he plays in college, he should find quick success.    There's plenty to come from Matt Morrow, Joshua Graham, and me on the 2027 rankings over the next week. Stay locked in with Prep Redzone for more insights, evaluations, and rankings updates. Want to share Prep Redzone with a friend? Promo code Helms30 will get them 30% off their first billing cycle for any subscription. Want to be evaluated? Send me your film! <a href="https://x.com/whelms21">@whelms21</a> on Twitter/X.

We recently released our January 2027 Rankings Update, and it's time to break down the players who tell the story of the update. I've hit a couple of big-picture items so far, namely three things to know about the class and my traditional behind-the-scenes piece. We've looked at nine positions, and we're finishing out the stock-risers series with a look at the 2027 athletes.