NE 2027 Rankings Update | Stock Risers on the Move

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: OscarGalindo30 in the coupon code area.   The 2027 Class Rankings received its winter update, bringing over 100 new names to our radar and a major overhaul of the rankings. The next part of our coverage gives us a look at the prospects who rose up the rankings after productive junior seasons.   Full list <a href="https://prepredzone.com/nebraska/rankings/2027-rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HERE</a>   Here are five players who are quickly working their way up the rankings:   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />    <a href="https://x.com/GrantSutko" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@GrantSutko) </a>   It would be pretty hard to think of another LB room like the one Elkhorn North boasted last season, with two D1 signees and two juniors who are quickly turning heads, one of which is a top 20 prospect, [player_tooltip player_id='1699286' first='Grant' last='Sutko']. Grant had a breakout junior campaign in which he tallied 50 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, three sacks, and two fumble recoveries (one return for TD). Sutko stands out physically with his 6'3" and 215-pound frame that can easily continue filling out at the next level. Grant is a well-rounded linebacker who can pass rush, defend the run, and drop into coverage. Sutko is especially dangerous when he's up near the line of scrimmage, showing he can blow up blockers and has the speed to track down ball carriers for a splash play behind the line of scrimmage. Solid get-off and bend when rushing the QB, making him very hard for slower tackles to try to corral when firing off the edge. Grant also moves well in space with the range to go from the middle of the field out to the flats and can get depth to cover mid-range routes with ease. Grant should also see a bigger offensive role next season with 112 receiving yards, 67 rushing yards, and three rushing touchdowns. Expect Grant to continue the trend of Elkhorn North prospects to sign with big-time schools!      <a href="https://x.com/Hunter_Allen_56" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@Hunter_Allen_56)</a>   You don't have the type of season Millard South just had without some maulers in the trenches like junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1085124' first='Hunter' last='Allen']. Hunter was tabbed in the preseason as someone primed to star in a bigger role, and he more than delivered on those expectations with a great junior campaign. When watching Allen's tape, my biggest takeaway was his technique and how you can tell he's developed well in that Patriots OL factory. He plays with a strong, sturdy base and displayed great agility and lateral quickness on his feet, especially when asked to pull or climb up to the second level to seal off a LB. Hunter is very consistent with his pad level and hand placement, ensuring he can win the leverage battle on all fronts. Powerful leg drive and a competitive mean streak keep him playing until his defender is in the dirt or the whistle has blown. Great "pop" in his hands with a booming punch that can stun defenders on impact. Well-coached, aggressive, and a championship pedigree... don't sleep!      <a href="https://x.com/Braydin_Berry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@Braydin_Berry)</a>   Lincoln Northeast's [player_tooltip player_id='1653978' first='Braydin' last='Berry-Shaw'] is a prospect who has all the tools to make some noise in recruiting circles this offseason. Braydin is coming off a great junior season in which he recorded 40 tackles, four TFLs, two fumble recoveries, and an interception. Braydin stands out physically with a lengthy 6'4" and 210-pound frame that seems to still be developing. Braydin's athleticism makes him a versatile weapon at outside linebacker as he excels against the run and in coverage. He is very quick to read his keys and can break downhill very well once he keys the run. Once he gets to the ball carrier, Braydin flashes physical, secure tackling that makes sure he makes the stop on contact. I was also impressed by his ability to win his matchups against TEs on the edge, showing he can anchor his blocks before using his size and strength to disengage and shut down outside runs. "Heads up" player in coverage who can track the ball to challenge receivers at the catch point, forcing breakups, or ending in a turnover. Braydin should also see his offensive production rise next year, as the Rockets lose some players to graduation.      <a href="https://x.com/tristianj_0115" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@tristianj_0115)</a>   We have been tracking Bellevue West's [player_tooltip player_id='1085133' first='Tristian' last='James'] since his freshman season and have evaluated him at several different positions, and all I can say is to just get this guy on the field. Tristian has proven in the past few seasons that he is a gamer who can excel wherever you put him, but might project best as a DB or RB. Tristian ended his junior season with 44 tackles, .5 TFLs, a fumble recovery, 208 rushing yards, 43 receiving yards, five rushing touchdowns, and two receiving touchdowns. As a DB, I am very impressed with his range and instinctive playmaking from the safety position. He reads the field very well and is quick to break on the ball with the closing speed to arrive in time to disrupt passes or make a play against the run. Good tackling safety who can make open field tackles. His speed crosses over to the offensive side very well, as he can explode through his gap and accelerate downfield in a flash. James possesses great vision and twitch that help him maneuver and make subtle cuts in tight quarters. Strong contact balance to stay upright as he battles through tackle attempts. We could see Tristian challenge for the Thunderbird's QB1 spot next season as well, so keep an eye on that!      <a href="https://x.com/BouaphakeoTy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@BouaphakeoTy)</a>   Bennington's [player_tooltip player_id='433165' first='Ty' last='Bouaphakeo'] was a player who seemed to progress week in and week out, ending the season as one of the more improved prospects in Class B. Ty was a threat both through the air and on the ground with 2,439 passing yards, 911 rushing yards, 62% completion rate, 30 passing touchdowns, and 12 rushing touchdowns. My biggest takeaway from watching Ty's junior tape is that he is a very strong player, both in arm strength and in his base, as he fights off would-be tacklers. Bouaphakeo has a rocket arm that he's shown can deliver the deep ball with accuracy and touch, often putting it right where a receiver can catch it in stride for a big YAC gain. He's also quite nuanced as a passer, with some great throws that layer the ball over defenders and fit it into tight windows. Even knowing he's an effective runner, I was impressed by his willingness to sit in the pocket and work through his progressions before deciding to take off with the ball. He senses pressure very well and has the footwork to maneuver the pocket and extend plays with his legs. Difficult to bring down with initial contact and very slippery in the open field.     <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Make sure to follow @PRZ_OscarG for more news on Nebraska and Iowa HS recruiting.

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