New Additions to the Top 100 Players in the 2027 Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The J<a href="https://events.prepredzone.com/e/2141/register/stock-up-showcase-virginia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anuary 2026 Player Showcase</a> is coming up quickly in Sterling, VA on January 24! Open invite to any player classes 2026-2029. Use code <strong><em>LaingWinterPRZ</em></strong> for a discount on your registration fee. <br>See the College Coach Attendees <em><a href="https://events.prepredzone.com/e/2141/colleges" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a></em>. DM our lead scout <em><a href="https://twitter.com/carljfred" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@carljfred</a></em> with any questions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We recently published our updated rankings for the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/virginia/rankings/2027-rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Class of 2027</a>. We added over one hundred players with many more added to our Watch List. We did see some new faces added to our Top 100 prospects. Today, I am covering those players who moved into our Top 100. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">New Faces to the 2027 Ranking</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402761"],"_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-695ed1c24d126"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Saint James is getting a nice addition to their backfield in [player_tooltip player_id='402761' first='Darren' last='Williams'] who has reclassed to 2027. He displays good athleticism with very good balance and strength, good quickness, and explosiveness. Good vision allows him to identify the hole, and he displays good burst to the second level while remaining balanced through contact. At the second level, he displays elusiveness to make cuts and the speed to gain positive yards in the open field. He comes in at 62 overall and our 4th ranked Running Back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17691421/Darren-Williams" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/bambam_for6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1664154"],"_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-695ed1c24d193"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Good height and size. Good athleticism displaying the speed, quickness, and strength at the position. Good burst as a ball carrier with very good balance. Can be used on inside and outside runs, showing good elusiveness to force missed tackles at the second level and get to top speed in the open field. Solid as a receiver, can run routes out of the slot. He has the tools teams are looking for at the next level. See what my colleague Carl <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/2027s-set-to-debut-next-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>wrote last week</strong></a> about Dillan below.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1664154' first='Dillan' last='Wickham']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/dillan-wickham/"><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></a><a></a>&nbsp;transferred in from Texas it was made pretty clear early on his tenure with West Springfield that he was special. Not only did Wickham lead Class 6 in rushing, he did it with a 7.7 yards per carry average! A true home run threat who rushed for 13 touchdowns as a junior helping the Spartans claim a region title. He will debut high in our new rankings next week and I would be shocked if he doesn't start getting offers this off-season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19388942/Dillan-Wickham" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/WickhamDillan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Stock Risers </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1313427"],"_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-695ed1c24d1e4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I recently covered Alijah, and I was very impressed by his film. He was an easy addition to the top 100 and jumped all the way to 59 from 119. I would not be shocked if we see him raise his stock once again, even with such a strong 2027 class. See <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/class-of-2027-ranking-preview-first-time-scouting-reports/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>my comments</strong></a> on his tape below:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alijah is a name you need to keep an eye on and one due for a bump in his ranking. He is a linebacker who makes himself known on the field, totaling 147 tackles, 3 sacks, 4 interceptions, and 5 pass break ups in his junior season. Able to play in a Stacked LB role and on the EDGE, he is a complete LB in that he can defend the run and the pass. Very good athletic ability with very good speed and lateral quickness combined with his good processing of the game allows him to be in position to make the play. I really like what I see on his tape and expect him to be one to be receiving more offers beyond what he has currently received.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19221054/Alijah-Paige" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a>&nbsp;/&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/apaige0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1312752"],"_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-695ed1c24d298"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Joseph is a player I identified as too low in our rankings last July, and that is on us for not bumping him sooner. He has since picked up an offer from <a href="https://x.com/Joseph_M76/status/1961968545488654506" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Liberty </em></a>and I expect more to come for him. See my previous <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/rounding-out-ol-in-the-class-of-27-top-150/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>scouting evaluation</strong></a> on him below. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Joseph is a big run-blocking mauler on the offensive line. He has great size at 6'6”, 282 lbs. He has the strength and will to overpower his opponents. He does a good job of keeping a strong, balanced base in his run blocking, allowing him to drive his legs. Solid in Pass Pro, with a strong grip and anchor when he latches onto the pass rusher. A lot to like in his game. He is another I could very well see rising in the ranks after next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19517873/Joseph-McFarland" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl&nbsp;</a>/&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Joseph_M76" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1426550"],"_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-695ed1c24d2e9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Vinnie finally cracked the Top 100 in this update. He is a very good athlete with very good acceleration, quickness, and speed. Very good release into his routes and separation quickness at the top of his route, with very good change of direction and acceleration allowing him to win with his athleticism. Shows elusiveness and strength as a runner in YAC. Also is a good Safety on defense. Finished 2025 with 52 Rec, 806 Rec Yds, 1,200 Total Yards, and 17 TDs. My colleague Carl has been high on him for a while.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20422674/Vincent-Hill" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/Vincent__Hill" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1312062"],"_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-695ed1c24d359"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Making the jump from rank 111 to 94, Camden is a future FBS WR who has transferred to Saint James Academy for his senior season. A very good athlete with the speed, acceleration, agility and quickness you want to be a starting WR for FBS football. A quick release off the line of scrimmage and the ability to separate out of his cuts make him a mismatch on the field. He currently holds three Division 1 offers and more will come. I expect he will prove we still have him ranked too low next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19456131/Camden-Simmons" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/camden_simmons" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1312032"],"_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-695ed1c24d3c6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bowen just missed out on the top 100 last year coming in at 102, and he received a well deserved bump into the top 100 in our update. We found it hard to move players with how impressed we are with the class overall, but Bowen was one we needed in the top 100. See my <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/rounding-out-ol-in-the-class-of-27-top-150/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>previous thoughts</strong></a> on him below. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has the natural size you want in an Offensive Tackle at 6'6”, and he has added mass to his frame this offseason. He bends well and has the athleticism to play the Tackle position at a high level. He does a good job mirroring pass rushers on his tape and shows a solid anchor. I expect his work this offseason will make him look more explosive in his play and take his game to the next level. We look forward to seeing his development on the field this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14711234/Bowen-Gottselig" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a>&nbsp;/&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/bowen_gottselig" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1312192"],"_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-695ed1c24d431"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When we were making our final touches on the rankings, one name stuck out to me that was not in the top 100 and that was [player_tooltip player_id='1312192' first='Luke' last='Roberts']. After two seasons of being a Swiss army knife, we got to see Luke take the reigns at QB, and he had a stellar season <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/06/przva-2027-ranking-reaction-future-stock-risers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>as I expected</strong></a>. He finds himself ranked at 97 in this update. See my <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/05/2027-qb-rankings-preview-names-to-know/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>previous comment</strong></a> on his tape below:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Luke has proven himself to be a versatile ATH for Godwin, playing QB, RB, WR, and DB. I&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/08/qbs-to-know-in-virginia-heading-into-the-2024-season/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">covered Luke in depth</a></strong>&nbsp;before the 2024 season in his QB play, and I stand by what I wrote. The zip on his pass sticks out on all throws across the field, and he shows he can take some off the pass to throw with a good touch. He is also accurate in his throws on top of his arm strength and touch. Beyond that, he can beat you with his legs via his athleticism. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19190142/Luke-Roberts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl&nbsp;</a>/&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Luke5Roberts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1176255"],"_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-695ed1c24d47f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Elijah is primarily a Wide Receiver, but he can align in multiple positions on offense. A good athlete with good speed, agility, explosiveness and change of direction. A solid route runner with good separation quickness at the top of his routes. An elusive runner with the ball in his hands with good ability to stop and start his feet to evade defenders. He moved up 5 spots in our rankings to 99 overall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/22718630/Elijah-Henderson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl </a>/ <a href="https://x.com/elijah_h15" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1313465"],"_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-695ed1c24d4c9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The last player to jump into the top 100 was Aviance who jumped from 107 to 100. My colleague Carl has been high on him, and he received a <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/10/weekly-game-balls-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Game Ball recognition</a> from Carl in Week 9 this past season. Here are <strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/03/rankings-preview-of-class-of-2027-dbs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">some of my comments</a></strong> on Aviance from March 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Very good mental processing, combined with good ball skills make him a very good coverage safety, recording 2 interceptions and 10 pass breakups this past fall. He is a fluid athlete with good change of direction, acceleration, explosiveness, and speed. Very good at run defense. He can pop ball carriers with good tackling technique and forced 4 fumbles on the season</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19480353/Aviance-Young-Jr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a>&nbsp;/&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/lilav4x?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>**Cole cannot communicate with prospects directly due to his work in college football. Any questions related to his content must be directed to the&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneVA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@PrepRedzoneVA</a></em>&nbsp;<em>account**</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Follow me on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/GoLions1934" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@GoLions1934</a>&nbsp;for further content |&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneVA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@PrepRedzoneVA</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/PrepRedzone" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@PrepRedzone</a>&nbsp;| Virginia Scouts&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/carljfred" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@carljfred</a>,&nbsp;</em><a href="https://x.com/EdOBrienCFB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>@EdOBrienCFB</em></a><em>&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;</em><a href="https://x.com/robkingscouting" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>@robking2020</em></a>&nbsp;| <em>View my previous Prep Redzone articles&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/author/cole-laing-author/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->