RI-MA Breakout Freshmen

<p>We are preparing for the final winter ranking update for the Class of 2029. In this report, I will highlight several players from Rhode Island and Massachusetts who had breakout performances at the varsity level during the 2025 varsity season. Additionally, I will provide a brief analysis of their 2025 highlight films, outlining their strengths and weaknesses and offering suggestions to support the early start of their recruitment process.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Rhode Island:</h1>    <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Prep Redzone New England Recruiting Report</strong><br>[player_tooltip player_id='1583452' first='Donovan' last='Bamba'] has improved his recruiting stock following a successful fall 2025 season, where he made an impact as an outside linebacker for the varsity team. His standout strengths include excellent tackling and strong reactivity in play, demonstrating his readiness to engage at the point of attack.<br>Despite these strengths, there are areas for growth. Bamba will benefit from focusing on playing with greater leverage, engaging blockers, and improving his pad level at the snap.<br>To maximize his potential and address concerns regarding his growth, continued dedication to the weight room will be essential. Enhancing his strength and speed will not only help him tackle challenges on the field but will also solidify his position as a rising talent in the New England recruiting landscape. With ongoing development, Bamba is poised to become a highly sought-after prospect in the coming years.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/bamba11404/status/1990132064381796852?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Prep Redzone New England Recruiting Report: [player_tooltip player_id='2098367' first='Finn' last='LoVerme']</strong><br>As the 2025 season concluded, [player_tooltip player_id='2098367' first='Finn' last='LoVerme'] emerged as a standout underclassman on our Watch List, enhancing his recruiting profile. Standing tall at 6'4" and weighing 190 pounds, the Portsmouth Abbey School quarterback demonstrates impressive physical attributes reminiscent of future stars. His dual-sport background in basketball and baseball enhances his athletic prowess, demonstrating versatility on the field.<br>Finn's strengths lie in his quick release and accuracy, allowing him to deliver precise passes under pressure. However, to reach his full potential, he must refine his mental game, particularly concerning decision-making and poise during high-stress situations.<br>To bolster his development, we recommend ongoing sessions with a specialized QB trainer to hone his technique and improve his field awareness. Additionally, continued strength training in the weight room will enhance his physicality and overall performance. With dedication and the right support, Finn has the potential to become a special talent in the coming years, making him a prospect to monitor closely as his high school career progresses.</p>    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Massachusetts: </h1>    <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Recruiting Report: [player_tooltip player_id='1317551' first='David' last='Santiago']</strong><br>As a standout on our Prep Redzone Watch List, [player_tooltip player_id='1317551' first='David' last='Santiago'], a 2029 defensive line prospect from ArchBishop Williams, Massachusetts, has raised his recruiting stock following a successful 2025 season. Standing at 6'1" and weighing 225 pounds, Santiago showcases an impressive ability to outmaneuver high school offensive linemen with his quick get-off and adept footwork. His leverage in the run game and ability to shed blocks make him a formidable presence on the field.<br>Despite his impressive skill set, there are some concerns regarding his height, which appears on film slightly shorter than the estimated 6'2". To enhance his visibility and appeal during the recruiting process, Santiago should complete athletic testing early in the evaluation period. This proactive approach will enable him to identify suitable summer college camps, maximizing his exposure and opportunities.<br>Overall, with continued development and strategic planning, Santiago is poised to capture the attention of college recruiters and solidify his future in football.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Prep Redzone New England Recruiting Report: </strong><br>[player_tooltip player_id='2098378' first='Peyton' last='Comella'], a 2029 WR/DB from Xaverian Brothers High School in Massachusetts, has increased his recruiting stock after a solid 2025 season. Standing at 5'9" and weighing 150 lbs, Comella not only shone on the field but also boasts an impressive 3.8 GPA.<br>Throughout the season, he emerged as a reliable offensive weapon and gained valuable varsity experience. His competitiveness and confidence with the ball are remarkable for a player so young. He demonstrates excellent technique, dependable hands, and a strong release off the line of scrimmage. His route-running skills, highlighted by his ability to dip his hips during breaks, suggest a high ceiling for his development.<br>Despite his success, concerns about his height may arise among college recruiters, and he will need to enhance his frame through strength training. To address these challenges, I recommend that Comella participate in athletic testing early in the offseason to focus on any weaknesses identified, ensuring he maximizes his potential as he continues to develop in the coming years.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Peyton_comella4/status/1999282022418956388?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Prep Redzone New England Underclassmen Report: [player_tooltip player_id='2098060' first='Dray' last='Evriviades'] - Thayer Academy</strong><br>After a promising 2025 season, [player_tooltip player_id='2098060' first='Dray' last='Evriviades'] has made strides in his recruiting stock, solidifying his place as a rising quarterback on our watch list. Standing at 6'1", Dray showcased resilience by stepping into significant varsity action as a freshman, contributing to Thayer Academy's 4-4 NEPSAC/ISL record.<br>Dray's key strengths include his ability to extend plays with mobility while keeping his eyes downfield, leading to quick, accurate throws. Noteworthy performances include a clutch 28-yard touchdown pass against Governor's Academy and a 52-yard touchdown connection against Nobles, highlighting his big-play potential.<br>However, his frame needs more muscle and girth, and pre-snap defensive reading is an area for development. To further elevate his game, continued weight training and focused practice on reading defenses will be vital.<br>With his commitment to improvement, including training at M2 QB Academy, [player_tooltip player_id='2098060' first='Dray' last='Evriviades'] is a player to watch as he continues to develop and potentially shapes the future of New England football. As he navigates through his high school career, continued attention will surely follow him and rightfully so.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/DrayEvriviades/status/1999263402053763432?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Recruiting Report: </strong><br>I'm excited to spotlight [player_tooltip player_id='1948563' first='Darren' last='Dornezon'], a 2029 athlete from Dracut High School, who has elevated his recruiting stock following an impressive 2025 season. Standing at 6'2" and weighing 170 lbs, Darren possesses a lean and versatile frame, allowing him to excel in multiple positions including tight end, wide receiver, and outside linebacker.<br>Throughout the season, Darren demonstrated remarkable fluidity and skill on both offense and defense. He showcased reliable hands and the ability to play effectively at the edge. On defense, his aggressive tackling and ability to bend effectively set him apart from his peers.<br>Highlighting his athletic capability, Darren recorded a hand-timed 4.88-second 40-yard dash at a Division 1 FBS summer event, complemented by a notable 8-foot-11-inch broad jump. His long limbs and lean build suggest significant growth potential, making him a high-ceiling prospect for college recruiters. With this trajectory, Darren is one to watch as he continues to develop on the field!</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/DarrenDornezon/status/2006016524142674363?s=20 </div></figure>

We are preparing for the final winter ranking update for the Class of 2029. In this report, I will highlight several players from Rhode Island and Massachusetts who had breakout performances at the varsity level during the 2025 varsity season. Additionally, I will provide a brief analysis of their 2025 highlight films, outlining their strengths and weaknesses and offering suggestions to support the early start of their recruitment process.