Scouting the Top 2027 Prospects: Athletes

We're wrapping up our "elite 2027s" series ahead of next week's rankings update, so we're covering the athletes. We've already covered the top players in the 2027 class at the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/scouting-the-top-2027-prospects-quarterbacks/">quarterback</a>, <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/scouting-the-top-2027-prospects-running-backs/">running back</a>, <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/scouting-the-top-2027-prospects-wide-receiver/">wide receiver</a>, <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/scouting-the-top-2027-prospects-tight-ends/">tight end</a>, <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/scouting-the-top-2027-prospects-interior-defensive-linemen/">defensive line</a>, <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/scouting-the-top-2027-prospects-edge-rushers/">edge</a>, <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/scouting-the-elite-2027-prospects-linebackers/">linebacker</a>, and <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/scouting-the-top-2027-prospects-defensive-backs/">defensive back</a> positions. Now, we're looking at the two-way guys, players we could see being recruited on either side of the ball.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Scouting the Top 2027 Athletes</h2>   When we first launched our 2027 rankings, we had a bunch of athletes. In fact, we had far more than usual for a class. It's an athletic class, and several of the class's best players played both ways. As the class has gotten older, we've moved several players who used to carry the "athlete" tag for their primary position to the position we now know they'll play in college. However, there are still plenty of potential two-way stars at the top of the rankings. Here, we'll break them down.    While Jones has the ability to play both ways, we're close to changing him to a defensive back in the system. His closing speed is elite, and he has the ball skills of a receiver on the back end as a safety. That being said, he's electric with the ball in his hand,s and his first major impact at the college level may be on special teams.     I was nearly ready to rank Handerson as a pure defensive back before the season. Then, he went out and averaged 27 yards a catch and 13 yards a rush for Southern Durham, to go with some of the best kick and punt return numbers in the state. He has some of the best all-around production in the state, with eight career interceptions, eight forced fumbles, and over 2,000 total yards on offense.     As a sophomore, Shelton did the majority of his damage on offense. As a junior, though, he was a dynamic defender, playing a rover role in the slot, as a safety, and even as the occasional stand-up edge rusher. He's long and fast, able to mirror receivers and make plays on the ball in coverage.     Poku-Kankam is a versatile defender with elite athleticism. He's not as much a two-way athlete as he is a guy who could arguably play about six or seven roles defensively. Colleges have different plans for how to use him, either as a linebacker, a box safety, or even as a versatile slot defender. His change-of-direction and play strength are among the best in the class.     Cooper played more defense than offense as a junior, also excelling as a kick returner, as well. Like several of his Providence Day teammates, Cooper's position was fluid defensively, and he has highlights in single-high coverage and as a box safety/linebacker. He's probably a defender at the next level, but he's versatile enough to play multiple spots.    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Other Potential FBS Athletes</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='1321034' first='Sincere' last='Gray'] | West Charlotte   [player_tooltip player_id='1788198' first='Saimair' last='Horton'] | Dudley   [player_tooltip player_id='1318716' first='Griffin' last='Cockerham'] | NC State   This is the time of year when we have the most time to dive into film, reevaluate prospects, and change our minds about players. Send your film on Twitter/X (<a href="https://x.com/whelms21">@whelms21</a>), so I can evaluate you. Want to share Prep Redzone with a friend? Promo Code Helms30 is good for 30% off your first billing cycle.

We're wrapping up our "elite 2027s" series ahead of next week's rankings update, so we're covering the athletes. We've already covered the top players in the 2027 class at the quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, defensive line, edge, linebacker, and defensive back positions. Now, we're looking at the two-way guys, players we could see being recruited on either side of the ball.