2027 Watchlist Names to Know

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">While rankings continue to evolve, these watchlist prospects are next up flashing the tools, production, and upside that demand attention. In this spotlight, we highlight the 2027 Watchlist Names to Know as they build momentum heading into the offseason.</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Garcia was a workhorse RB for North Canyon as a junior taking 191 carries for 1,082 yards and 12 touchdowns. 5'11” 180 lbs. He accelerates through the first level and flashes good lateral agility to be elusive in both tight spaces and the open field. He maintains his speed when cutting and possesses a sustained second gear to break away in space. Good ability to read/direct his blocks and can shed contact to break tackles. First Team All Region and expect similar production as a senior. Will be in the rankings next update.</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/ajg18501/status/1990866435233415519 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Pederson recently transferred from Higley to Corona Del Sol. 5'10” 170 lbs. he's a solid slot receiver and a breakout candidate as senior. He's a creative route runner that separates with sudden quickness, tempo changes, and acceleration out of the break. He's got a good feel for space and attacks DB's leverage with good use of stems. One to watch playing with one of the top QB's in state next season.</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/19KJP/status/1979582158919635173 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Strong cover corner with good length and the speed to cover all areas of the field in both man and zone. Shows good route recognition and the ability to read the QB's eyes with the awareness to anticipate throws and close passing lanes. Good transitional speed to break on the ball and close space. Plus ball judgement skills to track the ball in the air and make plays at the catch point with 5 interceptions in his junior season.</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/MylesPolite/status/1996046067520209171 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">A lot to like about Kammes all-around skillset blending his length, speed, and route running ability. 6'2” 170 lbs. he's a savvy athlete that creates easy separation at all three depths. Shows a hard drive phase coming out of stance and has deceptive straight line speed to beat coverage vertically. Flashes high caliber ball skills with the body control and coordination to quickly adjust to midair ball flight. He's got strong natural hands and wins contested catches in traffic. He's a D1 prospect that will rise up rankings and recruiting boards this offseason.</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/KonnerKammes/status/2001184730990186591 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Grimes is a high upside DB playing in the strong Basha secondary. Good fluidity in his movement and reactionary quickness. He's smooth in the hips to transition and accelerate out of his turn. Uses active hands to force receivers off their route line and establish positional leverage to play the ball in the air. Well-coached he's got solid all around fundamentals and technique in his footwork and hand usage with limited wasted movement to stay in phase against a wide route tree.</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/Geremiah_08/status/2001492438247162077 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Jones plays the hybrid SS/OLB role well at Peoria. He's got good natural playmaking ability and raw potential to build on. Highly projectable frame at 6'4” 185 lbs. with room to add mass without sacrificing speed/athleticism. Lean build but has the natural strength and power to be a violent as a tackler and block shedder. Good movement skills, he shows the burst to close in pursuit and the lateral agility/change of direction to redirect in the open field. Multi-dimensional, he's equally effective in run support and in coverage with the range to play sideline to sideline.</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/ShaheenJones_5/status/1985920710645366813 </div></figure>