2028 Rankings: Central Valley Newcomers

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Deep dive into several 2027 rankings newcomers from the central valley. All we're highly productive throughout their sophomore seasons and project as quality college level prospects.</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Cruz was the driving force of the Clovis North offense as a sophomore racking up 1,555, yards and 15 touchdowns on 206 carries. 5'11” 160 lbs. he's a crafty and calculated RB that creates plays with patience, feel, and subtle manipulation of defenders. He shows good tempo control changing speeds to set up blocks and lateral cuts. He avoids rushing into traffic allowing lanes to develop with good patience behind the LOS. Plus instincts, he flashes the vision and anticipation to identify cutback lanes and influence defenders into over pursuing. Among 2028 RB's in the state he ranked fifth in rushing yards in the 2025 season. Enters the rankings just outside the top 100 overall.</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/jr_cruz22/status/2018906691191079291 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Gomez led the 2028 class statewide in passing with 3,471 yards and 31 touchdowns while completing 69% of his throws. He's a productive, efficient, and creative QB that can process quickly in the pocket or improvise to create outside structure when needed. He's a savvy passer with an accelerated over the top release demonstrating that he can mix up arm angles and velocity to place the ball at all three levels. Calm demeanor in the pocket as he scans the field and works through reads but also shows he can escape pressure and throw from different off balance platforms while moving. He's quickly able to reset his feet and shoulders to get the ball out working to his second and third receivers. He's a confident passer that's not afraid to take shots downfield or in tight windows. Solid foundational skillset to build as he gains more experience.</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/markisgomez8/status/2014792697593397448 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Lacy had a breakout sophomore season throwing for an impressive 48 touchdowns and 2,712 yards while completing 72% of his 195 attempts. Possesses a dynamic dual threat skillset who is a passer first but can create explosive plays with his legs as well. Smooth mechanics in his footwork and delivery. He stays in rhythm and balance throughout his drop back and has an easy release that generates velocity with good rotation. Plus arm strength pushing the ball vertically and on timing routes across the middle or to the boundary. Arm strength also flashes when defenders are in his face and he's not able to step into throws. Cleanly steps up, slides, and resets in the pocket to avoid rushers while looking for second chance throwing windows but has the speed and ball carrier instincts to break containment and create chunk plays with his legs. A highly recruitable prospect that will see his stock rise as the cycle progresses.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Lefotu has been a two year varsity player and showed great year over year improvement as a sophomore. Now at 6'1” 215 lbs. he's got a well-built frame with good balance in both his upper and lower body. He's a quick reacting LB that has the skillset to play any second level position but looks good as an edge of box defender with his ability to play in space and affect the passing game in coverage. He plays well with his eyes and understands his assignment to carry routes and close throwing lanes by knocking down balls or forcing immediate contact to the receiver at the catch point. Against the run, he triggers aggressively downhill and is decisive filling lanes with efficient angle pursuit and strong leverage at the POA. Delivers strong contact as a tackler and blocker shedder, he accelerates his feet/hips on contact. Finished the 2025 season with 84 total tackles and also had a strong performance at the PRZ Showcase in Southern California 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/lefotuisaiah/status/2002437618852901179 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Moore is a disrupting force on the DL capable of dominating the LOS. 6'3” 250 lbs. he's got a big strong frame but doesn't lack athleticism, bend, or movement skills. Consistently affects plays in a variety of ways as a pass rusher and run stopper finishing the 2025 season with 43 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks. Plus first step explosiveness gaining immediate penetration and vertical push on the snap. He shoots his hands and hips through gaps to close lanes and create backfield disruption before the play can develop. Violent hands, he's got a powerful initial strike and is able to stack and shed blockers aggressively. Athleticism shows in his versatile skillset and positional flexibility also making plays at TE and on the offensive line. Strong prospect all around that could easily transition to the interior DL at the college level.</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/MaxwellMoore28/status/1993733033158168635 </div></figure>