6 Potential Spring Newcomers: 2028

We're in the midst of our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/updated-2028-north-carolina-rankings/">Winter Rankings Update</a> for the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/north-carolina/rankings/2028-rankings/">2028 class</a>, and while we've had plenty of coverage on the here and now, I like to keep one eye on the future. Last week, I wrote about <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/6-2028s-to-know-for-next-rankings-update/">six ranked 2028s who could rise</a> in the Spring Rankings Update later this year. Here, I'm looking at players currently outside the 2028 rankings who could join the group in April.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">6 Future 2028 Newcomers</h2>    It sometimes takes a bit longer for talented offensive linemen to find their way into the rankings, just because they don't show up on many statistical rankings or newspaper clippings. It took a recent film study session to find Lane, and because he played both tackle positions and center last season, it took me a few minutes to realize some of the most dominant reps for Concord's offensive line were coming from the same player. He's a good mover for his size and flashed excellent pass-blocking footwork.     Cash came across my radar right after we updated rankings, and after checking out his film, it's an easy decision to put him in the rankings next update. He has a massive wingspan for his height, and he plays with that length. He can play on the edge or off the ball, and has plenty of production to go with his potential.     There are plenty of reasons to add players to the rankings in the spring: camp performance, depth chart opportunity, second film review, etc. Our least favorite is when we simply miss somebody. Lewis had an outstanding sophomore season, and we dropped the ball. Offensively, Lewis put up 1,700 scrimmage yards and 21 touchdowns, while he snagged four interceptions as a free safety. Expect him to be firmly in the rankings next update.     Nance has been on our radar for a long time, as he backed up his brother, one of Seventy-First's all-time greats, at quarterback as a freshman. He didn't have the uptick in volume as an all-purpose athlete that we expected in 2025, but we're looking at a depth chart that loses a couple of key contributors, and see a clear path to extensive playing time as a junior for the explosive athlete.     Sometimes we can miss guys who played well in limited opportunities last season. Brown played for a struggling Berry defense that faced a ton of deficits and thus fewer passing attempts in 2025. Still, Brown has great size and flashed ball skills when opponents went to the air. He's a guy we want to see in a camp setting, as I think his movement skills will translate to that setup.     When it's time to add players to the rankings, one of the things we'll sometimes do is look at younger teams to see if we missed any key players. We have a few of Delfino's teammates in our system, but haven't yet ranked the high-upside defensive back, one of the top defenders on a Ballantyne Ridge team that should be much improved next season. Delfino has great length and excellent ball skills, with eight pass deflections this year.    There's plenty to come from Matt Morrow, Joshua Graham, and me on the 2028 rankings over the next week. Stay locked in with Prep Redzone for more insights, evaluations, and rankings updates. Want to share Prep Redzone with a friend? Promo code Helms30 will get them 30% off their first billing cycle for any subscription.

We're in the midst of our Winter Rankings Update for the 2028 class, and while we've had plenty of coverage on the here and now, I like to keep one eye on the future. Last week, I wrote about six ranked 2028s who could rise in the Spring Rankings Update later this year. Here, I'm looking at players currently outside the 2028 rankings who could join the group in April.