Five Impact Players Ready for a Big Senior Year

Every class has the obvious names — the guys everyone already knows, the ones with all the headlines and the preseason buzz. But every year there's another group sitting just behind them. Players who are already impacting games in real ways, who flash traits on Friday nights, and who are one strong senior season away from changing how they're viewed. This group falls into that category. Different positions, different schools, different roles, but the same theme: they all affect the game when they're on the field.    Whether it's creating pressure, finishing drives, winning at the catch point, or making life easier for their quarterback, these 2027s bring real, tangible impact. As they head into their final high school season, each one has a chance to take a big jump and turn consistent production into something even bigger.    Mock plays with the confidence of someone who expects the ball when it matters, and that shows up most in the red zone and in key situations. The seven touchdowns and nearly 500 receiving yards back up the idea that he isn't just getting touches — he's finishing drives. What really jumps out on tape, though, is how polished he already is as a route runner. His routes are clean, and the footwork in and out of his breaks allows him to create consistent separation without needing a ton of wasted movement. He understands how to sell leverage, drop his weight, and come out of cuts under control, which is why he's such a reliable target on timing throws and why quarterbacks feel comfortable going to him in tight windows. He's not just a big-play guy, he's someone who can be leaned on week to week to keep drives alive. He can line up both in the slot and on the outside, but right now his traits translate especially well inside, where his short-area quickness, route detail, and toughness over the middle allow him to stay involved and consistently get open. He brings a physical edge to the receiver position and plays with urgency, which is why he keeps producing.     Whitener is one of those guys where the versatility isn't just something you throw in a bio — it shows up on tape in a real way. He plays with a natural feel for where the ball is going, whether he's lined up on the edge or flexed out, and you can tell Desert Mountain trusts him to affect the game in multiple phases. Defensively, he brings a disruptive presence because he doesn't just rush hard, he rushes with intent. He understands how to finish and how to close space, which is why the sack production (5.5 on the season) isn't a surprise when you watch him. Offensively, the receiving production (over 280 yards) adds another layer because he's not just a red-zone gimmick — he can stress a defense and force mismatches. The biggest takeaway is that he plays like a football player first, not a position label. He's active, competitive, and always around the ball, which is why he feels like a guy who can take on an even bigger role as a senior.     Dalhaug's biggest strength is the arm talent, and it's the kind that translates because it's natural and comfortable. He looks confident and relaxed throwing the ball outside the numbers, and that's where you really see the difference between him and a lot of high school quarterbacks. He can generate real velocity without needing a perfect base, and he's comfortable making those throws even when he's off balance or under pressure. There's a calmness to the way he plays that stands out too. He doesn't look rushed, and he keeps his eyes downfield even when the pocket starts to break down. The one area where there's clear room for growth is speeding up the delivery just a bit. Tightening the motion and getting the ball out quicker will help him hit tighter windows and avoid some unnecessary hits. The production supports the traits. He threw for over 1,000 yards with 13 touchdowns and just two interceptions, including a 244-yard, three-touchdown performance against Horizon, which shows the arm strength and confidence aren't just traits — they're showing up in games.     Jackson plays corner with the mindset you want to see. He has really good closing speed and attacks the catch point with purpose, not just trying to be in position but trying to disrupt the ball. He consistently goes after the receiver's hands and finishes through the rep, which shows a strong understanding of how to win in coverage. The smoothness in his backpedal allows him to stay patient longer and avoid panicking, and that patience makes his burst more effective when he drives downhill. He's also willing to be physical and step up in the run game, which is important in the modern system where corners are expected to tackle in space. The numbers line up with the film too. With 12 pass breakups, two interceptions, and over 70 tackles, he's clearly got a nose for the football. It's really clean tape and a strong foundation heading into his senior year.     Justice is the kind of receiver who keeps an offense on schedule because he's dependable, detailed, and consistent. He isn't just out there running routes — he understands spacing, timing, and where he needs to be to make the quarterback comfortable. That shows up in the production too. His 34 catches for nearly 400 yards don't jump off the page at first glance, but when you consider the type of offense Desert Mountain runs and the fact they're usually playing with a lead, that kind of volume means he's earning trust. He looks smooth and controlled, and there's a calmness to the way he plays that matches a championship offense.

Every class has the obvious names — the guys everyone already knows, the ones with all the headlines and the preseason buzz. But every year there's another group sitting just behind them. Players who are already impacting games in real ways, who flash traits on Friday nights, and who are one strong senior season away from changing how they're viewed. This group falls into that category. Different positions, different schools, different roles, but the same theme: they all affect the game when they're on the field.