High-Upside, Versatile Playmakers Added to 2028 Rankings

We added hundreds of prospects to our rankings in Ohio last month for the Class of 2028. In our next article and multi-part series, we break down four new additions and will continue to do so throughout the months of February and March. These four early risers have a chance to become high-impact players in the fall and beyond.    [player_tooltip player_id='2128479' first='Jaxon' last='Starks'] could develop into one of the top receivers in Ohio over the next two years. Starks is just fast, a home-run threat with the ball in his hands who has great long speed and adjustment to the ball. He displays good adjustment high-low and can come down with the ball in his possession against tight coverage. He will likely make his money in the slot. Keep an eye on his development.     [player_tooltip player_id='2107316' first='Carter' last='Born'], a starting quarterback for Whitmer, is a very mobile passer who can throw on the move effectively. He has a quick release, strong arm and throws with good accuracy and velocity between the hashes. Born is exceptional on the move. He threw for 1,530 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions in 2025, and I expect bigger things in 2026. Multi-sport athlete (also plays baseball and basketball).     Aboubacar is a starting wide receiver for Gamble Montessori High School. He is a big, 6-foot-4, 200-pound receiver with a great size-speed combo. Diagouraga wins one-on-one battles in tight coverage easily. He has great body control, strong leaping ability and high-points the ball effectively. He recorded just 7 total catches for 273 yards last season due to an injury that sidelined him for five games, but I expect a breakout junior year.     [player_tooltip player_id='1949280' first='Isaiah' last='Near'] is a very good all-around outside linebacker and safety prospect. Near takes great angles to the ball against the run, wrapping up behind the line-of-scrimmage and displays good range and closing speed. I love Near's abilities in coverage, as he does a great job of dropping back and timing the ball with his hands to break up passes. I wouldn't be shocked if his recruiting takes off during summer college camps.

We added hundreds of prospects to our rankings in Ohio last month for the Class of 2028. In our next article and multi-part series, we break down four new additions and will continue to do so throughout the months of February and March. These four early risers have a chance to become high-impact players in the fall and beyond.