NE Film Room: 2028s On The Rise

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: OscarGalindo30 in the coupon code area.   The 2028 rankings are set to be released (hopefully) next week and will include a huge introduction of players to the rankings. To build some anticipation for the release, I will take a look at a few prospects you can expect to see in the next update.   Here are five sophomore prospects on the rise!   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />    <a href="https://x.com/LottJarvis8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@LottJarvis8)</a>   The Lincoln Northeast Rockets are an interesting team that could make a playoff push next season with a solid group of returning players like DB [player_tooltip player_id='1653419' first='Jarvis' last='Lott']. Jarvis quietly had a strong sophomore campaign, recording 40 tackles, two TFLs, and two interceptions. My first takeaway from watching Jarvis' tape is that he already has the size that coaches will seek at the next level, with a lengthy 6'3" and 190-pound frame, along with the athleticism to match the measurables. Jarvis is a very aggressive safety who can sharply break on passes and is physical when challenging receivers at the catch point. Instinctive hands to break up passes. He does a great job of chopping down ball carriers in the open field, using good technique and power to secure the stop on initial contact. Lott has a good range from the safety position; he can get downhill quickly or go from sideline to sideline to make a stop. Potential stock-riser this spring and summer with camp opportunities.      <a href="https://x.com/MertenRobby" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@MertenRobby) </a>   Lincoln East's [player_tooltip player_id='2071036' first='Robby' last='Merten'] is a breakout player from this season, as he played some guard and tackle on the Spartans' offensive line. Merten has good size at 6'2" and 250 pounds, with room to continue filling out his frame at the next level. He shows good pop from his stance and does a great job of maintaining his pad level and hip bend throughout the rep. Robby impressed in pass protection, where he displays clean footwork and lateral quickness to stay engaged with and mirror speedy edge rushers. Merten is also a mauler as a run blocker, where he can turn into a runaway train when he gets his momentum going, especially when asked to pull. Good power when punching through his opponents and will look to finish his blocks. Robby already has a solid skill set and will only continue to get better as he grows and gets stronger in the upcoming seasons... buy stock now!      <a href="https://x.com/BranchZakh11892" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@BranchZakh11892)</a>   The Central Eagles fielded a solid defensive line last season with several great contributors, including young guys like [player_tooltip player_id='1855761' first='Zakhi' last='Branch'], who really started to come into his own as the year progressed. Zakhi ended his sophomore season with 30 tackles, three TFLs, and 1.5 sacks. Zakhi has a good mix of size, standing at 6'2" and 300 pounds, and strength that allows him to dictate movement at the line of scrimmage. He does a good job springing from his stance and extending to make initial contact; from there, he uses his powerful base to drive defenders off the ball and spill into the backfield. Branch's sturdiness and ability to anchor down also allow him to plug up multiple gaps and open opportunities for his teammates to swoop in for the stop. Zakhi brings versatility to the interior defensive line, showing he can line up over a guard or head-on with the center. Keep an eye on this one!      <a href="https://x.com/SchaferEli9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@SchaferEli9)</a>   North Star's [player_tooltip player_id='1870042' first='Eli' last='Schafer'] will look to carry the momentum of a promising sophomore year into what should be a breakout campaign for the incoming junior. Eli flashed last season, completing 59% of his passes (63/106) for 723 yards and eight touchdowns. Schafer showed he's not afraid to sling it with a strong arm that can push the deep ball with great accuracy, including some next-level over-the-shoulder passes that dropped right in the bucket. He also displayed the arm talent to dice up defenses over the middle of the field with sharp strikes into tight windows. Eli has good footwork in the pocket and operates well with the timing of the play, making sure to get the ball out quickly and accurately. Solid on the move as well— can extend plays out of the pocket and evade pressure. Big year coming up for Eli and company!      <a href="https://x.com/Grayson_Nolan31" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@Grayson_Nolan31)</a>   Ashland-Greenwood's [player_tooltip player_id='2121929' first='Grayson' last='Nolan'] could see an increase in his workload next season as he seemingly steps into a bigger role in the offense. Grayson had a strong sophomore year in which he flashed his upside with 67 carries for 548 yards and seven touchdowns. Grayson is an underrated speedster with a reported 10.9 100m time and a 4.6 40-yard dash. This explosiveness carries over to the gridiron, where he is a threat to hit the home-run ball, as shown by his multiple runs of 30+ yards. I don't have a ton of tape on Grayson, but I look forward to seeing more of the Bluejays back in the future!    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Make sure to follow @PRZ_OscarG for more news on Nebraska and Iowa HS recruiting.

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