Rising 2028s: Four Top-100 Prospects Building Early Buzz in Ohio

<p>Ohio's Class of 2028 is quietly stacking elite length, versatility, and defensive playmakers across every region of the state. These four prospects, all ranked inside the Prep Redzone Ohio Top 100, are already flashing traits that translate on Friday nights and project well at the next level. Here's a deeper dive into why college coaches should start circling these names now.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">92 – [player_tooltip player_id='1663325' first='Christian' last='Roether'] (TE) – Harrison – 6'3”, 190</h3>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1663325' first='Christian' last='Roether'] has the frame college coaches covet at the tight end position. At 6-foot-3 and pushing 190 pounds as an underclassman, the Harrison product offers natural length with room to easily add 20–25 pounds over the next two years.</p>   <p>On film, Roether flashes soft hands and body control down the seam. He's comfortable working the middle of the field and shows an understanding of leverage against linebackers and safeties. What stands out early is his ability to extend and win at the catch point — a trait that translates in red zone situations.</p>   <p>As he continues to develop in the weight room, his ceiling rises. With added strength as an in-line blocker and continued refinement as a route runner, Roether has the tools to become one of Southwest Ohio's premier 2028 tight ends.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">95 – [player_tooltip player_id='1924701' first='Major' last='Dewberry'] (DB/ATH) – Trotwood-Madison – 6'2”, 170</h3>   <p>When you talk about tradition-rich programs in Ohio, Trotwood-Madison always enters the conversation — and [player_tooltip player_id='1924701' first='Major' last='Dewberry'] fits the mold of the long, athletic defensive backs the Rams consistently produce.</p>   <p>At 6'2”, 170 pounds, Dewberry brings rare length for a young defensive back. He's fluid in transition and shows the ability to open his hips and run without panic. His athletic profile allows him to match up with bigger receivers while still having the range to play safety if needed.</p>   <p>What makes Dewberry intriguing is his positional versatility. Labeled as a DB/ATH, he has the movement skills to contribute in multiple phases — whether that's locking down one side of the field or being utilized in space offensively.</p>   <p>With continued physical development and exposure on the camp circuit, Dewberry has Power 4 measurables written all over him.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">97 – [player_tooltip player_id='1923330' first='Luke' last='Schafer'] (DB/ATH) – St. Clairsville – 6'2”, 180</h3>   <p>Out of Eastern Ohio, [player_tooltip player_id='1923330' first='Luke' last='Schafer'] is emerging as one of the region's most complete defensive athletes. At 6'2”, 180 pounds, he already carries a strong, college-ready frame compared to many peers in the 2028 class.</p>   <p>Schafer plays with confidence in the secondary. He triggers downhill in run support and shows physicality at the point of contact. In coverage, he displays good instincts and the ability to read quarterbacks' eyes a trait that often separates solid defensive backs from true playmakers.</p>   <p>The “ATH” designation fits. Schafer has the athletic profile to play multiple roles — boundary corner, safety, or even contribute on offense if needed. Eastern Ohio continues to produce tough, fundamentally sound football players, and Schafer checks both boxes.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">99 – [player_tooltip player_id='2066878' first='Jaydenn' last='Deedat'] (ATH/DB) – Westland – 6'3”, 185</h3>   <p>From Central Ohio, [player_tooltip player_id='2066878' first='Jaydenn' last='Deedat'] of Westland might possess the highest upside of the group purely from a tools standpoint.</p>   <p>At 6'3”, 185 pounds, Deedat already looks the part stepping off the bus. Long arms, rangy stride, and the frame to carry 200+ pounds in the future make him a matchup problem. As a defensive back, that length allows him to disrupt passing lanes and contest throws even when slightly out of phase.</p>   <p>Deedat's athleticism also opens doors offensively. As an ATH, he can be deployed in space where his stride length and body control create explosive-play potential. Central Ohio has become a recruiting hotbed in recent cycles, and Deedat is positioned to be part of the next wave.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Final Take</h2>   <p>The common thread with this group? Length and versatility.</p>   <p>All four prospects stand 6'2” or taller, which is rare for underclassmen, and each offers multi-position value. As they continue to mature physically and gain varsity reps, their stock will only rise.</p>   <p>For college coaches building long-term boards, Ohio's 2028 class is already producing prospects worth tracking closely. And if this early Top-100 group is any indication, the Buckeye State's pipeline isn't slowing down anytime soon.</p>

Ohio's Class of 2028 is quietly stacking elite length, versatility, and defensive playmakers across every region of the state. These four prospects, all ranked inside the Prep Redzone Ohio Top 100, are already flashing traits that translate on Friday nights and project well at the next level. Here's a deeper dive into why college coaches should start circling these names now.