Sophomore New Names Rising in New England Region - I

<p>A ranking update for the sophomore class of 2028. was published today 3/5/26. In this report, I will feature several new-name players from around the New England region in the class of 2028 and provide notes on each player after reviewing their 2025 season film.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />    <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Player Introduction Report: [player_tooltip player_id='2142230' first='Gregory' last='Kirwan']</strong><br>As a standout tight end at North Kingstown High School in Rhode Island, [player_tooltip player_id='2142230' first='Gregory' last='Kirwan'] has quickly made a name for himself among the prospects in the New England class of 2028. Standing tall at 6'5" and weighing in at 225 lbs, Kirwan possesses an impressive frame that gives him a distinct advantage on the field. After reviewing his highlight film, it's clear that his advanced ball skills are remarkable for a player of his age.<br>One of Kirwan's standout attributes is his ability to make challenging catches look routine. He showcases reliable hands and the agility to bend his body, allowing him to snag passes in tight coverage. His speed on go routes enables him to consistently gain separation from defenders, demonstrating his potential as a playmaker. With an exceptional blend of size and athleticism, Kirwan's talent is a rarity in the tight end position.<br>However, there are areas to refine. His blocking technique as a tight end appears raw, but his open-field blocking skills on the perimeter are commendable. Additionally, he would benefit from focused development on route running, specifically in improving his efficiency in breaking in and out of routes and enhancing his hip movement.<br>To elevate his game further, I recommend that Kirwan pursues ongoing on-field skill training with a wide receiver specialist and maintains a commitment to strength training in the weight room. A combine test may also prove beneficial to identify any weaknesses that require attention during the off-season.<br>As we prepare for the upcoming ranking update with Prep Redzone New England, Kirwan is certainly a player to watch—his bright future in football is on the horizon!</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/GregHkir84/status/2021922463618052359?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Player Introduction Report: [player_tooltip player_id='943456' first='Jack' last='Carter'], WR/P - Class of 2028</strong><br>I had the pleasure of reviewing the highlight film of [player_tooltip player_id='943456' first='Jack' last='Carter'], a promising young athlete from St. Sebastian's in Massachusetts. Standing at an impressive 6'4" and weighing 190 pounds, Jack showcases a remarkable blend of size and athleticism that makes him a standout wide receiver and punter for his team.<br>Jack's highlights reveal a fluid and agile playmaker who exhibits a natural ability to get open and create separation from defenders. His catch radius is impressive; he can pluck balls out of the air with ease. These skills, combined with a solid get-off into routes, make him a reliable target for his quarterback, making it clear why he stands out on the field.<br>However, as with any young athlete, there's room for growth. Jack's route running could benefit from additional technical development, particularly in terms of sinking his hips to make sharper breaks. To maximize his potential, it's recommended that he focuses on continued skill training with a wide receiver specialist. Additionally, dedicated time in the weight room will aid him in building strength and resilience on the field.<br>Jack's versatility shines through as he is also a varsity basketball player, further highlighting his athleticism and competitiveness. Given his current trajectory and the potential for further development, it's clear that Jack has all the makings of a future standout at the next level. I'm excited to see how he performs as he progresses in his high school career, and I look forward to ranking him among New England's elite in the Class of 2028 during the next Prep Redzone update!</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Carter011Jack/status/1998557876927840645?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Player Introduction Report: Alex Li</strong><br>Glastonbury, Massachusetts – Class of 2028<br>At the recent Prep Redzone New England Region Showcase, Alex Li, a talented defensive back from Glastonbury, made a significant impression, earning MVP honors in a fiercely competitive field. Standing at 6'0" and weighing 175 lbs, Li combines exceptional athleticism with a fierce competitive spirit that sets him apart as a premier athlete in New England's Class of 2028.<br>Alex's highlight reel showcases remarkable closing speed that enables him to swiftly engage both ball carriers and receivers, making him a dynamic presence on the field. His agility and speed were on full display at the showcase, illuminating his ability to stay step-for-step with receivers and maintain tight coverage. Moreover, Li's keen field awareness allows him to read plays effectively, demonstrating impressive anticipation in both man coverages and run support.<br>From a technical standpoint, Li exhibits proficiency with a smooth backpedal and rapid hip movement, enhancing his overall maneuverability in coverage situations. However, there is room for improvement in his strength at the point of contact. To fully harness his potential, focusing on core strength and tackling techniques in the weight room will be critical.<br>With verified measurements of 6'0" and testing scores that ranked high among his peers, Alex Li has firmly placed himself on college programs' radars at all divisions. His blend of speed, awareness, and technical skills positions him as a promising prospect to watch in the upcoming years. As we look ahead to the next ranking update, expect to see Alex rise in the New England Class of 2028 rankings, as he continues to develop and refine his game. Keep an eye on this rising star!</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Alex_Ji/status/2010883942279483561?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Player Introduction Report: [player_tooltip player_id='2142234' first='Ryder' last='Swenson'] - DB, Brunswick (CT), 2028</strong><br>We are excited to introduce [player_tooltip player_id='2142234' first='Ryder' last='Swenson'], a standout defensive back hailing from Brunswick, Connecticut, and a promising athlete in the New England class of 2028. At 6'1" and 175 pounds, Ryder showcases a unique blend of size, speed, and skill that makes him a formidable presence on the football field.<br>Having reviewed his highlight film from the 2025 season, it's clear that Ryder possesses remarkable range and closing speed. His ability to cover the field from sideline to sideline, coupled with his instinct to "break on the ball," effectively disrupts opposing passing plays. His impressive ball skills are evident as he frequently high-points the ball and secures interceptions, demonstrating a true "nose for the football."<br>Ryder's open-field tackling is both reliable and fundamentally sound, serving as a dependable last line of defense willing to take on challenging run support. His football IQ stands out as he reads quarterbacks' eyes with keen perception, quickly diagnoses plays, and effectively communicates pre-snap adjustments to his teammates.<br>Moreover, Ryder's coverage versatility truly sets him apart. He adeptly transitions between playing deep zone coverage, dropping into the box, and matching up against speedy slot receivers and tight ends, showcasing his adaptability to various game situations.<br>For further development, I recommend that Ryder be combine tested to pinpoint any areas for improvement during the offseason. With his current skill set and room for growth, Ryder has the potential to make a significant impact in the Prep Redzone New England rankings. Keep an eye on this rising star in the 2028 class!</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Ryderswenson11/status/1991594904464810079?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Player Introduction Report: [player_tooltip player_id='2133946' first='Jakari' last='Harris'] - Class of 2028</strong><br>As a high school football scout analyst, I'm excited to introduce [player_tooltip player_id='2133946' first='Jakari' last='Harris'], a promising WR/ATH from West Haven, Connecticut, standing at 6'2" and weighing 190 pounds. After reviewing his highlight film, it's clear that Jakari possesses a unique combination of athleticism and skill that sets him apart in the New England class of 2028.<br>Jakari's strengths are particularly impressive. He showcases remarkable fluidity and athleticism on the field, which allows him to make plays that other athletes might struggle with. His height is an undeniable advantage, complemented by long arms that maximize his catching ability. Jakari displays solid hands, and his quick release makes him a threat from snap to reception. His ability to execute back-shoulder catches with ease demonstrates his strong understanding of the game, and he consistently high-points the ball, showcasing his ability to compete for catches in traffic.<br>However, there are areas where Jakari can improve. His route-running technique, particularly in sinking his hips during breaks, could use refinement to enhance his overall effectiveness. To address this, I recommend continued on-field skill training with a wide receiver specialist. Additionally, ongoing development in the weight room will bolster his strength, which is crucial at the next competitive level.<br>To further assess his potential, I suggest that Jakari participates in combine testing. This will help identify any weaknesses while also allowing him to showcase his speed and quickness to college coaches.<br>Overall, with dedicated training and focus, [player_tooltip player_id='2133946' first='Jakari' last='Harris'] has the potential to become a standout player in his class. He will surely be a candidate for the upcoming Prep Redzone New England ranking update!</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JakariHarr/status/1994947846815240570?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Player Introduction Report: [player_tooltip player_id='2142236' first='Tyler' last='Stelljes']</strong><br>I am excited to introduce [player_tooltip player_id='2142236' first='Tyler' last='Stelljes'], a standout wide receiver from Scituate High School in Massachusetts, who is set to rank among the top prospects in the New England Class of 2028 as per the upcoming Prep Redzone New England rankings.<br>Standing at 6'0" and weighing 185 pounds, Tyler showcases impressive physical attributes complemented by remarkable speed, which we are eager to verify with an official time. His hand-eye coordination is exceptional, allowing him to track passes seamlessly and secure catches with consistency. Tyler demonstrates outstanding short-area quickness, enabling him to create separation from defenders effectively. His relentless motor and playmaking ability on the field make him a considerable threat in the passing game.<br>While Tyler exhibits numerous strengths, there are areas for development. Enhancing his technique, particularly in sinking his hips when breaking routes, will further elevate his game. To maximize his potential, I recommend continued on-field skill training with a defensive back specialist to sharpen his route-running and release techniques. Additionally, consistent weight room training is essential to bolster his strength and overall athleticism.<br>Furthermore, I suggest that Tyler undergo combine testing to pinpoint any physical weaknesses that can be addressed in the offseason. With his current skill set and dedication to improvement, [player_tooltip player_id='2142236' first='Tyler' last='Stelljes'] is certainly a player to watch as he continues to develop into a premier receiver on the field. We're looking forward to seeing his progress moving forward! </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TylerStelljes10/status/2022763775883927609?s=20 </div></figure>

A ranking update for the sophomore class of 2028. was published today 3/5/26. In this report, I will feature several new-name players from around the New England region in the class of 2028 and provide notes on each player after reviewing their 2025 season film.