’27 Rankings: Prospects Rising to the Top 150

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>During the rollout for the recent Class of ‘27 update, I've mentioned a few times just how deep this class is. This group of five is a perfect example of the quality of depth. Each of these prospects found themselves inside the Top 150 this time around, and they're determined to climb even higher.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The group consists of mainly offensive skill position players. But there is also a defensive lineman deserving of some praise. Take a look where they landed during the March update.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1614325' first='Carter' last='Valentine'] - Derby, 6'1”, 245, DL&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There were multiple Derby Panthers that received an increase in rank this time around. Valentine was the leader of that group. In the recent update he moved to No. 123 overall and is the 10th DL prospect in the class. Valentine is a ferocious DT, and he possesses the skillset to quickly win against his matchup. He has the potential to be an impact player for the Panthers this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1347413' first='Javen' last='Colbert'] - Independence, 5'10”, 175,&nbsp; ATH</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Colbert is one of the most underrated athletes in this class. He rose 51 spots in this update to No. 128 overall, and he's now the 14th ranked ATH. The Independence product is a very dynamic offensive weapon, and he has the ability to turn a negative play into a positive play. Colbert is also a playmaker at safety.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1613456' first='Wyatt' last='Detweiler'] - Axtell, 5'11”, 170, ATH</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Usually 8-Man programs tend to get overlooked. But Axtell isn't the average 8-Man program. They've established themselves as a powerhouse, and they've produced some talented prospects in recent years. Detweiler is their latest top prospect, and he climbed 77 spots in this update. The versatile two-way talent is now the 16th ranked ATH in the class, and the 131st ranked prospect overall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='635158' first='Reed' last='Mcdiffett'] - Wamego, 6'0”, 170, WR</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McDiffett of Wamego put folks on notice during his junior season. The six-foot tall, 170-pound wideout was a <em>2nd Team All-League</em> selection in 2025, as he finished the ‘25 campaign with 54 receptions for 620 yards and six touchdowns. In a class loaded at WR he's ranked No. 22 at the position, and is the 149th ranked player overall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='944906' first='Blade' last='Clark'] - Derby, 6'0”, 190, QB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clark was one of the other Derby prospects I alluded to earlier in this report. The lefty caught folks by surprise after taking over the starting job during the season. In a season where he wasn't the full-time starter, Clark still managed to account for 29 total touchdowns. He also helped lead Derby to yet another Sub-State appearance. After the March update he is now the 150th ranked prospect overall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->