Eight 2027 Northshore prospects to watch during spring practice

The LHSAA's official window for spring football opens Monday with many schools around the state hitting the field right off the bat and the vast majority kicking off their sessions sometime in the next two weeks.   Prep Redzone Louisiana is already starting to making some rounds to visit with intriguing teams and prospects all over The Boot, though obviously catching everyone during a fast-paced sprint through limited available days is impossible.   We'll start over the next few days by pointing out and highlighting a few players from each area we'd like to see — trying to weave a mixture of top prospects with those we haven't had the chance to previously see in person, those who may have particularly pivotal recruiting stretches ahead and even a few younger names to know on the rise.   And, as always, will then begin reporting back with some more updates on the most notable and eye-catching student-athletes from each stop along the way.   To start out, here's a look at eight rising seniors from the north shore region, spanning out to Tangipahoa and Washington parishes, to monitor during the weeks ahead.     [player_tooltip player_id='423247' first='Dylan' last='Henry'] — 5-11, 160 DB — Mandeville   Prep Redzone Louisiana's highest ranked prospect from the region from freshman year has enjoyed a strong spring thus far on the camp circuit, garnering top-performers recognition at major regional events and picking up several new offers on an already solid list of options with Memphis, South Alabama and Old Dominion among the new FBS additions. Speed work to continue checking checking that box at a higher level has been a priority this offseason, but Henry has long been one of the toughest, most instinctive defensive backs in the class just as comfortable crashing down and making tackles in space or patrolling the back end of the secondary.   [player_tooltip player_id='1251694' first='Jaylen' last='Haywood'] — 6-7, 370 OL/DL — Amite   The big man up from up Interstate 55 has been another of Prep Redzone Louisiana's highly ranked 2027 prospects throughout high school with his standing out from early on, and Haywood has been surging this spring during the early half of an offseason in which he's been working on continuing to improve his footwork and conditioning to become a more well-rounded prospect overall. He has reported a slew of offers, including Oklahoma State, Baylor, Mississippi State, Tulane, Louisiana (Lafayette), Louisiana Tech, Southern and Florida Atlantic, and has additionally been recruiting by LSU and others.   Da'John Howard — 6-3, 185 QB/ATH — Salmen   The District 7-5A Offensive MVP this past fall compiled more than 2,800 total as a junior — more than 1,900 passing and more than 900 rushing — and 30 touchdowns with his quickness and athleticism popping out on some highlight-reel runs that could showcase some positional versatility to some college coaches depending on level and system. Nicholls State and Louisiana (Lafayette) have been a couple of schools to monitor for Howard.   [player_tooltip player_id='1256653' first='Derrick' last='Dunbar'] — 6-2, 205 EDGE/LB — Covington   and BraeShun Weary — 6-0, 160 WR/ATH — Covington   The Lions have a talented crew once again, including two of the area's bigger recruiting stock-risers among a few potential college prospects in the class overall. Both Dunbar and Weary earned first-team all-district nods this fall as a linebacker and return specialist, respectively. Dunbar has picked up offers this spring from Louisiana (Lafayette), South Alabama, Southeastern Louisiana, Nicholls State and McNeese State. And Weary, a three-phase playmaker this fall, has been offered by South Alabama, Tulsa and Nicholls State as a projected wide receiver at the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id='1164697' first='Rylan' last='James'] — 5-9, 180 RB — Loranger   The Wolves' star running back has been on the radar since a huge performance as a freshman and still racked up more than 900 yards on the ground this fall despite missing action. His final high school offseason is an opportunity to show college coaches where he's at for a late recruiting push. Southern recently extended his first offer, and more programs should have an opportunity to put eyes on him soon.   Gabe Timmons — 6-4, 220 EDGE — Archbishop Hannan   Timmons is another productive, first-team all-district player who has been a more under-the-radar prospect, but could be a nice fit for the right program with his frame, athleticism and motor to be a disruptive playmaker off the edge. Still adjusting to the football field after more of a basketball background, he already posted 65 tackles, including 14 for loss and 11 sacks, and was likely just scratching the surface.   [player_tooltip player_id='1972874' first='Jayden' last='Burkhalter'] — 5-11, 170 WR — Franklinton   The speedy, fluid athlete was a breakout star alongside key senior leaders this fall and should be a notable prospect to watch as even more of a focal point of the offense in his final high school season. One question for the weeks ahead may be how much spring football Burkhalter gets as he winds down track season, but either setting will provide him some opportunities to check some boxes for college coaches.

The LHSAA's official window for spring football opens Monday with many schools around the state hitting the field right off the bat and the vast majority kicking off their sessions sometime in the next two weeks.