2028 Watchlist-To-Ranked: Spring Rankings Update

We're in the midst of breaking down the guys who tell the story of the 2028 class in this <a href="https://prepredzone.com/north-carolina/rankings/2028-rankings/">rankings update</a>. I've gone <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/behind-the-scenes-of-the-2028-rankings-spring/">behind the scenes</a> of the rankings update, as well as started series on <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/2028-qb-rb-stock-risers/">stock-risers</a> and <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/newly-ranked-2028-rbs/">new additions</a>. This is one of my favorite pieces in each update. We didn't have many guys go from our watchlist to the 2028 rankings during this cycle, but the ones who made the jump are more than deserving.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Which Players Joined the 2028 Rankings From Our Watchlist?</h2>    Sometimes we're a bit late to the party when it comes to offensive linemen, since public participation reports aren't really a thing at the high school level. Accordingly, it was a few months into the offseason before we saw Lane's film. He's a physically impressive, positionally versatile offensive lineman with good strength and footwork.     Lewis was on our watchlist in the preseason, as we heard he'd be a likely two-way starter for East Bladen. Somehow, he flew under the radar throughout the season despite one of the best two-way seasons in the 2A class. He picked off four passes as a defensive back and still made the case to move primarily to running back in our system after amassing nearly 1,500 rushing yards. He didn't simply sneak into the rankings; he jumped quite a few other players in the process.     Nance first hit our radar when he stepped in for his brother at quarterback as a freshman. As a sophomore, he moved to receiver, where he flashed excellent ball skills and catch radius in limited reps. Now fully healthy and immersed in the position, we expect him to have a great season as a junior. He has some ability to play safety, too, and we could see him on that side of the ball.     North Raleigh Christian puts out a couple of quality college prospects every couple of years, and they may have their best ever in Hamilton. Even since last week's update, we've looked at his film again and can see a guy with the potential to move up in the future. He played last year at around 280 pounds, but has added weight this offseason and looks great in camp and training settings.     Stallings has a unique skill set at linebacker. He likes to hit, but his best trait is his speed. A top sprinter, he dropped nearly four-tenths off of his 100-meter time this spring. He doesn't have a ton of varsity experience, but the Panthers graduate a couple of senior linebackers, and Stallings could be a heavy part of the rotation next year.     Kellam has steadily improved both his strength and his skills over the last year, and that's helped him on the camp circuit this summer. He doesn't have a ton of varsity experience, but he could factor in for Wake Forest's defense this season. He has the size and natural ability to make a difference.    There's plenty to come from Matt Morrow, Joshua Graham, and me on the 2028 rankings over the next week. Stay locked in with Prep Redzone for more insights, evaluations, and rankings updates. Want to share Prep Redzone with a friend? Promo code Helms30 will get them 30% off their first billing cycle for any subscription.

We're in the midst of breaking down the guys who tell the story of the 2028 class in this rankings update. I've gone behind the scenes of the rankings update, as well as started series on stock-risers and new additions. This is one of my favorite pieces in each update. We didn't have many guys go from our watchlist to the 2028 rankings during this cycle, but the ones who made the jump are more than deserving.