AL 2028 Rankings Preview: Major Shakeup Incoming

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>*Use code "jackson30" for 30% off your PRZ Subscription*</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2028 class has two years of tape under their belt, and after a busy offseason where offers have flown all over the state, the stage is set for this 2028 class to finally take shape in AL. Here are the prospects who will shake things up, plus a look into the push for our number 1 spot. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1540824"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a358aae53eb9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Perhaps no other player in AL has raised their stock this spring quite like Sollie, who has emerged as a clear FBS QB prospect. Sollie is steady, and there is plenty to like here. He settles around 6'3 180 with enough athleticism to create space for himself to throw. He is a calm, patient player in the pocket with reined-in mechanics and arm talent. He gets an easy buzz on the ball with just the flick of his wrist and has the touch and timing to attack each level of the field. Sollie is a prototype distributor from the pocket, and plenty of eyes will be on him this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1651373"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a358aae53f1f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I have said it several times, but this 2028 QB class in AL is looking for guys to emerge, and [player_tooltip player_id='1651373' first='Nash' last='Davis'] is certainly one of those guys who I think we can reasonably expect to develop into a mainstay on the FBS recruiting scene. He has been well-covered this offseason by us, and for good reason. Simply put, he has prototype features with effortless life on the football, attacking each level with confidence. His ultimate breakout should be this fall, and he will have my attention, as well as many others. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2162436"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a37571a027ed"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I had my first look at Kater on the 7v7 scene this offseason and thought he was the most steady, consistent performer on his team. He played both ways for Carver last year, drawing my eye most as a DB. He has functional measurables on a stronger, more filled-out frame. He is an explosive, sudden, attacking player downhill who plays with energy as a pursuer and a tackler. He isn't afraid to get his hands on receivers at corner, too. He plays with a similar physical edge on offense, both before and after the catch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2133007"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a37571a02872"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Vaden has steadily crept onto the radar over the last few months out of Scottsboro and is set to break onto our rankings draft. Vaden is a broad-shouldered, gadgety player with RB-like physical traits and play style. He is an explosive, dodgy player in the short areas who is drawn up unique opportunities with the ball in his hands. I love his upside as a YAC option, and with the traits present, I imagine that is where college coaches would like to see him used, too. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1970857"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a37571a028db"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Charbonnet is one of my favorite 2028 OL prospects in the state and is set to make his rightful debut in our next rankings update. Charbonnet is an animal, playing with a truly eye-opening level of violence and energy, and he does so on a frame that falls into prototype range for the position. He has no issue toying with defenders, and a baseball background adds more context to his level of athleticism.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1261454"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a37571a0292e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Carr has emerged as a personal favorite of mine this offseason and has generated consistent FBS buzz over the last several months. Carr is a shorter, stubbier, but highly athletic and energetic player who projects on the defensive front. He is one of the more juiced-up players in the state at the position, winning with a quick first step, pursuit speed, and the unique ability to bend his stout, strong body. Carr is a magnet to the ball and has the desired play strength to hold up at a high level of ball. I am higher on Carr than others in the industry. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2162452"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a37571a0297d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It's been a busy offseason for Price, who is taking shape as a popular WR recruit out of AL in the 2028 class. Price plays a clean, instinctual brand of football with the suddenness at critical points of the route to separate. He is a smooth glider in space, both with and without a ball. He is capable of touching each part of the field as a route runner and weaving with the ball after the catch. Just a really solid, smooth player across the board who isn't showing signs of slowing down soon on the recruiting trail. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2217261"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a37571a029d6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jackson has been a favorite of mine for over a year now, and recent offers from Alabama and Auburn add another layer to this recruitment. Jackson is a truly impressive raw blend of size, speed, and power. He is a violent player who seeks out contact and plays through the echo of the whistle while staying engaged with ball carriers. He will go for the kill shot on smaller defenders, and he has the athleticism to reach them efficiently. Jackson will likely play on the interior, where he can use his physical brand of football on a snap-in, snap-out basis. Jackson will be very high amongst the OL prospects in this class when the next update is released. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2194957"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a3aa27501338"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Murphy will be a new addition in our next update, following a massive offseason where he generated P4 recruiting attention. Murphy is listed at 5'10 170 with room to add more weight. He is a well-calibrated athlete who can go from slow to fast, weave, and maintain his top gear when in space to lift off and stay away from defenders. He will be able to play between the tackles thanks to his patience. Murphy is an impressive athlete all-around who has every down potential at his best. Expect him to be ranked highly. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>The Race for No. 1</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1634478"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a37571a02ad5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Snipes is the prototype, coming in at 6'6 250 with overwhelming size and desirable athleticism, all at a premier position. He is a physically manipulative, strong player who overwhelms blockers at the point with his length and explosiveness, and there is still space for him to get bigger. He is a twitchy, quick athlete off the line and in the short areas, slipping through blockers and pulling his big frame into the backfield. He has good enough long speed to rush the passer, and a motor that consistently flashes when chasing the ball. Snipes is a truly elite specimen, and being so at such a valuable position makes him a strong candidate for the top spot in our next update. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1621009"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a37571a02b4c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McCary is a truly elite size/speed prospect with versatility at several spots, but he is growing into himself and taking shape as a defender, specifically, in the second level. He is a freakish blend of traits with the size, physicality, and ability to turn speed to power to consistently impact the game as a pass rusher, but also the range and activity to play off the ball and even line up over receivers. There's not a part of the field he can't play at and not make an impact, and he pairs that with elite athleticism on a frame that promotes a projection beyond the college ranks. McCary has every down potential the second he steps foot on a college campus.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1621006"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a37571a02bcf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kimbrough is unanimously holding steady across the board as the top WR prospect in Alabama, and he deserves at least consideration for the top spot. He is a well-developed player who is hovering closer to 200 pounds. He is a driver off the line with elite speed off the line, which he maintains down the field. He is a true deep threat who beats DBs to landmarks and instantly sends them into panic mode. Opportunities are naturally set up underneath thanks to how threatening he is as a deep threat, but he can gear down, sink his hips, and snap back to the QB, too. Kimbrough is a tough guard down the field, and that should translate thanks to his traits. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2231959"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a37571a02c3e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Perhaps the biggest riser and challenger on this list is [player_tooltip player_id='2231959' first='Ryquan' last='Butler'], who exploded this offseason after a productive sophomore season. He is a similar player to McCary in the sense that he is a true specimen in the second level from a size/speed perspective. His game is based on his ability to pursue the ball. He has elite speed, especially for his size, which he pairs with long strides to quickly close space. Butler isn't just fast, but he plays fast, too. There is a certain aggressive, urgent nature to his game that is exciting to watch, and he will only improve as he fills into his body.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1075805"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a37571a02cb2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brown debuted in our rankings as the number 1 player in the state, and he will yet again be a contender for that top spot. Brown is a shorter, stout, broad player who will project as a true DE. He compensates for being shorter perfectly, and it's because he is an absolute gamebreaker. He is explosive off the line with the play strength to toy around with blockers and bullrush into the backfield, turning speed to power. When he arrives at the ball carrier, he has his way, ragdolling them to the turg. He is a bully and possibly the most physically manipulative player in the state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1621015"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a3aa275013ac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fleming is a really exciting player to watch who has seemingly taken the rightful spot as the top OL prospect in the state in the 2028 class. Still, he hasn't fully specialized at the position, playing a TE role, where he flashes impressive athleticism and movement skills at 6'5 280. He was basically an eighth offensive lineman, where he proved to be a violent, mauling style blocker who worked hard to displace defenders. There's still a lot to learn here as he settles in as a true OT, but the natural progression of his development might be extremely exciting and fun to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1354216"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a3aa275013cc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Preyear has taken command as the premier QB prospect in AL, and for good reason. Preyear is a big, athletic QB prospect with prototype traits. He uses his athleticism to get out on the run and evade pressure, but he is certainly capable of making plays in space as a runner. He has a quick, explosive release with the arm strength and confidence to seek out big plays down the field with his arm. His arm strength translates when he is on the move and off-platform. He can be reined in some more, but he has flashes of finesse and touch. Preyear is the best QB in the state, so he will have to receive natural consideration for the top spot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1924013"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a3aa275013eb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ballard is one of the more truly ridiculous players in the state from an athletic traits perspective. He is a true create-a-player, standing on a 6'5 235 frame with the vertical that carries over from basketball and more than functional speed. He is the definition of a mismatch in contested catch situations, but it's his speed off the line and with the ball that intrigues me. He will be listed as a TE thanks to his size, but make no mistake, he has WR-level juice. Ballard is receiving love as the best TE prospect in the country, and it's clear to see why.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->