Prep Redzone Logo
Login Subscribe
    • Players/Parents
    • College Coaches
  • Choose Your State Middle School Coverage
    Alabama
    Arizona
    Arkansas
    California
    Canada
    Colorado
    Dakotas
    Florida
    Georgia
    Idaho
    Illinois
    Indiana
    Iowa
    Kansas
    Kentucky
    Louisiana
    Maryland
    Michigan
    Minnesota
    Mississippi
    Missouri
    Nebraska
    Nevada
    New England
    New Jersey
    New Mexico
    New York
    North Carolina
    Ohio
    Oklahoma
    Oregon
    Pennsylvania
    South Carolina
    Tennessee
    Texas
    Utah
    Virginia
    Washington
    West Virginia
    Wisconsin
  • Loading...
  • Loading...
  • Tournaments
    • 7 on 7 7 on 7
    Showcases
    • High School High School
    • Middle School Middle School
    Contact Our Team
    • Find Your Sales Representative
    About Our Events
  • Prep Redzone for
    • Players
    • Parents
    • Club Coaches
    • High School Coaches
    • College Coaches
    • Fans
    View All Features
    • Coverage Access Prep Redzone articles year-round.
    • Rankings See how players stack up in each state.
    • Player Profiles Build your own profile and join the Prep Redzone database.
    • Profile Trends Track your Player Profile views over time.
    • Recruiting Tasks Stay on-track in the recruiting process
    • Recruiting Dashboard All your recruiting tools in a single place.
    • Coach Views Get notified when a college coach views your profile.
    • College Match Recommends colleges that match with your profile.
    • Coach Contacts Contact any program in the country.
    • Event Credits Save $25 on all Prep Redzone combines.
    • Recruiting Tips Become an expert on the recruiting process.
    • College Email Templates Send customized emails directly to college coaches.
    • Scouts
    • How We Rank
    • About Us
  • Georgia
  • Rankings
    • Power Scores

    • 2027 Rankings

    • 2028 Rankings

    • 2029 Watch List

    • Archived Rankings

    • How We Rank

  • Prospects
    • Prospect Database

  • High Schools
    • Scores

    • Team Rankings

  • Scouts
Prep Redzone Logo
  • Home
  • Coverage
      Choose Your State Middle School Coverage
      Alabama
      Arizona
      Arkansas
      California
      Canada
      Colorado
      Dakotas
      Florida
      Georgia
      Idaho
      Illinois
      Indiana
      Iowa
      Kansas
      Kentucky
      Louisiana
      Maryland
      Michigan
      Minnesota
      Mississippi
      Missouri
      Nebraska
      Nevada
      New England
      New Jersey
      New Mexico
      New York
      North Carolina
      Ohio
      Oklahoma
      Oregon
      Pennsylvania
      South Carolina
      Tennessee
      Texas
      Utah
      Virginia
      Washington
      West Virginia
      Wisconsin
  • Events
      Tournaments
      • 7 on 7 7 on 7
      Showcases
      • High School High School
      • Middle School Middle School
      Contact Our Team
      • Find Your Sales Representative
      About Our Events
  • Rankings
      Loading...
  • Scores
      Loading...
  • Features
      Prep Redzone for
      • Players
      • Parents
      • Club Coaches
      • High School Coaches
      • College Coaches
      • Fans
      View All Features
      • Coverage Access Prep Redzone articles year-round.
      • Rankings See how players stack up in each state.
      • Player Profiles Build your own profile and join the Prep Redzone database.
      • Profile Trends Track your Player Profile views over time.
      • Recruiting Tasks Stay on-track in the recruiting process
      • Recruiting Dashboard All your recruiting tools in a single place.
      • Coach Views Get notified when a college coach views your profile.
      • College Match Recommends colleges that match with your profile.
      • Coach Contacts Contact any program in the country.
      • Event Credits Save $25 on all Prep Redzone combines.
      • Recruiting Tips Become an expert on the recruiting process.
      • College Email Templates Send customized emails directly to college coaches.
  • About Us
      • Scouts
      • How We Rank
      • About Us
  • Support
Login Subscribe

Fast-Rising 2028 Prospects To Keep A Close Eye On

Fast-Rising 2028 Prospects To Keep A Close Eye On
Matt DeBary
Matt DeBary June 3, 2026 @ 11:14 AM
Facebook
X (Formerly Twitter)

In this article:

KJ Howard
KJ Howard 6'1" | 200 lbs | LB | 2028
GA
Jakai Bickham
Jakai Bickham 6'6" | 265 lbs | OL | 2028
GA
Cooper Vahle
Cooper Vahle 6'3" | 200 lbs | DB/WR | 2028
GA
Carl Butler
Carl Butler 6'1" | 2028
GA
Cooper Melvin
Cooper Melvin 5'9" | 160 lbs | LB | 2028
GA
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These fast-rising 2028 prospects are bound for terrific junior seasons...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2124132"],"_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-6a0dcbb616600"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A playmaking two-way player on the rise with plenty of size and potential, Wahle has a big opportunity to make an impact this fall for a West Forsyth team that will likely compete for another region title. He shows good instincts in coverage, dependable hands, and could be the Wolverine's next D1 prospect in the 2028 class. He plays hard, continues to improve, and will likely see some chances to make plays on offense at wide receiver next fall. The Wolverines are hoping new playmakers emerge this fall, and Vahle has a chance to be that player this fall as a junior. He's a Forsyth County prospect to keep a close eye on in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2081479"],"_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-6a0dcbb6166ba"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A sleeper 2028 prospect to know in the Augusta area, Butler is a ball-hawk in the secondary who reads the quarterback well and knows how to make a play on the football. He shows good footwork and can turn his hips freely to run with receivers down the field. He's a natural cornerback who can also play in the middle of the field. He's a strong overall athlete and turned plenty of heads in the area for his consistent play as a sophomore. The fast-rising defender will be an easy addition to the 2028 Prep Redzone rankings update this summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["952146"],"_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-6a0dcbb61673a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A natural athlete who made an impact all over the place for the mighty Cartersville 'Canes last season, Melvin showed he's a tough, consistent linebacker on defender who plays fast and can deliver a sound hit on the ball-carrier. He brings good size and versatility at 6-foot-1 200-pounds who brings a physical presence to the Cartersville defense. As a sophomore last season Melvin made 58 tackled with two INTs, three more pass-breakups and one sack. On offense Melvin caught nine passes for over 190 yards and two touchdowns, averaging over 20 yards per reception. Look for Melvin to have a terrific junior season this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2212622"],"_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-6a0dcbb616791"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the fastest-rising 2028 offensive tackles in the Atlanta area, Bickham is a promising pass-protector who can also dominate in the run game. He's young and brings a lean 6-foot-6 265-pound frame to the table that should allow him to continue adding good weight and muscle. He can overpower smaller defenders with ease and uses his length to latch onto defenders and drive them backwards. The Columbia left tackle has seen his recruitment pick of of late with new offers this spring from North Carolina, Kentucky, Tulane, among others. He has a ton of potential and will only continue adding more offers this summer and into next year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2212628"],"_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-6a0dcbb6167e1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An Atlanta-area EDGE defender who can create havoc right off the snap, Howard may not have ideal measurables, but he plays fast and really stood out last year on an extremely talented Douglas County defense. He shows good burst off the snap, plays hard, and is one of the hardest-hitting defenders on the team. As a sophomore last season, Howard quickly made his presence known with 37 tackles and a fumble recovery. He's one of the top returning 2028 defenders in the region who is seeing his recruitment take off with recent offers from Cincinnati, Maryland, and Miami (OH). Look for more and more to come his way over time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

These fast-rising 2028 prospects are bound for terrific junior seasons...

Cooper Vahle

Cooper Vahle

HEIGHT 6'3"
WEIGHT 200
POS DB/WR
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Cooper
Vahle DB/WR
Class
2028
Height
6'3"
Weight
200
HS
West Forsyth
|
GA
Fast-Rising 2028 Prospects To Keep A Close Eye On
A playmaking two-way player on the rise with plenty of size and potential, Wahle has a big opportunity...
Written by Matt DeBary
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Cooper Vahle

Twitter
State: Georgia
School: West Forsyth
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Carl Butler

Carl Butler

HEIGHT 6'1"
POS N/A
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Carl
Butler
Class
2028
Height
6'1"
GA
Fast-Rising 2028 Prospects To Keep A Close Eye On
A sleeper 2028 prospect to know in the Augusta area, Butler is a ball-hawk in the secondary who...
Written by Matt DeBary
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Carl Butler

Instagram
State: Georgia
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Cooper Melvin

Cooper Melvin

GA
LB
HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 160
POS LB
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Cooper
Melvin LB
Class
2028
Height
5'9"
Weight
160
HS
Cartersville
|
GA
Fast-Rising 2028 Prospects To Keep A Close Eye On
A natural athlete who made an impact all over the place for the mighty Cartersville ‘Canes last season,...
Written by Matt DeBary
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Cooper Melvin

State: Georgia
School: Cartersville
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Jakai Bickham

Jakai Bickham

HEIGHT 6'6"
WEIGHT 265
POS OL
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Jakai
Bickham OL
Class
2028
Height
6'6"
Weight
265
HS
Columbia
|
GA
Fast-Rising 2028 Prospects To Keep A Close Eye On
One of the fastest-rising 2028 offensive tackles in the Atlanta area, Bickham is a promising pass-protector who can...
Written by Matt DeBary
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jakai Bickham

State: Georgia
School: Columbia
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

KJ Howard

KJ Howard

HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 200
POS LB
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
KJ
Howard LB
Class
2028
Height
6'1"
Weight
200
HS
Douglas County
|
GA
Fast-Rising 2028 Prospects To Keep A Close Eye On
An Atlanta-area EDGE defender who can create havoc right off the snap, Howard may not have ideal measurables,...
Written by Matt DeBary
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

KJ Howard

State: Georgia
School: Douglas County
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Prep Redzone

Access all of Prep Redzone

Continue reading this article and more.

Continue Reading
Already a subscriber? Log in

Related Articles

  • Slept on Running Backs to Watch this Fall

    Slept on Running Backs to Watch this Fall

    Kelly Christian • June 3

  • 7A Region 5 Preview: QBs, Defense Set Stage in 8 Team Region

    7A Region 5 Preview: QBs, Defense Set Stage in 8 Team Region

    Connor Jackson • June 2

  • The Peach State Heading to Jersey for the “RIZE”

    The Peach State Heading to Jersey for the “RIZE”

    Austin Butler • June 2

  • 2029 Prospects Bound For Massive Sophomore Seasons

    2029 Prospects Bound For Massive Sophomore Seasons

    Matt DeBary • June 2

  • Elite 11 Finals Wrap (Part 1)

    Elite 11 Finals Wrap (Part 1)

    Michael Huntley • June 2

Upgrade to Prep Redzone+
Unlock rankings, insights, and recruiting tools to maximize your exposure and guide your path to college.
Learn More
Loading...
Home Georgia Fast-Rising 2028 Prospects To Keep A Close Eye On

Prep Network

  • Prep Network
  • Prep Dig
  • Prep Girls Hoops
  • Prep Hoops
  • Prep Lacrosse
  • Prep Girls Lacrosse
  • Prep Redzone
  • Prep Soccer
  • Prep Softball

Company

  • News
  • About
  • Careers
  • Store(opens in a new tab)
  • Partner Interest Form(opens in a new tab)

Resources

  • Terms of Service(opens in a new tab)
  • Privacy Policy(opens in a new tab)
  • Accessibility(opens in a new tab)
  • Cookie Policy(opens in a new tab)
  • NCSA College Recruiting
  • Recruiting Tips
  • Student Loan Resources(opens in a new tab)
  • College Scholarship Search(opens in a new tab)
  • Terms for Sales and Promotions(opens in a new tab)

Support

  • My Account
  • Contact
  • Sitemap

© 2026 Prep Redzone. All rights reserved.