2029 Rankings Update: Rising and Shining

*No better time than now to subscribe! Use code Johnson30 to save 30% when you do!*   The Class of 2029 Rankings update is live! It is the first update since our inaugural debut of the Class and things have really taken shape. A big reason is because of the development of those 99 original members of the Class. The physical growth, the improvements in body control and flexibility, the weight room dedication, and the rise in athleticism over the offseason have helped several athletes bypass a lot of the new additions to claim even higher spots than where they debuted. That is who we focus on in today's article. The athletes who were able to rise up our rankings thanks to some great offseason dedication and development. These are a group of athletes you will want to keep a close eye on this fall and beyond!    Rise: #38 to #33   Graham has done well to make a name for himself this offseason. An offseason that started after he helped Edgar return to State once again. Graham impressed early in offseason at the UWEC Prospect Camp then carrying it into the summer where he posted 4.46 40, and a 36" vertical. On the field the 2029 is extremely versatile. Running, receiving, defense, special teams.   That versatility stems from those athletic tools. The 6' 170 lbs athlete pairs speed and vision to carve up front sevens as a ball carrier. That speed gives him the range to blitz from depth around the edge. It also makes him a nightmare matchup when he is split out wide because it is rare to have an athlete to matchup with him at the small school level that Edgar is in. This kid is an explosive matchup nightmare and earned himself a solid bump in the rankings despite all the new competition.      Rise: #47 to #34   Another athlete to see a solid rise was Waupun WR Liam Hopp. The multi-sport athlete is coming off an offseason of growth. He is at least an inch taller and 10+ lbs heavier, and his coaches have noticed that growth as well. That growth was just a piece to the reason Liam rose up our boards.   That added size is going to bolster his ability to become the WR1 that Waupun will be looking for this fall. Liam is a smooth athlete, especially in his route running. He was able to effectively attack every level of the field as a freshman in his limited varsity action. He flashed strong hands and some wiggle after the catch. Now bigger, I will be looking for him to truly establish himself on the outside on Friday nights. Keep an eye on the football/baseball standout.      Rise: #73 to #37   One of our biggest risers was RB/S Lane Hacker out of Kimberly. The powerhouse HS is a factory when it comes to developing football talent, and a big reason why is the offseason weight room dedication. That dedication was shown by Hacker with his 335 lbs front squat this offseason. The 6' 185 lbs athlete also has a 36" vertical and a 1.010 flying 10. Everything is pointing towards the 2029 proving this fall that he is a very explosive athlete.   All of those numbers come after a freshman season where Lane was already grabbing our attention with his ball carrying. Lane is a one cut and go type of runner. When he sees the alley that foot is in the ground and he is getting north-south. He has a solid base of power and contact balance that should be even more imposing this fall, and the acceleration to hit those holes and break free for the big chunk plays. Don't let this RB sneak up on you this fall.      Rise: #59 to #38   During this update PRZ WI became a big fan of Wyatt Miller- Neal. The DB out of Pius XI Catholic is showing outstanding growth over the offseason. The 6'3" 135 lbs CB possesses elite length for the position that allows him the room to be aggressive without being caught out of position. But it was his recent clips from competing vs other high schools that have really locked up in on the rising CB.   In those clips Wyatt is showing that he not only has the length, but also the fluid athleticism needed to play out wide on an island. It looks easy for the long athlete to be able to flip his hips and run. He has outstanding recovery speed and the awareness to be able to go make plays outside of his original responsibility. I'm very excited to watch Wyatt push his ceiling higher and higher over the coming years.      Rise: #58 to #39   Another big riser is Jayden Payne out of Racine Case. The rising 2029 is a unique combo of RB and DL with his 6' 200 lbs frame. His superior size and physicality shine on his freshman tape. On offense he is an RB who can get downhill with a head of steam and punish defenders. However, he also will go from that power to suddenly jump cutting laterally into an open running lane. When he gets up to speed Jayden can really roll too.   On defense that physicality really gets to rear its head. He comes off the line with explosive power and can shove OL away quickly to keep separation. The first step he flashes is unfair vs OL, giving him the leverage advantage as they try to cut him off as he powers his way into the backfield. The two way athlete is a tone setting player. Check him out!      Rise: #66 to #59   Christian has been on a mission this summer, proving himself camp after camp. It has definitely impressed us at Prep Redzone. Christian is heading into 2026 bigger, stronger, and better overall than he was in 2025. Exactly what you hope to see from a growing OL.   Christian is going to hit the field at 6'2" 280 lbs and it is clear from what we saw this summer that he is going to have the right mentality for the job. Christian didn't miss a chance to impose his will and power on DL at camps we saw him at. He is looking quicker on his feet and the power is matching that tenacity more than ever. Don't be surprised to see him continue to climb our charts over the years.      Rise: #89 to #64   Watching back through Ashton's 2025 highlights was a big reason why we raised him up. That updated look had us respecting what he did even more. The 2029 S has the athleticism to be trusted on the back end to be a single high safety. His instincts and range are the reason that is an option. Plus he has proven to be a great last line of defense tackler.   This summer the two way athlete showed off more of that range and ball skills to reel in passes deep downfield and also roam the secondary breaking up passes. I'm excited to see Ashton make even more of a name for himself this fall. Look for him to be a playmaker on the backend of the Whitnall defense.      Rise: #78 to #66   Reid spent his freshman season proving his Swiss Army knife versatility. RB, WR, DB, special teams. The 2029 never seemed to leave the field and was making plays in every facet of the game. The offense manufactured touches for the explosive 2029 and he cashed those in for a lot of big plays.   The 2029 ATH's speed and instincts with the football are a big reason behind his rise in these rankings. He does a great job finding blocks and setting up defenders. Plus Reid has the burst and agility to beat defenders around the edge or through gaps. I'm excited to see if he finds his way onto the field on Friday nights and what role he is utilized in.

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