PRZAL 2028 Rankings: Update Day Primer

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>*Use Code "jackson30" for 30% off your PRZ subscription*</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our 2028 preseason rankings update has arrived. A major shake-up in the top 10 and a change at No. 1 highlight the update, but the list is packed full of 300 prospects that will shape the HSFB scene in Alabama over the next two years. Here is a dive into the top 10, plus several storylines to track. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>PRZAL Top 10</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- 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-6a68c7c61d889"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McCary lands as our new No. 1 in this rankings update. From a pure size, speed, and traits perspective, McCary is the best blend of raw talent in the class. At 6'3 240, he will project as an LB, but proves capable of rushing off the edge, lining up over receivers both in the slot and on the perimeter, and also proves to be a difference-maker running the ball. With his combination of traits and a unique skill set, McCary should hold onto his rightful place as a top prospect in Alabama over the next two years. McCary reminds me of Harold Perkins and will be utilized similarly in college.</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-6a68c7c61d942"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1621015' first='Joey' last='Fleming'] has continued to morph from a TE, hybrid-style blocker into a true, prototype OT prospect. What he offers at a premier position is what landed him as a top 3 player in the state. He is a tall, lean, long player at 6'5 280 who is properly tempered, playing with a hot motor and working hard to displace defenders. He does this while flashing the athleticism to handle the responsibilities of a tackle spot. His natural progression has worked in his favor, and that should continue as he further develops into an elite OT prospect. </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-6a68c7c61da50"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Barring extraordinary measures, Preyear will hold his rightful place as the top 2028 QB in Alabama until he graduates, with respect to the rest of the class. Preyear is already committed to Alabama and is perhaps the most popular recruit in the state. Preyear is a prototype player from a size perspective with elite athleticism and a lightning-quick release. He has easy arm strength and is capable of ripping the ball into tight windows, with or without a clean base. Wow bomb throws over the top and into hole shots are littered as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2111510"],"_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-6a68c7c61dad9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Craig James rises into our top 5 and holds his place as the top DB prospect in Alabama. Craig-James is an easy evaluation, standing at 6'3 185 with truly impressive closing speed. He is a downhill, striking-style player who seeks out energetic opportunities. The way he plays translates and finds the field quickly in college, and it certainly helps that he is the prototype safety from a traits perspective. </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-6a68c7c61db64"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Butler makes his rightful debut in our rankings as the No.2 LB and No. 5 overall player in the state. Many of the reasons I am excited about McCary echo again here in Butler. He is a long, lean, rangy athlete at 6'3 205 with a lot of space to add weight and grow. He is a truly elite mover who keeps edges sealed and effortlessly closes on the ball. He flips around and gets reps offensively, too, flashing more athletic evidence. He is 6'3 with elite sideline-to-sideline speed and his best ball ahead of him. No. 5 is a good place to debut, but I still think he could rise in future updates. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- 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-6a68c7c61dbea"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1634478' first='Keoni' last='Snipes'] is the number 1 EDGE prospect in Alabama and is easy to dream on. Snipes is a tall, long, overwhelming player from a size perspective. He has the frame and room for eventual to mass to develop as more of a physical, tone-setting player on the edge. However, at his size, and at this stage, his first-step explosiveness and ability to work both shoulders stick out to me. He is raw, but one of the easy dreamers in this class with true NFL potential if everything clicks.</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-6a68c7c61dc6f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ballard maintains status as our No. 1 TE prospect, but skyrockets into our top 10 overall. He is a truly impressive specimen who is a traits winner right now. He is a towering, lean, athletic basketball prospect who is nearly impossible to match strides with down the field, and it helps that he has a massive catch radius. He will have to develop some nuance to win against P4 DBs consistently, but you can't teach size and speed, especially in conjunction with each other. He is the biggest project in the top 10, but similar to Snipes, if his upside hits, he is NFL-bound.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1924005"],"_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-6a68c7c61dd1f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bailey is receiving national regard as one of the best OL prospects not only in AL, but the entire country. He is a tall, athletic 6'6 280 who is still growing into himself and learning how to move. He is a muscled-up, strong player at the point of attack who plays with violence and drives his feet to carry his blocks. I would put Bailey in the same category as Snipes and Ballard, if his upside hits, Bailey has true Sunday potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1718031"],"_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-6a68c7c61dda9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">As far as pure movers are concerned, I think Johnson is the most polished, well-rounded player athletically in Alabama. His top gear is more than functional to play at a high level of ball, but it's his ability to tap into different gears, match strides, change direction, and effortlessly climb the ladder that sticks out to me the most. Everything he does just looks easy and natural. </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-6a68c7c61deaa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kimbrough holds steady as our No. 1-rated receiver, and he rounds out our top 10. Kimbrough is a pretty easy eval for the most part. He is a long strider and a build-up-to-speed runner, making his strides hard to match for DBs, enabling him to act as a deep threat vertically. I would like to see how his twitch and nuance grow in his routes, but he is well-developed and sticks out athletically when comparing him to other WRs in the class. He reminds me of Texas A&amp;M freshman WR Aaron Gregory. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Key Storylines</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Closing the door on the top 10...</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In my opinion, this was the closest margin between the top 10 prospects of this list that I have seen. [player_tooltip player_id='1621009' first='Nehemiah' last='McCary'] got the nod at 1, but challengers will emerge, and honestly, 2-10 can be mixed and matched in any combination, and you wouldn't get much pushback from me. Just outside the top 10 rest [player_tooltip player_id='1665748' first='Christian' last='Bennett'], [player_tooltip player_id='1680281' first='Gabriel' last='Ervin'], [player_tooltip player_id='1075805' first='Demarcus' last='Dale Brown'], Darryl Blackmon, and [player_tooltip player_id='1650166' first='Lee' last='Steele'], all top 10-worthy prospects who will continue to make a push over the next two years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Expect a special LB class...</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2 of the top 5 overall players in our rankings update are LBs, but it doesn't stop there. [player_tooltip player_id='1638993' first='Reginald' last='Ward'], our No. 3 LB, lands in the top 20. Believe it or not, one FBS personnel member actually considers Ward a top 5 player in the state, so that top 3 tells you all you need to know about what schools think about this position group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It doesn't stop there, as I have identified several college-caliber LB prospects to monitor as everything shakes together. [player_tooltip player_id='1791932' first='Nash' last='Gearhart'], [player_tooltip player_id='1308415' first='Adyn' last='Vann'], [player_tooltip player_id='2132671' first='Darius' last='Coates'], [player_tooltip player_id='1654960' first='Marques' last='Crum'], [player_tooltip player_id='1634619' first='Dylan' last='Lucas'], [player_tooltip player_id='2145503' first='Hayden' last='Coleman'], [player_tooltip player_id='2207237' first='Terran' last='Gaines'], [player_tooltip player_id='2244625' first='Kingston' last='Gardner'], [player_tooltip player_id='1718744' first='Myles' last='Hankins'], [player_tooltip player_id='609851' first='Antonio' last='Wynn'], [player_tooltip player_id='2244611' first='Kaden' last='Peoples'], [player_tooltip player_id='1624837' first='Roman' last='White'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1651336' first='Dwand' last='Atkins'] all sound alarms for me. This list is productive, well-developed, and will receive plenty of attention over the next few years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Who could shake up future updates?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This update's list of massive movers includes the likes of [player_tooltip player_id='1651373' first='Nash' last='Davis'], [player_tooltip player_id='2217261' first='Braylon' last='Jackson'], [player_tooltip player_id='2101452' first='Braylon' last='Hill'], [player_tooltip player_id='1941287' first='Braxston' last='Roberts'], Azhhoree Eutsey, and [player_tooltip player_id='1700182' first='Rashad' last='Miles']. Who could highlight the next group? Keep track of these prospects...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Williamson WR [player_tooltip player_id='2245652' first='Derek' last='Godbolt']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Orange Beach RB [player_tooltip player_id='2101462' first='Deundrea' last='Gray']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Maplesville DB [player_tooltip player_id='1627830' first='Draden' last='Brown']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Clay Chalkville QB [player_tooltip player_id='2244608' first='Cornelius' last='Eldridge Jr']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Carver QB [player_tooltip player_id='2175410' first='JT' last='Tyus']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Spain Park DB [player_tooltip player_id='1595856' first='Dwight' last='Beckford']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Citronelle ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1632213' first='[player_tooltip player_id='1592851' first='Kobe' last='']' last='Weaver']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Scottsboro ATH [player_tooltip player_id='2133007' first='Conner' last='Vaden']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->