2027 Rankings: Eye-catching Prospects to Follow Closely, Part I
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As I carefully combed through hundreds of highlight films, I inevitably unearthed and ranked more prospects than ever before. Some prospects pop for obvious reasons; whereas others you are pleasantly surprised about. Here are a handful of prospects that caught…
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Continue ReadingAs I carefully combed through hundreds of highlight films, I inevitably unearthed and ranked more prospects than ever before. Some prospects pop for obvious reasons; whereas others you are pleasantly surprised about. Here are a handful of prospects that caught my eye through this process and are amongst some of my favorites for the class of 2027.
Getting run on varsity last fall for South Jersey parochial power St. Augustine Prep was Roman Coney Roman Coney 5’8″ | 170 lbs | RB St. Augustine Prep | 2027 State NJ . I would describe Coney’s running style as full-speed and violent. Understanding that linebackers track hips when in pursuit, we see Coney weave and jump-cut to elude defenders and also opt to deploy the stiff arm. He trusts his speed, looking to bounce outside or bounce backwards to regain more than he lost. With defenders draped on his back, the freshman back has shown the propensity drive his legs in order to stay upright and carry them for hard-fought, additional yardage… all the while having the conscious of mind to prioritize ball security. Also serving as a linebacker, Coney is a good, low tackler. One thing I would push Coney to focus on is following his track. Speedy, yes he is, however, running inside-out is what college coaches look for in an every-down back.
Previous Rank: 13
New Rank: 5
Jalen Parker Jalen Parker 5’9″ | 160 lbs | QB Winslow Township | 2027 State NJ had a tremendous rookie season, his freshman year, for Winslow. With the ability to fling the ball nearly 70 yards on a rope, he steps up in the pocket well and keeps his eyes down field. This arm strength also translates to his ability to lace a ball, absolutely needling it through traffic, on-target, into his targets hands. Also manifesting on the run, we see Parker execute Jeter-esque jump-throws across his body on target as well. There is no need to wax poetic in my writing when I say that regardless the style or depth of the ball, all of his throws are in the right place for his receivers to do something with them. My biggest critique of Parker’s college prospect has to do with his size. Although he plays like he is 6’5″ 225lbs, he is listed at 5’9″ 160lbs. Despite this knock, he is unafraid of contact and will lower his shoulder with full force to barrel into the endzone.
Previous Rank: Watch List
New Rank: 7
Paul Corrado Jr. Paul Corrado Jr. 6’4″ | 260 lbs | OL St. Joseph Regional | 2027 State NJ is pushing to be the top offensive line prospect in 2027. The St. Joe’s Regional lineman has great feet and does an outstanding job reach blocking. Given his size and athletic build, he bends well and plays with great pad level. Sensible to follow plays, Corrado is in position should either the ball pop loose or the ball carrier spring loose and needs an extra blocker. He uses his hands to grab, control, and drive block his assignment. Something I was thrilled to see, film shows Corrado clearly cock back and load his arms as part of his first step block progression. One thing I want to see Corrado do with his arms though is punch and recoil in pass protection.
Previous Rank: Watch List
New Rank: 11
Highlights
Abdul Turay Abdul Turay 5’10” | 170 lbs | RB St. John Vianney | 2027 State NJ , at times, simply looked like the best running back on varsity film when we overhauled the rankings. He has the ability to be a burner but appears patient with his speed, putting his pedal to the metal to make a clear difference as he reaches the defense’s back-two levels. Additionally, he will wait to bounce outside avoiding doing so prematurely. Once he is turned up, Turay showcases balance in his running, particularly as he tightropes the sideline when he busts big plays. Turay also has hips that are highly mobile, allowing him to evade tackles. This trait, combined with his outstanding pad level, make it seem as if tacklers simply fall off of him. One comfortable rushing through the middle as well, he finds a way to squirm and eek out when rushing between the tackles. He is also a utilized as an outlet in the passing game. I happen to love Turay’s game and think that a clear case can be made for him to be the top skill in the 2027 class; however, our team has reservations about the level of competition he faces on a weekly basis.
Previous Rank: Watch List
New Rank: 12