2027 Breakout Candidates with Ideal Size

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're just around the corner from dozens of Class of 2027 athletes making their Varsity debuts. For most athletes, the Sophomore and Junior seasons are THE seasons where the real improvement occurs. This article will feature five sophomores who haven't earned offers yet but have VERY high ceilings moving forward. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1233578"],"_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-66bd2ddf554ec"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Markel has very high upside and could realistically develop into a great GLIAC / Fringe MAC prospect. Last season, Markel took a ton of varsity snaps as a freshman and was able to hold his own against good teams. All in all, he was an immovable brick wall. Although he was a brick wall, Markel needs to improve in almost every fundamental facet. His footwork was honestly bad, while his agility and overall aggression need to be corrected. Still, I've seen a lot of linemen overcome early issues and develop into great high school and college football players. Markel is boom or bust, but I'm betting on a big boom this season! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1233518"],"_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-66bd2ddf55574"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I've been able to watch Micah's film and watch him in person. On tape, I really like Micah's aggression and ability to finish blocks. Souly based on the highlights, Micah had a phenomenal Freshman season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When I saw Micah in person, I got a great look at his mechanics. All in all, Micah needs to work on his footwork and agility- but I know he's being coached up. This year may not be the year that he "breaks out" per se, but I do expect to see a longer highlight tape with a lot more variety included. Micah should take a step forward this season, and I hope he's someone who makes the most of his potential! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1337421"],"_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-66bd2ddf555e7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Watch Atticus's tape, and you'll immediately see that he's not lying about his size. This is a tall, lengthy tight end with a ton of upside. Last season, he was a solid possession target who did his best to make things happen after the catch. Most of the time, he wasn't able to get much done, but the effort was there. It's also of note that Atticus had a few good contested catches. As for blocking, there isn't much to go off of, but I do think that he lines up in-line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Okemos is obviously not the most highly-touted program in the state, but I still hope that Atticus is able to reach his sky-high potential. With a breakout season, he could earn Division 1 offers, though my gut tells me he'll need one more amazing offseason. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1160991"],"_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-66bd2ddf55654"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Robert earned some Varsity time last season, and I fully expect him to take another step forward this season. Speaking of last season, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19303352/65bc572566559102301f2e0b">Robert's short highlight tape</a> has promising moments. Robert seems to have served as a solid possession target, as he racked in a 1/2 dozen catches, immediately trying to earn yards after the catch. He also has a couple of solid plays while blocking, or while defending as a DE. All in all, as long as Robert has remained active this offseason, I fully expect him to be a ranked player extremely soon. I hope to see better physicality more than anything else this season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1241162"],"_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-66bd2ddf556be"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Everyone playing for East Kentwood is on breakout watch. I'm not sure if Bryce will earn a Varsity role this season, but his one <a href="https://x.com/BryceBarnes317/status/1764360651588121008/video/1">clip from legacy</a> is promising. Specifically, Bryce projects pretty well as a physical outside receiver, which is a position that most schools lack. In order for Bryce to earn that Varsity playing time, I'd fully expect him to show vast improvements in route running, release, and contested catch ability. In the very small sample size, Bryce is OK in all of these categories, but has a lot of room to grow. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bryce is only a sophomore, so with plenty of work, he will be a phenomenal Varsity football player and RANKED on our 2027 rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->