2027 Standouts From Around the State Stepping Up

The 2027 player blitz continues as we wrap up this past season. I have been conducting a deep dive film review and periodic networking to try and cover as many 2027 players in the next few weeks before I shift gears to the other classes.   But for now, it's a laser focus on the class of 2027 and what they are getting ready to bring to the table next fall.   As mentioned in an earlier article, I have been very pleased with the depth of talent in the 2027 class. There are a number of potential big-name D1 candidates as well as a deep pool of ballers ready to bust out when they get the opportunity.   In this report, we will circle back and take a look at a handful of guys who I reported on this past summer and made a note to circle back at season end to see how 2024 shaped up.   Needless to say, glad I did...   The five guys below all stepped up in a big-time way to make a difference on some strong teams. All five have repeatedly demonstrated they can not only play at the varsity level, but dominate.   So, without further adieu, let's take a quick look at five ballers getting ready to be household names in 2025:     [player_tooltip player_id='1113284' first='Ayden' last='Koehn']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/ayden-koehn/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/ayden-koehn/"></a> , 6'4, 225, OL/DL, Cheney, '27, is another Cardinal rising star in the trenches as a rock-solid offensive lineman and a mauler along the d-line. He and his teammates had an excellent season, going 9-2, but it was somewhat disappointing coming off the undefeated state title the prior year. This past season he amped up his game, piling up 17 pancake blocks, seven tackles, a blocked punt and did not allow a single sack all year. He has a powerful frame with excellent reach and a motor that never stops. With his quick first step, good pad level and quick feet, he can pull and block at the next level or shut down the perimeter in pass pro. This kid just keeps getting better with every game and with another season in the standout Cheney program he is getting ready to go off in 2025.   [player_tooltip player_id='1124985' first='Kale' last='Kern']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/kale-kern/"></a> , 6'1, 215, LB, Great Bend, '27, is a two-year starter already, and this past fall reinforced why he is one of the top young defenders in the state as a bone-jarring linebacker and running back on offense as needed. He has been on the fast track elevating his game and letting the rest of the state know he will bust blockers in the mouth and make pile-driving hits on the ball carrier if you come his way. He missed four games early but came back hard and fast and tallied up 33 tackles, picked off two passes and scored a touchdown. He essentially shuts down the run game between the tackles, but has the wheels to quickly flow to the ball on the perimeter. With another year under his belt he is getting ready to dominate next fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1113168' first='Brody' last='Pfannenstiel']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/brody-pfannenstiel/"></a> , 6'4, 240, DE/TE, Russell, '27, is coming off another strong season this past fall as a sledgehammer of a defensive end who also plays tight end on offense. On defense, he comes off the edge like a torpedo and will essentially use his great body lean and base power to either go over and through the blocker, or leave him grasping at air with one of his sick spin moves. He has D1-prototype size and reach, with agile feet and heavy hands. He has good lateral speed and moves well through traffic in pursuit. This past season he dominated the opposing team's backfield with 51 tackles, nine tackles for loss and half a dozen sacks. He is also a well-rounded athlete and dominates in three sports. Get him on your watchlists and follow what is already a stellar high school career.   [player_tooltip player_id='1161942' first='Keon' last='King'], 6'0, 165, WR/DB, Blue Valley NW, '27, is already off and running making a name for himself as one of the rising-star defensive backs in the Kansas City area. An athletic, versatile baller, he excels on both sides of the ball and on special teams. On offense he can play any of the wideout positions or in the slot, but where he has really shown promise is as a smothering defensive back with next-level football instincts and excellent read and react skills. With his closing speed and agility he flies to the football with scary-good quickness to disrupt the opposition's aerial attack. He can float in zone over the top and collapse on the ball or flip his hips and mirror the opposing team's top wideout. Get out and see a kid ready to light things up in 2025.   [player_tooltip player_id='934074' first='Stone' last='Zambo']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/stone-zambo/"></a> , 6'1, 195, TE/LB, Mill Valley, '27, is another young gun warrior who is off to a good start getting his name out and then following up with killer play on the field. He lines up primarily as a tight end in the Mill Valley offensive scheme, but can flex out to the slot or operate as an H-back. He runs tight routes and is fearless going over the middle. With his soft hands, excellent catch radius and nerves of steel, he seamlessly makes the contested catch in traffic. He is also effective in creating separation off the snap and in finding soft spots in coverage. In the run game he is a pounding blocker who can cave in the down block or expertly stalk and eliminate backers and d-backs on the perimeter. Get your popcorn out for this guy next fall, he is a rising star.     In conclusion, get these guys on your lists and follow some serious ballers for the next few years. And, as always, let me know if you run across any teams or players flying under the radar via DM on X.

The 2027 player blitz continues as we wrap up this past season. I have been conducting a deep dive film review and periodic networking to try and cover as many 2027 players in the next few weeks before I shift gears to the other classes.