6 2027 Players Who Could Rise in the Next Rankings Update

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We just released the 2027 rankings last week, but we're already keeping an eye on the end of the summer. We love highlighting rankings risers and players who improved their stock, but we also keep a running list of players who could rise in the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here, I'm looking at six players who could move up in the rankings by the end of the summer either through strong camp performances, a position change, or when we scout them in person. Who are the potential stock-risers of tomorrow in the 2027 class?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Potential August Rankings Risers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1649251' first='Noah' last='Nelson'], OL, Enloe</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nelson is a physically-imposing lineman who has flashed high-level play. I just need a bit more consistency from him to see that he could reach his high potential. He's getting stronger this offseason and is improving his footwork and technical abilities. With a bit more polish (Keep in mind, he's just a rising junior) he has FBS potential. He's hovering around 200 right now, but if you told me he'd make a run at the top 100 in the next two years, I'd believe you. The upside is exciting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='378921' first='Christian' last='Freeman'], Ath., Southeast Raleigh</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm hearing great things about Freeman's offseason and the positive momentum on the recruiting trail is evidence of that. He's reportedly focusing more on the running back position and he's dangerous in the open field. As he catches onto some of the nuances of the position, he'll be able to win with more than pure athleticism, something he possesses plenty of. The Power Four offers are rolling in and we (currently) don't have him in that range. That could change after a strong summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1398025' first='Thomas' last='Kieffer'], LB, Pine Lake Prep</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kieffer is an interesting case because he's put up elite numbers, but he's a bit undersized and plays at a lower level. If he gets out to some camps and impresses amongst bigger players from bigger schools, there's nowhere to go but up in the rankings. I really like his instincts and think he's a guy who could soar later in the process, especially if he puts on a bit more weight. He's a standout rugby player, something that boosts his stock in my mind, as that's a profile that has traditionally translated well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1678654' first='Nana-Kwabena' last='Mensah'], WR, Berry</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mensah snuck into the back end of our rankings before the update, but our Matt Morrow really likes him. In looking at his film, he has a high floor thanks to his size and athleticism, but there's room to grow as a route-runner and hands catcher. That should excite college coaches, because this version of Mensah is far from what they'll be getting in two years. If he can continue to impress in camps, he'll fly up the rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1531724' first='Josiah' last='Bedford'], DB, Overhills</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bedford is a long defensive back with the positional versatility to play corner or safety. He's put on some weight this offseason which makes him look more college-ready. If he goes to some camps over the summer and performs well, he could move up the board. He's growing as a true football player, given that his athleticism is already there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1650614' first='Symir' last='Ray'], LB/RB, American Leadership Academy</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ray made his biggest impact on offense last season, with over 1000 rushing yards on just 89 touches, but he impressed me most when I saw him as a linebacker and edge rusher at practice this spring. He's put on weight and I really think he could explode on the camp scene this summer. He's a versatile athlete and talented player. When he has the opportunity to compete against players from bigger schools, i think he'll really impress college coaches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->