2027 Film Room: Underrated Prospects Pt. 2

Continuing with my coverage of some under-the-radar 2027 prospects, I have 7 more studs looking to break out in a big way during their senior season. We've got guys who've made waves, with the potential to emerge as elite talents, true underdogs who need a serious look going forward. Enjoy!    A rankings riser as well as a well-built and versatile athlete who currently holds an NSIC offer from Bemidji State, Buxton put up some great tape despite only playing 3 games on defense during his junior season. Touting an explosive first step and some solid bend around the edge, Buxton could have a real future in the trenches at the next level. His straight-line speed is noticeable, and he's shown that he can make multiple chase-down tackles behind the LOS off read option plays. On offense, Buxton has a ton of utility as a blocker. He fits well into an "H-Back" role, where he can hit a hole and displace defensive linemen and linebackers alike. He drives his feet hard upon contact and can reach block successfully as well. Keep an eye out for Anoka in 2026.     Sterk is a current WL offensive lineman/defensive lineman who has all the tools to climb into the rankings by the end of his senior year. He's got a lot of tape at LT, where he shines as a run blocker. Sterk gets off the ball fast and has a fierce down block. He does a great job of crashing down and taking sharp angles to pancake defenders, but he can also get to the second level and remove a linebacker from the field of play. When he reach blocks, he does a nice job of getting his hips around to seal the edge, and sticks with them downfield to finish his blocks. In pass-pro, his long arms are used well to stifle pass rushes. Sterk plays with some clear aggression and tenacity. Sterk looks to be moving in the right direction ahead of this fall.     A well-rounded athlete from out-state Minnesota, Schmidt doesn't have a ton of junior year tape, but combined with his previous efforts, I could see big things on the horizon. He had a big impact on both special teams and on offense last season. On special teams, he's a physical tackler who attacks at a low angle and rolls through the ball carrier. I like what he put on tape as a wide receiver. He's primarily a slot receiver, with the ability to lose defenders in space with speed that allows him to break away and create chunk plays. He lays out for the rock and fights hard to bring down tough catches in traffic. There's a lot to like about Paynesville this fall.     An eager RB/LB for the Pioneers, Riehle is a key part of what is looking like a loaded squad ahead of next season. On offense, Riehle is a quick one-cut back with solid top-end speed and the vision to find openings in the defense. On defense, Riehle is an aggressive MLB who can wreak havoc while blitzing across the middle. He excels at stopping the run, fighting hard through contact with blockers, while showing off fantastic pursuit of the ball carriers from alley to alley. I'm excited to see what the two-way athlete can produce during his senior campaign later this year.     An absolute unit of an offensive line prospect hailing from Forest Lake, Lopez has put up some great tape over the course of the past couple of seasons and shows no signs of slowing down. With most of his tape from his junior year on the interior IOL, Lopez has blossomed into an elite people-mover. As you might've guessed by his frame, Lopez is stout, and an incredibly tough task for defenders to get by. He's a force in pass-pro, stifling bull-rushes in an instant. He's got a low center of gravity and long arms that prevent defenders from creating problems on the inside. His feet are also quicker than I remember, especially for a prospect of his size. Lopez doesn't get bogged down in the mud and has a certain agility to his game that I appreciate. I could see some MIAC, WIAC, or even an NSIC offer being floated his way after a big senior season.     Nahl is one of the premier trench dogs in the state, and he hails from a small town less than an hour outside of the metro area. I liked a lot about Nahl's tape. The big OT (with tape on both sides of the OL) brings a lot to the table, including (but not surprisingly) a lot of power in the run game. He explodes off the ball and can be frequently seen finishing his blocks into the dirt. I'd like to see some lower pad level out of the big man, but his physicality is very admirable. On defense, Nahl sees a lot of time as an edge rusher. He's a standup pass-rushing threat who touts eye-catching athleticism and explosiveness coming from the outside. Nahl is a prospect who needs more attention and could easily be a big-time steal for whatever college signs him after his senior year.     A three-sport athlete who is an OLB/FB, Karger put up some insane stats during his junior season and is gearing up for a monster final year in 6A. On his tape, Karger showed off a lot of tenacity and hustle. As a borderline Edge rusher, Karger fights tooth and nail through offensive linemen and lead blockers to blow up the play. His speed and bend off the edge create a real problem for offenses, and he's not afraid to collide with bigger blockers. He's quick enough to avoid big OTs and does a great job of preventing blockers from locking on. I especially like how he uses his hands to punch or rip out balls from irresponsible receivers or QBs behind the LOS. On offense, Karger runs hard and can tear through arm tackles like a hot knife through butter. I'm a big fan of what Karger can do in 2026.

Continuing with my coverage of some under-the-radar 2027 prospects, I have 7 more studs looking to break out in a big way during their senior season. We've got guys who've made waves, with the potential to emerge as elite talents, true underdogs who need a serious look going forward. Enjoy!