PRZAL 2028 Rankings Update: Top 50 Countdown, Part I

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>*Use code "jackson30" for 30% off your PRZ subscription*</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Earlier this week, our preseason 2028 rankings update officially hit the market. 150 new names were added, and a major shake-up in the top 50 highlighted this update. Here, we rifle through and add evaluations for our top 50, starting with 1-25.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>The following prospects were evaluated in our recent 2028 rankings article, which you can find <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/przal-2028-rankings-update-day-primer/">here</a>.</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1. [player_tooltip player_id='1621009' first='Nehemiah' last='McCary']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2. [player_tooltip player_id='1621015' first='Joey' last='Fleming']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3. [player_tooltip player_id='1354216' first='Kingston' last='Preyear']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4. [player_tooltip player_id='2111510' first='CJ' last='Craig-James']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5. [player_tooltip player_id='2231959' first='Ryquan' last='Butler']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6. [player_tooltip player_id='1634478' first='Keoni' last='Snipes']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7. [player_tooltip player_id='1924013' first='Kaleb' last='Ballard']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8. [player_tooltip player_id='1924005' first='Samuel' last='Bailey']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9. [player_tooltip player_id='1718031' first='Kylen' last='Johnson']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10. [player_tooltip player_id='1621006' first='Dedrick' last='Kimbrough']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1665748"],"_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-6a6b690f3c0e2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I was close to putting Bennett in our top 10 initially, and he will continue hovering around this range in the rankings over the next two years. I have long been a massive fan of Bennett, and he is one of my favorites in this class. He is an athletic, properly tempered IOL prospect with the athleticism to flex tackle spots if needed, even at 6'3. He has filled out and still has room to grow into himself. He is violent, seeking out blockers in space to knock off their feet or stun with his punches. I love his upside and I love his aggressiveness at the point of attack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1680281"],"_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-6a6b690f3c11c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ervin ranks as the No. 1 overall DL prospect after our rankings update. He is a really impressive player all the way around who leverages and controls the point well, especially for someone at his size. He is explosive off the line, fights hard at the point of attack, and can close space to ball carriers. He can win in a lot of ways, and I believe he has a high floor, all things considered. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1075805"],"_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-6a6b690f3c13d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I switched Brown's position to EDGE in this update, a spot where I think he could make some serious noise and money at the next level. What he lacks in prototype size he makes up for in pure energy, speed, and aggression off the edge. He is probably the best true game-breaker in this class, providing a headache on a snap-in, snap-out basis with how disruptive he is. If I had to pick one player in this state to get me a sack on a critical 3rd down, it would be this one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1638993"],"_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-6a6b690f3c15c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ward is an exciting player who generated rave reviews from FBS personnel departments during this ranking process, with one staffer calling Ward a top 5 player in the state. He is certainly a top 5 LB, and he will maintain that status barring something unforeseen. He is a strong, powerful player who flies around the field. He is quick-twitch, explosive downhill, and is disruptive at contact. He will be a stand-up LB at the next level, but he certainly can rush off the edge in blitz scenarios and chase the ball, which is where he could find his money early on in college.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1624757"],"_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-6a6b690f3c17a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Blackmon is a true mismatch, physical threat who maintained similar status in our recent update. He has functional speed and athleticism for his size, but at 6'3 200, he can fight for positioning and makes it difficult for DBs to hang on when the ball is in the air. He is a strong player with strong hands, a large catch radius, and gives QBs peace of mind when the ball goes his way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1650166"],"_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-6a6b690f3c197"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1650166' first='Lee' last='Steele'] is the true definition of a traits-eval, with the core of intrigue here based on his combination of size, speed, and the upside those two things signal. He is a towering basketball prospect with the natural ability to win vertically, while still having impressive speed and giddy up off the snap. He has plenty of space to add weight, but I think he will be best by maintaining a thinner frame and reaping the benefits of that. Regardless, he is picking up serious attention in two sports and has Sunday potential as a football prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1680275"],"_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-6a6b690f3c1b3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I am probably higher on Green than most in the industry at this stage. He perfectly encapsulates what defenses are looking for in this position. He has speed, length, and bend, but he is instinctual and athletic enough to slide back and play off the ball, too. He is a hybrid-style player who can play in space, close ground, line up over receivers, and tackle. He is going to play at a very high level of college football as a result.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1261420"],"_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-6a6b690f3c1ce"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1261420' first='Aiden' last='Lyles'] is the most polished pass rusher in AL's 2028 class. He is listed at 6'2 230, playing bigger than listed thanks to his length. He is explosive off the line, can bend, works both shoulders in his attack, and does a tremendous job of using his hands to pull himself into the backfield. On top of his nuance and traits, he is energetic, and you can feel it through the screen. Lyles is a P4-caliber prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1624747"],"_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-6a6b690f3c1e9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">King ranks as our No. 2 DB in the state in this update and is a true FBS prospect. King is a versatile player who will likely settle at DB. He is a slick, smooth athlete who can play the ball in the air, carry routes, and close space as a tackler. His instincts are impressive, quickly keying downhill, settling in space, and running routes for the receivers when he matches. He just has the look of a kid who is going to be good every step of the way, and that is where his floor starts. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1634344"],"_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-6a6b690f3c204"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sigler is already garnering major attention on the recruiting trail and is the first true corner to pop up on this list, which makes him the best pure corner in AL's 2028 class at this stage. He is a true prototype at 6'2 195 who can manipulate receivers with his length. He is still growing into himself, but he flashes as an athlete when given the opportunity, proving he can change gears. He is a patient, instinctual player who settles in soft spots and makes plays on the football. The traits tell the story here, but his instincts will be what pays off long term.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1642536"],"_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-6a6b690f3c21f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1642536' first='CJ' last='Davis'] emerges as the No. 1 RB in this update, a title that he will compete for over the next 20 months or so. There's so much to like here. He is a well-developed, strong player around 5'10 180 who can play through contact, while having the athleticism to create his own yards. He is a truly rare receiver from this spot, so much so that he will line out wide and run routes vertically while winning on the ball in the air. He is one of the best pure playmakers in this class and will be a priority for P4 coaches over the next two years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2217261"],"_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-6a6b690f3c239"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jackson is a favorite of mine and has been for a few years now, and he recently broke the seal and introduced himself as a true P4 prospect. He is raw, but I like him similarly to why I like Bennett. He is athletic, but his violence and ability to carry blocks and set the tone in the interior are impressive, and perhaps more important now than ever. Jackson goes for the kill shot, and his temperament can be a dream on the interior in college.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2162452"],"_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-6a6b690f3c253"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Perhaps no prospect in AL climbed P4 boards this offseason quite the way [player_tooltip player_id='2162452' first='Barrett' last='Price'] did. He is a reliable, consistent threat at each level of the field with an uncanny ability to deceive and separate both at the line and at the top of his routes. Even without prototype traits, he has the speed and nuance to get open and stay open, which is what will translate against talented DBs in college.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1261421"],"_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-6a6b690f3c26d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Coger is generating national attention as an RB prospect and will remain in the mix with [player_tooltip player_id='1642536' first='CJ' last='Davis'] for our No. 1 RB spot over the next 20 months. Coger has truly elite twitch and speed, allowing him to effortlessly dodge tacklers and create yards. He strains the most out of every carry, making him tough to tackle at each level. He is a HR threat from any spot on the field and is the twitchiest 2028 prospect in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1261454"],"_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-6a6b690f3c286"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1261454' first='Cortez' last='Carr'] rounds out our top 25, and I feel like I couldn't talk about him enough this offseason. He is a shorter, strong, powerful player who can enforce his will at the point of attack. His first-step explosiveness and athleticism off the edge is impressive for his size and body type. He is juiced up, active, and is a magnet to the football. He generates chaos plays and is another true "game breaker".</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->