The physicality 2027 Ripley LB Eli Huffman brings to the middle of the Vikings’ defense makes him an unoffered senior worth a closer look. Huffman has a 6’1 200 frame and plays downhill with the intent to finish when he gets to the football. He’s a forceful tackler who attacks ball carriers rather than waiting for contact, and his quickness helps him work laterally and close ground in a hurry. Huffman has the traits to translate to the D2 level if they get eyes on his film.

2027 LB Eli Huffman has been an under-the-radar linebacker to watch for Ripley and has gotten off to a strong start to his senior season. He has a good 6’1 200 frame at middle linebacker and immediately stands out on tape from a physical standpoint. Huffman gets downhill quickly and is a thumping tackler, meeting ball carriers with intent and delivering a blow when he arrives. He also has good quickness flowing to the football and getting vertical. Huffman is playing himself into some D2 opportunities in my eyes and deserves a close look from college programs.

BREAKOUT CANDIDATE

Getting 2027 LB Eli Huffman back at full strength could be one of the biggest additions to Ripley’s defense this season. Despite appearing in just three games as a junior, Huffman still finished sixth on the team in tackles, highlighting the type of production he brings when healthy. He plays downhill with a physical mindset, works through traffic well, and closes quickly once he identifies the football. If Huffman stays healthy throughout his senior season, expect him to be a leader of the Vikings’ defense and one of the more productive linebackers in Class AAA.