Rising Stars Shine at UA Next Future 50 Camp: Meet the 2027 Elite!

IMG Academy, Bradenton, Florida, USA - The recent UA Next Future 50 camp at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, brought together some of the most talented high school football players from the Class of 2027. Over the course of two intense days, 35 athletes, including 22 ranked in the top 50 of the ESPN Jr. 300 recruiting rankings, showcased their skills and potential. Participants enjoyed elite training sessions and engaged in a thrilling 7-on-7 passing competition, a hallmark of the event.

Team Echo claimed victory in the 7-on-7 passing title, triumphing over Team Halo in a nail-biting overtime showdown. Julius Jones from St. Thomas Aquinas in Florida earned the Offensive MVP honors for Team Echo, while the Defensive MVP went to John Meredith III from Euless Trinity in Texas. For Team Halo, Elijah Haven from The Dunham School in Louisiana was honored as the Offensive MVP, with Hayden Stepp from Bishop Gorman in Nevada taking home the Defensive MVP award.

Stars on the Rise

Among the standout performances was Maxwell Hiller from Coatesville, Pennsylvania, who won the Big Man Challenge competition. Additionally, Kennedy Brown from Texas and Krew Jones from Utah shared the title of Big Man Most Athletic Winners, proving their prowess on the field. Meanwhile, Easton Royal from Brother Martin in Louisiana clocked an impressive 4.29 seconds in the 40-yard dash, just edging out Meredith’s time of 4.32 seconds—a thrilling competition that showcased speed right before the onlookers‘ eyes.

Reflecting the rising stars of this class, players exhibited impressive physical attributes and diverse skills. The event attracted attention from college coaches and recruiters alike, particularly as the contact period for rising juniors recently opened on June 15. Rising prospect Kennedy Brown, standing at an impressive 6-foot-5 and weighing 285 pounds, is already making waves. After a traumatic ACL injury as a freshman, Brown not only returned to the field but has quickly positioned himself as the No. 2 overall prospect in his class, according to 247Sports Composite rankings.

Recruiting Landscape

Brown’s resilience has led to significant interest from top-tier colleges. His early favorites include Oregon, Texas, Georgia, Alabama, and Notre Dame, highlighting a continued upward trajectory in his recruitment journey. Notably, he is not swayed by the prospect of NIL compensation, emphasizing a desire to find a college where he truly feels needed. His ambition to commit next summer has coaches keen on securing his talents as he continues to refine his game.

Elijah Haven, also a five-star recruit and the only quarterback in this elite group, is generating buzz. He has recently toured several schools, with Florida making a solid impression following his visit and conversation with DJ Lagway, a fellow top QB recruit from the Class of 2024. Haven’s journey reflects his aspirations to follow in the footsteps of the elite while weighing competitive programs in the mix.

The buzz surrounding the Class of 2027 is palpable, as emerging talent showcases skills and determination at events like the UA Next Future 50. As these young athletes work towards their college football futures, the excitement in Florida and beyond continues to build, as fans keep an eager eye on the journeys of these rising stars. For more details on this year’s camp, visit High School Football America, or dive into the recruiting details with The New York Times and 247Sports.