Connecticut: Class of 2028 New Players to Know
| Walker McClure | Connecticut | 2028 | 6’2 | 190 | DB | Brunswick School Ct. |
Walker McClure, a standout defensive back from Brunswick School in Connecticut, is making waves in the New England class of 2028. Standing tall at 6’2″ and weighing 190 pounds, McClure’s physical presence is hard to ignore, and it’s already caught the eye of recruiters, including an offer from the University of Connecticut football program.
What sets him apart is not just his size, but his ability to effectively use it in both coverage and run support. He plays with a noticeable physical edge, making big hits and demonstrating a commitment to contributing in all facets of the defense. His length and athleticism allow him to disrupt passing lanes consistently, effectively breaking up passes and frustrating opposing receivers.
In man coverage, McClure truly shines. He possesses the skills to lock down receivers, exhibiting confidence that makes him a formidable presence on the field. His proficiency in press coverage is especially remarkable; he expertly uses his size and strength to disrupt routes right at the line of scrimmage, establishing control over matchups. This advantage, coupled with his overall athleticism and fierce competitiveness, makes him an invaluable asset in one-on-one situations.
As he continues to develop, focusing on improving his timing when locating the football will be crucial for his growth. Enhancing his head-turning techniques could convert more pass breakups into interceptions, further elevating his game. As Walker McClure prepares to enter the ranking list for Prep Redzone New England, he is undoubtedly a player to watch.
| Kovanni Mckiernan | Connecticut | 2028 | 6’3 | 280 | OL | Brunswick School |
Kovanni Mckiernan, an impressive offensive lineman from Brunswick School in Connecticut, is a standout prospect in the New England class of 2028. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 280 pounds, his highlight film showcases his remarkable ability to move the line of scrimmage and effectively engage defenders. One notable strength is his capacity to reach the second level, demonstrating a unique agility for a player of his size. His solid pad level and decent knee bend contribute to his balance on the field, allowing him to stay upright and maintain control during plays.
However, there are areas where Kovanni can improve. To enhance his performance, he should focus on reducing body fat while building lean muscle, which will increase his agility and overall effectiveness. Additionally, when pulling, maintaining a lower pad level will enable him to drive through defenders with greater force. Some tightness in his knees has been observed at the pre-snap position, which could be addressed through better warm-up practices and weekly Yoga Training.
To maximize his potential, ongoing skill training with a defensive back (DB) specialist is highly recommended, as it will help refine his footwork and technique. Furthermore, a commitment to weight room development is essential to ensure he builds the strength needed for high-level competition. Incorporating yoga sessions three times a week could greatly benefit his flexibility and help alleviate any tightness. Lastly, combined testing this offseason would be beneficial in pinpointing specific weaknesses for targeted improvement.
Overall, Kovanni Mckiernan’s skill set and work ethic position him as a promising addition to the upcoming ranking update by Prep Redzone New England.
| Joziah Rivera-perry | Connecticut | 2028 | 6’0 | 170 | DB | Waterford |
Player Introduction Report: Joziah Rivera-Perry
I recently had the opportunity to analyze the highlight film of Joziah Rivera-Perry, a promising freshman from Waterford, Connecticut, set to make waves in the New England Class of 2028. Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 170 pounds, Joziah shines primarily as a safety and wide receiver, showcasing his versatility on the field.
During the 2025 season, Joziah demonstrated impressive strengths, particularly in run support. His ability to come down quickly to assist in stopping the run sets him apart, as he is strong at the point of attack and exhibits excellent reactions. Additionally, his good field vision allows him to read plays effectively and position himself advantageously, making him a valuable asset on defense.
However, to provide a comprehensive evaluation, it’s important to see further clips of Joziah in coverage situations. This will help us gauge his skills in pass defense and identify areas for improvement. To enhance his performance, I recommend continued on-field skill training with a defensive back specialist. Additionally, developing his strength in the weight room will be crucial as he grows and faces tougher competition.
Finally, I suggest that Joziah undergo combine testing to pinpoint any physical weaknesses that can be addressed during the offseason. His current abilities combined with targeted training promise great potential. Joziah Rivera-Perry is a player to watch in the upcoming ranking update, and I’m excited to see how he develops over the next few years.
