Rankings Analysis: The best talent from CA’s 2025 class

<!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":82010,"width":200,"height":131,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/ColeHarris-IG-crop-2344x1539-1673891478.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-82010" width="200" height="131" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='79203' first='Cole' last='Harris'], Strikers</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The PrepSoccer Rankings for the California Class of 2025 were released last week. Over the past week, we have released in-depth scouting reports on the players in the rankings from familiar names to the rapid risers to <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/california/rankings/boys/2025-rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the new names to know from the list</a>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below is a breakdown of some of the top players from the sophomore class in California. Check back later this week for the 2026 class rankings for California </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["7125"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Norris is a midfielder who plays for San Diego Surf ECNL 06 as well as OCSC II. His play with OCSC II showed that he can play against older, bigger competition already, which suggests he could be making the jump up a level in the near future. He is a quick and clever player. He is a box-to-box type of midfielder. He routinely puts in the key pass for his side. He also does well in exploiting the opposition off the dribble and can finish around the box. He has the engine to cover the whole field, and he will make the lung-busting runs over 60 yards. Norris has the quality to his game to be in this game for a long time.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63c58ebb4e83b"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvtVoXpVAIA","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvtVoXpVAIA </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["18337"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Allen has been extremely productive in MLS Next this season while playing for San Jose Earthquakes. The center forward has really impressed me with his growth as a complete prospect as a striker. He is using his body well to shield defenders. The cleverness with his body positioning is making him a handful for youth defenders. Allen is an 07 who is playing up on the San Jose Earthquakes 06/U17 MLS Next team. Standing at six-foot-three, he already has the frame for the next level. He is right footed, but a confident finisher with either foot. He has the technical quality on the ball to drift out wide, but his future is very much in the center. This year should be big for Allen, as he should have more opportunities against older competition to prove he is ready to make that jump into an MLS Next Pro role. His play recently suggests that he is ready for that type of challenge, which is why he is ranked so highly in the state.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63c58ebb4e955"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksIT6BoAlfc","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksIT6BoAlfc </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["79204"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Bedolla is a player who is on this list now, but probably won't be here for long. The Oakland Roots USL Academy signing was a young standout for the club in 2022. Bedroll's play with Oakland Root's development team, Project 510, was very impressive. He played alongside players a few years older than him and he held his own. Bedolla is listed as a midfielder on the roster. He has promising attacking instincts which makes him an ideal fit in a No. 10 role. The teenager is one to watch this season, as he is another example of the different paths available in the sport in the U.S. now.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63c58ebb4e9e5"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["8582"],"_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_0_evaluation":"The MLS Next MVP is a likely candidate for a Homegrown contract in the near future. He has not played much in the MLS Next this season, as he has been a key part of the US Youth National Team during the past few months. LA Galaxy Academy played him as a forward (wing and center) during the event in December in Indio. The question for Ramos moving forward is how to utilize him in the best way on the field. When he played as a center forward, he did not get enough of the ball. He worked and pressed, but he doesn't quite have the same influence on the game when he's left on an island. He'd be a very promising support striker. He is skillful and combines well in tight spaces. He is a pretty good finisher. That said, Ramos has still been the brightest talent at LA Galaxy Academy for some time. He will likely be on the professional side of the game soon.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63c58ebb4ea68"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["7773"],"_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_0_evaluation":"This is no surprise, but Sacramento Republic's Academy is developing players. The 07 age group is the testament to that statement, but it's obvious thought out the club's youth program. Martin is another example of how playing in that environment can help a player raise their game. The forward is playing up with the U17 team this season, and he has looked like he belongs. His work rate is really impress. Martin commits to making the runs off the ball for his teammates, and his body language never suggests frustration when he doesn't receive the ball. He puts in the effort, and keeps working for the group. It's a trait that all coaches want to see from players. When he does get the ball, he is productive. He has developed this trick of a heel flick pass when playing with a defender on his hip that has been effective in fooling defenders. He has also been good in the air with a number of goals from headers. Martin is a big time prospect from the 2025 class.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63c58ebb4eaef"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEoAxQkxzWQ","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEoAxQkxzWQ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["54722"],"_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_0_evaluation":"The former Murrieta Surf Academy standout is now playing for Los Angeles FC. Prentice is a right center back and one of the best in the state at that position. He is right-footed, comfortable on the ball, and has a good first touch. The one element of his game that really stood out was his passing. He did an excellent job in leading his teammates with his pass, he would send them into space or force them to open up to the field by passing to the correct foot. Prentice is also rock solid as a defender. He battles in 1v1 duels and usually comes away cleanly with the ball. He will be a top option at the position from this class for the next level.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63c58ebb4eb73"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["7629"],"_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_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='7629' first='Gabriel' last='Arnold'] is a center midfielder for LA Galaxy Academy U17. He is small but very technical on the ball. He does well using his body to shield bigger players off the ball and forcing them to foul him in hopes of dispossessing him in the center of the field. Arnold plays mostly one or two-touch soccer. He likes to keep the ball moving and swing it from side to side. He is playing up an age group this season with the LA Galaxy U17 team. He should have a bigger role with the team next year and could really be a top performer in 2023/2024.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63c58ebb4ebe7"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["79203"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Smooth on the ball, fiercely competitive, and a weapon in aerial duels, [player_tooltip player_id='79203' first='Cole' last='Harris'] is one of the best center backs in the state in the 2025 class. The Strikers FC left center back is often in the spotlight for his side. He is on the ball quite a bit as they tend to build from the back through him in possession. He makes good decisions on the ball and does well in coaching his teammates to get to the right spots to open up the field. Defensively, he has the quality to man-mark if needed and Strikers utilize his athleticism when they press as he steps up a level and tries to shut down the outlet options. Harris is going to be a top target early for the 2025 class recruiting.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63c58ebb4ec61"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktopu0026amp;v=d5XOxZ6BmZA","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&amp;v=d5XOxZ6BmZA </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["7685"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Miller has made the biggest jump in his development this season, out of anyone in the rankings. He has figured out the type of player that he is and excelled in that role. Miller is a winger (or perhaps a wing back in a very desperate pinch). As long as I've seen him play, he has been in that position, but he has gained a ton of tactical nuance in recent months - he understands his responsibilities within the team. Miller is a fleet-footed winger who likes to go at defenders. He has improved on using both feet to find success in dribbling duels on the wing - his quick switch from his right to left foot with the ball under him has caught a number of defenders on their heels. He is still a little impatient on the wing and will force things at time, but it's the risk you are willing to live with as he continues to grow. Miller has that little bit extra in the final third, which makes him incredibly valuable to LA Galaxy Academy. He has provided some goals in key moments this season. The right winger is one to watch in 2023 as he looks to make the next jump up in his development - and perhaps earn a look against even older competition.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63c58ebb4ecf6"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["7144"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Willey is obviously a top target in this class. He was a standout for the Sacramento Republic team last season at the U15 level in MLS Next. He has transitioned seamlessly to the U17 team during this year's campaign. His play at that level has earned him an extended look with the youth national teams. Willey is a midfielder (box-to-box) who stands out for his play on the ball. He is smooth on the ball and a clever passer. He is a more creative type than a destroyer. His vision and passing is among the best in this class in the country. He already looks ready for a jump up to a faster speed of play based on how he operates at the U17 level. Willey could be in for a big 2023 as he will have plenty of options available for his future.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63c58ebb4ed75"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->