Rankings Preview: Top Six Players from Texas’ 2027 Class
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The PrepSoccer state rankings for Texas’ 2027 class will be released next week. The freshman group in Texas is still super early in the process, but it looks like some of the best players currently in the state are actually…
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Continue ReadingThe PrepSoccer state rankings for Texas’ 2027 class will be released next week. The freshman group in Texas is still super early in the process, but it looks like some of the best players currently in the state are actually from other states. Two players in the top five of the boys rankings were recruited from other states to join MLS academies in Texas.
The nature of the game now in boys club soccer is player movement and this class definitely reflects that reality.
Below is a scouting report on the top five players in the Texas 2027 class. The full list for this class will be released next week.
Christopher Cook Christopher Cook M State #3 Nation TX aka Steel Cook is the top prospect from FC Dallas’ academy. He played as a forward for the U14 MLS Next team last season. He projects as a No. 10 or a winger. I’ve seen him play out of position as a center forward, but based on the FC Dallas U15 roster it looks like that might not be in his future this season. He’s not the biggest player on the field and defenses tend to crowd him when he plays as a center forward. He is still effective as a high-activity striker. Always looking to create chances, Cook is extremely dangerous around the box with his intelligence. He is get at his movement off the ball in finding little pockets away from defenders. Cook is more influential though when he is put into spots when he can have more touches on the ball – on the wing when it is 1v1 or when he drops off to play against the defensive midfielder through the center. He’s skillful and keeps close control of the ball. His foot speed really shines in the attacking third as he can dance around lunges and off-balance defenders with a hop and a skip. Cook possesses all the attributes to suggest he has unlimited potential.
Patton previously played for Real Colorado. He joined Austin FC last season and was a key player for the U15 team that won the GA Cup in the Spring. He is back with Austin FC for this season, and the top player at the club in this age group. He is an 08 birthday so he misses out on some of the accolades of the 09s in this class, but he has the club hardware to back-up a lofty ranking. He played as the right center back for the Austin FC U15 MLS Next team last season. Patton impressed me with his defending instincts. As such a young player, there is usually a reliance on physical attributes when defending, but he’s been well-coached over the years. He has a feel for the game that is different than most center backs in this class. The way he anticipates when to step off the center forward and when to play tight as he reads both the body language of the attacker and the runs of support from the opposition is pretty advanced. He is fiercely competitive and loves the challenge of playing against the best. Patton has a bright future and it’s easy to see why Austin FC prioritized his arrival at the club. He could be a fast track to opportunities against older competition in the near future.
Hinds is a center midfielder for Houston Dynamo academy. He has been part of the US Youth National Team at the U14 level. He is a regular call-up for Talent ID events in the 09 age group. Hinds is an athletic player who figures as a No. 8 at the top level. He had some impressive slide tackles in the open field to stop counter attacks from games last season. Hinds is a workhorse in the midfield and one of those players who never hides from the action. He is always working to get a pass and always hounding the opposition defensively. Hinds is a favorite of US Soccer scouts and it is easy to see why.
Eason is a forward on the FC Dallas U15 MLS Next team. He is part of the US U14 Boys National Team. Eason is originally from California and previously played for LAFC and TFA. Eason is a winger, right-footed, dynamic on the ball. He is a slippery type of player – a bit of samba on the field with the fluidity of how he moves on the ball. He has pace and skill to handle playing up an age group or two. He was excellent last season at the U14 level. He showed that he had good decision-making in the final third and looked comfortable on the ball playing out of tight spaces. With his pace in the open field, Eason often found success running down the side against outside backs. US Soccer has been excellent at identifying wingers in the past, and Eason has many of the characteristics that should make him a standout in the position for a long time.
Barrett is another center back from the 2027 class who ranks among the overall best with this group. Barrett is one of the players from the Houston Dynamo academy who has been part of the US U14 Boys National Team. He has good size and athletic profile to project as a potential prospect for the professional level. He plays as the right center back for his club team. He is good on the ball. Quick with decisions and capable to break pressure with accurate passing over 40 yards. He is a strong defender who is especially good in 1v1 situations. He could improve on his off-ball defending as he can drift a bit and lose his mark in situations. Barrett’s potential and current level make him an easy choice as one of the top players in Texas in the 2027 class.
Rios is the goalkeeper from the FC Dallas academy and our top ranked goalkeeper from the 2027 class in the state. He’s originally from El Paso and was recruited to join the FC Dallas academy. He is an excellent shot-stopper – good hands, excellent technique. Rios is also good in possession and comfortable playing with his feet under pressure. Rios has big-time potential at a national level.