Rankings Analysis: Florida’s best from 2027
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The PrepSoccer State rankings for the class of 2027 for Florida were released this week. The 2027 class in Florida, at this moment, does not have a representative at the US Youth National Team level, which is a bit of…
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Continue ReadingThe PrepSoccer State rankings for the class of 2027 for Florida were released this week. The 2027 class in Florida, at this moment, does not have a representative at the US Youth National Team level, which is a bit of a rarity. There are some prospects in this group and IMG Academy is always active in recruiting too – so this could change in the future.
It feels like a noteworthy remark though as it might cast a bit of a shadow on this group. While the class might miss an obvious headliner, there is quite a bit of depth from the 08/09 age groups. There is a balance too. The talent is spread between the ECNL, GA, and other club/high school programs. Check out the full ranking here. Learn more about the PrepSoccer ranking process here.
Below is a scouting report on a few of the players who appear at the top of the rankings for this group.
Deligans is a midfielder on the IMG Academy Girls Academy team. She is a decorated player with a number of honors. Deligans would’ve been considered a top player in the 2026 class to give some perspective. She has big time potential. This season, she’s enjoyed a dominant run of form for IMG Academy in the Girls Academy. She’s right footed, but not afraid to pull the shot off with her left when the opportunity presents itself. Last season, it felt like her finishing was the highlight of her game. This season, her playmaking has been taking the forefront. She’s shown incredible vision and helped some of her teammates to have outstanding campaigns with her passing. Deligans continues to elevate her game and has proven to be one of the best in the Girls Academy over the past two seasons. Her defensive intensity could improve in the future and probably will be asked to by the type of college programs that will look to recruit her. She can be passive off the ball as a defender. That said, her offensive contributions are what makes her a top player from this class.
Highlights
Barnes is a forward on the Florida United 08 GA team. She is one of the top prospects in the Girls Academy. Barnes has the tools to develop into a top No. 9 in the country. She is a physically imposing player with game-breaking ability. She can separate from defenders with ease with her speed. Barnes could improve on her finishing with her left foot. She can look a bit hesitant and uncomfortable when shots don’t set up perfectly on her weaker foot. It’s the difference between being a top player at the regional level compared to the national level. I think Barnes has the highest upside of any player I’ve seen from Florida in this class. As long as she continues to show improvement with her club side, there is reason to believe she will be a top national recruit next summer.
Pennie is a midfielder on the Florida United 09 GA team. She plays as a box-to-box midfielder or as an attacking midfielder. She took part in the US Soccer U14 Girls National Team Central Regional Mini-Camp last season. She has also been part of the Girls Academy National Talent ID event. Pennie impressed me with her constant scanning. She is always aware of her surroundings. She also put in effort defensively to win the ball back quickly for her side. Given how Pennie likes to play – quick combination play – she is an ideal fit for a possession-dominant side. She could improve on her impact when her team is on their heels and not seeing as much of the ball.
Martinez is a midfielder on the Florida United 08 GA team. We previously identified her as a player to watch in the 2027 class given her contributions at the 08 age group. She’s been equally as impactful this season. I’ve seen her play in a wide role for her club side. The wide midfield spot utilizes her relentless work rate and aptitude for making those full field runs. She is good on the ball and does well keeping close control of the ball while holding off defenders. She really shines in combination play.