Eight Great New Prospects from California's 2028 Class

The Prep Soccer state rankings for California's 2028 class will be updated this week. Prior to the release of the updated rankings, check out the scouting report on some of the new names or rapid risers from the California 2028 class.    Center back from Strikers U16 MLS Next. ECNL All-American last season with [program_tooltip program_id='283259' first='Beach' last='FC (CA)']. Figueroa has been excellent with Strikers in MLS Next this season. He is playing right center back for his club team. He's a smart player with top-level potential as a defender. He reads the game well and shows understanding of when to put in a sharp tackle. Figueroa is thriving in the Strikers system and should continue to catch the attention of scouts at the professional and college level.     Hanafee is a forward on the [program_tooltip program_id='283732' first='Sacramento' last='Republic'] MLS Next U17 team. He is a five-foot-ten attacker who can play as a the striker, support striker, or on the wing. With his pace and effort, he can play as a wingback as well. Hanafee has been a standout at the MLS Next level. He's competitive with the pace to create separation. He's a good finisher and continues to use his tactical understanding to create chances. Hanafee is right footed, but he looks confident on his left foot as well. He's got the player profile to be an immediate contributor at the next level.     Perez is a midfielder on the [program_tooltip program_id='283671' first='LA' last='Galaxy'] U17 MLS Next team. He is five-foot-eight, right footed, and wears the captain's armband for his club team. He also takes penalty kicks for his club side. He is a skillful player who is excellent on the dribble. His quick decision-making and ability to improvise suggest he has professional level quality to his game. He has been excellent at the start of the season, even against fellow MLS academy level competition. Perez is one of the best in Southern California. He is a key piece of the successful [program_tooltip program_id='283671' first='LA' last='Galaxy'] side as a box-to-box center midfielder.     Mullins is a center back on the [program_tooltip program_id='283671' first='LA' last='Galaxy'] U17 MLS Next team. He plays right center back. He is part of the Armenia Youth National Team. He is five-foot-ten, right footed, and smart. Mullins is a key player on the [program_tooltip program_id='283671' first='LA' last='Galaxy'] side. He is good on the ball and picks his head up to try to pick out the runs of the forwards over the top of the opposition. He does well on the ball and can hit any pass consistently. He's a smooth defender. He plays with poise and does well keeping his feet and not diving in on challenges. Mullins has been one of the top defenders in MLS Next at the start of the season.     Webb is a defender on the [program_tooltip program_id='283732' first='Sacramento' last='Republic'] U16 MLS Next team. He plays right center back for his club team. He has been part of the US Soccer Talent ID events in the past. Webb is an elite athlete. He is an aerial dominant player and a target on set pieces for his side. He is an impactful player who stands out immediately from game film. Webb can have moments when he tries to do too much during the game. His athleticism helps him recover from any mistakes, but cleaning up those areas of his game will be key to elevating his level for college and beyond.     Simonelli is a midfielder/defender on the [program_tooltip program_id='283732' first='Sacramento' last='Republic'] U16 MLS Next team. He can play either center midfielder, defensive midfielder, or outside back. He's been outstanding at the start of the MLS Next season. He's everywhere on the field and always involved in the action. He has quick feet and does well in duels using that asset. He is sharp with his passing and plays with his head up. Simonelli has the tools to take over the game at any moment. His mentality and work ethic is going to catch the attention of every scouts who watches his team.     Shi is a forward on the [program_tooltip program_id='283641' first='De' last='Anza Force'] U16 MLS Next team. He has been part of US Soccer Talent ID events in the past. His play at the start of the MLS Next season has been terrific. He is a forward who can do everything. He has a good first touch, he is strong on the ball, and he is quick with his actions. With a high GPA and a proven record as one of the best players in Northern California, he is going to have plenty of interests from scouts.     [player_tooltip player_id='334932' first='Bryce' last='Del Grande'] is a midfielder/forward on [program_tooltip program_id='283646' first='FC' last='[program_tooltip program_id='283257' first='Bay' last='Area Surf']'] U16 MLS Next team. He is right footed. He has scored four goals through the first four games of the season. Del Grande probably fits in perfectly as an attacking midfielder. He has a nose for the goal too and finds effective ways to get in behind the defense with his sharp runs off the ball. He scored a spectacular goal on an individual effort against The Town earlier this season. He is playing with a lot of confidence right now and will be key for a successful season for FC Bay Area MLS Next.

The Prep Soccer state rankings for California's 2028 class will be updated this week. Prior to the release of the updated rankings, check out the scouting report on some of the new names or rapid risers from the California 2028 class.