Road to June 15th: "Tall Talents" from Nebraska's Class of 2027

We recently applied this old series to the <a href="https://prepdig.com/2025/05/tall-talents-to-follow-in-nebraska-2028-watch-list/">2028s</a>, so let's bring in the 2027s.   Nebraska's recruitable athletes from the Class of 2027 fit various molds. Many are six-rotation standouts, and others make an impact at multiple positions. And, as we'll see in this feature, a few players bring unmatched physicality and sky over their opposition.   Here are a few of our "tall talent" picks as we expand our scope on Nebraska's 2027s.    Cramer's growth and development have been an x-factor for Premier Nebraska 16 Gold. She had a stout sophomore campaign at Omaha Marian but has expanded her repertoire enormously at the 16s level. She wields her length effectively by putting up technically sound blocks from pin to pin. Of course, we also have to consider Cramer's colossal contact point and increasing effectiveness on the slide. Another pressure test at GJNC will raise Cramer's recruiting stock even further.     Frontcourt physicality has clearly been a major storyline in Premier Nebraska 16 Gold's successful 2025 campaign. Graves has elevated her game this year to fortify 16 Gold's right pin and give the team an all-around threat at the opposite position. This Papio South standout has squared up against the nation's top attackers and has expanded her range when hitting behind the setter. Graves was an essential contributor to the team's Open berth through the Show Me Qualifier, and she will carry her high-profile role all the way to Dallas.     Lopuyo has burst onto the scene this season while playing up with Nebraska Elite's top 17s squad. She is an adaptable athlete who can be a force in the middle or on the right side. Nebraska Elite 17 Phoenix has harnessed Lopuyo's length as she continues to improve as a hitter in the team's diverse offense. Ascending the age ladder will prepare Lopuyo for another rigorous campaign with Omaha Duchesne this fall. Expectations will be high.     How about another dynamic 2027 playing with the 17s? Marin changed the complexion of Banzai VBC 17 Select's frontcourt this year and gave the team an efficient force in the middle. This Millard North star captured our attention last fall after terminating at a tremendous 0.324 clip for the Mustangs. Such efficiency is difficult to achieve on the Class A stage and even tougher as an underclassman. Marin has had the same impact with Banzai VBC.     Van Kirk is a new addition to the Lincoln scene and has fit right into the [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] 16 Elite lineup. This natural athlete can terminate on both pins and has some of her highest-volume performances at national qualifiers. 16 Elite incorporated Van Kirk into its up-tempo offense while also allowing her sky-high contact point to overpower defenses. It's a perfect match that has led to Van Kirk's quick rise in the 2027 rankings.     We're on an impressive run of 2027s jumping the age ladder for this year's club season. Gilbert joins the club after putting up big numbers for Nebraska Elite 17-2 and exhibiting her versatility around the dial. The Elkhorn native has thrived as an opposite but also compiled some left-side hitter highlights during late-season competition. Gilbert is a major stock-riser candidate as we look ahead to another high school season.     Let's close out with a small-town star. Paup is an imposing athlete who has racked up triple-digit kills in both underclassman seasons with Central City. It's no surprise to see her operating at a similarly elite level with South Central NE 16 Red. Paup can put down quick balls in front of the setter or adjust to slower tempos in first-ball situations. Her upward trajectory could put Central City in the postseason hunt later this year.

We recently applied this old series to the 2028s, so let's bring in the 2027s.