It’s a massive season for the Under-17 age group, as the 2006s are all playing for a chance to represent their country with the U.S. U17 MNT.

Along with that, in MLS NEXT, it’s a crucial time for players, whether looking at college or pro options. While there are a handful of players born that in 06 that have already inked a contract, it remains a critical juncture no matter the pathway.

As the U17 season gets going, here are some of the top prospects to watch.

Roka Tsunehara, San Jose Earthquakes – After a sensational season in 2021-22, the De Anza Force star has joined up with the Earthquakes Academy. It should be a strong squad around him as he gets more chances in a professional environment

Tyler Hall, Inter Miami CF – The U.S. U17 MNT defender is part of Miami’s talented youth setup. His progress at the start of the season is going to be crucial to his hopes of making the qualifying team next year, though he certainly has the ability.

Stuart Hawkins, Seattle Sounders FC – Like Hall, Hawkins is a key player for both his club team and has emerged as a central defensive option for the U.S. Under-17s. He has made his debut for the Tacoma Defiance with MLS NEXT PRO, and is sure to be in the conversation for a Homegrown offer in the not too distant.

Micah Burton, Austin FC – While Austin has signed a Homegrown player in the form of Owen Wolff, Burton is a very strong candidate to be the next one. A winger that can play through the middle as a central striker or attacking midfielder, he’s been a regular with the U.S. U17 MNT.

Ruben Ramos Jr., LA Galaxy – The talented forward can dominate his peers, with his touch, speed of thought and ability to excel in the final third. He’s been a part of both U.S. and Mexican youth setups, and as the season starts, is going to continue to try and establish himself as a potential pro.

Andrew Rick, Philadelphia Union – One of the top goalkeepers in his age group, Rick back-stopped the Union’s U17-winning squad. As a 2006, he’s likely to feature once again, where his experience and quality is going to be a real asset.

Jack Brown, PA Classics – A left-footed attacking-midfielder that rejoined Classics last season, Brown recently committed to Georgetown. Capable of picking a pass or scoring an impressive free kick on a regular basis, he can continue to show that he has a high ceiling in the final third.

Cyrus Klinenberg, Met Oval – Another attacking player with an eye for goal, Klinenberg is a top attacking player on the storied New York club.

Jakob Santiago, Ventura County Fusion – A tough and talented center back that’s cut his teeth against high quality opposition, this is a big year for him. Santiago’s attracted interest from top programs around the country, and in the U17 age group, will go up against several pro academies in the upcoming season.

Bento Estrela, New York Red Bulls – The young pro has plenty of intriguing skills and the physical capacity to play at an extremely high level. A central midfielder that can dominate when healthy, that’s the key for him as a new season begins. He’s also eligible to play for Portugal or the United States, but first needs to stay on the field at the club level and emerge as a regular option.