Five Class of 2026 Football Prospects with Jaw-Dropping Size
When talking about a prospect, regardless of sport, one of the first questions is always about size of an athlete. There are a lot of athletic traits that can be worked on by training, but there is absolutely no substitute…
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Continue ReadingWhen talking about a prospect, regardless of sport, one of the first questions is always about size of an athlete. There are a lot of athletic traits that can be worked on by training, but there is absolutely no substitute for speed. When it comes to football, size has always been, and will forever be, a crucial factor on dictating just how high of a ceiling a prospect has. According to NCSA, the average Division 1 FBS offensive linemen is 6-foot-4 and 297 pounds and the average defensive linemen is 6-foot-3 and 270 pounds. No matter how you slice it, size matters. With that said, here’s a look at five prospects from the class of 2026—current 8th graders—with size that will certainly get them those Division 1 looks early.
Malaki Lee | Offensive Line | Hawaii
At 6-foot-6 and 300 pounds, Lee has proven to be extremely dominant on the youth level. Before even entering high school, he already has prototypical offensive tackle size and ability. Blessed with extremely long arms and legs, the scary part about Lee is that his frame will allow for significant development once he gets into a high school weight room routine. On film his fundamentals are sharp off the snap; he strikes violently and keeps himself in a solid athletic stance which allows him to move his feet accordingly. Would like to see him keep his pad level a little lower, but this age he can simply get by with strength and size because he’s a cut above the rest.
Jahkeem Stewart | Defensive Line | Louisiana
Stewart tips the scale at 295 pounds and already stands 6-foot-5 as he begins his 8th grade year. His immense size is eye-popping in its own right, however what’s even more impressive, is just how those 295 pounds looks on him. Being as big as he is this young, there is very little “bad weight” on Stewart. The big man is put together extremely well and it shows in just how athletic he is. He’s not just a big body, he’s a big body that can move. Looking at his social media, there are clips of him stealing a pass on the hardwood, running the floor and dunking the basketball. He’s flat out one of the most impressive young big men I’ve ever seen. Other folks seem to agree, as the young man picked up offers from Ole Miss, Auburn, Florida and Georgia within a one-week span this past summer.
JaReylan McCoy | Defensive Line | Mississippi
McCoy is every bit of the 6-foot-7 and 235 pounds that he is listed at. What’s really impressive about him is just how high-cut he is. McCoy has the build of a basketball player and/or a high jumper with very long legs, which he uses to his advantage. Another scary thing about McCoy is just how physical he is. Offensively he lines up as a wide receiver and is an instant match up nightmare for any would-be middle school defensive back trying to tackle him. I think the jury is still out on whether he stays as a defensive end or if he starts to be recruited as a tight end or insanely athletic offensive tackle. Regardless of what position he ends up at, look for him to be highly recruited if he continues to develop.
Scottland Dover | Defensive Line | North Carolina
The previous three prospects listed above all have the length that college coaches love to see, Dover has the thickness to play the interior defensive line that keeps opposing offensive linemen up at night. The 6-foot-3, 290 pound fire hydrant is stout in the middle of the defensive line and is equally as dangerous against the run and the pass. His mix of size, strength and a quick first step make him nearly unblockable at this level. He’s already been named to the Under Armour Next (UA Next) game this winter and I expect the college interest to ramp up for the honor roll student as he gets set to enter high school.
Jahlon Harris | Offensive Line | Arkansas
When it comes to the national scope, Arkansas if often overlooked when it comes to their football talent. However, Harris is a kid with such astonishing size, that overlooking him will be figuratively impossible. The future Jot T. Robinson High School athlete stands 6-foot-5 and 334 pounds as he gets ready for his 8th grade year. Physically there is significant room for development when it comes to speed and strength—but that’s the case for nearly every 2026 in the country. He’s carrying some extra weight that should come off as he physically matures, but make no mistake about it, he’s certainly following in the footsteps of class of 2022 Arkansas commit E’Marrion Harris.