Al Pops Trail Mix: 2026’s Around The Country on My Radar
As middle school athletes, new studs are hopping on the radar almost daily at Prep Redzone Next. With so many different age groups, weight limits, division, etc. there’s no exact science to finding middle school athletes, but they’re certainly out…
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Continue ReadingAs middle school athletes, new studs are hopping on the radar almost daily at Prep Redzone Next. With so many different age groups, weight limits, division, etc. there’s no exact science to finding middle school athletes, but they’re certainly out there. Let’s take a look at a few 2026’s that have opened my eyes, as their film has come across my desk.
Deontra Allen | South Carolina | Running Back
A big, strong powerful running back at 5-foot-10 and 200 pounds. Just ran over and through competition for Schofield Middle School. Surprisingly good feet for a running back at his size, this young. Long term I’m not sure what he ends up playing–could be more of a linebacker or even interior defensive lineman. Right now, he’s finding success by just overpowering would-be tacklers.
Jorris Shephard | Florida | Quarterback
Any time you see an eighth grader starting on varsity, you have to take a look. In the case of Shephard, you smack yourself in the forehead for wondering what took you so long to find him. Shephard put up video game number this past season for Jupiter Christian, leading them to a 7-2 record and a 2nd Team All-County selection. Shephard accounted for 29 touchdown passes and registered a QBR of 117.6.
Kohen Brown | Texas | Athlete
Undersized right now at 5-foot-5 and 120 pounds, but what he lacks in size, he makes up for with quickness. Can play any of the skills positions on either side of the ball. Has shined at running back on the offensive side of the ball, finding little holes and flying into the second and third level. Defensively, is a promising corner back that can run with almost anybody.
Preston Carey | New York | Defensive Line
The name of the game with Carey is potential and figuring out where he’ll be most dominant. Standing 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds in just the eighth grade, he has played everywhere from middle linebacker to defensive end during his run with the Long Island Elite football team. In my opinion, he looks like a defensive end or offensive tackle if he continues to grow and add muscle. Also a basketball player, his length is elite at this level and his feet are a work in progress. Big time upside here.
Haines Robitzer | North Carolina | Quarterback
Good looking, athletic quarterback out of the greater Charlotte area. Very cerebral quarterback who rarely second guesses himself on film. Makes quick decisions when dropping back and assessing the defense. Highly accurate passer. Has the ability to create with his legs as well. 5-foot-10, 155-pound signal caller that can throw on the run if need be. One to watch develop here.
Gabe Abercrombie | Tennessee | Athlete
Very complete athlete that plays both running back and safety for the McCallie School in Tennessee. At 6-foot and 157 pounds, he had a very productive middle school career in all three phases of the game. Long term I think he projects to a hard-hitting safety as progresses through high school. Also a wrestler, he comes up and knows how to tackle at an advanced level and never shy’s away from contact.
Simeon Graham | Tennessee | Wide Receiver
At 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, Graham looks like he’s destined for SEC play in four years when his high school career is over. A West Tennessee All-Star this past season, he was the consummate deep threat because of his ability to just sky over everybody else. Not just a tall kid, he has a good build on him and plays a big, physical brand of wide receiver. Also a basketball player who has elite body control. He will be an early offer kid, in my opinion.
Carson Sneed | Tennessee | Athlete
Impressive looking athlete who passes the eye test right away at 6-foot-4 and 197 pounds. He’s big, long, aggressive and has good in-game speed. Has lined up all over the field during his middle school days, simply because he’s the biggest and best athlete–including running back. Long term I see him as a tight end prospect that has FBS potential. There’s a long time between now and signing day, but Sneed is a kid that people should get familiar with.
Terrize Mills | Texas | Wide Receiver
Mills is another receiver with some serious potential for just being in the eighth grade. Already standing 6-foot-2 the Ponder Junior High student-athlete has all the makings of someone that will be playing in the Big12 some day. He’s a long strider who does a great job of driving his knees up when he runs. Does an advanced job of catching the ball with his hands, rather than his body. I think Mills is going to be a good one.
Paul Jones III | New Jersey | Athlete
Standing 5-foot-11 and 145-pounds, Jones III is a promising athlete coming out of Weequahic, New Jersey. Known for turning out some of the toughest athletes in the state, Jones III has the potential to be the next one. The rangy athlete has played quarterback, running back, receiver, corner and safety during his youth career. I expect him to become a recruitable defensive back prospect as he continues to develop. Covers a lot of ground, can high point the football very well and has some solid hands.