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.
Keynan Farley | Oklahoma | Wide Receiver
Physically he looks like he could step in and take varsity reps already. Standing 6-foot and 170 pounds he plays with the swagger you want to see your receiver have. Can highpoint the ball well and can pick up the always important YAC yards when he comes down with the ball. Versatile receiver that can run deep routes or take a simple screen to the house. Remember the name of this Tulsa native.
Cartier Canady | New Jersey | Linebacker
Has all the tools necessary to develop into one of the tri-state area’ (NJ/NY/CT) top linebacker prospects by the time his senior season rolls around. Fly’s to the ball and plays a tough, physical brand of football. Is listed at 5-foot-9 and 191 pounds. Currently, on the eighth-grade level, has defensive back speed but brings linebacker power. Works hard in the weight room and it translates to his play on the field.
Cash Bryant | California | Wide Receiver
At 6-foot-1 and 165 pounds he’s physically a chore to tackle on the outside at this level. Has the strength and size to play tight end but the speed and hands to play receiver. Watching his game, contrary to other receivers, he seems like he tends to initiate contact—rather than avoid it. Also a standout baseball player. Older brother Cade, a 2023 prospect, is currently a San Diego State Aztecs target.
Brandon Mann | California | Quarterback
A thick quarterback at a hair under 6-foot-1 and 172 pounds, Mann has a lot of potential. Had a prolific eighth-grade season, accumulating 1,925 yards and 21 total touchdowns enroute to a Pop Warner Pacific Northwestern Regional championship. Perhaps most important and most impressive, had just one interception in the season. Dual-threat quarterback that looks to pass first but can accelerate very quickly if given green grass.
Jacoree Smith | North Carolina | Defensive Line
Athletic big man along the defensive front that is nowhere close to reaching his ceiling as an athlete. At 6-foot-1 and 230 pounds, he has a tremendous frame and is only going to get bigger and better. Wrapped up his youth career for the Triad Elite Ducks as an eight-grader. Also a baseball player. Has a tremendous work ethic for an athlete at this level and versatility to boot.
Vince Long | Texas | Quarterback
A signal caller that should continue to climb up the ladder at Denton Guyer High School when he starts his career there this upcoming fall. Took major strides between his seventh and eighth grade football seasons in terms of on-field production. Great feet in the pocket, knows how to avoid bodies when it gets congested. Can run if he needs to, also. Would like to see a better deep ball, but that should come with increased strength and maturity.
Jermaine Skinner | Florida | Athlete
The type of athlete that drives defensive players insane trying to contain. A very fast, quick, and explosive athlete that can make defenders miss in a phone booth and then laugh as he pulls away. Stands 5-foot-9 and 145 pounds. Has the ability to play running back if needed but his future home looks like a slot receiver. Also plays in the secondary on the defensive side of the ball. Was named All-Southwest Florida 1st Team as an eighth grader.
Carson Pawlowicz | Ohio | Quarterback
Already 6-foot-2 and 170 pounds, Pawlowicz is a quarterback the state of Ohio will get to know very quickly. A three-sport star, he looks like he’ll be a next level athlete, like his older brother Lathan, who is headed to Ohio Northern in the fall. He can make all the throws you need him to at this level. I’d label him a pocket passer, but he does have the athleticism necessary to pick up yards with his legs. Will be at Swanton High School in the fall.
Mickell Smith | Mississippi | Athlete
A do-it-all type of football player, he plays quarterback on the offensive, is a kick and punt returner on special teams, and plays safety on defense. Spinning it forward, Smith looks like a big-time playmaker at free safety going forward. He long, lean and covers a lot of ground quickly. Has good eye discipline and doesn’t get caught crashing the line of scrimmage on play action. Above average back pedal ability and has very fluid hips for being a 2026 prospect.
Camari Patterson | Michigan | Athlete
Yet another crazy-talented athlete off the Southfield Falcons youth team from this past season. On offense he plays running back and is at full speed by the time he gets to the line of scrimmage on every play. Does not do a lot of dancing, just hits the hole hard. Defensively plays defensive back and has elite ball skills, but also can hit like a linebacker. Stands 5-foot-9 and 150 pounds and is one of the Midwest’s top baseball prospects, as well.