Al Pops Trail Mix: 2026’s Around The Country on My Radar 3/22

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 there.  Let’s take a look at a few 2026’s that have opened my eyes, as their film has come across my desk. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-309171 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/03/TreyMosley-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Trey Mosley | Texas | Linebacker</strong> Powerhouse linebacker/running back who projects to more of a middle linebacker in my eyes. Strong kid with a broad build at 6-foot and 205 pounds (unverified) already squatting over 300 pounds, before entering high school. Plays physical and shoots gaps hard. Has the strength and agility to escape attempted double teams. Will be at Duncanville High School next year. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-309172 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/03/ZackTurner-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Zack Turner | Texas | Athlete</strong> The term "man-child" or "freak" get thrown around way too commonly when describing athletes. However, when it comes to Turner, both of those terms can't be yelled loud enough. In speaking with his coach, Turner stands 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds. He can throw down a 360-degree dunks from a standstill position on the hardwood. On the football field, he's a do-it-all receiver who is both equal part finesse and physicality. Not sure what sport, or what position he ends up at, but he's different. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-309177 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/03/JaredCurtis-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Jared Curtis | Tennessee | Quarterback</strong> Listed at 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds in just the eighth grade, Curtis is the type of big, sturdy quarterback that a lot of programs around the country could like early. The Nashville Christian School athlete has a lot of positives in terms of physical attributes with his size and zip on his passes. Works with one of the Southeast's top QB trainers in Ramon Robinson. Keep an eye on Curtis as he advances. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-309180 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/03/RondreAustion-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Ron'Dre Austion | Michigan | Athlete</strong> There is no substitute for legitimate size and/or speed--Austion checks all the boxes when it comes to speed. When he's not play 7v7 for SMSB (Sound Mind Sound Body), the 5-foot-8 and 127-pound athlete is burning up the track scene. A four-time Junior Olympian and two-time All-American doubles down as a sticky defensive back and an elusive wide receiver. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-309185 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/03/EricPaul-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Eric Paul Jr. | Georgia | Defensive Back</strong> Love watching the way Paul Jr. plays the game. He plays fast, instinctively and is the post child for "playing 100 mph". Was a standout for Fairburn on both sides of the ball, totaling 31 touchdowns and over 1,500 total yards on offense. Defensively reeled in 10 interceptions this year. Was named the Born2Compete Athlete of the Year in Georgia. Plays his 7v7 ball for Hustle Inc. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/jcikFu6736U" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <img class="alignleft wp-image-309189 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/03/Jeremiah-Tirado-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /><strong>Jeremiah Tirado | New Jersey | Athlete</strong> Listed at 5-foot-10 and 155 pounds, I'm not sure if he's currently that big, but he can play football at a high level right now. Recently committed to Paramus Catholic to play high school ball, after visiting a number of The Garden State's top private schools. Played for Silk City, one of the top youth programs in New Jersey. Clips show him moving well at running back and making some nice plays as a safety, both on the ball and on man. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/HHMrxC0CHj4" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-254208 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/12/Silhouette-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Braden Wade | West Virginia | Quarterback</strong> I think there's a boat load of potential when it comes to Wade at the quarterback position. Looking at his tape, his three-step and five-step drops are performed at a very advanced level. He gains a lot of ground quickly and protects the ball by holding it up at chest level. Has shown the ability to operate under center and in shotgun. Makes difficult, accurate throws to the wide side of the field too. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/7NmwFGs8eWY" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-309206 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/03/ChristianSpeight-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Christian Speight | Louisiana | Defensive Line</strong> I'm a big fan of the way the sport of wrestling translates to the football field, and with Speight, you have a true example of that. Already standing 6-foot-3 and 285 pounds, as good as is he as a disruptive interior defensive tackle, he's that much better on the wrestling mat. Finished sixth in the Louisiana High School State Wrestling Championships. He's an explosive athlete that is constantly in attack mode. <strong> <img class="alignleft wp-image-309220 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/03/Kyriemillner-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Kyrie Millner | North Carolina | Athlete</strong> Millner is an athlete that impresses with his ability to accelerate and reach full speed in just a few strides. Offensively, as a running back, he's a quick hitter that makes one or two quick moves before planting his foot and getting up field. On the defensive side of the ball, he can play linebacker or defensive back at this point. Size will dictate that, as he continues to advance. Pesky defender with a nose for the ball. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-309234 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/03/Evenson-Malaska-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Evenson Malaska | Oklahoma | Running Back</strong> The younger brother of three-star and Utah commit, <strong>Jocelyn</strong> <strong>Malaska, </strong>Evenson apepars to be on the same trajectory. He'll be at Bethany high School next year and should be a factor on varsity early in his high school career. I've only seen clips of him at running back--but they're impressive. Can tell he's just a gifted athlete who understands angles, body control and when (and when not) to use his speed.