PRZ Next Watch List Vol. 2 — Virginia Defensive Newcomers
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The Prep RedZone Next class of 2026 Watch List Vol. 2 was recently released. This is a list of prospects, not yet in high school, that look to project to play at the FBS/FCS/Division 2 levels in the future. By…
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Continue ReadingThe Prep RedZone Next class of 2026 Watch List Vol. 2 was recently released. This is a list of prospects, not yet in high school, that look to project to play at the FBS/FCS/Division 2 levels in the future.
By no means is this list a sure thing, finalized or complete. It will be updated twice more before the end of August 2022. Again, these are not rankings nor are they an end-all, be-all lists. These are the prospects that we have seen, that stand out to our team.
While not the first state that comes to mind as a hotbed for high school football talent, the state of Virginia is in fact deep and talented at all levels. We begin our rundown of the Old Dominion with a look at the defensive stand-outs making waves through the state.
James Carrington James Carrington 6'3" | 260 lbs | DL St. Frances Academy | 2026 VA | Defensive Line | Virginia
Regarded as one of the top defensive lineman prospects in the nation, Carrington is a superb all-around athlete at 6”2” 235lbs. Playing mainly inside as a defensive tackle, he is adept at shooting gaps with good feet, leverage, and hand-fighting skills not often seen in a prospect of his age. Even while working against larger and older OL in recent camps, he has excelled and showed the physical strength and explosion off of the line that has garnered interest and recognition from several colleges already.
Na’Rod Jarvis Na’Rod Jarvis 6'2" | 210 lbs | DL Homeschooled | 2026 VA | Defensive Line | Virginia
NaRod “Flipp” Jarvis is a 6’1” 210lbs DE/OLB, with a unique combination of size and athleticism for a defensive lineman. Doubling as a phenomenal basketball player, Jarvis has a beefy yet athletic build with a good vertical and lateral quickness. His hands and footwork are coordinated and efficient, making him a fascinating prospect for a player of his size and age.
Jayden Covil Jayden Covil 5'10" | 155 lbs | DB Oscar Smith | 2026 State VA | Defensive Back | Virginia
Younger brother of Clemson safety, Sherrod Covil Sherrod Covil 6'0" | 185 lbs | DB Oscar Smith | 2022 State VA Jr. Jayden Covil Jayden Covil 5'10" | 155 lbs | DB Oscar Smith | 2026 State VA is an outstanding overall athlete, following in his brother’s footsteps as a two-way star and hard-hitting safety in his 2021 campaign.
Jacoby Marshall Jacoby Marshall 6'0" | 175 lbs | ATH Oscar Smith | 2026 State VA | Defensive Back | Virginia
Marshall is a ball-hawking free safety, with good size and leaping ability at 6’0” 175lbs. As a two-way player, he demonstrated his ball skills on a regular basis at wide receiver and showed he was both a good tackler and blocker when it came to getting physical.
Jase Rhodes Jase Rhodes 5'10" | 185 lbs | ATH North Cross | 2026 State VA | Defensive Back | Virginia
Rhodes is on the smaller side at 5’7”, 135 lbs. However, he possesses good speed and instincts from the free safety spot, enabling him to always find the ball downfield in coverage. Despite his size, Rhodes shows no hesitation in tackling with some authority in the open field.
Ike Simmons Ike Simmons 5'11" | 165 lbs | DB VA | Defensive Back | Virginia
Isaiah “Ike” Simmons is a hybrid linebacker/safety. At 5’11” 165lbs, he is strong and agile, with still a lot of room to add weight and muscle to his upper and lower body as he continues to grow. He has the lateral quickness and speed to play at DB, but the build of an athlete that projects to be more of a box safety or coverage linebacker at the high school level.
Dontrae Walls Jr. Dontrae Walls Jr. 6'2" | 150 lbs | DB Woodside | 2026 State VA | Defensive Back | Virginia
Walls is a tall, lean, and athletic defensive back, with good hips and great vertical leaping ability. He is a bit light at only 140lbs, but at 6’1” he has the desired height already for the new breed of the “big” cornerback prototype. Already an attractive prospect, Walls will continue to turn heads if he adds another 20-25lbs. over the next two years of high school.
Jahvon Wiggins Jahvon Wiggins 5'10" | 135 lbs | ATH Maury | 2026 State VA | Defensive Back | Virginia
Wiggins is an excellent cover corner and open field tackler, with a knack for making big plays all over the field. He possesses great speed, hands, and versatility, all evident in his role as an explosive kick returner and slot receiver during his 8th grade season.
Taevon Ricks Taevon Ricks LB VA | Linebacker | Virginia
At nearly 6’0” 160lbs., Ricks is a tall and fast middle linebacker who dominated on both sides of the ball during his 8th grade year. He is fluid and smooth in space, yet still strong enough to fight through blocks and cut down ball-carriers with ease.
Landon Snyder Landon Snyder 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB Cosby | 2026 State VA | Linebacker | Virginia
As an 8th grader in 2021, Snyder played up on the high school J.V. level, where he not only started but was voted team captain by his teammates and coaches for the season. Standing 6’1” 190lbs, Snyder looks like he already belongs, proving to be a thumper and tackling machine from the middle linebacker spot in his excellent first season. With good instincts and speed, he is technically sound with long limbs and a body frame that should fill out well, with another 25-30lbs of muscle as he matures and becomes more seasoned.