PRZ Next Watch List Vol. 2 — Washington/Wisconsin/West Virginia

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 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. Below, we'll take a look at newcomers to the Watch List in the class of 2026 from Washington, Wisconsin and West Virginia. l <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-240686 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/11/EllisOeltjen--150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />[player_tooltip player_id="284216" first="Ellis" last="Oeltjen"] | Washington | Wide Receiver</strong> With a 6'0” frame and build that looks the part, Oeltjen is an intriguing receiver prospect to keep an eye on.  His body and length gives him the tools to attack the football in the air, but he also demonstrates a savvy knack for creating separation from defenders one-on-one with technique and body positioning.  Despite being primarily an outside receiver, he also shows no fear of catching passes in traffic over the middle and is good at finding open windows when plays break down. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-259236 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/12/LukeHillsCombine-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />[player_tooltip player_id="212466" first="Luke" last="Hills"] | Linebacker | Washington</strong> Recognized by PRZ Next as one the top linebackers participating at the FBU Futures Combine this past Decemvber.  Hills is an athletic middle linebacker with range to chase down ball carriers or coverage assignments sideline-to-sideline.  He will need to add more bulk to continue competing as a MLB at the next level, but that is all obtainable given indications of his strong work ethic and dedication to his craft. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-296841 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/02/Fa-Siale-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />[player_tooltip player_id="284217" first="FA" last="Siale"] | Defensive Line | Washington</strong> Standing at an imposing 6'4” 250lbs, Siale is an FSP product and one of the larger beasts in captivity that are part of the 2026 class.   While his unofficial weight has been listed somewhere between 245-260, he  already has the body and seasoning to contribute and compete for a high school varsity team. &nbsp; <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-228887 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/11/MasonBlack-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />[player_tooltip player_id="212467" first="Mason" last="Black"] | Tight End | Wisconsin</strong> An incredible physical specimen, at 6'6” 180 lbs., as an 8^th grader.  Black was an impact player on both sides of the ball in 2021.  He terrorized offenses from both the interior and edge as an elite pass rush and run defender.  Offensively he is a big, long target as a receiver and a fierce blocker with a mean streak.  While many of his routes were short completions off of play-action, he did demonstrate ability to separate and turn short throws into big gains after the catch. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-296852 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/02/DanteWilliams-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />[player_tooltip player_id="537279" first="Dante" last="Williams"] | Offensive Line | Wisconsin</strong> Williams is the son of a coach and is very physical on both sides of the ball. Will be suiting up for the St. Joseph Catholic Academy Lancers in his high school years. Not as big as some of the other linemen around the country on the 2026 Watch List but there's no questioning his athleticism. In addition to football, also wrestles and plays baseball and basketball. Should be a standout high school athlete and even further. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-240699 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/11/Joellelowery-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />[player_tooltip player_id="284220" first="Joelle" last="Lowery"] | Running Back | Wisconsin</strong> Lowery is a smaller and shifty back, but still packs a punch for would-be tacklers.  He demonstrates good vision in locating his holes and cutback lanes and the explosiveness to take it the house once he finds the opening.   While not physically imposing build, he fits the mold of many successful running backs of smaller stature and can be a difference maker at the next level. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-296853 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/02/TonyFisher-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Tony Jones-Fisher | Wide Receiver | Wisconsin</strong> With an extremely slim and athletic build, Jones-Fisher is a big 6'1” target with game-breaking physical ability and a willingness to block.   He will need to add another 15-20 lbs. to his frame after he gets on a high school training regiment, but the raw talent and aggression he possesses as a wideout should make him an impact player as an incoming freshman for any program. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-296858 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/02/Chase-Labritz-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />[player_tooltip player_id="284218" first="Chase" last="Labritz"] | West Virginia | Running Back</strong> Labritz is a one-cut, downhill runner, who runs with toughness and attitude between the tackles.   Despite being unofficially clocked at 4.9 (only above average for his age) he flashes consistent ability to run away from defenders in the open field.  But his greatest asset is his ability to hit the hole with a burst and shed arm tackles with ease.   While it will be interesting to watch his speed progression as he matures and enters the high school level, he looks like an excellent fit as a running back in a zone run scheme.