Al Pops: Six Colorado 2026 Prospects I’d Offer Right Now

Colorado is often referred to as "The Box State" because of the shape of the state. That said, inside the box are a number of talented athletes that can flat our play some football. Today, we’ll take a look at six Colorado prospects who are currently wrapping up their eighth-grade school years. However, these prospects in the class of 2026, all look like they’ll be getting a lot of attention early. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-237655 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/11/CamdenJensen-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />[player_tooltip player_id="283697" first="Camden" last="Jensen"] | Tight End </strong> Whether he ends up at Tight End of Defensive End (or even Offensive Tackle), there is nothing anybody can do on the eighth grade level about stoping 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds. He’s an athletic big man that is a complete mismatch in the passing game--just throw it up to him. Defensively he has elite length and knows how to use it to his advantage to keep blockers off him. He’s a Saturday player. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/3049872/61522f47479826088cc75960" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-212834 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/10/JapreeJennings2-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />[player_tooltip player_id="283701" first="Ja’pree" last="Jennings"] | Athlete</strong> Dynamic, crisp, shredded, etc. the adjectives one could use to describe Jennings could go on for a while. Jennings is a special football player that has one of the best work ethics I’ve seen on the middle school level in some time. He is a future star on the come up and can play corner or in the slot. When he gets his hands on the ball, you can bet it’s going to the house. &nbsp; <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" />Jack Schwartz | Linebacker</strong> When I popped on the film it was easy to see Schwartz plays with a mean streak--exactly what you want in a Linebacker. Plays a very aggressive, act-first, ask questions later style of ball. He closes quickly on ball carriers and is a terror on the blitz. His high motor matches athleticism, which is always a plus. Lined up at Mike, Will, Sam and even Defensive End this past year. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14841047/6246a0a4bd6bf313703eaa57" width="640" height="360" 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" />[player_tooltip player_id="212241" first="Cayden" last="Lee"] | Offensive Line</strong> Lee is next in line at Cherry Creek High School on the Offensive Line. Cherry Creek produced a number of FBS and FCS athletes every year, including Lee’s older brother Carson. Carson was a 2020 graduate and was the No. 7 prospect in the state and is now playing for the University of Colorado. Cayden doesn’t have the size quite yet, but he’s a mauler and will be every bit the player his brother is <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14930169/5f8c8075c1247d026c7ebde3" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <img class="alignleft wp-image-212525 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/10/JadynIrving-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="212246" first="Jadyn" last="Irving"] | Defensive Back</strong> Great size for a 2026 Defensive Back at 6-foot and 165. Has very advanced ball skills and has the ability to influence the game in all three phases. Played Cornerback this past season, but his game translates to more of a Safety in my opinion. Has no problem playing the pass, but can absolutely lay the wood like a linebacker. Elite in run support defense. Excels crashing the box on sweeps. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12077470/6191db669680f603f8b8dd0f" width="640" height="360" 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" />[player_tooltip player_id="212253" first="Ryken" last="Banks"] | Athlete</strong> Banks is a gifted multi-sport athlete who also excels at Lacrosse. As for football, take your pick for the positions Banks dominated at this year. From Running Back to Wide Receiver on offense, and Linebacker to Safety to Corner on defense, he did it all. Standing 6-foot and 170 pounds, he has full body strength which allows him to generate good power and burst in his on-field movements. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14965345/618ab61bda5280090058581b" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>