Al Pops Trail Mix: 2026’s Around The Country on My Radar 4/28
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.
Nyqir Helton | Defensive Back | New Jersey
Helton is a budding two-way star at Wide Receiver and Defensive Back that will head to Winslow High School in the fall. He’s a 5-foot-11, 135-pound prospect with very impressive hands. Watching his film, I originally thought he’d be a slam dunk as a big play Wide Out; However, on his defensive plays you can see that’s where he belongs. He’s an aggressive Corner that comes up and makes big hits.
Zayden Orr | Running Back | South Carolina
Despite being smaller in stature, Orr has elite quickness for being an eighth-grade prospect. Listed at 5-foot-2 and 120 pounds, he could be the smallest prospect to be added to our Watch List. However, if you watch him on film he absolutely buzzes around the field. His jitterbug moves and ability to stop and start are uncanny. He’s the type of player that can make defenders miss in a phone booth.
Hezi Harris | Defensive Line | Alabama
Was told about Harris by a prominent scout in Alabama and really liked what I saw, right away. He’s a long, athletic edge player that is somewhere between an unblockable Defensive End and a rangy Outside Linebacker. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, he covers a lot of ground very quickly and gets after the opposing Quarterbacks with ease. In the fall, Harris will be off to the Anniston Bulldogs.
Chaston Smith | Defensive Back | Tennessee
I found Chaston this past January and asked him for some film for further evaluation. At that point I knew he was certainly somebody that could play at the next level. Just last week, Michigan State confirmed my thoughts by giving Smith his first offer. At 6-foot-1 and 140-pounds, he’s a versatile prospect that projects to Safety right now. He covers a lot of ground quickly with his length
Jaylen Mack | Running Back | Missouri
Another Running Back on the smaller side, don’t let the size of Mack trip you up. He’s a hard nosed kid that is a nice combination of speed and unassuming power. Played with impressive contact balance and run-finishing ability, despite receiving hits from players often larger than him. He’s headed to Lutheran of Saint Charles County in the fall, where the Running Back legacy continues.
Jonaz Walton | Athlete | Georgia
Legitimately one of the most enjoyable tapes I’ve watch for a 2026 prospect in the last year or two. He just makes the game look so easy. Billed at 5-foot-8 and 179 pounds, Walton has a high school ready body right now. His weight room numbers are impressive: 410-pound squat, 190-pound bench and 275-pound power clean. Football MVP this past season and also a two-time Track state champ.
Trey Bridges | Athlete | Louisiana
Standing just a hair under 6-foot and 186-pounds, Bridges is an intriguing prospect to keep an eye on. There’s no questioning his athleticism, as he is the reigning Pine Belt Regional 100M hurdles champion in track and . On the football field he can line up in the backfield or bumped out wide. Defensively he’s an Edge player that can mix it up. Was verified at a 4.951 in the forty yard dash.
Jeremiah Harkins | Linebacker | Mississippi
Harkins looks like he could have a very bright future at the Mike Linebacker position if his middle school film is any indication. Playing Running Back on offense, he pulls away from defenses simply because he’s bigger and faster than a lot of his opponents. However, in my opinion, his future is at Linebacker since he’s already 6-foot and a solid 200 pounds. He’s clocked at an unverified 4.8 in the forty yard dash as well. Plays with natural instincts.
Charles Humphrey Jr | Defensive Line | Tennessee
Give any coach a 6-foot-5, 250-pound prospect with a frame like Humphrey Jr. and they’ll be fired up to coach them up. Humphrey Jr. is from Memphis and should be getting a lot of recruiting attention very soon. He’s built like a Power Forward right now with exceptional feet for a big man. I’m not totally convinced he’s not turned into an Offensive Tackle by the time he’s playing on Saturdays.
Tieson Ejiawoko | Linebacker | Texas
Already holding an offer from Bethune-Cookman before even graduating from Copperas Cove Jr. High School, Ejiawoko is on the rise. A good looking Linebacker prospect at 6-foot and 217 pounds round right now. Extremely agile feet right now that allows him to avoid blocks to make plays. Looks most comfortable coming down hill against the run.