Al Pops Trail Mix: 2026’s Around The Country on My Radar 4/5

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-316874 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/Dalton-DeBoer-3-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Dalton DeBoer | Minnesota | Offensive Line</strong> One of three eighth graders listed on the SMB Wolfpack roster this past year, DeBoer earned a varsity letter this past season. He's listed at 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds which is a big reason coaches should be excited about this 2026 prospect. Has had success based on size alone up to this point, but it working out and getting into better shape. Also a basketball player, which is evident in his footwork. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-316974 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/DrewWamble2-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Drew Wamble | Mississippi | Quarterback</strong> A good looking young quarterback prospect standing at 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds. Wamble is a two-sport athlete (also runs track) for Germantown Middle School and uses his athletic ability to his advantage. Certainly more of a pocket passer, but does have the ability to scramble and create throwing lanes outside the pocket. Plays 7v7 with the Devoted Dreamers, one of the top programs in Mississippi. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/fNg3FLVcxds" 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" />Keaton Whaley | Tennessee | Athlete</strong> One of the most "do-it-all" type of prospects I've seen in the class of 2026 to this point. Defensively it's hard not to draw comparisons to former first-round pick and current New England Patriot, Jabrill Peppers. He can cover if need be, but also great in run support. Offensively he plays in the slot and is a natural pass-catcher. Also handled kick and punt return duties on special teams. Will be at the Baylor School for high school. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13565052/6157be8d235261049432975e" 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" />Trey Brundidge | Ohio | Linebacker</strong> There's a lot of potential when it comes to watching Brundidge on tape. He's a thicker, physical kid that has significant room to continue to transform his body. There's no questioning his motor, as he has the ability to get downhill fast and brings a lot of strength and power at the point of contact. One of the top basketball prospects in the state of Ohio as well. Needs to improve straight line speed, but certainly has a nose for the football. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-316880 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/JaKiree-Teal-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Ja'Kiree Teal | Texas | Running Back</strong> I'm not sure what position Teal will play as he continues on to high school, but if he stays at running back--I feel for the defenses tasked with him bringing down. Without having verified heights and weights it's hard to say for certain his size, but I'd be willing to bet he's all of 5-foot-10 and 235 pounds. He moved like a scat back and has the obvious power of a prospect his size. Played this past season for Palo Alto Middle School and currently plays 7v7 for Mike Evans Elite. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-316884 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/CedricPolkJr-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Cedric Polk Jr. | Louisiana | Linebacker</strong> When talking about prospects, throwing around the buzz word of "frame" is very common. When looking at Polk, he's exactly what analysts talk about when having a desirable frame to work with on the next level. Right now he's 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds with unbelievable length in his limbs. There's a lot of room for improvement in terms of becoming stronger and using his hands at the point of engagement, but he has future FBS player written on him if he can tie it all together. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15241887/61612633bd74d409c00f6184" 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" />Sidique Kamara | Pennsylvania | Linebacker</strong> Standing 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, Kamara looks to be one of the most athletic kids on the field in each game he plays. Long term I think he's an outstanding outside linebacker that plays the game at high tempo with his physicality in the box and ability to accelerate to get to ball carrier. No slouch on offense as a one-cut running back who gets north and south in a hurry. He's a load to bring down in the open field, making him a threat to score often. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-316890 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/Howie-Kinikini-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Howie Kinikini | Utah | Defensive Line</strong> A tough two-way interior lineman, Kinikini looks to have a bright future on both sides of the ball. Currently stands at 6-foot-1 and 260 pounds. Plays with great quickness and strength for a prospect of his size. Shoots his hands very well at the snap and has a great burst to instantly put offensive linemen on their heels. Sheds blocks well and plays with a high motor. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14915776/6178c2e87bd4380918bef49a" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-316891 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/CJDaughtry-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />CJ Daughtry | Texas | Quarterback</strong> As a 2026 prospect, has already visited Texas Tech on an unofficial visit. Listed at 5-foot-10 and 150 pounds, Daughtry looks the part of a quarterback that can play at the next level. Very athletic kid that can beat you with arms or his legs. Throws a very impressive deep ball with just a flick of the wrist--makes it look effortless. Will be at Rockwall-Heath for his high school career. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-316896 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/SamSurgento-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Sam Surgento | New Hampshire | Athlete</strong> New Hampshire isn't exactly a hotbed for football talent, but Surgento is a kid to watch out for. Has decent size right now at 5-foot-9 and 170 pounds and should continue to grow. He has a thick build, almost like a tight end would have, but spent most of this season lined up in the slot for a state champion Bedford team. He has surprising speed and unmatched strength for a 2026 prospect in New Hampshire. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16893421/619d9cfa5b47fa09b8d31ec7" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>