Al Pops Trail Mix: Big 2026’s Jumping On My Radar 5/9
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.
Tyler Merrill | Pennsylvania | Offensive Line
The upside for the 6-foot-5, 304-pound Merrill is out of this world. Played right guard primarily this year but has the obvious size and length to be bumped outside to tackle. At his size, at this level, he often consumes defenders with his size and improving strength. Shows enough mobility to pull and lead block on plays away from him. Carries his size well. Continued improvement on flexibility and playing under control will only make Merrill an even mote enticing prospect.
Henry Smith | Alabama | Defensive Line
A prospect that has grown significantly over the last two years, Smith has stretched out to be in the neighborhood of 6-foot-4 and 195 pounds. After playing his middle school ball at Bumpus, Smith is set to join the Hoover Bucs for high school. As you can imagine, he’s also a promising basketball player as well. Uses length and leverage to his advantage. Long frame that can easily add 30-plus pounds.
Lucas Previati | Connecticut | Defensive Line
Off to Danbury High School next year, Previati is a very promising prospect out of Connecticut. While 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds is becoming more and more of a normal size for promising middle schoolers around the country, the Nutmeg State doesn’t typically produce athletes that size of that size. He’s a dominant two-way player as an Offensive Tackle and Defensive End. Really like his ability to crash down from his Defensive End position and make plays in the backfield.
Nathan Agyemang | Georgia | Wide Receiver
Heard about Agyemang through one of our Prep Hoops scouts who saw him lighting up a gym in a basketball tournament. At 6-foot-4 and 175 pounds, Agyemang is an intimidating sight for any average prospect to line up against–regardless of which sport it is. He’ll be off to Creekview High School next year and I can’t see a situation where a prospect with this size and speed doesn’t make an impact in both sports right away. Keep an eye on Agyemang early.
Jaivon Wilson | Mississippi | Athlete
Wilson is a 6-foot-2, 175-pound athlete who looks like he could be a special player in high school and beyond. He’s a long strider who can pull away from defenders in an open field foot race. Although he does flash the ability to be a dominant two-way player (Outside Linebacker on defense), he will likely be recruited primarily as a receiver. Did it all for his middle school, including taking handoffs and end arounds after pre-snap motion.
Terrell Burton | Ohio | Wide Receiver
Burton has a long, 6-foot-3 frame with a ton of room to more lean muscle to his already 175-pound frame. He looks like a very complete Wide Receiver at this point and looks very natural catching the ball under pressure. Shows excellent body control and adjusts well to inaccurate passes, using every inch of catch radius. An understated part of his game is his physicality, as well. Has a nasty stiff arm and using his functional body strength to muscle his way to the ball.
Grant Wise | Florida | Offensive Line
Really like what I see out of Wise on film. Stands 6-foot-2, 260-pounds and is a very solid linchpin on the interior Offensive Line. Strong and lives in the weight room. Already benching 245, squatting 335, deadlifting 315 and hang cleaning 250 pounds–all verified numbers. Strong initial punch that stifles those trying to rush through A & B gaps. Improving athletic ability, he can make an initial block and still get up to the next level, re-direct, and make another block.
Jonnathon Jefferson Jr. | Texas | Offensive Line
Jefferson Jr. is the type of interior Offensive Lineman that I would take on my roster in a heartbeat. At 6-foot-2 and 300 pounds he plays with a mean streak that is unteachable. Built with a lower, thicker bottom half, he chops his feet well and mows over whoever is lined up across from him. Finishes blocks and drives guys into the ground without hesitation or remorse. Will be headed to South Oak Cliff High School for his freshman year. Needs to work on quickness, but the power is there.
Darius Gray | Virginia | Offensive Line
Gray has all the makings of a future P5 Offensive Tackle already. At 6-foot-4 and 280 pounds, he’s a freaky athletic kid for being that size at this level. Also one of the best big men in the country on the basketball court, his feet are elite. Moves very fluidly and with his length, it allows for him to chip and hinge to puck up another free man in pass protection. Can mirror edge speed when required. Off the charts in ability in both the run and pass block game.
Colton Yarbrough | Oklahoma | Defensive Line
Watching clips of Yarbrough, he is scary comparable to 2022 prospect and University of Miami early-enrollee, Cyrus Moss. Everything from the way they’re built, to the way they carry themselves is a carbon copy. Yarbrough is a quick and disruptive 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds. Has a developing portfolio of pass rush moves and also shows good hand usage to shed blockers. Has the frame to add considerable weight and muscle. Already has offers from Vanderbilt and University of Incarnate Word.