Around The Nation: 2026’s to Know – 7/11/2022
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.
James Woods | Alabama | Offensive Line
Starting big, James is already 6 feet 3 inches and 295 pounds. Woods has already made his way to college camps this summer, including Auburn, Southern Mississippi, Jacksonville State, and Middle Tennessee. His brother has received offers from Division 1 schools. He is a little raw but will develop into an offensive lineman as he progresses into high school football.
Tristan Spain | Connecticut | Athlete
An incoming freshman at powerhouse St. Joseph High School in Connecticut, Tristan shows off a great work ethic in the weight room and off-the-field conditioning. Paired with impressive instincts, he is a good size for his position and has excellent speed with the ability to make guys miss. He should be a guy to watch for the Hogs over the next few years.
Xavier Cherry | Georgia | Running Back
Xavier shows excellent receiving ability for just entering his Freshman year of high school. A strong runner with the ability to make defenders miss or run through them. He plays bigger than his size and has made his way through college camps across the south this summer, also showcasing impressive numbers in the weight room and great athleticism off the field.
Cashton Adkins | Ohio | Offensive Line
A two-way lineman at defensive end and offensive tackle, at 6 foot 3 230 pounds, he has great size for both positions. He has made his way through camps this summer, including Wake Forest and the All-Ohio showcase. He shows a lot of power and speed for his size. A strong athlete, he placed 2nd nationally in the track and field discus.
Kingston Hurst | Texas | Linebacker
Fresh off getting his first offer from Texas Tech. Kingston shows a great work ethic in the weight room, working off the field, and making his way through college camps, including Texas Tech and TCU. He is an outstanding athlete all around, with impressive performances in 7 on 7 games, a great body, and quickness at linebacker.
Connor Hankia | Kansas | Quarterback
Hankia has excellent size and a strong arm paired with plus athleticism but does have some raw mechanics at Quarterback. He recently made his way to camps at Iowa State, where his brother Deshawn plays, and a camp at Washburn University. A multi-sport athlete, he also plays baseball and competes in track and field.
Angel Olivas | Arizona | Defensive Back
Angel possesses impressive speed and footwork and has shown that at camps this summer, including one at Northern Arizona. Olivas shows excellent length, a competitive drive, and very fluid hips to adjust coverage. He will attend the elite Saguaro high school in Arizona, which has recently been a pipeline for college talent.
Nathaniel Rose | Pennsylvania | Linebacker
Headed to a strong program at Berks Catholic for his freshman season, Rose is a very well-developed linebacker who puts up impressive numbers in the weight room and on the field. His older brother plays at the Division 1 level. Very impressive footwork and ability to track the ball. Nathaniel plays well with his size and has an amazing body to grow into as he gets into the high school ranks.
Drew Thompson | Iowa | Athlete
Thompson shows out multiple sports, including basketball, baseball, and football. Drew shows impressive speed along with great all-around athleticism. He projects best as a linebacker able to play sideline to sideline and has a nose for the ball. He has good size to lineup at linebacker or could grow into playing defensive end. He is quick off the snap but a bit raw in his tackling form.
Caden Liebler | Tennessee | Offensive Line
Caden is powerful off the snap and shows it on both sides of the ball. He looks to project as an interior offensive lineman as he ages with a lot of strength, but not great technique. He struggles with speed at the tackle position but makes up for it with power. He’s very dedicated to the weight room and has made his way to some summer college camps, including Middle Tennessee.