Freshman Standouts: 2026 Middle Georgia Defenders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Year after year we see more and more talented players make a big impact in their freshman high school season. More and more freshmen are making an impact, and we saw plenty of freshmen defenders in the Middle Georgia area step up in a big way during their freshman season this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who are they? Let's take a look...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1323202' first='Kaden' last='Carter'] - Lamar County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An active linebacker in Middle Georgia to know about for the next several years, Carter played beyond his years last year as a freshman and proved be can be one of the surest-tacklers in the area for the 2026 class. He's instinctual for his class and showed to the ability to get off blocks well for someone his age. He made a big impact at linebacker, holding his own against players older than him on a weekly basis. The under the radar linebacker made 49 tackles on the season and forced one fumble. He has a good size for his classification at 6-foot-1 195-pounds and will only get bigger and stronger over the next few years. He's one of thee top young defenders in the area and bound for a gigantic sophomore season in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tailen Sampson - Northeast</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A hard-hitting defender in Macon, Sampson plays like an upperclassmen and already brings a physical presence for someone his age. An instinctive young player, Sampson can play outside or inside throughout his high school career over the next three years. He's already a reliable defender and had an incredibly productive season last year as a freshman, making 81 total tackles on the season. He also made 11 TFLS on the season, showing he can consistently make plays in the backfield. He reads plays before they happen and does a good job of reactivating and getting down-hill. He has natural instincts against the run butt can can ground in coverage as well. He was one of the top tackling leaders across Georgia in the 2026 class last year and has a very bright future ahead of him over the next several years. Don't be surprised if he sees some D1 interest come his way down the road.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1090795' first='Rinaldo' last='Callaway'] - Southwest</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A big-time disruptive defensive lineman in Macon, Callaway showed early playmaking ability and quickness off thee ball, being tough to handle for opposing offensive linemen all season long. An athletic defensive end who lives in the backfield last year, Callaway made 19 TFLs last season. He won plenty of one-one one battles and showed some versatility as well. He's a natural pass-rusher as well, sacking thee quarterback six times, an impressive feat for any freshman defender. He's a hard-hitter as well, causing five fumbles on the season. A true playmaker along the defensive line, Callaway proved to be one of the top freshmen on either side of the ball last year in the Macon area. He made 69 tackles on the season and has 10+ tackles in three of his last four games. He's a new 2026 defender to know about and has easy D1 talent. Look for him to climb the 2026 rankings over time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->