BREAKOUT CANDIDATES: 2026 Defenders On The Rise
Each year we’re seeing more and more players see early playing time as a freshman. Players are getting bigger, stronger, and faster each year, meaning more players are seeing the field in year one. Which freshmen are seeing their recruitment…
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Continue ReadingEach year we’re seeing more and more players see early playing time as a freshman. Players are getting bigger, stronger, and faster each year, meaning more players are seeing the field in year one.
Which freshmen are seeing their recruitment take off after a big first season in 2022?
Let’s take a look…
Jared Mitchell – DB – Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe
An outstanding young two-way player towards the northern part of the peach state, Mitchell is a playmaking athlete who is coming off an eye-opening freshman season. A Region 6-AAA 1st-team selection this year in just his first season, Mitchell as a long, lean frame at 6-foot-3 180-pounds and was all over the field defensively last year from the secondary. A hard-hitting safety who forced multiple fumbles last year, Mitchell made 88 total tackles as a freshman along with one INT, one blocked punt, and two forced fumbles. He plays like a veteran and was one of the top athletes on the field on a weekly basis. He showed good instincts and got to the ball-carrier quickly all season long, making 10+ tackles in four games this past year. He’s quick, athletic, and showed D1 potential in his first year. Look for his stock to rise more and more over the next few years.
Jamar Owens – DB – Jonesboro
Without a doubt one of the top 2026 defenders in the Atlanta area, Owens was a playmaking machine for Jonesboro in year one, proving to be an excellent run defender as well as a weapon in coverage. At 6-foot-1 170-pounds, Owens has a solid frame with plenty of length, allowing him to cover bigger, longer receivers down the field. A sure tackler, Owens made 86 tackles on the season and came to play every Friday. He made at least seven tackles in nine games last year, showing he’s one of the more consistent young defenders in the area. In coverage, Owens was a ball-hawk, picking off five passes in the secondary. He was a true big-play weapon on defense and will only get better and better in the next few years. The D1 talent is easy to see, and he could see his recruitment take off at some point in 2023.
Tailen Sampson – LB – Northeast
A tough, physical freshman and one of the top young players in Macon, Sampson flashed all throughout the 2022 season and showed consistency against the run. He showed a lot of promise and potential for someone his age and already knows how to deliver a big hit on the running back. He’s a smart player, reacts before thinking, and runs well for someone playing in just his first season. One of the more productive freshman defenders in all of Middle Georgia, Sampson did a great job of making play after play in the backfield last year. He made 81 total tackles with 11 of them coming behind the line of scrimmage. He’s a sure tackler, hits hard with his shoulder, and made one INT in coverage. He played better and better throughout the year with one of his best games coming in his final season against Appling County, making 12 tackles and three TFLs. He’ll be a sophomore defender to know all about in 2023.