Six 2026 prospects to watch for next rankings update

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>High school football and recruiting are a year-round process, with new prospects opening the eyes of coaches, media and fans every single day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone Louisiana's latest rankings updates have wrapped up, but more student-athletes are popping onto the radar and watch lists to monitor heading into the next round of updates this summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are six more current freshmen to keep an eye as we receive more film and get out to spring practices on the horizon later this month.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='710975' first='Jaden' last='Carter'] —&nbsp;5-9, 165 WR —&nbsp;A.J. Ellender</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The quick and explosive young multisport standout is a no-brainer to join the rankings during the next update — and somewhere in the top half. With a strong basketball showing this winter and into the spring now wrapped up, Carter compiled and released this weekend his fall football highlights in which he looks both in the slot and in the return game like one of the most dynamic playmakers with the ball in his hands in his class early on in their careers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='920630' first='Kameron' last='Casnave'] — 6-1, 225 —&nbsp;Northlake Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Casnave barreled to all-district recognition as a freshman running back looking like a young Jerome Bettis with his power and balance running over defenders. Given his size so early in his high school career, he may be more likely to develop into a linebacker or defensive end. But wherever he is on the field position-wise, he's a notable young prospect to watch in the north shore area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401981' first='Sage' last='Ingram'] — 6-0, 190 RB — Madison Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Baton Rouge has produced some special running backs in recent years, and the Chargers' young ball-carrier may be one of the next in line. Ingram, also competing for his school's track program, has good size as a freshman appears to be a patient runner with an explosive burst upfield and promising speed in the open field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='920615' first='Leon' last='Noil Jr.'] — 6-3, 265 OL —&nbsp;Edna Karr</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>More big men in the trenches have already started to emerge for the 2026 class thus far than had occurred yet at the same point for the 2024 or 2025 cohorts. Noil's frame and build in a freshman photograph appear as though he may have a chance to join that mix. He'll be a player to watch more of both in person and as more footage becomes available.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='740993' first='Dylan' last='Shelmire'] — 6-0, 190 LB/RB —&nbsp;Zachary</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The young two-way athlete for the Broncos is a big, powerful runner — whether through the hole to pick up yardage for his offense or filling or rushing through his gap as an inside linebacker on defense. Shelmire appears, in some limited footage, to be a smooth, confident receiver catching the ball with his hands out away from his body. However he continues to develop from a position standpoint, he will be an interesting player to see an eye on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='920620' first='Sam' last='Turner'] — 6-3, 185 TE —&nbsp;West Monroe</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A couple Rebels were already on the initial 2026 rankings list this spring, and Turner may be the third when the next updates roll around. Turner looks smooth running routes well downfield and catching the ball in stride. West Monroe listed him at 6-foot-3 with a lean frame that looks likely to bulk up well as he continues to develop physically in its strength program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->