2026 Risers in the Trenches
In this article:
We have been excited to dive into the 2026 class here at PRZ NV. There are some players primed to impact Friday nights as sophomores, but I am amazed at how many prospects were contributing on varsity as freshmen. I…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWe have been excited to dive into the 2026 class here at PRZ NV. There are some players primed to impact Friday nights as sophomores, but I am amazed at how many prospects were contributing on varsity as freshmen. I have identified five prospects on both sides of the ball who are set to break out in 2023. Below, I detail what we should expect to see from these rising stars in Nevada this fall.
Trent Tufele Trent Tufele 6’1″ | 230 lbs | DL Liberty | 2026 State NV showed flashes of next level traits dominating freshmen football for Liberty High School. Trent has been to several camps this summer with the most recent one being San Diego State. Keep an eye on Trent this fall to quickly make an impact rushing quarterbacks on Friday nights.
Trent’s flashes of next level acceleration get displayed running past freshmen blockers without having to execute his hand technique to win pass rushes. Trent’s solid anchor versus freshmen double teams highlights his strength, while good power shows flattening ball carriers in the backfield after shedding blockers at the point of attack. Size, bend, and closing speed off the edge highlight Trent’s potential to be a versatile pass rusher before his high school career is over.
Willem DeHuff Willem DeHuff 6’0″ | 220 lbs | OL Damonte Ranch | 2026 NV is a versatile prospect out of Damonte Ranch. Willem has some traits for offensive line, but I believe his size and natural instinctiveness will have him best suited for defense in college. Watch for Willem to improve his strength and continue developing as a versatile DL prospect this fall.
Willem’s foundation of raw power shows pushing a protector into the punter for a block. Good competitiveness and speed in the open field get displayed pursuing linebackers at the second level as a blocker in the run game. On defense, Willem’s quickness and hand technique shown slipping freshmen blockers bodes well for his interior pass rush versatility on varsity. Flashes of next level range and instincts show quickly disrupting freshmen rushing attacks in the backfield.
Devin Clark Devin Clark 6’0″ | 250 lbs | DL Desert Pines | 2026 State NV had several classmates scoring touchdowns on Friday nights, so he may have gone unnoticed as a freshman starting at left guard for Desert Pines High School. Devin has attended several showcases this summer and also competed in camps at USC & UNLV. Look for his regional recruitment to pick up steam this fall.
Devin shows good flexibility and strength in his hands attacking & sustaining defenders with good leverage as a puller. In the run game, Devin shows his burst off the ball and good leg drive in his effort at the second level. Devin’s flashes of next level power shows dropping varsity defensive linemen at the point of attack.
CJ Besser CJ Besser 6’3″ | 240 lbs | DL Faith Lutheran | 2026 State NV is a rising three-sport athlete out of Faith Lutheran High School. CJ has attended camps at NAU, UNLV, and Oregon State this summer. CJ has pass rusher potential, but don’t be surprised if recruiters are asking him to play OL in college after a sophomore season full of pancakes sends him rising up recruiting lists.
On defense, good instincts and an athletic change of direction allow CJ to tackle ball carriers in the backfield despite misdirection at the mesh point. Coaches will be sure to see how CJ’s strength has improved this offseason after seeing good leg drive and flexibility flatten defenders as a freshman blocker. CJ’s flashes of power and acceleration show exploding through underclassmen defenders with just a couple steps and one punch as a blocker in the run game. CJ shows good potential in pass protection with a good base and quick feet that allows him to stay in front of pass rushers.
Luke Pratt Luke Pratt 6’3″ | 280 lbs | OL Coronado | 2026 State NV quietly had a promising freshmen season as the center for the Coronado varsity football team. With loads of potential as a freshman, I am excited to see how Luke develops as a second-year player. Luke has attended camps at Utah Tech and UNLV this summer. Expect Luke’s sophomore season to be one that puts him on the radar of dozens more west coast recruiters.
Luke’s strength and flexibility shown driving bigger nose tackles with good leverage highlights his next level sustain ability. Good extension, acceleration, and leg drive show moving defensive tackles at the point of attack when inside runs are called. Luke shows good quickness and football IQ picking up inside blitzers in the run game. A good base, hand placement, and a solid anchor displayed as a pass protector versus varsity nose guards highlights Luke’s next level pass blocking ability.