4 Potentially Dynamic Breakout Candidates In The 2026 Class

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've got 4 dynamic recruits in the 2026 class that could have a big breakout season this fall!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='401635' first='Anthony' last='Harris'] - Northrop - WR/DB - 6'0" 160lbs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harris is an explosive athlete who could easily take the state by storm this fall. Whether he's catching passes or preventing others from catching them, he's going to be making plays. He's way too explosive, way too fast, and twitchy to keep off the Varsity field for another season. He's got a nice frame developing and has long arms and a great catch radius. He can jump out of the gym and that alone gives him a big advantage in the red zone. Plus, being able to fly by everyone else should help too. If he's on defense, he'll have unlimited range and is someone I'd stick back at Safety and let roam and cause havoc wherever he can. Harris is fun, just getting started, and should be a name everyone is watching this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@Ant4iife</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='924327' first='Jarrett' last='Helman'] - Shenandoah - LB - 6'1" 170lbs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Helman had the exact type of freshman season you hope to have. He came out, got acclimated, and was making a difference at the Varsity level by the end of the season. He's not afraid to be physical and has a good head on his shoulders on the field. He's not too aggressive, won't overpursue, and does a good job forcing ball carriers to the inside from time to time. He's not the strongest LB, but he's got plenty of time to put some muscle on. Even while he's developing in the weight room, he's going to get better and make more of an impact. Last season he had 54 total tackles in 11 games played. In his first game starting, he ended with 4 solo tackles as they got a shutout. Helman has a ton of raw tools that could be developed at the next level, but for now, he's set himself up nicely to become a top player, and leader, for Shenandoah.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@Jarrett_Helman</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='925484' first='Jackson' last='McDonald'] - Terre Haute North - LB - 6'0" 195lbs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McDonald may end up as one of the most consistent LBs in the entire state for the 2026 class when his Senior year rolls around. He's tough, physical, and was on the field making his presence felt as a freshman. When he commits to the running game, he's able to get penetration and create TFLs. He's fluid enough of an athlete to drop back into coverage and make some plays there as well. While I think he's best near the LOS trying to decipher what's coming, he's been capable of having success in coverage. His 1 interception and 2 batted down balls back that up, but his 44 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, and 2 sacks also prove his value upfront. There's no doubt that heading into this season he should be one of the more trusted LBs for Terre Haute North and could become the leader for that defense. It should be all green lights for McDonald entering year 2.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@JacksonMcD2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='925485' first='Daylen' last='Simpson'] - Portage - DL - 5'10" 180lbs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Simpson showed some potential as a freshman, which is why he got a bit of Varsity action as the season went on. For a DE, right now he's not the biggest guy, but he's a relentless highmotor player who seems to be fairly explosive off the line. He does a great job beating slower linemen off the ball and getting around by wrong arming or dipping underneath with his shoulder. He's worked incredibly hard this summer and should be in a good place to come in and be a full-time starter as a Sophomore. While he's proven to be good in the passing game and creating pressure, he'll need to be more effective in the running game and collapsing the edge. He's got the work ethic and showed the potential last season. If Simpson can build upon his freshman year, he'll be in a really good spot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter:<strong> @DaylenSimpson1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->