3 Recruits Rising In The 2026 Rankings With Star Potential

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've got 3 recruits today who rose quite a bit in the rankings update and are just scratching the potential of their surface.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='560083' first='Christian' last='Kramer'] - QB - North Putnam - 6'1" 190lbs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the more impressive seasons from a QB to break out in the 2026 class this year was via Kramer. It was his 2nd year as the starter, but he added a new dimension to his game. Last season, he never left the pocket. He was developing in the pocket, so they made it a point to keep him there. While he was solid, he finished the year with negative rushing yards. This year, however, they flipped the script. On top of a similar year passing, 1878 passing yards, 58% completion, and 15 TDs, Kramer added 1018 rushing yards and 18 TDs on the ground. If you asked me last year, I would have never guessed Kramer was such a dynamic runner. The talent and athletiscm are there for Kramer, and if he continues to develop, there's no telling where he could end up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@C_Kramer18</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1080792' first='Parker' last='Maiers'] - Brebeuf Jesuit - LB - 6'1" 210lbs </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most eye-popping breakout seasons in the state, let alone for the class of 2026 belonged to Maiers and what he brought to the Braves' defense. His freshman year saw him earn 2 tackles and very little play. This season, he was a menace from week 1 through the final quarter they played. He was relentless and tracked the football as well as anyone. Rarely, if ever, did he miss a tackle and seemed to always be the one making the tackle in open space. To me, it showed he's disciplined and does his job. He keeps his feet chopping and his heels rarely touch the ground. He seems to have the instincts you want for a LB calling signals. From 2 tackles his freshman year to 152 tackles, 96 being solos, 7.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, 2 pass deflections, and 1 forced fumble as a sophomore. What Maiers showed on the field was pretty impressive this year, and I'm pretty anxious to see if he can build off of it. He's got the frame you're looking for and all of this just seems like the very beginning.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@ParkerMaiers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='764152' first='Josh' last='Tillar'] - Carroll - DB - 6'0" 160lbs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If one DB in the Fort Wayne area checks all the boxes to develop into the next elite corner, it's Tillar. He's got elite range, has the twitchy movements, and can run with anyone. He's able to flip his hips and run with ease. His backpedal is getting better, but it's his timing coming downhill that took the biggest jump. He began to become confident, especially later in the season. He was rotated in, earned his opportunities, and produced when the play came his way. It wasn't the biggest season by any stretch, but it was good in terms of showing that development. He's better in man coverage right now, but he understands zone and how to pass off a receiver. On the year, he put up 19 tackles and 2 PBUs, but there should be more to come. Tillar looks the part and seems to be on the right path.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@JoshTillar</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->