2026 Rankings Risers/Newcomers: ATH

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">In-depth analysis of some of the two-way athletes that in the 2026 PRZ state rankings.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Risers:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["987170"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"At 5'11” 165 lbs. Gaffney is a plus athlete with a wide skillset to be a difference maker at both CB and WR. Flashes high-level ball skills on both sides with the ability time out his jump and compete for the ball at the high point. Like his body control and coordination to adjust to ball flight and make contested catches in traffic. At receiver, he's a good route that mixes up speeds well to set up his routes and force DB's to transition/flip their hips. He attacks leverage and creates separation using his acceleration to breakaway from defenders out of his cuts. Aggressive DB that demonstrates good awareness in coverage to jump into throwing lanes. Finished the 2023 season with 43 receptions for over 700 yards and four touchdowns adding 31 tackles and three interceptions on defense. Voted First Team All Conference at WR.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65dfdba4176b8"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/MarcusGAFFNEY45/status/1732537526806843557","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/MarcusGAFFNEY45/status/1732537526806843557 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["726170"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Strong foundational skillset to build on that can transition to multiple positions on both sides of the ball. Can line up at WR, QB, LB, or DB. At 6'0” 210 lbs. he's got a strong build with a well-balanced frame. Possesses an attacking and physical playing style where he initiates contact and drives his legs/hips through at the POA. Good natural athleticism and playmaking ability, can move his feet while playing with leverage and instincts. Based on his sophomore film he projects more as defensive player at the OLB spot where he can use his burst to close and nose for the football to his advantage. Has shown good ability as a QB in years past and expect Camas to use him in a variety of ways as he enters into his junior season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65dfdba41772e"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/AzaliusLopez/status/1716023241570132319","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/AzaliusLopez/status/1716023241570132319 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Newcomers:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1165351"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Watkins is a dynamic athlete with a great combination of long speed and short area quickness. His versatility and ability to take over a game from a multitude of skilled positions make him a weapon for Rainier Beach. Flashes great fluidity and explosiveness in his movement, his change of direction and cuts are sudden with the acceleration to reach top speed within a few steps after. Played really well in the secondary in the 2023 season where he showed great range and natural coverage ability. Demonstrated that he can stay in phase at all three levels and anticipate routes to get an early break to play the ball at the catch point. He's an aggressive tackler that flies up to attack ball carriers and brings heavy contact on every play. Good upside and potential to play at the D1 level.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65dfdba417788"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/WatkinsZevion/status/1710717675318698000","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/WatkinsZevion/status/1710717675318698000 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1165375"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Pringle already possesses ideal size, length, and frame at 6'5” 215 lbs. with great growth potential to add weight as he develops. Impressive athlete at his size that runs well and shows great leaping ability especially as a redzone and jump ball target. He's a strider that shows a sustained second gear to slip by coverage and stretch the field vertically. He's got strong hands and a catch radius that extends well outside his framework. Skillset is easily transferrable to the defensive side at OLB or even edge depending on how he develops. High ceiling prospect whose length and athleticism alone will warrant interest from major D1 colleges as he progresses and is able to showcase his skillset.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65dfdba417810"} /-->