New 2026 Prospects on The Rise

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who are some big-time 2026 prospects on the rise?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone has the details...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1201704' first='Andrew' last='Tinker'] - DB - Heard County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A promising defensive back on the rise south of Atlanta, Tinker is a cover corner on the rise who already knows how to tackle. He runs well at 5-foot-10 170-pounds and does a good job of consistently making a tackle when he needs to. Just a sophomore, Tinker shows strong instincts and a willingness to be physical. He has potential in coverage and should improve there next year, but it's easy to see that he knows how to get the ball carrier to the ground. He wraps up correctly and can make an important tackle in the open field. Tinker, a fast-rising defensive back in the area, earned a new offer from Bowling Green and could see more come his way down the road. He works hard, loves to compete, and has his best football still way ahead of him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1090774' first='Cortez' last='Redding'] - ATH– Jonesboro</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A dynamic, physical defender who can intimidate his opponents, it's easy to see why Redding saw several offers come his way during the contact period. A hard-hitting defender with good size at 6-foot-0 170-pounds, Redding saw offers come his way from Tulane, Mississippi State, and West Virginia, among others. The Atlanta area native made 96 tackles, 10 TFLs, one INT, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. The playmaking defender showed really good instincts as a sophomore next year and does a good job of reading the play early and reacting. He's a consistent defender who strikes the ball-carrier. He doesn't miss a lot of tackles, and that's a big reason why offers came his way last month. He played great football last year and will only get better over the next two years. Look for more offers to come his way as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='908933' first='Ayden' last='Cain'] – DL – Dutchtown</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A big, promising defensive end coming off a strong sophomore season for the Bulldogs, Cain made 43 tackles, 3 sacks and 18 quarterback pressures along with 6 TFLs last year in 2023. An active, versatile defender who does a good job of knocking down passes at the line of scrimmage, Cain also plays with good strength and leverage which allows him to play well against the run. He's a high-motor guy with quick hands and shows a strong get-off when the snap is made. A strong competitor who gives it everything he has on every down, it's easy to like Cain's game and what he brings to the table. He's a 2026 defensive lineman on the rise who recently earned new offers from Bethune Cookman, Arkansas State, UMASS, among others. Look for him to have an excellent junior season in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->