Some of WA’s Fastest Rising 2026 Prospects- DEFENSE

Some of WA&#8217;s Fastest Rising 2026 Prospects- DEFENSE

Jordan Johnson February 24, 2024 @ 09:50 PM

Here we take a look at some of the fastest rising underclassmen in the state for the 2026 class. Rankings were recently updated as we highlight a few of the noteworthy athletes who continue to up their stock.         #25 [player_tooltip player_id='987166' first='Cassius' last='Culpepper'] 6-1 190 DB Rainier Beach   One of the fastest rising recruits in the state. The standout baseball player can also play a little football, ranking as one of the fastest DB's in Washington. He has a good size and has a real shot if he pursues football.    #26 [player_tooltip player_id='1165375' first='Jamirie' last='Pringle'] 6-5 215 OLB Stadium     At 6-5 Jamirie has a chance to write his own ticket. He's incredibly versatile and could be your WR/TE if not on the defensive side of the ball. Stadium finished 6-4 last season and will need Pringle to lead if they are going to compete.    #35 [player_tooltip player_id='1165392' first='Henry' last='Gabalis'] 6-4 190 S Archbishop Murphy    Gabalis is a big, fast athlete, who can play the Safety or LB spot. The foursome of [player_tooltip player_id='987158' first='Jack' last='Sievers'], [player_tooltip player_id='987162' first='Hakeim' last='Smalls'], [player_tooltip player_id='1165393' first='Jordan' last='Rife'], and Gabalis is one of the best in the NW for the 2026 class. The combination of size and speed across the board is legit.    #40 [player_tooltip player_id='1165393' first='Jordan' last='Rife'] 6-4 180 WLB Archbishop Murphy   Rife did an outstanding job from his OLB position, while also being athletic enough at 6-4 to run the football. As mentioned the 2026 class at Archbishop Murphy is the real deal.    #42 [player_tooltip player_id='928117' first='Jonah' last='Smith'] 6-2 280 DL Yelm   The 285-pound heavyweight wrestling champion will rank as one of the top D lineman in Washington. He started as a sophomore for one of the top programs in the West and did well. Yelm is 37-3 with a state title covering the last 3 years and Smith will be called upon to lead the next two seasons.    #43 [player_tooltip player_id='936091' first='Colby' last='Johnson'] 6-3 210 OLB Eastlake   Johnson possesses great size and is extremely fast and physical for such a young athlete. The Wolves went 11-2 last year, losing in the state semi's to Grahm Kapowsin 27-24. They should once again compete for a title.    #54 [player_tooltip player_id='748214' first='Xander' last='W Shaw'] 6-3 225 DE Steilacoom   Shaw made 50 tackles with 10 tackles for loss as a sophomore after a breakout freshman campaign. If he can get out on the camp circuit and impress against top NW competition he has a shot.    #60 [player_tooltip player_id='1165351' first='Zevion' last='Watkins'] 5-9 180 CB Rainier Beach    Another athlete who could make a jump up the rankings board with continued progression. He has done well as part of FSP against most of the top competition within the region. Watkins should be considered one of the most versatile individuals in the 2026 class.    #84 [player_tooltip player_id='1165406' first='Matthew' last='Chepurchenko'] 6-2 175 DB Todd Beamer    Beamer went 4-6 last year and Chepurchenko gives the program a lot of hope moving forward. He had 42 total tackles, with 14 PBU's, and 4 INT's on the year, earning all conference honors. You have to like the size and the success he's had at such a young age.    #93 [player_tooltip player_id='1165415' first='Jayden' last='Woodland'] 6-2 160 DB/ATH Fife    Not a lot of people are aware of Woodland yet, but he has a chance to be good, even at the small 2A school. He did well as a sophomore and can play multiple spots on the field. Fife went 4-5 last year and could be a 6-7 win team with Woodland.