2026 Rankings Update: Athletes

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I take a look at some of the most versatile football players in the 2026 class who make an impact in all facets of the game on offense, defense and special teams. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='284043' first='Nick' last='McClellan']<br>QB/WR/S CBC<br>- The most versatile of the athletes can play quarterback, receiver, safety and special teams at high levels. McClellan (6'0" 175) contributed his sophomore season at safety, where he had 24 tackles and a pick on defense. However, he got quality time at quarterback in the state championship game, and complete 7 of 13 pass attempts for 103 yards and a touchdown during the 2023 season. Nick is also skilled at receiver, and has trained and camped at that position, along with his older brother Jeremiah who is headed to Ohio State. Home state Mizzou saw enough of him last summer to extend an offer. He'll have an opportunity to play all of those positions in 2024, including QB. As a signal-caller Nick is a true dual threat who can make plays with his arm and his feet. Look for him to have a breakout junior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='849680' first='Zay' last='Amman'] <br>DE/TE Troy Buchanan <br>- After a very good freshman season playing varsity ball, and a strong 7v7 season in the spring with Boom Football at linebacker, Amman (6'4" 230) had some nagging injuries with his hamstring and a lower back muscle that forced him to miss four games, and sidelined his play and ability to go full speed as he usually does. He still had 13 tackles at outside linebacker, an 4 catches for 39 yards at tight end. Amman will play EDGE in 2024 and use his exceptional first step and speed to be a disrupter and get to the quarterback. He's very quick and really run, and shows great athleticism at his size. Zay is physical, hits big and finishes plays well. In 7v7 last year he showed great ability to cover pass plays at linebacker. He's recovered from his injuries and looking forward show showcasing his ability at camps this spring and summer. Amman is a player to really watch for in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='402116' first='Graham' last='Faust'] <br>WR/S/KR<br>- One of the most complete players I saw at each position he played was the long and athletic Faust (6'3" 180), who is one of the fastest athletes in his class based on verified testing at camps last year. Graham's speed also showed in games, where he regularly beat other future college players to make plays at safety receiver and on special teams. He has good hands, concentration and balls skills and is quick enough and can hit top speed from a start after the catch to make plays and pick up extra yards. At safety is is a ball hawk who can cover a lot of ground and make plays, and is also physical against the run and finishes tackles well. He's also a heck of a kick and punt returner, where his vision and ability to hit top speed in a hurry helps him. Graham hauled in 42 passes for 666 yards and 9 touchdowns on offense, and recorded 42 tackles, 1 pick and 1 fumble recovery on defense. He also had almost 400 yards in kick and punt return yards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1125421' first='Michael' last='Clark'] <br>WR/CB<br>- Speed kills on the football field and the (5'8" 160) Clark is a blur on he field using his track speed to run past, around, and run players down and make plays on both sides of the ball and special teams. Michael had a breakout season with 971 yards on 58 catches and 11 touchdowns receiving, and 232 yards rushing and 2 more touchdowns. He makes a perfect playmaking slot and is dangerous in space with the ball in his hands to take it the distance on any play. At cornerback his locks receivers down with his speed and tenacity being able to run with anybody, and with the athleticism to overcome his lack of height, and using quick hands and balls skills. Clark recorded 29 tackles with 2 picks and 2 fumble recoveries. He is physical and makes plays against the run. Asa returner he averaged 25 yards per return on both kickoffs and punts for almost 500 yards in returns. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->