Five Louisiana prospects debut in top 50 of latest 2026 rankings
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Prep Redzone Louisiana’s latest 2026 rankings update dropped this week, including several notable debuts starting as high as No. 21. Here’s a look at the five prospects who joined the top 50 with their first rankings thus far as some…
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Continue ReadingPrep Redzone Louisiana’s latest 2026 rankings update dropped this week, including several notable debuts starting as high as No. 21.
Here’s a look at the five prospects who joined the top 50 with their first rankings thus far as some of the state’s most intriguing rising juniors to watch.
No. 21 Damari Drake Damari Drake 6'0" | 215 lbs | ATH Evangel Christian | 2026 State LA — 6-0, 215 ATH/RB — Evangel Christian
As noted during this week’s countdown to the rankings release, the Eagles’ young standout — particularly in his impressive sophomore film at running back — is the highest-ranking debut in this update. Drake appears to check a lot of boxes with his size, power, speed, balance and decisiveness and figures to be among the state’s top running back prospects in the class.
No. 26 Kenny Darby Kenny Darby 6'1" | 170 lbs | WR Airline | 2026 State LA — 6-1, 170 WR — Airline
The Vikings’ receiver was on a prolific early-season pace this fall with 35 catches for 561 yards and nine touchdowns before being sidelined by injury. But Darby has been back in action on the 7-on-7 circuit this spring with some flashes as not only one of the best jump-ball catcher in the state, but a more well-rounded receiver to watch as he continues to develop.
No. 30 Dezyrian Ellis Dezyrian Ellis 6'2" | 160 lbs | ATH Franklin Parish | 2026 State LA — 6-2, 160 ATH — Franklin Parish
“Pook” showed his arm talent all fall with a record-setting pass performance as his Patriots’ quarterback, but has also shown a few notable flashes of his all-around athleticism on his rushing opportunities during the season and as a receiver and defensive back on the 7-on-7 circuit this spring.
No. 36 Ze’land Young Ze’land Young 6'4" | 190 lbs | WR Neville | 2026 LA — 6-4, 190 WR — Neville
We don’t have as much varsity film on the multisport Neville athlete as the other new additions on this list, but Young is an intriguing young prospect to watch as one of the pass-catchers in the class with most size, along with the leap and all-around athleticism to go with the physical measurements.
No. 49 Travis Gallien Travis Gallien 6'3" | 210 lbs | ATH Teurlings Catholic | 2026 State LA Jr. — 6-3, 210 ATH — Teurlings Catholic
In his few available clips this fall, Gallien boasts highlights all over the offensive formation and on defense with glimpses of his ability as a rusher, receiver and edge-rusher with some good first and ball skills to go with his good overall size and solid build.