2026 Prospects Set for Standout Junior Seasons!

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our state's 2026 class is filled with top-tier talent, here we are checking out some prospects that are set for huge junior seasons this upcoming fall!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["882896"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-666b23f41cea2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='882896' first='Ethan' last='Ridley'] is a defensive back prospect out of Hewitt Trussville that has the potential to end up as one of the top DBs in the state. Over his first two years as a starter, Ridley has made a huge impact in the secondary and plays with a ton of versatility. In coverage, Ridley is terrific- he does a great job utilizing his size to cover wide receivers, is quick to adjust, and has great hands that allow him to jar the ball free and intercept passes on a routine basis. Against the run, Ridley does a great job pursuing after the ball carrier to make plays from sideline to sideline and is an excellent tackler that wraps up very well. Ridley has been a significant contributor to this Hewitt Trussville defense over the last two years, keep an eye on him as he heads into his junior season this fall- he's going to put lots of people on notice. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1225969"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-666b23f41cf09"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1225969' first='Kahden' last='Smith'] is a dominant wide receiver out of Hillcrest that is fresh off a season where he established himself as one of the top wide receivers in our 2026 class. Smith is a physical wide receiver that utilizes his size and athleticism to make plays over nearly every defensive back he lines up against. With his speed and quickness- Smith can run some sharp routes, outrun defenders, and make tons of big plays deep downfield. In addition to his explosiveness, Smith has a set of very consistent hands that make him a threat to opposing defenses at every level of the field. It's very impressive watching how he catches the ball- he does a great job utilizing his size and catch radius to rip the ball away from defenders and make contested questions. Smith has seen his recruitment open up a lot recently, he's picked up offers from Ole Miss, South Alabama, Liberty, and more. Keep an eye on him this fall, he's set to have a big season for Hillcrest's offense!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401098"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-666b23f41cf4b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='401098' first='Donovan' last='Crow'] is an explosive running back out of Central that has been a terrific option for their rushing attack over the last few seasons. Crow is a shifty back with a great burst out of the backfield, impressive speed, and great elusiveness that allow him to consistently carry the ball for big gains. In addition to his speed and finesse, Crow plays with a lot of physicality as well- he has a really good stiff arm, great contact balance, and can plow through defenders. Last fall, Crow was a terrific option out of Central's backfield, consistently finding the endzone or putting them in position to score. Keep an eye out for him this upcoming fall, Crow just picked up an offer from Minnesota and is sure to have many more head his way. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401137"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-666b23f41cf8b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='401137' first='RJ' last='Evans'] is another talented back in the class that has a ton of potential in Thompson's backfield going forward. Evans has a quick first step, great acceleration, and speed that allow him to hit the open field and go from 0-100 in no time. It's exciting watching him rev up, he can break off some runs for big gains with ease. In addition to that, Evans also has really good vision he uses to find the most optimal lane and exploit defenses. He follows blocks really well and constantly finds himself away from defenders. It's also clear that Evans is a physical player, he can withstand some big hits and keep playing through them. Keep an eye on him this fall, he could become a big-time player in Thompson's rushing attack as he sees the field more!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->