2026 Virginia Rankings Review More Underrated Gems

<p class="text-gray-700">I've written about [player_tooltip player_id='358211' first='Marcus' last='Ferguson'] Jr. several times before so you should know I am a fan, but my colleague Vic Castillo made some really good points below that were worth sharing:</p>   <p><em>An easy choice to give opportunities to inside of the 20-yard line as well at the goal line. Low center of gravity, lower body churn has <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='358211' first='Marcus' last='Ferguson']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/marcus-ferguson/"></a> falling forward more times than not. Proves he can catch the football out of the backfield. Can bounce runs, fantastic displacement when he decides to do so, lateral displacement is evident. Can return kicks/punts. Formerly out of Unity Reed HS in Manassas, Virginia. Will now suit up for Saint Michael the Archangel. Should be ranked a bit higher in hindsight, especially after the news he's transferring to what's likely to be a better environment to produce.</em></p>   <p>I agree with Vic's assessment, Ferguson is going to be a great addition to an already explosive Warriors offense. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Division 1 bound Jackson McCarter's heir apparent is [player_tooltip player_id='853848' first='Payton' last='Holmes'] and seeing him in person, I can attest he is ready to carry the load. He will have to wait another season for more carries (McCarter is entering his senior season) but it wouldn't shock me to see him involved more offensively this fall for the Pioneers. Despite limited carries as a sophomore Holmes rushed for nearly 400 yards and averaged 9.8 yards per carry, pretty impressive numbers. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Payton_Holmes20/status/1724761734626308214 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">We be remiss if we didn't talk about Kickers and [player_tooltip player_id='1185915' first='Max' last='Yoon'] is fun to watch and trust me, will be nailing field goals on Saturdays soon. He was honorable mention selection out of the Liberty District as a sophomore and is poised for more accolades as a Junior. His career long is 42 yards but he can boom it, wouldn't shock me in the slightest if he were to connect on a 50 yarder this fall. The Patriots love their special teams (top ranked tight end [player_tooltip player_id='855053' first='Brady' last='Owens'] is their long snapper) and [player_tooltip player_id='1185915' first='Max' last='Yoon'] is a star.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/maxyoon_/status/1731486360664523132 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">A basketball star for the Potomac Panthers at heart, [player_tooltip player_id='1171061' first='Akim' last='Iscandari'] is also a playmaker for the Potomac School's football squad. He is one of top ranked basketball prospects but when you watch his football tape you will know he is star on the gridiron as well. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/PRZPAvic/status/1799801334008516976 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">A potential new weapon may be on hands for new Head Coach Robert Holland and the Osbourn Park Yellowjackets with [player_tooltip player_id='1299135' first='Raphael' last='Johnson']. This athlete was a stud defensive back and receiver last year for Alexandra City and will look to bring his playmaking ability over to Manassas. Johnson is a stud at 6'2 and 180 pounds he was used a lot on jet sweeps with the Titans and he carries the ball with a purpose, not easy to bring down. </p>   <p>Defensively is where in my opinion he will make his mark at the next level, good coverage skills and his tackling is both mean and accurate. </p>