2026 Prospects Ready to Breakout

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The class of 2026 is a class that has the chance to open plenty of eyes this upcoming season. Much like we did with the class of 2025, we are going to highlight several prospects from the class of 2026 to watch out for this season. Each prospect that we focus on in this article has the potential to have a big season in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1305652' first='Cody' last='Johnson']-Defensive Line-Greenwood-6'4” 230-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Greenwood defensive lineman can play multiple spots along the defensive front. Johnson does a great job of getting into the opposing offensive backfield. He uses his speed well to come off of the edge and pressure the quarterback. Meanwhile, he has the strength to drive opposing blockers into rushers. Johnson is a prospect with the potential to have a big 2024 season for the Bulldogs. He is a player to keep an eye on this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='910087' first='Kevin' last='Pope']-Linebacker-Pine Bluff-6'1” 225-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='910087' first='Kevin' last='Pope'] is a versatile prospect that can shift from the linebacker to the defensive end spot with little difficulty. Pope has a good mix of speed and power. He does a great job of getting into the opposing offensive backfield. Pope is the type of player that does not give up on a play. He will pursue the ball carrier and puts himself in position to make the tackle. Pope is a prospect for that Zebras who has the potential to have a big season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1229093' first='Hunter' last='Estes']-Defensive Back-Mountain Home-6'2” 170-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mountain Home defensive back is a prospect that can play near the line of scrimmage to help defend against the rushing attack. Estes has the speed to drop back into pass coverage and defend against the pass. He is a defender that does not shy away from contact. Estes pursues the ball carrier from sideline to sideline and will make the tackle with good consistency. He is a defensive back that I expect to have a strong season in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='466187' first='Kyndrick' last='Williams']-Defensive Back-Fayetteville-6'1” 185-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='466187' first='Kyndrick' last='Williams'] is the type of defensive back that can shut down one side of the field. He uses his hands well and jams the opposing wide receiver at the line of scrimmage. Williams does an impressive job of playing the ball while it is in the air. He is a defensive back that will move up and help defend against the run. The Fayetteville cornerback is dangerous with the ball in his hands, and he has no problem creating big plays on the defensive side of the ball. Williams is a player that I expect to have a strong season this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='771990' first='Hunter' last='Warren']-Running Back-Booneville-6'1” 195-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Booneville Bearcats always produce a strong running game. [player_tooltip player_id='771990' first='Hunter' last='Warren'] is a running back that is difficult to bring down. He has the ability to break tackles and churn out plenty of yards on the ground. Warren has proven to be a player that can have an impact on both sides of the ball. He is a prospect to watch out for on both sides of the ball for the Bearcats. I expect a big 2024 season from [player_tooltip player_id='771990' first='Hunter' last='Warren'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->