New York 2026 Rankings: Biggest Risers Pt. 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Check out the updated 2026 rankings <a href="https://prepredzone.com/new-york/rankings/2026-rankings/">HERE.</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It took a minute, but the 2026 rankings are here, and with the addition of nearly 150 athletes to a list of 200 (50 athletes got taken out for not having Varsity film) <br><br>Rising up the rankings was a difficult task; only 2 players jumped over 15 spots, and most just jumped up a few, but regardless, with so many brand-new additions, it was an impressive feat. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["806369"],"_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-66a04cd954e44"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Morrow had a breakout year for Erasmus Hall, but he rises up the rankings not just because he has really good film but because he has really grown into an FBS-level running back. Morrow has the measurables you look for and runs with the power and burst that has already led to multiple FBS schools offering the top 2026 RB in the state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["473976"],"_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-66a04cd954ec0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Out of Long Island Lutheran, Butler has been a varsity performer for multiple seasons. The WR prospect is also one of the top sprinters in the state. Butler has the athleticism to stretch the field and impacts the game after the catch. Butler shows a solid catch radius also, I think he can play in the slot or outside and can also add value as a returner. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["505858"],"_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-66a04cd954f29"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='505858' first='King' last='Mercer'] has been a name on my radar for a while now, but he registered as the best film yet after his sophomore season at Carmel. Mercer is big and physical at the point of attack, and I confirmed some of his best traits in a live evaluation at the Downstate Classic. Mercer still has another gear of violence and strength he can unlock as he develops. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402262"],"_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-66a04cd954f90"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='402262' first='Fedel' last='Smith'] was a solid CBA-Syracuse performer on a defense featuring several Division I prospects. On film, Smith plays at a level above what you see in the box score or states. Smith has the measurables, and the outside linebacker is a really smooth athlete who shows good closing speed and can drive through blocks and make plays. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["807911"],"_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-66a04cd954ff5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gamble could be noted as the best playmaker in the state because of his ability to do things with the ball in his hands. He is a little undersized but has excellent short-area quickness and the ability to accelerate and explode out of his cuts. I saw Gamble live at Maritime, and a live evaluation confirms what you see on tape. With his ability to be used in multiple positions, I believe his skillset holds strong value at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["805814"],"_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-66a04cd955061"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Miller out of Chaminade has excellent sophomore tape, and after seeing him work some padded 1v1s this spring, Miller plays with great leverage, strong hands, and quick feet. He may not be the biggest offensive lineman, but he shows some of the best positional skills of this years offensive line group and does so on tape against very strong competition. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->