2026 Rankings Update: Big-time Adds from the Watch List, Part V

<p><strong>Enjoy our newest rankings release. Use promo code “mankarious30” for 30% off your first subscription to Prep Redzone New Jersey.</strong></p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <p>As if they rose from the ashes like the Phoenix, there are prospects who seemingly come out of the woodwork. What differentiates this set of prospects from the rest is that from the ashes of the watchlist, they rose and are here to stay. Below are a handful of prospects that were watchlisted and, immediately upon film review, shot toward the top of our rankings for the class of 2026.</p>    <p>[player_tooltip player_id='402242' first='Scott' last='Freeman'] might be one of the states low-key top talents. His film shows that the receiver is blessed with explosive movements that are accompanied by sudden, sharp cuts. Refined at his position, Freeman sinks his hops and bends well when breaking from the stem of his route. Something of a ballerina, Freeman sidesteps defenders and can create space for himself. He also knows how to use his big, physical body to gain extra yardage. </p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/S2Freemann/status/1653099741335486465 </div></figure>     <p>Steven Klein has been an impact player since he stepped on the scene for Westwood as a freshman. Klein puts to use his clear, second gear to use both offensively and defensively. Athletic in his approach, we see him quickly, fluidly backpedal while staying in control the entire time. Subtly, Klein will use his hands to gain a sense of where his matchup is looking to break and play the ball underneath his man. Often the biggest player on the filed, he is about as sure of a tackler as you can be - both with profile tackling and gator rolls. Lastly, Klein is awfully shifty for someone of his size. </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/steveklein25/status/1802017726375825421 </div></figure>     <p>[player_tooltip player_id='918994' first='Trey' last='McFadden'] is a prospect that his head coach has been championing for a while now - and for good reason. McFadden is a receiver who high points the ball and uses his hands when doing so. A natural athlete, we see him spin into the leverage of would-be tacklers to gain extra yardage. He does has speed in the open field; however, it is his vision that makes him unique, often cutting completely against the grain for absolutely huge gains McFadden shows a good sense, and variety, of moves when running and when to use them. A few of the moves we have noticed him break loose on are side steps, stutter releases, and moving his upper body to get open. Lastly, McFadden is a very good run blocker who makes a genuine effort to open things up for his teammates along the perimeter and downfield.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Trey_McFadden5/status/1810430726988259645 </div></figure>     <p>A towering defensive back, [player_tooltip player_id='1031721' first='Wes' last='Johnston'] has surprisingly sudden movements where ever he is lined up on the field. As a safety, he explodes into the alley to make tackles for loss. Often times we see him extend and lay out to make plays on the ball. Johnston reads the run exceptionally well, getting over the top no problem when at linebacker depth. A good tackler, Johnston can lay a hit, square you up for a classic profile tackler, and will unquestionably run through you when hitting.</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/johnston_wes/status/1776255002698281298 </div></figure>

Enjoy our newest rankings release. Use promo code “mankarious30” for 30% off your first subscription to Prep Redzone New Jersey.