2026 Stock Risers Defensive Edition

<p>We take a look below at a number of rising seniors who did nothing but help their own stock after their regular season performances:</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Salem's [player_tooltip player_id='1297741' first='Markus' last='McCoy'] had a season for the ages in Virginia Beach, the tweet below is not a misprint, McCoy recorded 26 sacks this fall! Incredibly beyond that he is so much more than just a Von Miller pass rushing specialist. He recorded 96 solo tackles and 29 of them were tackles for losses, just insane numbers all around. McCoy is sure to skyrocket up our next rankings post, he boasts a 3.3 GPA as well. The young man is all over the field at 6'0 and 210 lbs., cannot wait to see how his final season with the Sundevils.</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/MarkusMcCoy26/status/1858319579979653590 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Love what North Stafford is doing and they have a plethora of playmakers as they advance in the Regional Playoffs. [player_tooltip player_id='1298226' first='Antwan' last='Barnes'] is a division 1 corner who was first team all district selection for his work on both sides of the ball, but I believe he will play corner at the next level. This is not to knock him for his work at receiver, for which he is impressive, I could see him lining up on Saturdays sooner at defensive back. He has 1 offer from Liberty which we wrote on last month and now with recruiting season hitting full gear soon, he should get many more. </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/TheAntwanBarnes/status/1856142429822259447 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">One of the reasons why I believe South Lakes is going to bounce back next year is due to the return of guys like [player_tooltip player_id='1561139' first='Dalton' last='Blakeney']. The rising senior made plays at both running back and linebacker for the Seahawks. Really like how discipline he is at linebacker hence why I have him here, he is poised, good footwork and will deliver the blow. Recording 4 sacks and 1 Interception Blakeney really does play the position well. 5'8 and 195 lbs. the young man will be a part of a nice returning core for South Lakes that is sure to bounce back from their 2-8 season.</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/Dalton2782/status/1857053414363898225 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='895911' first='Jamir' last='Washington'] is a baller at safety who played for John Handley High school this year. He has electric footwork and is hard to get by for any ball carrier. He delivers a good pop and rarely do you see him take a bad angle to give up a big play. Washington is going to get a lot of attention for his work at wideout, but he is another player who I would prefer to see on defense at the next level. Just my opinion but when he comes up from his safety spot it is very impressive.</p>   <p></p>     <p class="text-gray-700">You should know I have been a fan of [player_tooltip player_id='1297966' first='Antonio' last='Jones'] going back to last year and he did nothing to change my mind. Jones can play at the next level and he earned that with a first team all Cardinal District selection as a Junior. Despite missing two games to injury, Jones had 84 tackles, 16 tfls and 4 interceptions! I can attest after watching him in person, he pops the ball carrier in the mouth each time they come in his vicinity. Very fast and rangy, Jones should not only see his ranking increase, but the amount of college attention too. One of the best linebackers in Virginia he will be playing on Saturdays soon enough.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Speaking of playing on Saturdays, [player_tooltip player_id='1236733' first='Jayden' last='Blackstock'] will be doing so in a couple years as well, it runs in his family! Blackstock is really coming on as Battlefield march for a title continues, he racked in 7 tackles and 1 interception in their regular season finale against Patriot. A rematch with the Pioneers is looming and Blackstock looks poised for another big game. </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/JBlackstock1022/status/1855462661003292696 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Freedom South-Riding two-way lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1298522' first='Noah' last='Barnhill'] was already a stud before I wrote this article. Barnhill is 6'2 and 245 lbs. and he is making his recruiting visits lately including to Yale and Campbell University. Barnhill helped guide the Eagles as a junior and is poised for more of a leadership role in 2025. Ranking 77th in his position group does not serve him justice this kid is a potential Division 1 football player.</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/noahbarnhillFB/status/1858496508095545432 </div></figure>    <p>The showcases are back once again and we are excited they are coming to Virginia this January! I can attest to you personally that our showcases are great for kids at every talent level. We have college coaches throughout the country on hand, looking for their next star. To register or find out more information please go to this link here https://events.prepredzone.com/e/1329/register/virginia-stock-up-showcase. We are still in the early bird special in regards to pricing, after this week feel free to use my coupon code<strong> FrederickPRZ2024</strong> for a discount.</p>

We take a look below at a number of rising seniors who did nothing but help their own stock after their regular season performances: