2026 Rankings Newcomers: Athletes/Kickers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone North Carolina recently updated their Class of 2026 Rankings, and several players were added to the rankings after strong junior seasons! This article will focus on selected athletes and kickers added to this ranking update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1600218"],"_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-6789caaa922b6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">James was the best all-around player for the Eagles last season, as he started as a wide receiver and defensive back for them. James had 42 catches for nearly 600 yards and 6 touchdowns on offense and over 30 tackles and 4 interceptions on defense primarily as a safety. James was an All-Conference selection and should be receiving college interest in my opinion. Some people may be down on the program he plays for, but I would challenge anyone to have his production given his situation, it is more than impressive for sure. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1600223"],"_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-6789caaa9230c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One word comes to mind with Bryson, which is UPSIDE. When you have a program like Monroe that churns out college players on a regular basis, and you see the physical traits Bryson possesses, it's just a matter of time before the word gets out and he becomes the next big thing for the Redhawks. This past season, Bryson earned an Honorable Mention All-Conference selection. He had 415 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns, along with 28 tackles and 3 sacks on defense. Monroe coaches are not sure where he will star next season, but they are confident he will be their top receiver or a dominant performer on defense. That's more than good enough for me. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1548852"],"_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-6789caaa92376"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I have personally seen Cooper kick in person, and I'm serious when I say, this young man is good from 45 yards and in, on a consistent basis, in high school. Cooper not only has a strong leg obviously, but the accuracy and dedication to his craft are up there with some of the best kickers around. Cooper has the leg to put the ball in the end zone on a regular basis, and he's built well enough that he can make a tackle on Special Teams as well if he needs to. Cooper has the talent to kick in a college program somewhere for sure. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":[714586],"_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-6789caaa923ba"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We put Carson on the wait list because he had a strong season for Providence Grove. Per his Twitter profile, Carson had 26 touchbacks, 4 field goals with a long of 50 yards out, and made 18 of 23 for his extra points. Once we can get a live look at Carson, I anticipate him moving into our rankings in our next update. Carson was named to some postseason all-star teams because of his production this past season and I'm looking forward to seeing him even more in the future. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->