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Maryland 4A Football’s Next Wave: 2026 Evaluations – Part 3

Maryland 4A Football’s Next Wave: 2026 Evaluations – Part 3
Ed OBrien
Ed OBrien January 20, 2025 @ 08:10 PM
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In this article:

Jake Forburger
Jake Forburger 6'3" | 210 lbs | QB | 2026
MD
Tristan Saunders
Tristan Saunders 6'1" | 190 lbs | LB | 2026
MD
Eric Wedge
Eric Wedge 6'2" | 185 lbs | QB | 2026
MD
Mason Mizzer
Mason Mizzer 5'10" | 175 lbs | WR | 2026
MD
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone Maryland will evaluate top returning prospects in Maryland's 4A high school football classification. The focus of these articles will be on the Class of 2026. There's a lot of talent returning for the 2025 season. We'll be evaluating prospects that are both on the radar of college coaches and prospects that are underrated and underrecruited in some cases.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is Part 3 of this series.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1224794' first='Eric' last='Wedge'] III | Quarterback | 6-1 | 185 | Wise | 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wedge completed 143-of-238 passes for 1,992 yards, 27 touchdowns, and six interceptions during the 2024 season. He has six games where he threw three or more touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In his highlights, Wedge throws deep with precision and touch. On one play, he delivers a 50-yard fade pass under pressure, leading the receiver perfectly and showing his arm strength and accuracy on deep throws. On another pass, he fires a perfect shot to the receiver on a post pattern, showing his ability to throw with velocity and accuracy on intermediate routes. His deep ball placement is a strength, as he consistently allows receivers to catch the ball in stride.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wedge is poised under pressure. In several plays, his mobility allows him to evade pressure as he keeps his eyes downfield to find a receiver. His rushing stats may not catch your attention, but watching his highlights confirms that Wedge can make plays with his legs anytime he chooses to do so. Wedge's touchdown-to-interception ratio (27:6) shows that he makes good decisions with the football and doesn't turn it over.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I think he does a great job of pushing the football downfield, throwing deep passes with ease. Wedge can continue to work on his footwork and mechanics. Little things like setting up in the pocket with a little more urgency will help elevate his game even more. There's no doubt he's one of the top returning quarterbacks in state of Maryland.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1611568' first='Jake' last='Forburger'] | Quarterback | 6-2 | 210 | Walter Johnson | 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Forburger accumulated 1,500 yards, 19 total touchdowns, and two interceptions and completed 59% of his passes during nine games last season. He is adept at delivering the deep ball with precision. Time and time again, he showed that he could hit receivers in stride on fade routes and seam passes, often placing the ball where only his receiver could make the play. In one notable play from last season, he connected on a perfectly placed fade pass down the sideline, hitting his receiver over the outside shoulder in stride for the touchdown. On another play, he launched a 35-yard pass down the seam that hit the receiver in stride, resulting in another score. Forburger isn't afraid to push the football downfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mobility is also a big part of Forburger's game. He runs like a physical running back when he chooses to run the football. His ability to make plays with his legs makes the defence respect him as a runner and passer. Forberger's intermediate passing game could be featured a little more on his highlights, showing he's a complete quarterback. I think those are traits that he'll be able to showcase more once he throws in front of college coaches this upcoming spring and summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1313462' first='Tristan' last='Saunders'] | Outside LInebacker | 6-1 | 187 | CH Flowers | 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1313462' first='Tristan' last='Saunders'] made a habit of impacting defense during the 2024 season. One of his most noticeable strengths is his effectiveness in zone coverage. Lining up as a linebacker, he consistently showed a strong understanding of the hook/curl zone, highlighting his ability to disrupt passing plays. In one standout play, Saunders dropped into the red zone, read the quarterback's eyes, and intercepted a pass intended for a wide receiver. On another occasion, he broke up a well-timed square-out pass by getting great depth on his drop and reacting to the ball mid-flight. Plays like these make me believe he could transition into a hybrid role or even a strong safety in the right defensive system (think star position).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saunders is equally effective against the run, showcasing quick recognition and pursuit skills. On play, he identified a run to the opposite side of the field, pursued the ball carrier, and made a tackle for a loss behind the line of scrimmage. His physicality complements his speed and ability to chase down plays. In another instance, he took on a block from a running back, using his inside shoulder to disrupt the play and force the ball carrier inside, ultimately contributing to a group tackle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While Saunders excels in zone coverage and runs defense, his game has room for growth. His ability to cover deep zones or wide areas, particularly in man-to-man situations, is still unproven. I think those questions can be answered at college prospect camps. Saunders is an athletic and intelligent defender that schools should look closely at this offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402017' first='Mason' last='Mizzer'] | Wide Receiver | 5-10 | 170 | Quince Orchard | 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='402017' first='Mason' last='Mizzer'] showed promise as an offensive weapon and special teams contributor during the 2024 season. Mizzer hauled in 24 receptions for 460 yards, averaging an impressive 19.2 yards per catch while adding seven touchdown receptions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mizzer's playmaking ability is immediately evident in his highlight reel, where he consistently demonstrates a knack for turning routine plays into big plays. One standout play is a 75-yard touchdown off a bubble screen, where his acceleration and vision allowed him to weave through defenders untouched down the sideline. Another highlight is his 70-yard kickoff return touchdown, where he broke multiple tackles, navigated a crowded field, and showcased elusiveness in reaching the end zone. As a route-runner, Mizzer also excels. There's one play against man coverage where he runs an out-and-up route, selling the fake ideally and making a contested catch despite being interfered with by the defensive back. Plays like these underscore his ability to adjust to defenses, run crisp routes, and make difficult catches under pressure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of Mizzer's greatest strengths is his versatility. He can line up both as a slot receiver and on the outside, though his skill set is best suited for working out of the slot, where he can use his quickness and route-running ability to exploit mismatches against linebackers and safeties. Mizzer's ability to recognize defensive schemes and adjust his routes accordingly demonstrates a high football IQ, making him a reliable option in any offensive system. Beyond his receiving skills, he is also a valuable asset on special teams, contributing as a kick and punt returner. His vision, balance, and ability to break tackles make him a dangerous weapon in the open field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While Mizzer's strengths are clear, his size could present challenges at the highest levels of college football. At 5'10” and 170 pounds, he may need to add strength to compete against more physical defenders at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/maryland-4a-footballs-next-wave-2026-evaluations-part-1/">Maryland 4A Football's Next Wave: 2026 Evaluations – Part 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/maryland-4a-footballs-next-wave-2026-evaluations-part-2/">Maryland 4A Football's Next Wave: 2026 Evaluations – Part 2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/maryland-4a-footballs-next-wave-2026-evaluations-part-3/">Maryland 4A Football's Next Wave: 2026 Evaluations - Part 3</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/2025-season-souther-maryland-skills-players-to-know-part-1/">Southern Maryland&nbsp; 2025 Season Players to Know - Part 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/meet-some-of-the-iacs-offensive-stars-in-the-2026-class-pt-1/">Meet some of the IAC's offensive stars in the 2026 Class – Pt . 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/maryland-d-c-2027-prospects-already-on-the-radar-pt-1/">Maryland/D.C. 2027 prospects already on the radar – Pt. 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/maryland-d-c-2027-prospects-already-on-the-radar-pt-2/">Maryland/D.C. 2027 prospects already on the radar - Pt. 2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/maryland-d-c-2027-prospects-already-on-the-radar-pt-3/">Maryland/D.C. 2027 prospects already on the radar – Pt. 3</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/2025-season-western-maryland-skill-players-to-know-part-1/">2025 Season: Western Maryland Skill Players to Know – Part 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->

Prep Redzone Maryland will evaluate top returning prospects in Maryland's 4A high school football classification. The focus of these articles will be on the Class of 2026. There's a lot of talent returning for the 2025 season. We'll be evaluating prospects that are both on the radar of college coaches and prospects that are underrated and underrecruited in some cases.

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