The Next Wave: Scouting MD/DC's 2026 class: Film Review Pt. 1

Maryland and Washington, D.C.'s Class of 2026 is loaded with rising high school football talent eager to make their mark. We break down the skills, strengths, and potential of the state's top prospects through detailed film analysis.   [player_tooltip player_id='1312934' first='Khary' last='Adams'] | Athlete (Cornerback and Wide Receiver) | Loyola Blakefield | 6-2 | 175 | MD   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/IMG_0114_8b3261-crop-5289x3473-1736794424-crop-640x421-1736794750.jpg?w=639" alt="" class="wp-image-1600571" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1312934' first='Khary' last='Adams'], a highly dynamic two-way player from Loyola Blakefield, showcases an exceptional ability to impact the game offensively and defensively, as evidenced by his junior-year production and impressive tape. Standing at 6'2" and 175 pounds, Adams' length and athleticism are evident, particularly in his ability to glide effortlessly downfield.   Offensively, his ability to separate and make plays is outstanding. On one play, he goes in motion, catches a swing pass, and seamlessly turns upfield untouched for an 80-yard touchdown, showcasing both vision and good speed. Against quarters coverage, Adams demonstrates route-running precision, running a 10-yard comeback, shaking the cornerback, and accelerating down the sideline for a 50-yard score. His ability to track the ball and use his stride efficiently is further highlighted on a 75-yard post pattern, where he capitalized on a defender giving up outside leverage and quickly closed the gap with his speed. In the red zone, Adams shows his physicality and body control, beating press coverage on a slant route and making a contested 15-yard touchdown grab, proving his ability to win in tight spaces.   Defensively, Adams exhibits high-level instincts and awareness, making plays in both man and zone coverage. In one instance, while playing cover two, he recognizes a combo route and effortlessly backpedals to leap for an interception, highlighting his anticipation and ability to read the quarterback's intentions. His ball-hawking skills were further displayed at safety, where he broke on a slightly overthrown hitch route, positioning himself perfectly to secure a phenomenal interception. Adams' defensive acumen and offensive versatility underscore his status as one of the top 2026 prospects. His ability to influence the game in all phases and his size and athletic traits make him a coveted recruit, with offers from top programs nationwide.   [player_tooltip player_id='707709' first='Aaron' last='Igwebe'] | Wide Receiver | Archbishop Spalding | 5-175 | 160 | MD   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/IMG_1844.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1600554" style="aspect-ratio:16/9;object-fit:cover" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='707709' first='Aaron' last='Igwebe'], a dynamic wide receiver from Archbishop Spalding, showcased his versatility and playmaking ability throughout last season, highlighted by his 35 receptions for 418 yards and four touchdowns (with one game's statistics unrecorded). Standing at 5'9" and weighing 160 pounds, Igwebe combines quickness, vision, and toughness to make an impact in multiple phases of the game. His ability to score and generate big plays is evident in the breakdown of some of his standout moments.   On offense, Igwebe demonstrates sharp route-running and strong yards-after-catch (YAC) ability. In one instance, lined up in the slot on the opponent's 48-yard line, he executed a precise 10-yard crossing route, seamlessly caught the ball, and turned upfield for a touchdown, displaying excellent awareness and acceleration. Igwebe's versatility as a receiver was further showcased when he caught a bubble screen on the opponent's 26-yard line, spinning out of the first tackle attempt and stiff-arming another defender to grind out a 5-7-yard gain for a first down, highlighting his toughness and agility in tight spaces. Another example of his YAC prowess came from the flat on the opponent's 48-yard line, where he went into motion pre-snap and caught the ball. He broke a tackle near the 25-yard line, then used his decent top-end speed to blow by another defender near the 15-yard line en route to the end zone.   Igwebe's impact extends beyond offense to special teams, where he proved a dangerous return specialist. On one kickoff return from his 9-yard line, Igwebe displayed vision and explosiveness, navigating past defenders for a 60-plus-yard gain. His punt return skills are equally electrifying, as demonstrated on a return from the opponent's 46-yard line. Despite initially being driven back a few yards, Igwebe showcased his creativity by faking a move up the middle, cutting to the left sideline, and eluding multiple defenders. He capped off the play with a touchdown, dodging a diving tackler near the 15-yard line, displaying his agility and ability to finish plays.   Igwebe's blend of skills makes him a valuable asset both as a receiver and in the return game. His offers from Toledo and UCF highlight his potential at the next level, where his combination of quickness, field awareness, and ability to create big plays in clutch moments could make him a key contributor.   Damon Ferguson | Running back and Cornerback | Milford Mill Academy | 5-11 | 190 Damon Ferguson, a 5-foot-11, 190-pound standout from Milford Mill Academy in Maryland, showcases a blend of elite speed, vision, and agility as both a running back and cornerback. Offensively, his ability to create explosive plays is evident in his remarkable highlight reel. Ferguson demonstrated his exceptional vision on a play starting at his 20-yard line. He burst by taking a handoff outside the tackles, cutting inside a defender, and splitting two more defenders en route to an 80-yard touchdown. His speed was unmatched, leaving the defense trailing. Another play from the opponent's 37-yard line highlights Ferguson's shiftiness and ability to maintain speed through cuts. After making the first defender miss with a sharp move that left the opponent falling, Ferguson weaved past another defender with a quick lateral cut. He outran the last defender to the end zone, displaying his quick feet and acceleration.   Ferguson's straight-line speed and explosiveness are further emphasized in a 57-yard touchdown run from his 43-yard line. After taking the handoff, he effortlessly maneuvered inside and outside the line before using his acceleration to outrun multiple defenders down the sideline. His play from the 47-yard line is another example of his ability to navigate traffic, weaving and darting behind blocks before bursting down the left sideline for a 53-yard score. Lastly, on a play from the 39-yard line, Ferguson showcased his ability to hit the hole with decisiveness and speed, taking the ball straight up the middle for an untouched 61-yard touchdown.   These plays highlight Ferguson's complete skill set as a running back. His vision to identify openings, ability to make defenders miss in the open field, and elite acceleration allow him to turn routine plays into explosive touchdowns. Combined with his versatility as a defender who recorded 25 tackles, three interceptions, and five pass deflections, Ferguson is a dynamic two-way player whose combination of speed, agility, and football IQ makes him a highly coveted recruit with offers from top programs like Pittsburgh, Maryland, and West Virginia.   [player_tooltip player_id='1312935' first='Carter' last='Meadows'] | Edge | Gonzaga College | 6-6 | 225   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/IMG_1443.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1600560" style="aspect-ratio:16/9;object-fit:cover" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1312935' first='Carter' last='Meadows'], a highly sought-after edge rusher 6-foot-6 and weighing 225 pounds out of Gonzaga in D.C., is a dynamic defensive prospect with over 30 scholarship offers from prestigious programs like Florida State, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Penn State. His film highlights a blend of athleticism, technique, and football IQ, making him a disruptive force on the field. Meadows consistently demonstrates the ability to work the outside shoulder of offensive linemen, using his explosive first step and length to keep blockers at bay and disrupt plays in the backfield. On pass plays, he showcases his natural bend and body control, allowing him to dip his shoulder and maintain quickness while quickly turning the edge to sack quarterbacks, as seen during one play when he evaded a running back's block to secure a five-yard sack.   Against the run, Meadows excels in shedding blocks and using his hands to dominate opponents. His hand placement and strength are evident when he moves linemen out of the way to make tackles near the line of scrimmage, violently jabs opposing offensive linemen and tight ends, and drives them backwards, disrupting plays for significant losses. Meadows' quickness is particularly evident in plays where he shoots gaps, often leaving blockers with nothing to target and making tackles for losses as significant as five to six yards. Meadows uses his length to maintain leverage and control in both the pass rush and run defense, whether shedding blocks, disrupting tight ends, or shooting gaps. His ability to cover ground quickly in just a few steps and his knack for anticipating plays elevate his impact.   Meadows' combination of size, speed, technique, and instinct makes him a game-changer on the edge. His explosive first step, versatility as a standup rusher or traditional defensive end, and ability to disrupt both passing and running plays highlight why he is one of the most coveted recruits in the nation.   [player_tooltip player_id='402022' first='Rowen' last='Walsh'] | Tight End | Good Counsel | 6-5 | 240   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/IMG_1196.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1600559" style="aspect-ratio:16/9;object-fit:cover" /></figure>   Owen Walsh, a 6-foot-5 tight end in the class of 2026 with an offer from West Virginia, demonstrates the versatility, physicality, and potential to develop into a complete player. Despite not being heavily targeted in the passing game, Walsh has shown flashes of being a reliable receiving threat. He runs clean routes and is effective in the flat, where he consistently makes short-yardage receptions, turning them into positive gains. Walsh's ability to stretch the field was evident on a 10-plus yard catch down the middle, showcasing his hands and ability to find space. His size and athleticism make him an ideal safety valve for quarterbacks, and with more targets in the future, his receiving numbers are likely to increase.   As a blocker, Walsh shines with aggression and technique. Lining up primarily as an H-back, he displays a physical edge, pancaking linebackers, and uses his frame to create running lanes. One notable play highlighted his ability to guide a rushing linebacker out of the action, opening up a 20-plus yard run for the running back. His willingness to engage defenders, whether in motion or lined up in the backfield, shows a tenacity that makes him a valuable asset in both the passing and running game.   Walsh's versatility stands out, as he seamlessly transitions between roles as an H-back and inline tight end. While his opportunities in the passing game were limited this past season, his potential is undeniable, and with continued development, he has the tools to make a significant impact. This offseason, college camps should provide Walsh a platform to showcase his abilities further and allow him to earn more offers.   Other articles to read   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/2025-season-souther-maryland-skills-players-to-know-part-1/">Southern Maryland  2025 Season Players to Know - Part 1</a>   <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>   <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>   <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>   <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>   <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>

Maryland and Washington, D.C.'s Class of 2026 is loaded with rising high school football talent eager to make their mark. We break down the skills, strengths, and potential of the state's top prospects through detailed film analysis.