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2026 MD/DC/DE Biggest Ranking Risers

2026 MD/DC/DE Biggest Ranking Risers
We make it a point to list everyone, so if you or someone you know is NOT listed, please send the name, position, height, weight and video link to: Floridakids1@aol.com. It’s that simple.
Todd Haldis
Todd Haldis February 13, 2025 @ 12:30 PM
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In this article:

Darius Pope
Darius Pope 6'2" | 195 lbs | WR | 2026
MD
Aamir Thomas
Aamir Thomas 6'2" | 195 lbs | DB | 2026
MD
Cole Riley
Cole Riley 6'3" | 200 lbs | EDGE | 2026
MD
Kaden Foster
Kaden Foster 6'1" | 190 lbs | RB | 2026
MD
Kaai Connelley
Kaai Connelley 6'2" | 177 lbs | DB | 2026
MD
Lavar Keys
Lavar Keys 5'11" | 170 lbs | WR | 2026
MD
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>***Use code&nbsp;<strong>haldis30</strong>&nbsp;for 30% off your first billing cycle for all annual subscription</em>&nbsp;<em>options</em>***</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I take a look at some of the biggest risers from the recent MD/DC/DE 2026 Rankings. These are players who made significant jumps from over the summer til now and guys I have gotten eyes on this past fall as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["919565"],"_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-67a513db9b302"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kaai is a player I saw multiple times this past fall and came away very impressed with his play. He went from mainly playing WR as a sophomore to stepping in at FS as a junior, had a lights out year and that is why he made a jump of over 10 spots and became a top 50 player in these recent rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Standing 6'2" with great length, Kaai is a rangy DB who can cover lots of ground and close on the ball quickly. He will also come down, run the alley and lay a smack on the ball carrier. Saw him live against Archbishop Carroll (DC) where he came down hill and put hat on ball to force a fumble. A ball hawk back there at safety, Kaai gets plenty on INTs and PBUs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Currently holding 5 total offers with 2 of them being from Power 4 schools, I really like his potential. As Kaai continues to develop and fill out his frame, expect a big spring/summer season in his recruitment. I think he can be a 20+ offer kid and could continue to rise up the rankings in the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["212349"],"_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-67a638c24f8ec"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lavar is a player I've seen since his freshman year at DeMatha, and he had been balling out ever since. While he made his commitment to Penn State back in August, that didn't stop him from having a huge 2024 year which lead to him moving up over ten spots, securing himself as one of the top WRs and a top 15 player in the rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What impressed me most this season about Lavar's game is that he has developed into being an excellent all around WR. While he has legit track speed and excellent twitch/agility, he had put in the work, improved he route running, and added all the little subtle things that make him elite at his position. Lavar is a weapon lined up both outside or in the slot. Is a playmaker across all 3 levels of the passing game and with excellent burst/acceleration he is a threat to score every time he touches it. Lavar has quick feet, great hips and stems his routes well, sticking his foot in the ground and exploding out of breaks. This allows him to get great separation by getting defenders to open up their hips, get on their heels and off balance. Lavar also shows soft hands and a big catch radius, good leaper and overall athleticism. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I see Mr. Keys having another excellent season next fall and I expect him to be an impact player for Penn State in the future. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1314207"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1622523,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-67a637b8aa9c3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cole had a stand out season for Maret this past season as he went from an off ball OLB to more of a rush edge OLB/DE. For the year he had 71 total tackles, with 11 TFLs, 2 scks, and 2 FFs. These are the reasons for him making almost a 30 spot jump in the rankings becoming a top 100 overall player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A player with great size at 6'3" 200lbs and a frame that will add 20+ lbs. easily, Cole looks every bit the part on the hoof. He's got a great motor and hits like a ton of bricks. A strong overall athlete and basketball player as well, runs on his toes and has smooth hips able to re-direct and get to the ball. As a rusher, Cole can bend the edge and dip &amp; rip under OTs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall Cole is a fast and physical player who is still young for his grade. Another year improving his game and hitting the weight room will turn him into a force to deal with next fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1314085"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1622538,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-67a638c24f89c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kaden transferred in from SFA and then went on to have a huge season for Mervo. He rushed for over 1,400 yards and 19 TDs while helping his team to the state finals. That strong junior campaign is why Kaden moved up 25 spots in the rankings and is now the #4 overall RB in the 2026 class for MD/DC/DE.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A dynamic runner, Kaden runs behind his pads and is a nice combo of speed &amp; power. Shows good burst through the hole and fights for yards, while having wiggle to maneuver around defenders. One of his best traits is his patience at the LOS and vision. He waits for the opening and gets behind his blockers, see the gap and then takes off accelerating past the defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A Power 4 RB in my mind, Kaden should garner plenty of attention this spring season and during summer camps. Look for him to have another big rushing season as a senior and a big piece to Mervo's run back to the state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1314212"],"_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-67a513db9b3cc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Making a 25 spot jump in these rankings, Aamir comes in as a top 100 player and a player on the rise in a loaded DB class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aamir has a prototype build for todays DB with a lean frame and great length. Rangy ball hawk player who goes and gets it, he can play either CB or S. Uses his length to his advantage, getting his hands on the ball often. Physical and not a shy tackler, Aamir will come up and lay the wood. A good overall athlete as well with speed and explosiveness, that is supported by his track times running a 11.3 100M.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aamir has recently picked up his first two offers and I expect plenty more to come. Once coaches get eyes on him and see his length and ability on the camp circuit he will blow up and is poised for a strong senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1314870"],"_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-67ad6ecc72b6f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Darius made one of the biggest overall rankings jumps from last summer to now rising roughly 80 spots to #53 overall and the #8 overall WR. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Making All State WR and helping Middletown to a state title as a junior, Darius just under 800 yards on 38 receptions and raking up 12 TDs. A great looking kid on the hoof, he has good size/body type, huge hands and great length. He plays fast, sudden, physical and has elite ball skills. An excellent athlete as well, Darius has a big catch radius, capable of going up to get it mossing defenders and making difficult catches. A playmaker with the ball in his hands, he will get you YAC and run by defenders. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Currently holding a handful of offers with two of them being at the Power 4 level, look for Darius to blow up this spring/summer. He is a no brainer Power 4 kid and well show why he is deserving of this ranking. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

***Use code haldis30 for 30% off your first billing cycle for all annual subscription options***

Kaai Connelley

Kaai Connelley

MD
DB
HEIGHT 6'2"
WEIGHT 177
POS DB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Kaai
Connelley DB
Class
2026
Height
6'2"
Weight
177
HS
St. Johns
|
MD
2026 MD/DC/DE Biggest Ranking Risers
Kaai is a player I saw multiple times this past fall and came away very impressed with his...
Written by Todd Haldis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Kaai Connelley

Twitter
State: Maryland
School: St. Johns
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Penn State
Lavar Keys

Lavar Keys

MD
WR
HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 170
POS WR
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Lavar
Keys WR
Class
2026
Height
5'11"
Weight
170
HS
DeMatha
|
MD
2026 MD/DC/DE Biggest Ranking Risers
Lavar is a player I’ve seen since his freshman year at DeMatha, and he had been balling out...
Written by Todd Haldis
Penn State
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Lavar Keys

Instagram Twitter
State: Maryland
School: DeMatha
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Cole Riley

Cole Riley

MD
EDGE
HEIGHT 6'3"
WEIGHT 200
POS EDGE
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Cole
Riley EDGE
Class
2026
Height
6'3"
Weight
200
HS
Maret
|
MD
2026 MD/DC/DE Biggest Ranking Risers
Cole had a stand out season for Maret this past season as he went from an off ball...
Written by Todd Haldis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Cole Riley

Twitter
State: Maryland
School: Maret
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Kaden Foster

Kaden Foster

MD
RB
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 190
POS RB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Kaden
Foster RB
Class
2026
Height
6'1"
Weight
190
HS
Mergenthaler VT
|
MD
2026 MD/DC/DE Biggest Ranking Risers
Kaden transferred in from SFA and then went on to have a huge season for Mervo. He rushed...
Written by Todd Haldis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Kaden Foster

Twitter
State: Maryland
School: Mergenthaler VT
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Maine
Aamir Thomas

Aamir Thomas

MD
DB
HEIGHT 6'2"
WEIGHT 195
POS DB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Aamir
Thomas DB
Class
2026
Height
6'2"
Weight
195
HS
Smyrna (DE)
|
MD
2026 MD/DC/DE Biggest Ranking Risers
Making a 25 spot jump in these rankings, Aamir comes in as a top 100 player and a...
Written by Todd Haldis
Maine
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Aamir Thomas

Instagram Twitter
State: Maryland
School: Smyrna (DE)
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Temple (PA)
Darius Pope

Darius Pope

MD
WR
HEIGHT 6'2"
WEIGHT 195
POS WR
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Darius
Pope WR
Class
2026
Height
6'2"
Weight
195
HS
Middletown (DE)
|
MD
2026 MD/DC/DE Biggest Ranking Risers
Darius made one of the biggest overall rankings jumps from last summer to now rising roughly 80 spots...
Written by Todd Haldis
Temple (PA)
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Darius Pope

Twitter
State: Maryland
School: Middletown (DE)
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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