2026 Prospects Ready to Surprise this Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The class of 2026 will take center stage and control recruiting headlines over the next few months. However, the class of 2026 continues to open eyes on the field as well. In this article, we will highlight several 2026 ready-to-surprise folks this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1399393' first='Shawn' last='Swinson']-Wide Receiver-West Fork-6'0” 165-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1399393' first='Shawn' last='Swinson'] is a dynamic wide receiver who has the ability to play all over the field for the Tigers. Swinson uses his speed and route running to his advantage to create separation from opposing defensive backs. He is the type of player who returns kicks and can essentially just line up all over the field. I look for Swinson to have a strong 2025 season and he is the kind of prospect who can surprise this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Darion R Henderson-Defensive Line-De Queen-6'5” 310-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Darion R. Henderson is a versatile defensive lineman who can pressure the quarterback as well plug up rushing lanes. He does a great job of using his power to bullrush opposing offensive linemen and get into the offensive backfield. Meanwhile, Henderson is a player who has the versatility to see playing time on both sides of the ball. The De Queen defensive lineman is ready to open plenty of eyes this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1216601' first='Jackson' last='Taylor']-Quarterback-Salem-6'1” 180-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Salem signal caller opened eyes last season when he helped Salem to a 2024 state championship win. He is a quarterback who has a strong arm and is not afraid to test the secondary with the deep ball. Meanwhile, he is a signal caller who can escape the pocket and use his legs to pick up yards on the ground. Taylor is a prospect to watch out for over the next few months. He is a quarterback who has no problem putting in the work and is a player to watch out for this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1329870' first='Tristian' last='Watson']-Wide Receiver-Little Rock Christian-5'10” 150-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tristan Watson is a wide receiver who does a tremendous job of running crisp routes. He is able to consistently create separation using a mix of his speed and route running. Watson has no problem working the underneath routes, but he also has the speed to stretch the field vertically. He is a wide receiver with the potential to light up opposing defenses this season. Watson is a player to watch out for over the next few months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1332159' first='Tyrece' last='Martin']-Defensive Back-Hamburg-5'11” 175-Pounds</strong> Hamburg is a team that has had no problem producing talented prospects. Over the years, the defensive side of the ball has produced numerous talented prospects for Hamburg. He is a defensive back who can get physical with opposing wide receivers with ease. Martin does a great job of making plays on the ball. He has no trouble separating the ball from the ball carrier. Martin is a prospect to watch out for this upcoming season</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->