2026 Central Valley Speedsters

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Deep dive into the 2026 explosive speed prospects in the central valley.</h2>    Morgan has been one of the fastest rising recruits in the state pulling in 12 offers since the new year. He's an exceptional athlete running a 10.8 100 meter and recently jumped a 131” Broad Jump at the National Preps Showcase setting an event record and winning MVP honors. His top-end speed allows him to stretch the defense vertically, while his short area quickness and explosive acceleration make him dangerous on short-to-intermediate routes. Separates from with ease, using a combination of sharp route running and speed. Hard drive phase off the LOS to close DB's cushion and force an early transition. Plus mid-air ball tracking and adjustment ability downfield. After the catch, he's a constant threat to score with the vision and elusiveness to avoid defenders in space. Expect him to keep rising up rankings and P4 recruiting boards.   12 Offers: NAU, San Jose State, San Diego State, Sacramento State, Oregon State, Nevada, Montana, Fresno State, Cornell, Cal, Arizona State, Boise State   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JReyes_NP/status/1893422095981519152 </div></figure>      Ford is a dynamic wide receiver/cornerback prospect whose elite speed make him a standout on both sides of the ball, ran a 10.51 100 meter to open the 2025 track season. Speed and acceleration set him apart, allowing him to quickly pull away from defenders on offense or close gaps in coverage as a DB. He's got a long lean frame at 6'2” 160 lbs. that will continue to develop and add weight without sacrificing that speed. Quick first step and ability to shift gears make him a dangerous route runner, and he has the fluidity to create separation at all levels. With his breakaway speed, he's a threat to score any time he touches the ball. At DB, he's under control and can quickly recover in coverage to stay tight with receivers and make plays on deep balls. Six offers with the good potential and upside to keep stacking.   6 Offers: Utah State, Colorado State, NAU, Arizona, Cal, UNLV      Watkins recruiting stock has been on the rise pulling in eight of his nine offers since February including three P4 programs. At 6'0” 180 lbs. he's an explosive athlete with track speed, runs a 10.79 100 meter and a 21.84 200 meter. High caliber athleticism and playmaking ability, he combines his speed, strength, and agility to create mismatches all over the field. Gains quick separation with good acceleration off the line and plus route running. Like his ability to drop his hip level at the top of his route to change directions and burst out of his break. Excels after the catch where he is tough to tackle and can avoid defenders with his sudden cuts and start/stop speed. Versatility allows him to make big plays on end arounds and in the return game. Was one of the biggest rankings risers last update and will continue to rise.   9 Offers: Fresno State, Oregon State, Cal, San Diego State, San Jose State, UNLV, Sacramento State, Washington State, Nevada      Another impressive athlete and speedster from the central valley that runs a 10.57 100 meter, 21.47 200 meter, and jumps 35”. At 6'0” 195 lbs. he's got a long frame with added strength that is ideal for D1 DB prospect. Smooth and savvy athleticism and movement skills. Possesses high level technique, he's under control and calculated with his footwork to limit wasted steps. He's patient in his back pedal but triggers quickly using his reactionary speed to break on the ball. Great ability to plant, drive, and accelerate to close space on short/intermediate routes. Long speed allows him to stay in phase downfield and stay attached to the hip while running the route with the receiver. Lateral agility and change of direction give him an advantage in man coverage. Plus ball skills, he's able to time out his break and use his leaping ability to play through the hands at the catch point. Makes plays all over the field with a high motor to make backside tackles and take good angles in touchdown prevention. Nine D1 offers but expected to see increased recruiting attention as the cycle progresses.   9 Offers: Fresno State, Boise State, Oregon State, Idaho, Colorado State, Arizona, NAU, San Diego State, UNLV      Smith is an explosive back that possesses a complete skillset. At 6'0” 190 lbs. he shows he can run hard between the tackles, turn the corner to the outside, or catch the ball out of the backfield. Exceptional speed and quickness that make him a constant threat to score anytime he touches the ball. Excellent burst and short area acceleration, he presses the LOS quickly to apply pressure to the defense and force them to be gap sound early. Exhibits great vision, consistently reading the flow of the defense and finding running lanes allowing him to capitalize on small creases and work to space. Once in space, he's tough to catch and bring down and uses his top-end speed to outrun defenders. Impressive lateral quickness and change of direction to make sharp cuts and elude defenders in open space. Took 308 total touches for 2,234 scrimmage yards and 28 touchdowns. Committed to San Diego State in late January over 11 other offers but will continue to see more offers and be highly recruited.   12 Offers: San Diego State, Fresno State, San Jose State, Sacramento State, Utah, UNLV, Boise State, Arizona, Washington State, Nevada, Montana State, Colorado State