2026 Film Room: Players to Know in Class 3A

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: OscarGalindo30 in the coupon code area.   I stepped into the film room to check out a few stud prospects from Class 3A. Here are some 3A juniors who need to be on your radar.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='1242825' first='Quinten' last='Polking'] (LB), Carroll - 6'2" 205 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/QuintenPolking">(@QuintenPolking)</a>   Carroll's [player_tooltip player_id='1242825' first='Quinten' last='Polking'] is a player who has long been on our radar after getting the chance to evaluate him in-person at 7v7 tournaments and against SBL last season. Polking was the leading tackler on the Tigers with 52.5 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, a fumble recovery, and an interception. Quinten is a solid inside linebacker with size that projects well to the collegiate level (6'2", 205 lbs) and a well-rounded skillset. What stands out immediately about Quinten is his lateral quickness as he moves from sideline to sideline with ease. His lateral quickness and burst allow him to hawk down ball carriers even when coming from across the field or the backside of the play. He does an excellent job playing his gaps as he keeps himself from over-committing, instead using his football IQ to read his keys and scrape across the LOS before stepping into his gap to stop the run. Strong, physical tackler who can consistently drop his opponent when he gets to his spot. Good athleticism to drop into coverage and pick up RBs or receivers over the middle.    [player_tooltip player_id='1241524' first='Sam' last='Dodge'] (RB), Clear Lake - 6'0" 190 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/DodgeSamuel3">(@DodgeSamuel3)</a>   Clear Lake's [player_tooltip player_id='1241524' first='Sam' last='Dodge'] is an interesting prospect who has the opportunity to take on a bigger role next season with some departures in the backfield.. Despite not being the primary rushing option, Sam still put up a solid 550 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 76 carries (7.2 ypc), which I expect to rise with a heavier workload. Offensively, Sam plays a versatile H-back type role in an option offense, but watching his tape, I like his upside as a running back who can be a receiving threat out of the backfield after recording 12 receptions for 89 yards and four receiving touchdowns. Sam runs with incredible vision and displays excellent burst when hitting his gaps. He also runs with a great combination of power and speed, showing the strength to truck through tackle attempts and the acceleration to break away from defenses at the second level. Good twitch when he runs with the ability to cut and juke in tight spaces. Dodge could also get looks on the defensive side of the ball after posting a team-high 51 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, and a sack.    [player_tooltip player_id='1649206' first='Chase' last='Flaherty'] (WR), Humboldt - <a href="https://x.com/ChaseFlah20">(@ChaseFlah20)</a>   Here's one of two receivers who are new to my radar and should have a nice debut at the next update. Humboldt's [player_tooltip player_id='1649206' first='Chase' last='Flaherty'] had a tremendous junior year en route to helping the Wildcats reach the state championship game. Flaherty led his team in receiving yards after catching an impressive 56 catches for 808 yards and nine receiving touchdowns. Flaherty also flashed his return skills with an average of 26.6 yards per return (12 attempts) and a KO return for a touchdown. Flaherty is a shifty receiver who impressed with his ability to create separation at the top of his route and has the awareness/vision to find the soft spots in coverage. Great footwork and suddenness in his routes allow him to get defenders to bite on double moves. Flaherty also showed solid run after catch ability with great vision and burst to tack on additional yardage after completing the reception.    [player_tooltip player_id='1649220' first='Brayden' last='DeForest'] (WR/ATH), Maquoketa - 6'0" 185 lbs   Maquoketa's [player_tooltip player_id='1649220' first='Brayden' last='DeForest'] is another receiver who caught my eye when searching for new prospects. Brayden also led his team in receiving yards with 31 receptions for 362 yards and five receiving touchdowns, while also showing some glimpses of his defensive upside with 19 tackles, five TFLs, and three sacks. My biggest takeaway from Brayden's tape is how much he embraces being physical and his ability to win contested catches. DeForest is especially physical at the catch point, where he displays strong hands and excellent concentration as he looks to hold on to the ball during contact. Great jump ball and back shoulder receiver.    [player_tooltip player_id='1241540' first='Jaxon' last='Anderson'] (LB), Mount Vernon - 6'1" 195 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/Jaxon_anderson1">(@Jaxon_anderson1)</a>   Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1241540' first='Jaxon' last='Anderson'] returns to a Mount Vernon team that will be hungry to return to the Dome next season. Jaxon paced a suffocating defense that proved one of the best in Class 3A with 70 tackles, 14 TFLs, 8.5 sacks (most among 3A juniors), three fumble recoveries, and a pick-six. Watching Jaxon's tape, it's clear he plays with a non-stop motor, bringing a nasty edge to the Mustang's defense. He shoots his gaps like a bullet and can convert speed to power by blowing up blockers with his strong punch. Once he blows up linemen, he does a great job spilling into the backfield and flashes the pursuit to finish the job by bringing his opponent down for a loss. Quick to read his keys with great closing speed to cut off ball carriers.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Make sure to follow @PRZ_OscarG for more news on Nebraska and Iowa HS recruiting.

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