2026 Rankings Hidden Gems

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Deep dive into the under the radar prospects in the 2026 PRZ state rankings.</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Zamorano has been highly productive as a three-year varsity starter for Horizon totaling over 3,000 yards and 35 touchdowns in his career. At 5'11” 195 lbs. he's a quick footed ball carrier that shows plus vision and instincts to find open running lanes. Patient as the play develops but is decisive when he sticks his foot in the ground to get downhill. Flashes good balance to absorb contact and break tackles while maintaining forward momentum carrying the ball with good pad level and leverage. Like his versatility as a back being able to run between the tackles, turn the corner to the outside, or catch the ball out of the backfield. Has been a two time First Team All-District and Region selection and was also named Second Team All-State.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Washington checks a lot of boxes for the interior DL at the college level. 6'0” 280 lbs. he's got a compact frame with good size and strength in both his upper body and lower half. He's got a good mix of power moves and technique to disengage and free himself up from blockers. Excellent hand usage and activity, he's got a strong initial strike and maintains separation with good extension. Creates fast penetration with quickness out of his stance while plugging gaps in the run game or collapsing the pocket in passing situations. Good ability to split double teams and fight off contact. Shows he can work laterally down the LOS and chase in the short area. He's an underrated prospect that should see his recruitment on the rise going into his senior season.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/EJWASHINGTON95/status/1868476003993194737 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Knox is strong secondary defender who has a wide skillset that translates well to any position in coverage. Really like his all-around game speed and high motor, he plays fast and has the reactionary quickness to accelerate coming out of his break to close space on the ball. Plays well with his eyes to be in good position and anticipate where the ball is going. Shows he can smoothly transition and change directions with good hip movement and footwork, plus ability to plant and drive on short/intermediate level throws. Possesses high level recovery and closing speed while taking good angles in both coverage and as a tackler. Can line up a ball carrier, break down in open space, and wrap up to be a reliable tackler in one on one situations. High academic prospect with a 4.08 GPA and also runs a 10.88 100m in track.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TreyKnox16/status/1868435548882231354 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Crandall has been flying under the recruiting radar but is a high-caliber safety prospect that has been a staple of the Highland defense over recent years. At 6'3” 185 lbs. he's got the physical traits and ability to be a quality D1 recruit. He's rangy in the secondary showing he can cover sideline to sideline or come down aggressively to close space quickly in run support. Possesses great feel for the position with the instincts and key play diagnoses skills that are highly valued for a college level safety. High football IQ, he understands his assignment and is calculated/technical in how he accomplishes it. He limits wasted movement by being under control and patient with his footwork and reads. Ranked #39 overall in the recent updated PRZ state rankings, he's one of the top ranked prospects in the 2026 class without an offer.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Carter is an active and downhill defender that is constantly attacking. Plays bigger than his 6'0” 185 lb. frame while bringing strong/violent contact as a tackler. Instinctual with his movement, he's quick to process his reads and react triggering to the ball with speed. Possesses a great nose for the football and puts himself in position to be difference maker. Shows he can get skinny and weave through traffic to get to the ball carrier. Plays with good pad level/leverage at the POA with the balance to drive his feet and finish through contact. Does a great job reading the flow of the play and stepping up to fill running lanes/gaps aggressively. Finished the 2024 season with 167 total tackles including 94 solo with 13 TFL, three sacks, and four fumble recoveries.</p>