Spring Stock-Risers: 2026 Athlete Report

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've reached the end of our spring rankings update for the 2026 class. Before we turn to 2027 next week, we're hitting the athletes. These two-way players impressed us and moved up the rankings. Monday, I looked at the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/05/spring-stock-risers-2026-edge-rusher-report/">edge rusher stock-risers</a> and Tuesday I looked at the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/05/spring-stock-risers-2026-idl-report/">interior defensive linemen</a>. After hitting the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/05/spring-stock-risers-2026-lb-report/">linebackers</a> Wednesday, I looked at <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/05/spring-stock-risers-2026-db-report/">DBs</a> on Thursday. Here, I'm finishing with the athletes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who moved up, and <em>why </em>did they make the jump? Find out in our 2026 Athlete stock-risers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2026 Athlete Stock-Risers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["869974"],"_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-682f8c7dabf97"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Neal has a choice coming up, as he hold offers both as a football player and basketball player. He played all over for Reidsville as a junior, but it sounds like he may be finding his permanent home at receiver, where his shiftiness and speed are on full display. He's nearly impossible to bring down in the open field and while he's not asked to run a full route tree, his athletic ability suggests that talent will come in time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1600218"],"_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-682f8c7dabffa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bailey is a guy who doesn't have a ton of high school experience at receiver and defensive back, but he's flashed on film and he has great natural talent. After playing primarily as a running quarterback as a sophomore, Bailey moved to receiver and flashed in ways you wouldn't expect for a guy who was new to the position. Of course, his athleticism transferred, but the ball skills and route-running were nice bonuses at what is likely his future position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1332065"],"_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-682f8c7dac041"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dempsey rocketed up our rankings board this offseason, jumping almost 100 spots after a strong camp season. The athletic profile is the calling card here, as he has size, speed, and versatility. I think he likely ends up playing most on the offensive side of the ball in college, and if he does, the coaches will have plenty to work with while he refines his route-running and feel on that side of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1157260"],"_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-682f8c7dac083"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cotton is a versatile playmaker whose biggest impact is in the secondary, but he's not limited to that role. His recruitment took off after a late January NC State offer and now he's just over a month away from a college commitment. He has great ball skills and is electric when he gets the ball in his hands, so we wouldn't be surprised to see him star on special teams at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402295"],"_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-682f8c7dac0c1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A big nickel and linebacker/safety hybrid, Britt is an impressive defender who can impact the game in a number of different ways. He may grow into a pure linebacker by the time his high school career is over, but I love his ball skills and think he could be a "matchup defender" in college. As it stands, he's a versatile chess piece that always seems to be around the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->