2026 Rankings: Athlete Stock Risers/New Names

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the Prep Redzone Illinois 2026 Rankings being expanded to 375 prospects there are a ton of new names that have emerged along with prospects that elevated their stock.&nbsp; Here we look at those prospects in <strong>2026 Rankings: Athlete Stock Risers/New Names</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1585203' first='CJ' last='Harkins'] (Montini)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harkins emerged this season as a legit WR for his star QB.&nbsp; Good size at 6'2" 180 pounds with downfield speed.&nbsp; High points the rock in the air and wins off the line of scrimmage vs press coverage.&nbsp; Ball skills to make acrobatic catches in the air tracking it well downfield.&nbsp; Also contributes as a kick returner and is a solid defensive back as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1399985' first='Kirby' last='Christensen'] (Wheaton Warrenville South)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Christensen is a tight end/jumbo slot on the offensive side while a high level defensive end on the other side.&nbsp; As a receiving threat he has good hands as a natural pass catcher. Finds openings in the defense and is a safety blanket for his QB.&nbsp; Defensively as an edge he can line up with his hand in the dirt or standing up. Physical edge rusher that uses his technique and long arms to get to the passer.&nbsp; Good burst closing for sacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1585307' first='Kole' last='Fager'] (Palatine)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fager is a 6'1" 185 pound athlete that had 946 all-purpose yards this past season.&nbsp; Also had 16 touchdowns.&nbsp; As a slot wide receiver he tracks it well on the deep ball showing easy speed and good hands.&nbsp; Can high point it downfield.&nbsp; Also makes defenders miss with the ball on shorter routes.&nbsp; Also is a running threat on jet sweep and lining up as&nbsp; wildcat QB.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1669997' first='Troy' last='Garner'] (Rich Township)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Garner is a versatile prospect that lines up all over the field.&nbsp; As a corner he shows good instincts including jumping routes.&nbsp; Can blitz the QB and is a good tackler int he run game.&nbsp; Solid wide out that runs a nice skinny post route.&nbsp; Contributes on kick coverage units.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1107589' first='Will' last='Fidler'] (Prospect)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fidler is a 5'10" 175 pound athlete that projects best as a defensive back.&nbsp; Particularly at corner.&nbsp; Good press corner that tracks the ball well downfield knocking down passes.&nbsp; Covers well deep and has good anticipation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1670020' first='Chris' last='Crape'] (OPRF)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Crape is a 6'1" 145 pound athlete that plays all over the field.&nbsp; Shows off his big time speed as a wildcat QB, running back, and wide receiver.&nbsp; Explosive cuts with the rock in his hands.&nbsp; Probably projects best at corner where he high points the ball, tracks it well in the air, and bats down passes consistently with instincts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='991279' first='Lyzale' last='Edmon'] (Bradley Bourbonnais)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Edmon is a 5'11" 165 pound wide receiver/corner back.&nbsp; As a wide out he is a big time vertical threat that has deep speed and is so acrobatic making catches in the air.&nbsp; Flies to the ball and jumps routes as a corner.&nbsp; Also is a big time kick returner!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='801892' first='Kyan' last='Short'] (Sesser-Valier)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Short is a 6'1" 165 pound slot wide receiver and corner back.&nbsp; On the defensive side he high pointed a deep ball for an interception and consistently makes plays on the ball.&nbsp; Offensively good hands is and is a solid possession pass catcher.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->