Versatile Weapons: 2026 Athletes Who Impact the Game Everywhere

<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">XZavion Montgomery – DB/WR/Returner, Warren Township (5'8, 150)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Montgomery's junior season was cut short by injury, but he's poised for a bounce-back year. A true multiphase player, he brings value at defensive back, receiver, and as a return man. Montgomery's quickness and vision make him dangerous in space, and he'll be a name to watch as he regains form.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='212315' first='Jalen' last='Carter'] – DB/QB, Kaneland (6'1, 170)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carter is one of those athletes who can do it all. Whether he's locking down receivers on defense or making plays at quarterback, his athleticism jumps off the field. Carter is the type of player who makes his presence felt on every snap, and his versatility gives his team a lot of options.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1287066' first='Langston' last='Smith'] – DB/WR, St. Rita (5'10, 165)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith is a long, fluid athlete who can run. His ability to play both defensive back and wide receiver gives St. Rita flexibility on both sides of the ball. Smith's speed and length help him cover ground quickly, and he has the tools to make plays in coverage or stretch the field on offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='991279' first='Lyzale' last='Edmon'] – WR/DB, Bradley-Bourbonnais (5'11, 160)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Edmon has elite speed that can break a game open at any time. Whether he's working as a deep threat at wide receiver or flying around in the secondary, his explosiveness stands out. Edmon is a true game-changer with the ball in his hands and a player defenses have to account for at all times.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->