9 top-75 debuts in latest PRZLA 2026 rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone Louisiana released its latest 2026 rankings this past week with several new additions to the list heading into senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at the nine highest debuts ahead of their final high school season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401111' first='JaMichael' last='Garrett'] —&nbsp;6-1, 195 LB — Central (Baton Rouge)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The former Auburn commit isn't new to the Prep Redzone rankings overall, just new to the state after moving from Alabama this offseason. Coincidentally, following his reopening of his recruiting process and several of his peers announcing their own college plans, Garrett is now the top remaining uncommitted prospect in Louisiana. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1741290' first='Jackson' last='Williams'] — 6-2, 180 DB — Archbishop Shaw</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles' standout had a breakout junior season at safety as a long, instinctive and physical athlete patrolling the middle of the field during the team's historic run to its first state championship since 1987. He's been working this offseason to transition to cornerback where Tulane coaches feel like they've landed a steal with future NFL potential at the position. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1736359' first='Jeremiah' last='Birdlow'] — 6-3, 220 TE — Slidell</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The multisport standout and athletic pass-catcher was a largely under-the-radar prospect until his recruitment exploded with several offers during spring ball, culminating with a commitment in May to Louisiana (Lafayette). And the Ragin' Cajuns appear to have landed another in-state steal in the versatile weapon with a great combination of size, athleticism and ball skills to be effective from all over the formation. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1737064' first='Devin' last='Franklin'] — 6-4, 210 — LB/EDGE — Oak Grove</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The younger brother of Kamryn "Kam" Franklin, who signed with Oklahoma State in 2023, stood out physically early in his high school career, but enjoyed a breakout junior season during which he — not unlike Kam a few years ago — was a versatile game-wrecker capable of being both a disruptive playmaker in the box and behind the line </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1736890' first='Heij' last='Jackson'] — 6-3, 185 WR — McDonogh 35</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson's height and catch radius quickly stand out — particularly as a weapon in the red zone — and the South Alabama commitment shows good speed which he uses to attack the field at every level, effective from quick screen-and-run plays to deeper shots downfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1737066' first='Jordan' last='Pinnock'] — 6-5, 235 EDGE — University Lab</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another member of the Ragin' Cajuns' in-state commitment class, Pinnock is a long, lean edge rusher with quick, violent hands he uses well to blow through offensive linemen's hands in his speed moves and to shed blocks to stuff runs between the tackles. Pinnock has a background on both sides of the ball, but has particularly risen up the ranks as a defensive prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1737010' first='Tyray' last='Darensburg'] — 6-1, 215 LB — Chalmette</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The South Alabama commitment is one of the state's top off-ball linebackers — a stout, strong athlete who navigates traffic well, quickly sheds blocks and flashes good closing speed to the ball on his way to 121 tackles, including seven for loss, during a hyper-productive junior campaign. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1737070' first='Ashton' last='Dawson'] — 6-2, 285 TE/DL — Evangel Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dawson spent the bulk of his time as a junior this past fall racking up tackles from his defensive end spot as one of the brighter spots for a new look Eagles defense working its way through growing pains in the prolific-scoring District 1-5A. But he also capitalized on a few opportunities as a big ball-carrier in some goal-line and short-yardage situations, a role in which he is now being projected at Arkansas at the next level as a powerful fullback/H-back option for the Hogs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1628277' first='Charlie' last='Ward'] — 6-6, 285 OL — Walker </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The big left tackle possesses a tall, long frame that is great for the next level and excelled his junior season as a lead blocker in the Wildcats' explosive rushing attack, consistently overpowering and driving back defenders and showcasing enough mobility to be effective pulling across the formation. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->