Fast-Rising 2026 Prospects To Know This Fall

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These sleeper 2026 prospects are bound for giant senior seasons this fall...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1651802"],"_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-689634338dc82"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An impressive two-way player with goos size, strength, versatility, and overall potential, Lucas is a standout defender on the defensive line and a dependable run-blocker on offense at tackle. He was too big and strong for opposing defenders in the area to handle throughout his junior season last fall. He moves well at 6-foot-3 245-pounds, and in rural Georgia, Lucas has a chance to continue playing at a high level in his final junior season. He's one of the trop returning players in the region and has enough potential to play somewhere at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1776427"],"_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-689634338dd11"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the top returning safeties in Southeast Georgia, Payne-Johnson is a playmaking safety who covers lots of ground in coverage down the field. He shows good instincts, strong ball skills, and can be a real weapon in the back end. He's smart, plays fast, and should be able to continue making plays next fall as a senior. He'll give Camden County a veteran leader defensively who will be added to the next 2026 Prep Redzone update. He has D1-caliber talent and recently earned an offer from Air Force. Don't be surprised if more come his way this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1608878"],"_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-689634338dd61"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A disruptive EDGE defender in Cobb County who plays with big-time effort, Abdul-Salaam is a big defender with a strong 6-foot-3 220-pound frame. He shows quick hands, plays with leverage, and does a good job of chasing down the ball-carrier. He play hard, brings lots of energy and knows how to set the edge against the run. He plays his gaps correctly and found a way to redirect running backs on a consistent basis. He's one of the region's top EDGE defenders and is in store for a giant season final season this fall. He flashed D1-potential and could be tough to stop this fall if he continues to progress and plays with max-effort.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1776947"],"_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-689634338ddad"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the top returning running backs in South Georgia, Cole is a flashy back who can consistently break tackles and score from anywhere on the field. He shows quick feet, burst, and does a good job of picking up yards after first contact. He's coming off a really strong junior season where he ran for 559 yards and a team-leading 14 touchdowns. He ran for an impressive 7.1 yards per carry and should see an increased role as a senior this fall. Look for Cole to see a new ranking come his way in the next 2026 rankings update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1776960"],"_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-689634338ddf8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the top sleeper prospects in North Georgia, Mitchell is a sure-handed athlete who shines on both offense and defense. He brings good size, terrific ball skills, and toughness that translates well to the secondary. He knows how to make a big play on the ball and found his way to the football all year long as a junior in 2024. As a receiver, the 6-foot-3 185-pounder hauled in 46 passes for 711 yards and seven touchdowns. He was a big-play machine and should see even more passes come his way in 2025. Defensively, Mitchell made 34 total tackles with three INTs and one defensive touchdown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->