New Under The Radar 2026 Prospects On The Rise

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These 2026 prospects are having an excellent start to their senior season...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1643432"],"_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-68a7342864f7f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A physical senior tight end who could see his stock rise soon, Kelly is a big tight end at 6-foot-5 225-pounds who really shined with his run blocking during week one. He overpowered defenders with ease in the run game, playing with good leverage and eliminating them from the play. He's a big target who could also help expand the passing attack moving forward. He's a major weapon due to his size and aggressive play in the trenches, but can take his game to the next level if he takes advantage of the chances he may get in the passing game. He's a physical tight end hoping to see his recruitment pick up if he continues to play at a high level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1841541"],"_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-68a7342865036"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A big, powerful, bowling ball of a running back who delivers some major blows in week one of his senior season, Newson is a running back for Miller Grove who broke tackle after tackle during their week one win over Druid Hills. He runs hard behind his pads, runs with good balance, and can pick up yards after initial contact. He's hard to wrap up and never gives up on a run. He's a physical runner who can really wear down on defenders who can't tackle properly. Newson started his final season off strong with 150 yards and an eye-opening touchdown where he broke several tackles before taking off down the field. He's one of the top 2026 backs east of Atlanta and is bound for a giant senior season this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1841547"],"_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-68a73428650c5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A West Georgia linebacker flying under the radar in the 2026 class, Taylor was a tackling machine for Troup in week one during their 42-31 win over Villa Rica. He may not be the biggest linebacker in the area, but to open his senior season, Taylor showed great instincts, toughness, and the ability to sneak out the run. He has a nose for the football, plays fast, and consistently found his way to the ball-carrier. The sure-tackling senior made an impressive 18 tackles and three TFLs to kick off his final season. The way he's playing, this sleeper linebacker has a chance to be one of the state's leading defenders this fall. He was one of the more productive linebackers across the state in week one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1841593"],"_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-68a7342865153"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An electric runner who can score from anywhere on the field, Copeland is a weapon no matter where he lines up for the Fitzgerald offense. He can line up at running back, quarterback, at wide receiver, anywhere they need him. As long as he has the ball. The small-town senior has exceptional burst and big-play ability, running wild in week one of the season during their big 48-0 win over Irwin County. During the win, Copeland ran for 200 yards and three touchdowns. He's a dynamic player who should lit up the stat sheet this fall. He bring easy Power Four talent and has a chance to lead Fitzgerald to a great season in 2025. Look for him to be added to the next 2027 Prep Redzone rankings this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["681171"],"_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-68a73428651e6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A three-way athlete who made an impact in multiple ways in week one, Barbee was a big-play machine during Pike County's 36-20 win over Crawford County. The 5-foot-11 195-pound athlete was a major weapon in the passing game, catching five passes for 85 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran the ball once for 14 yards. He shows strong hands, impressive balance, and the ability to make defenders miss after the catch. His versatile skillset allows him to play on offense, defense, and on special teams all throughout the game. He's one of the top athletes in the region bound for a really strong final season this fall. If he continues his strong play, he'll likely see an increase in the next 2027 Prep Redzone rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->