Class 4A/3A offensive playmakers to watch in 2026: Part 1

Over the next several months, I'll be letting you know who some of the top returners on the offensive side of the football will be in the state of Maryland.   Today, I have five prospects on the offensive side of the football in Maryland's 4A/3A class that you need to know.    Bailey is a running back who brings speed, vision, and versatility to the offense. During the 2025 season, he carried the ball 72 times for 493 yards and eight touchdowns. Bailey also caught 44 passes for 325 yards and a score, showing real value as a dual-threat weapon.   As a runner, Bailey is patient but decisive. He presses the hole, reads blocks well, and isn't afraid to cut back when lanes close. Once he plants his foot, Bailey explodes through creases and consistently turns good blocks into big gains. He makes defenders miss in space, outruns safeties, and finishes long runs, flashing true breakaway speed.   In the passing game, Bailey is just as dangerous. He's comfortable catching screens and lining up in the slot, adjusting to the ball and creating yards after the catch. His quickness, vision, and ability to change direction make him tough to track in the open field. Overall, Bailey is a dynamic playmaker who thrives in space and can impact the game as both a runner and receiver.   Only "knock" against him from a recruiting standpoint is his size. However, there's room somewhere at the next level for an explosive playmaker like Bailey.     Binga is an athlete who lines up at offensive tackle and immediately stands out because of his length and upside. Playing mostly at left tackle, he shows a strong initial punch and good balance. A few of Binga's highlights show him knocking edge defenders off their spot and finishing blocks with authority (multiple pancakes on film). He stays square in pass protection, uses his long arms well, and mirrors rushers to keep them from turning the corner.   Binga also shows toughness and effort, even playing through a broken hand.  There's a lot to like: He seals the edge in the run game, works up to the second level to engage linebackers, and understands leverage despite his lean frame. Binga's movement skills and arm length give him a solid foundation as a pass protector.   Going forward, his biggest area of growth will be adding strength and mass. If colleges project him at tight end, adding receiving reps, 7-on-7 work, and camp exposure as a pass catcher would be important. Overall, Binga is an intriguing long-term prospect.      Bush is an athlete who plays quarterback and wide receiver, but his film clearly shows a true dual-threat quarterback. During the 2025 season, he completed 144 of 237 passes for 2,049 yards, 20 touchdowns, and zero interceptions, while also rushing for 316 yards and six scores.     As a runner, Bush is quick and instinctive. He can make defenders miss in tight spaces and finish runs by fighting through contact. He's dangerous when plays break down, and can turn near-contastrophies into big plays for his team.    As a passer, Bush stays calm under pressure. He climbs the pocket, throws accurately on the move, and keeps his eyes downfield. Bush consistently delivers catchable balls while rolling left or right and shows the ability to hit receivers in stride on posts and crossers for explosive plays. His decision-making stands out, especially with no interceptions on the season.   When he makes his season highlights, I'd like him to add more throws that show anticipation and leading receivers earlier in routes. Overall, Bush is a composed, athletic quarterback who makes plays with both his arm and legs and looks comfortable when the game speeds up.     Plater is a 5-foot-11, 175-pound athlete who lines up primarily at running back and plays with toughness and burst. He runs with good vision, pressing the hole before making sharp cuts to avoid defenders. Near the goal line, he finishes runs with authority, lowering his pads, running through contact, and scoring through traffic.   In the open field, Plater shows quick acceleration and decisiveness. He hits holes fast, gets to the second level, and consistently picks up extra yards by cutting off blocks and using his balance to stay upright. Plater is at his best when he can plant and go, exploding through creases and slipping past defenders.   To take the next step, Plater could improve his top-end speed and show more breakaway ability on long runs. Adding clips that highlight pass-catching out of the backfield and pass protection would also help round out his film. Overall, he's a tough, physical runner with good burst who plays bigger than his size.     Scott is an offensive tackle who plays with power and a physical edge. Lined up mostly at left tackle, he fires off the ball and delivers a strong punch, knocking defenders off balance and opening running lanes. He does a good job sealing the edge and crashing down inside to create space.   Scott also shows versatility by lining up at guard and executing clean down blocks, including a pancake in the run game. He stays engaged, finishes blocks, and helps run break into the second level. Scott's athleticism shows when he pulls, as he locates linebackers in space and squares them up. Adding more pass-protection reps on film would help complete his profile. Overall, his run blocking stands out. He'll most likely be moved inside at the next level.

Over the next several months, I'll be letting you know who some of the top returners on the offensive side of the football will be in the state of Maryland.