Final 2026 Class Rankings: Highest Risers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we roll into the final days of the 2026 coverage, we're taking a look at some of the highest risers from this past season and guys who are still on the market.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1864182"],"_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-69389cf731150"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A shifty and hard to bring down back with the speed to burst the long one at any given moment. He was as fun to watch as anyone this season. He broke out as a senior in arguably the biggest way you can imagine. He rushed for over 2000 yards and averaged 9 yards per carry. He had 21 TDs on the ground and a 99-yard TD in week 2 when he rushed for over 300 yards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1906790"],"_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-69389cf7311cd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A 3-year varsity player who completely took over the backfield as a senior. Versatile, good hands, and a big body back who can run in between the tackles. 2300 career rushing yards with 18 TDs and another 25 catches with another 371 yards and 4 TDs through the air, Gooden is someone who has the upside and potential to be a playmaker at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1702195"],"_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-69389cf731226"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A lengthy edge rusher with the speed to win on the outside. Fairly good at collapsing the pocket and speed rushing. He understands lanes and lane integrity, which helps him in the run game. A 2-year Varsity starter who was incredibly productive the minute he stepped on the field. 111 career tackles, 31 TFLs, 20 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles in just 24 games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["861495"],"_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-69389cf73128e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An incredibly consistent and reliable piece on the inside, Jackson leaves Heritage Hills and a massive hole to fill moving forward. A team captain, multi-time All-State OL player, and a 2-way starter, he just about did it all. He's got the prototypical size and agility you want from someone up front. He's smart and understands the concepts put in front of him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1635126"],"_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-69389cf7312e1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A versatile LB with fantastic range who could be a hybrid type player. He's good near the line, but very good off the ball and in coverage. Good instincts and comes downhill to play the run properly filling lanes. He doesn't try to be the hero and was fairly consistent for Hammond Morton. As a 3-year starter, he put up 269 career solo tackles, 14 TFLs, 4 sacks, 4 interceptions, and was in on 10 different fumbles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->