Talented Prospects Destined to be Household Names in 2026

<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1663269"],"_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-69581a779f94d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1663269' first='Braylon' last='Howard'] has scholarship worthy feet at the CB position.  Quick in his backpedal and quick to get out of it, Howard made some valuable technical improvements from his SO to JR season by tightening his base and giving himself better balance.  When out of phase, he works hard to fight back into position and make plays on the ball.  Howard has a lot of potential and with another good jump in technique this offseason and more experience I think Howard should be able to play even tighter to WRs in off coverage and get more INTs by beating WRs to the catch point especially in the underneath.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1890875"],"_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-69581a779f9d1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Leading the young WR core out of Cherokee Trail is 5'10 145 [player_tooltip player_id='1890875' first='Evan' last='Smith']. Often lining up in the slot, Smith does a good job on second level releases in off coverage by limiting surface area near contact on a jab step making sure to get on the toes on defenders.  Smith shows the ability to adjust to the ball late and makes sure to secure the catch.  In addition, he will high point the ball at the highest point when needed.  With the ball in his hands, he shows some agility to make defenders miss in the open field.  He also does a good job finding open space and reading blocks for YAC.  With 567 yds and 4 TDs on the season, Evan is poised to take the next step as a JR.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1112994"],"_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-69581a779fa44"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1112994' first='Corbin' last='Cole'] is a playmaker safety for Cherokee Trail HS.  He's got a quick backpedal, staying square to the LOS and quick to transition downhill.  He is a force at the catch point and had multiple PBUs this season.  Furthermore, Cole hits with a purpose, forcing 2 fumbles this season by hitting ball carriers with heavy force and getting his hand or helmet to the ball.  Cole also has a strong handle on the position to disguise coverages pre snap.  Cole ended the season with 14 TKLs and 2 INTs in 5 games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Brandon Rodriguez","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"270","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Cherokee Trail","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69581a779fb33"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brandon Rodriguez is a stout DT for Cherokee Trail HS.  Measuring at 6'0 270, Rodriguez shows some nimbleness and agility  for his size.  His play stands out in the run game where he has the strength to hold his gap in double teams and strong hands to disgard offensive linemen aside for tackles and TFLs.  When he feels the OL trying to seal him from a gap, Rodriguez will fight hard to get overtop the block and regain position.  In the pass rush he does a good job collapsing the pocket and using his strength against weaker and worn down opponents. Rodriguez ended the season with 31 TKLs, 3 TFLS, and 1 Sack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jordan Mitchell","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"170","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Cherokee Trail","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69581a779fbf7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">On the hardwood, Mitchell has deep range and an ability to get his shot off in a phone booth.  Most importantly, his athleticism translates back to the field where he dunks effortlessly, almost floating to the rim.  His self-reported 4.45 and 38.8 vertical show up on jet sweeps and on KO and Punt returns.  Defensively at safety he moves well going forward and backwards.  Mitchell is a long strider and covers ground in a hurry.  Currently holding an offer from Syracuse Mitchell's athleticism and frame shows his potential and a big offseason will determine if he's destined for basketball or football in college.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->