Teams to Watch in 2026: Norwood Young America Raiders

Norwood Young America is a consistent producer of talent, and frequently finds itself among not only the top teams in its section, but their class as a whole. The Raiders went 5-5 last season, culminating in a loss in the section semi-finals, but they return a solid class of 2027 prospects, along with some intriguing 2028's and even some 2029's that could be serious stock risers, pushing them over the edge this season. Keep an eye out for these guys and the Raiders next season!    Recording 9 receptions for 105 yards and 2 TDs, with an additional TD as a kick returner, Krause should be a welcome returning presence for the Raiders in 2026. He put out an incredibly encouraging sophomore tape. His speed once he gets in the open field impressed me, as did his ability to extend out for balls that are overthrown. Krause has proved that he can reel in toe-tap balls at the edge of the field and high-point deep balls while showcasing excellent body control throughout the catch. I'm eager to see how he performs with a larger target share, and he'll be someone I'm watching closely during his junior campaign.     A freshman athlete already pegged as an emerging prospect by PRZ Austin Lowell, Kley was one of three varsity QBs who saw time for the Raiders last season. He is, however, poised to take over that coveted QB1 role during his sophomore campaign. He doesn't have a ton of freshman tape, but what he does have flashed some eye-catching mobility and the arm talent to make cross-body throws off platform with surprising accuracy. His ball placement on intermediate routes also impressed me, as did his poise within a collapsing pocket, especially for a freshman. Kley has shown flashes of greatness, and with a solid frame on him and more varsity reps, he should only continue to grow as a QB, setting the Raiders up for a successful next three seasons.     An athlete who saw time as both a DB and an RB last season, Steinhagen looks like a player to watch in 2026. As a runningback, Steinhagen is a tank with the ball in his hands. He runs hard, aiming to plow through defenders every time he takes off downfield. He also has shown real utility as a pass-blocker when staying in the backfield. As a DB, he plays a very heads-up brand of football. He's always looking to make a play, whether that's swatting down balls in the air or blocking punts in big moments to shift the momentum of the game. His ability to make a difference anywhere he's played makes him a valuable asset for the Raiders going forward.     The starting left tackle for the Raiders last season, Neumann, is a welcome presence on that Norwood Young America offensive line in 2026. On his tape, his best asset proves to be his mobility. He does a solid job of sticking with edge rushers on the outside and finishes blocks once he gets underneath a defender's pads. He also has some defensive tape as an interior defensive lineman. During which Neumann shows off a solid bull-rush and the ability to blow up run plays behind the LOS. Neumann might prove to be an athlete to watch next season.     Kloempken is a stud of an LB who I think possesses extreme potential. Last season, he was a defensive force, racking up a stunning 81 total tackles, 13 TFLs, 3 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, 2 FF, 2 INTs, a PBU, and a defensive TD as a cherry on top. If you combine this incredible production with an athlete who stands 6'2" at 190 lbs, you've got a scholarship-level prospect. His tape really impressed me. Kloempken is a terrifying figure coming off the edge. He's very explosive off the LOS, often beating offensive linemen before they can take a second step. His quickness is uncanny for a prospect of his size, and he's got several plays on tape where he sheds multiple blockers before ransacking the QB or an unfortunate ball carrier. He can beat tackles around the edge, across their face, or run right through them and see the same level of success. I'm a big fan of Kloempken's potential going forward.     Brinkman is a two-sport athlete (Football/Basketball) with a 3.8 GPA and some solid junior tape. Last season, he recorded an impressive 35 total tackles, 1 TFL, 1 fumble recovery, 2 FFs, 4 INTs, and 11 PBUs. On his tape, Brinkman looks like a lockdown CB. He's got stellar ball-tracking ability, and his frame and length make him a tough matchup for any receiver. He's very zone-disciplined and punishes QBs for under- or overthrowing passes anywhere near him. He's a menace when a QB throws a 50/50 ball to him, and if he doesn't manage to pick it off, Brinkman is going to swat it down. His timing when jumping routes is excellent, and he's very clearly due for a massive pick-6. Brinkman is a diamond in the rough, and schools would be well served to start their recruitment of him.     A two-sport athlete (Football/Basketball) who recorded 15 total tackles, 1 TFL, 2 fumble recoveries, and 4 PBUs as a sophomore, Fahey is another returning corner for the Raiders, which should lead to an extremely potent secondary in 2026. On his tape, Fahey showcases some solid closing speed and the willingness to make plays at the catch point. He is incredibly sticky in man coverage, and his aggression with bigger wideouts is both admirable and effective. When engaged in the run game, Fahey does a great job of knife-tackling bigger ball carriers, stopping them dead in their tracks. He doesn't hesitate to be aggressive and play downhill either. I can't wait to see what he puts out for junior tape.

Norwood Young America is a consistent producer of talent, and frequently finds itself among not only the top teams in its section, but their class as a whole. The Raiders went 5-5 last season, culminating in a loss in the section semi-finals, but they return a solid class of 2027 prospects, along with some intriguing 2028's and even some 2029's that could be serious stock risers, pushing them over the edge this season. Keep an eye out for these guys and the Raiders next season!