Final 2026 Player Rankings: Eye-Popping Prospect Film, Part XII

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Although I consider the rankings process tedious and painstakingly scrupulous, it is a labor of love. What I love, perhaps, the most about it is that after hours of film being watched, I get to highlight and celebrate some of the best film that I watched. Using the Prep Redzone platform, I highlight these prospects and share them with you. After evaluating and ranking over 830 prospects, I am excited to present you this select-group who had film that I enjoyed and considered to be "must-see."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Be sure to follow me on&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/BrendanScoutsNJ">Twitter</a>&nbsp;for the latest New Jersey high school football prospect news and not miss a beat!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1972113"],"_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-697249c2e9194"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1972113' first='Luke' last='Van Auken'] was a prospect that upon watching his film, I immediately notified every FBS coach I consider close to me. A big man playing on the edge Van Auken possesses an outright explosive get off. This, combined with his ability to move quickly, fluidly, and unencumbered, makes him a special athlete. Such attributes allow him to make plays inside-out. As a tight end, Van Auken moves very well in space. I only wish he had more film for us to enjoy!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2004635"],"_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-697249c2e927d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Embodying the attitude of a Union City Soaring Eagle, [player_tooltip player_id='2004635' first='Mario' last='Medina'] is the type of runner who is physical and unafraid of contact. Weaponizing his shoulder, Medina will look to run over someone with it. Although he played fullback in their Wing-T offense, Medina has enough athleticism to be featured as a Wing Back as well. Perhaps what makes him able to play both positions is his creativity as a runner - which is underscored more so when playing fullback. In terms of making moves, he is instinctual and has been shown to feature a stiff arm and bounce. Given said instincts, I would like to see how he performs in a spread offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["855778"],"_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-697249c2e9373"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Is there anything that [player_tooltip player_id='855778' first='Matt' last='James'] did not do for Steinert this last season? As a receiver, James did a great job of selling his route fakes. When defending receivers, he excelled at being physicality and using the sideline to cue opponents up. As a kicker, James was able to connect from 30-yards out on the right hash. As if that was not enough, there is footage of him punting too! Mostly a receiver, we see that he high points the ball well and uses his hands to catch it, all the while being able to track it over his shoulder nicely. Given his versatility, it is hard to pinpoint just exactly where James might play in college.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1955330"],"_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-697249c2e9411"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Growing up I watched wrestling and was a fan of Big Poppa Pump, Scott Steiner. For Livingston's [player_tooltip player_id='1955330' first='Matt' last='Steiner'], he is capable of playing as though he is Big Poppa Pump. An edge player, Steiner has shown the finesse to dip his shoulder and get around tackles, while demonstrating an aggressive nature when fighting and getting off of reach blocks. What makes him truly "pump" however, is how he works linemen backwards with extended arms. When a backside chaser, Steiner actively attacks the ball as he looks to make a big play. At moments, we see an explosive get off. After watching Steiner's film, I get the sentiment that you can tell he is just starting to "click," and he is playing the best football of his life.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Final 2026 Player Rankings Release</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/updated-2026-new-jersey-rankings-3">Official Final 2026 Player Rankings Release</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-film-evaluation-notes-part-i/">Film Evaluation Notes, Part I</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-film-evaluation-notes-part-ii">Film Evaluation Notes, Part II</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-film-evaluation-notes-part-iii">Film Evaluation Notes, Part III</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-film-evaluation-notes-part-iv">Film Evaluation Notes, Part IV</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-film-evaluation-notes-part-v">Film Evaluation Notes, Part V</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-film-evaluation-notes-part-vi">Film Evaluation Notes, Part VI</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-film-evaluation-notes-part-vii">Film Evaluation Notes, Part VII</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-film-evaluation-notes-part-viii">Film Evaluation Notes, Part VIII</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-film-evaluation-notes-part-ix">Film Evaluation Notes, Part IX</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-film-evaluation-notes-part-x">Film Evaluation Notes, Part X</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-film-evaluation-notes-part-xi">Film Evaluation Notes, Part XI</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-film-evaluation-notes-part-xii">Film Evaluation Notes, Part XII</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-film-evaluation-notes-part-xiihttps://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-film-evaluation-notes-part-xviii">Film Evaluation Notes, Part XIII</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-film-evaluation-notes-part-xiv">Film Evaluation Notes, Part XIV</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-film-evaluation-notes-part-xv">Film Evaluation Notes, Part XV</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-film-evaluation-notes-part-xvi">Film Evaluation Notes, Part XVI</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-film-evaluation-notes-part-xvii">Film Evaluation Notes, Part XVII</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-film-evaluation-notes-part-xviii">Film Evaluation Notes, Part XVIII</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-film-evaluation-notes-part-xix">Film Evaluation Notes, Part XIX</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-film-evaluation-notes-part-xx">Film Evaluation Notes, Part XX</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-film-evaluation-notes-part-xxi">Film Evaluation Notes, Part XXI</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-film-evaluation-notes-part-xxii">Film Evaluation Notes, Part XXII</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-film-evaluation-notes-part-xxiii">Film Evaluation Notes, Part XXIII</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-eye-popping-prospect-film-part-i">Eye-Popping Film, Part I</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-eye-popping-prospect-film-part-ii">Eye-Popping Film, Part II</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-eye-popping-prospect-film-part-iii">Eye-Popping Film, Part III</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-eye-popping-prospect-film-part-iv">Eye-Popping Film, Part IV</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-eye-popping-prospect-film-part-v">Eye-Popping Film, Part V</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-eye-popping-prospect-film-part-vi">Eye-Popping Film, Part VI</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-eye-popping-prospect-film-part-vii">Eye-Popping Film, Part VII</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-eye-popping-prospect-film-part-viii">Eye-Popping Film, Part VIII</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-eye-popping-prospect-film-part-ix">Eye-Popping Film, Part IX</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-eye-popping-prospect-film-part-x">Eye-Popping Film, Part X</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-eye-popping-prospect-film-part-xi">Eye-Popping Film, Part XI</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/final-2026-player-rankings-eye-popping-prospect-film-part-xii">Eye-Popping Film, Part XII</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->