2026 Preview: Marion Swamp Foxes

In honor of the five-site Prep RedZone Media Days series this June and July, we're giving everyone a 50% offer code on all subscriptions through July 31. Get access to more than 100 team previews and everything else we have in store for readers as we gear up for the 2026 football season. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/subscribe">Simply head to our subscription page</a> and use the code "przscmediaday2026" at checkout to take advantage of the savings.   Not long ago, Marion was considered a contender.   The Swamp Foxes reeled off five straight winning seasons from 2019-23, including a trip to the Class 2A state championship in 2020 and a 10-win season in 2023. However, one win over the last two years has left the program searching for an identity.    The 2026 team believes it can provide just that.   “Every day, we're just getting better and better and better,” linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1824195' first='Kameryn' last='Davis'] said at last month's PrepRedZone Media Day. “We critique all our issues from the day before. We go back, we look at it, and we work on from there. Improve and improve every day. We move up one percent every day.”   New head coach Aundres Perkins has instilled a belief that the Swamp Foxes will, in fact, improve this season. After averaging just 10 points a game last season, the offense will need to take considerable steps forward. [player_tooltip player_id='2157115' first='Amari' last='Green'] won the quarterback battle over the summer and will move over from his tight end position. Green will partner in the backfield with dynamic rising junior [player_tooltip player_id='1818266' first='Jaydin' last='Reed'] at tailback.   Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1822042' first='Derion' last='Baccous'] (pictured) has impressive athleticism, as he showed with a Class 2A state championship in the discus throw in May, and will lead Swamp Fox wide receivers. [player_tooltip player_id='1822043' first='Jacaurie' last='Brown'] should also feature heavily in the rotation as one of Marion's most versatile playmakers. [player_tooltip player_id='1818279' first='Danyule' last='Morris'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1818267' first='Bryson' last='Hunter'] will also be options through the air for Green. Up front, the offensive line is anchored by juniors Jonathan Burns and [player_tooltip player_id='1818274' first='Jermaine' last='Johnson'] in the trenches.   “We're going to put points on the board,” Baccous said. "We've all just got to play our parts. That's everybody's mindset, not just on offense. We're all eating as one. Defense eats, offense eats.”   Speaking of the defense, the strength of the Swamp Foxes lies on that side of the ball. Both Davis and [player_tooltip player_id='1816941' first='Robert' last='Wynns'] are fast, physical linebackers, and the ringleaders of the unit, along with [player_tooltip player_id='1821489' first='Benjamin' last='Watford'] and his senior leadership. Marion also boasts a pair of veteran corners. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1718520' first='Brennen' last='Wilson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1579223' first='Tyler' last='Nelson'] make a dangerous duo on the perimeter, especially given Nelson's 4.53 speed. Wilson has been recovering from a torn ACL, but should be 100% entering the upcoming season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1821491' first='Kaleb' last='Moore'] returns as a starter at safety after tallying 68 tackles and 15 tackles for loss as a sophomore. In total, the Swamp Foxes bring back seven starters off of last year's unit, but have plenty of areas to improve in after surrendering nearly 40 points per game a season ago.   “We're coming together,” said Wilson. “We're building as a team, we're more disciplined. Everybody in this jersey is going to help us.”   The noise around the program lately hasn't been positive given the results of the previous two years, but Perkins believes steps are being taken to bring Marion football back to respectability.    “I think the guys are trusting the process and coming along,” Perkins said. “They're continuing to put in the work, continuing to grow and learn. Right now, I'm just putting emphasis on Marion. Everything's about Marion, everything's about us. Don't worry about who our opponent is, just try to get better day by day.   STARS SET TO SHINE   [player_tooltip player_id='1824195' first='Kameryn' last='Davis'] LB/RB, 2028 – The rising junior may get touches at running back, but his impact will be felt the most at linebacker. A ball-hawking defender whose physicality is evident on every snap, Davis is the tone-setter on the Marion defense and will be trusted to lead the unit in 2026.   [player_tooltip player_id='1821489' first='Benjamin' last='Watford'] LB/RB, 2027 – He might not have the name recognition of some of his teammates, but Watford will be vital to Marion's success this season. Whether getting carries between the tackles, lead blocking for his backfield mates, or barreling off the edge, expect Watford to be involved on nearly every snap when he's on the field.    [player_tooltip player_id='1821488' first='Ka'Mari' last='Watson'] WR/DB, 2027 – Watson has been clocked at a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash and his speed means he has the ability to create magic every time he touches the ball. He also has a nose for the football, forcing multiple turnovers last season from his cornerback position.   [player_tooltip player_id='1822043' first='Jacaurie' last='Brown'] ATH, 2028 – Brown's athleticism means he can impact the game from multiple positions. One of several quarterbacks that the Swamp Foxes used last season, expect him to develop much more this year as a wide receiver who can also moonlight in the backfield when needed.    FILM REVIEW   [player_tooltip player_id='1821491' first='Kaleb' last='Moore'] ATH, 2028 – Moore plays at one speed and with controlled violence. His film is littered with run-stopping plays and his ability to quickly get to the ball is noticeable. With solid footwork and a good frame, he also can lock up a receiver in man coverage.      BIGGEST LOSSES   Norvell Finklea OL/DL – Finklea was a huge presence in the trenches for both lines. At 6-foot-2, 275 pounds, Finklea helped create and plug holes and leaves a big gap for the Swamp Foxes to fill.   Jeremiah Eaddy RB/LB – Eaddy was a constant in a backfield that featured multiple quarterbacks and a veteran presence at linebacker. Marion will need to replace his productivity on both sides of the ball.   UP-AND-COMING TALENT   [player_tooltip player_id='1822045' first='Alex' last='Roberts'] S, 2028 – Roberts may be the most unheralded member of the Swamp Fox secondary, but the rising junior got experience last season and should take on an even larger role this season. With opposing offenses eager to avoid Moore, Roberts should have chances to make his mark.   Jermi Brice LB/RB, 2029 – Brice's coach calls him a Swiss Army knife, which is exactly the type of player Marion needs to emerge this season. He will be learning from a talented corps of linebackers and could serve as a rotational back to help keep Reed fresh.     Wynns has proven shown himself to be a versatile weapon for the Swamp Foxes. He can play offensive line and is trying to work his way into some reps at tight end, but Marion needs him to be a difference maker at linebacker.    Wynns plays with physicality and, if he continues to develop, should be a mainstay on the Swamp Fox defense for the next several seasons.

In honor of the five-site Prep RedZone Media Days series this June and July, we're giving everyone a 50% offer code on all subscriptions through July 31. Get access to more than 100 team previews and everything else we have in store for readers as we gear up for the 2026 football season. Simply head to our subscription page and use the code "przscmediaday2026" at checkout to take advantage of the savings.