2026 Preview: White Knoll Timberwolves

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 throughout 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.   White Knoll linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1823459' first='Jahmauri' last='Davis'] understands the challenge ahead for the Timberwolves, but he likes what he's seen so far during spring practice and summer drills.   White Knoll returns two starters – one on defense and one on offense. That means the new coaching staff led by Victor Floyd are not only learning the players on the fly, but they don't have much varsity film from a season ago to see exactly what they inherited.   Davis said that's not a problem.   “Things are going well,” the senior linebacker said at a recent Prep RedZone Media Day at Gilbert. “We have a new coach, and we didn't know how to take it at first, but he whipped us into shape, and we realized it's not going to be a restart. We just have to build it back up and not worry about the kids we're missing from last year.”   Not only did White Knoll have a large graduating class but two of the most experienced players – running back [player_tooltip player_id='1036740' first='Tiyon' last='Fanning'] and quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1732517' first='Jhais' last='Mckiever'] transferred in the offseason.   But Floyd is pleased with what he's seen in his short time with the program.   “The kids are working hard and buying in so far,” Floyd said. “I honestly don't think the summer could be going much better. I've seen the effort, buy-in and team mentality I'm looking for. We're trying to get kids to understand it's bigger than just you.”   Junior wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1819315' first='Tyler' last='Brown'] noticed the difference in coaching styles right away. Floyd comes to Red Bank after a successful stint at Chester, where he won a state championship in 2018.   “We have a lot more physicality and mental toughness” Brown said. “We just seem to have a different mindset than we did last year.”   One thing Floyd has looked for this offseason is leaders. Davis and Brown are right near the top but they haven't been the only ones. Floyd and other players mentioned the efforts of tight end [player_tooltip player_id='1817586' first='Kentrell' last='Bonnette'] quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1819321' first='Brayden' last='Cress'] nose tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1819012' first='Noah' last='Mar'] defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1819341' first='Christian' last='Hickman'] and two-way player [player_tooltip player_id='1817584' first='Brayden' last='Weston'] as keys among the players stepping to the forefront for such an inexperienced team.   There is a solid chance White Knoll will start 10 juniors on offense and seven underclassmen on defense. Floyd said that wasn't by design but that's just the way it looks like it's going to work out.   “As a coaching staff, we knew there would be some changes, but we feel good at where we are,” Floyd said. “This group works hard and understands what we're trying to accomplish.”   STARS SET TO SHINE   [player_tooltip player_id='1823459' first='Jahmauri' last='Davis'] LB, 2027 – As we mentioned above, there really aren't many experienced players to lean on from last season, but Davis definitely looks the part as someone that could have a huge season. He's got a solid frame and seems to be chiseled out of granite. He moves well and plays with a high intensity that should bode well for the Timberwolves. Davis has all the intangibles to become a breakout star on a defense that will need headliners.   [player_tooltip player_id='1819315' first='Tyler' last='Brown'] WR, 2028 – Brown got reps last season, and he seems ready for a breakout season. He is a great route-runner and shifty, which is going to lead to plenty of opportunities in this offense. Floyd said they will find multiple ways to get the ball into Brown's hands. He has the ability to take a handoff or short pass to the house. He's got good straight-line speed to go along with making defenders miss in the open field.      [player_tooltip player_id='1817584' first='Brayden' last='Weston'] DL/OL, 2028 – Earlier in the summer, Floyd called Weston the preseason MVP of this team. He is the only returning starter on offense and while that is key, his ability at defense end might be even more impressive. He's a compact 5-foot-10, 245 pounds and plays with controlled aggression. He's a natural lead and will likely be the only player that will play both on the offensive line as well as the defensive front.     [player_tooltip player_id='1824495' first='Charles' last='Bieda'] LS, 2027 – It's not often we list a long snapper in these previews so that should show you the respect we have for Bieda. He is one of the best long snappers in the country and at the top of the list in South Carolina. He gets the ball back to the punter in an impressive .64 seconds, which is better than some NFL long snappers. And he plays with great hustle and is usually on of the first downfield to cover the punts.     FILM REVIEW   [player_tooltip player_id='1820827' first='JJ' last='Keith'] DB/ATH, 2027 – Keith lines up in the slot a lot of times and that creates mismatches when he's paired with a safety or a linebacker. He has good size and speed and will be utilized in a few ways to highlight his skills. He's also dangerous in the return game. Keith is going to play in the secondary as well and that will give him an opportunity to rotate between safety and even some cornerback. The coaching staff is excited about what Keith brings to the table.    BIGGEST LOSSES   Caleb Geronomi WR/DB – Geonomi graduated and will be playing for Richmond in the fall. He rarely came off the field for the Timberwolves and was a mainstay in the lineup for the last three seasons.   Josue Esiki LB – Esiki was a tackling machine from his linebacker spot. He was compact but moved well and was one of the biggest hitters on the defense.   UP-AND-COMING POTENTIAL   [player_tooltip player_id='1817586' first='Kentrell' last='Bonnette'] TE/ATH, 2028 – Bonnette spent most of last season as the backup quarterback and he's likely to fill that role again while having a Wildcat package that he will run multiple times a game. But Floyd loves his size and athleticism at H-back or tight end. He's been a quick learner and has great hands and ball skills. Bonnette is going to figure prominently in what the offense wants to do.     [player_tooltip player_id='1824491' first='Adrian' last='Ellsworth'] LB, 2029 – Ellsworth is going to be one of the youngest starters, but the potential is there to be a special talent. He's 5-foot-11, 215 pounds and moves well that allows him to cover sideline-to-sideline. Ellsworth is a force against the run due to his reaction time and speed but that also helps when he drops into coverage. He has a high football IQ and that plus his production potential has the coaching staff excited.       Crosby comes to White Knoll from Chester, and he played plenty of snaps for Floyd last season. He had 35 tackles and three interceptions in 10 games. That experience is going to transfer over well to the Class 5A level and he's going to give Floyd someone that already knows his system and will be one of the more experienced defenders on the field. He plays a deep safety but his ability to read the quarterback rarely puts him out of place. He also can deliver the big hit when needed.

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 throughout 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.