Cleveland 2026 Season Preview

<p><em>Not a subscriber? Promo code Helms30 will get you 30% off your first billing cycle. Coaches, if you want your team featured in a team preview, <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeB9YBH_he_sOP-lhvI26XRh0P9vobS8PsVJy_5QCJ4jQLTvQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=118251332469799088451">fill out our preseason survey</a>. </em></p>   <p>It's full-on preview season here at Prep Redzone, and we're looking at plenty of teams across the state. Our goal is to preview close to 100 combined teams and conferences, and we're well on our way. Here, we're looking at a top 7A team after a surprising coaching change in the offseason.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cleveland Rams Season Preview</h2>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Info</h3>   <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Codi Vick (First season)</p>   <p><strong>2025 Record:</strong> 10-2</p>   <p><strong>2026 Conference:</strong> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/greater-neuse-river-7a-2026-conference-preview/">Greater Neuse River 7A Conference</a></p>   <p><strong>Key Games: </strong>@ Garner (10/9), vs. Southeast Raleigh (10/16), vs. Clayton (10/30)</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Storyline</h3>   <p>Despite a recent lack of playoff success, it was Cleveland that held the state's longest regular-season winning streak before it was snapped last year in a rivalry game with Clayton. After another early playoff exit, it was a weird offseason for the Rams.</p>   <p>Out is former head coach Scott Riley, who left for Swain County, and in comes Codi Vick from Georgia. But as only Cleveland can, the offense is unchanged: it's still offensive coordinator Joseph Capps' quarterback-friendly spread system.</p>   <p>Vick has set about changing the culture, and I'm interested to see what looks different with half of the system remaining through a head coaching change. That being said, I like what I've heard this offseason, and I'll be interested to see where the Rams slot in a brutal <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/greater-neuse-river-7a-2026-conference-preview/">Greater Neuse River Conference</a>.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Potential Stars</h3>    <p class="text-gray-700">Ferrell is a steady hand in the backfield, a guy who can reliably pick up four or five yards a pop. In Cleveland's spread system, that's crucial and keeps defenses honest. The Rams rode him hard in close games last season, and a renewed emphasis on both quick-hitters and deep shots in the passing game could benefit his efficiency.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Medley leads a talented secondary on a defense that had 16 interceptions last year. The Rams lost some pieces there, but picked up some defensive transfers, too. Medley played a lot in the box, making 84 tackles (most of the returners) and an impressive 23 tackles for loss last year from his safety position.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">There's some speculation on my part that the Cleveland offense will be a bit more open than it was last year, so Caldwell should have a huge season. He led the team in receiving yardage last year, ending the season with an eight-catch, 141-yard performance in Cleveland's playoff loss. The Rams need him to be a star next year.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Biggest Losses</h3>   <p><strong>Jaylen King</strong> | LB- The Colorado State signee had a breakout senior year, leading the Rams in tackles and racking up 11 sacks. He'll be sorely missed and will likely need to be replaced in aggregate.</p>   <p><strong>Josh Booth</strong> | DB- A physical corner, Booth walled off one side of the field, giving the Rams more options defensively. Look out for rising juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2247068' first='Bryson' last='Allen']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2100335' first='Jamil' last='Johnson']</strong> to step up in a strong secondary.</p>   <p><strong>Krisjon Clark</strong> | WR- Clark was the top option at receiver until a freak injury ended his season. Caldwell is established, but the Rams will rely on several inexperienced receivers on the outside.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Breakout Candidates</h3>    <p class="text-gray-700">Cleveland is a quarterback factory, and Hulbert had a decent year last year. But it felt like he had the training wheels on as a first-year starter. Expect him to lead an offense that's full-go in 2026. That means tempo, quick decisions, and plenty of trust from the coaching staff. We think the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/prz-exposure-camp-qb-analysis/">Prep Redzone Exposure Camp</a> veteran will have a huge year.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Locklear is an undersized edge rusher, but he's effective. Last year, he was the secondary option, but now he's the key guy off the edge. We think he'll step up and turn heads as a junior, given the chance to pin his ears back and rush the passer.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">I'm not sure exactly where McDonald slots in this secondary, but I think he's too talented a playmaker to keep off the field. He had a fantastic showing at our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/prz-exposure-camp-db-analysis/">Prep Redzone Exposure Camp</a> in May, running a solid 4.63 40, and making plenty of plays in coverage.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Verdict</h2>   <p>There's no question Cleveland will be one of the top teams in the 7A class. The issue is that so will at least three of the Rams' conference mates. Cleveland has never been a team that churns out Power Four prospect after Power Four prospect, but the Rams play well as a team.</p>   <p>The offense should be better in big games, but I'd like to see a few secondary and tertiary playmakers step up behind Caldwell and Ferrell. </p>   <p>The secondary is strong enough to match up with some of the best passing offenses in the state. The key will be finding the talent and depth in the middle to get off the field against run-heavy offenses.</p>   <p>The 2028 class is strong, and if a defense with seven new starters steps up, I think the Rams will be right in the conference title race.</p>   <p><em>A special thanks to Cleveland head coach Codi Vick for sharing his prospect sheet and thoughts on his team.</em></p>

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