RJ Reynolds 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 team preview season here at Prep Redzone, and we're in the process of breaking down teams in every classification across the state. There's a strong group of "building" teams this year. Whether because of new conferences, new coaches, or sustained investment, there's a large group of teams that have historically struggled but are improving. The RJ Reynolds Demons had their first winning season in nearly 20 years. Can they build on their recent success?</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">R.J. Reynolds Demons Season Preview</h2>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Info</h3>   <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Joe Davidyock</p>   <p><strong>2025 Record:</strong> 6-5</p>   <p><strong>2026 Conference:</strong> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/predicting-every-central-piedmont-teams-mvp/">Central Piedmont 7A/8A</a></p>   <p><strong>Key Games: </strong>@ Reagan (10/9), vs. West Forsyth (10/16), @ Northwest Guilford (10/30</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Storyline</h3>   <p>R.J. Reynolds has some forward momentum that the team wants to build on. The younger classes (2028-2030) are also loaded with talent. That can create a bit of a (healthy) tension. The key will be finding the right combination of veterans and younger guys.</p>   <p>They could run a starting 11 composed entirely of underclassmen, which wouldn't be healthy. At the same time, a senior-laden depth chart this year would lead to an experienced roster next year. I won't be surprised at all to see a healthy dose of sophomores and even freshmen play this season. I'm curious about which youngsters break into the rotation.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Potential Stars</h3>    <p class="text-gray-700">Martin really started to put it all together at the end of last season, with 15 tackles and three sacks in his final three games. He's vital to a team with plenty of defensive line experience, but an inconsistent pass rush. If he can turn into that true game-changer off the edge, it completely transforms how Reynolds can play defensively. We think he'll have a massive senior season.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Watson is a quality defensive back, the starting nickel on a veteran defense. He's added some weight this offseason, which should allow him to match bigger receivers and tight ends in the slot. He's physical, more than willing to come down and make tackles in the running game, and he's improved as a pass defender, as well.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Bennett averaged seven yards per rush last season as the primary backup behind a 1,000-yard rusher, and he should absorb much of that volume as a senior. He's quick in and out of his cuts, at his best when he makes one move and gets vertical. Expect a big season for a guy who has been patiently waiting his turn in the wings.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Wheeler is a two-way starter with excellent production and potential. He was actually one of the top tacklers on an experienced defense from his defensive tackle position, and also starts at center and long snapper. He has excellent body control and functional strength, thanks to a wrestling background, and he'll be a key cog on both lines of scrimmage.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">A transfer from HPCA, Gerardo is a smart, disciplined tackle who could kick inside to guard in a pinch. The rising senior is a veteran presence on a strong offensive line, and he moves exceptionally well for his size. I'm interested to watch Gerardo more closely this season, and expect him to be a big part of a run-heavy offense.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Biggest Losses</h3>   <p><strong>Tommy Elrod</strong> | QB- Reynolds found balance on offense last season behind Elrod's steady play. The Demons have a full-blown quarterback battle in camp, but the next guy should be productive.</p>   <p><strong>Antonio Samuels</strong> | RB- Samuels was the offense's best skill position player last year, putting up nearly 1,500 total yards as a senior. While Reynolds will miss his production, there's no question about his successor, as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2166195' first='Ziaer' last='Bennett']</strong> looks poised for a massive jump.</p>   <p><strong>Jaden Wilson</strong> | WR- Wilson was one of three senior receivers to lead the team last year. Reynolds has several younger guys, notably <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2243993' first='Trumane' last='Lee']</strong>, who could step up. Still, it's difficult when a team loses 75% of its receiving yardage from the previous year.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Breakout Candidates</h3>    <p class="text-gray-700">Lee is arguably one of the most important players on the team this season for the Demons. He's a guy who can bridge the gap between last year's veterans at receiver and the young talent that the coaching staff would like to bring along slowly. A defensive back starter last year, we expect the speedster to play both ways, and perhaps even more on offense, given the lack of proven playmakers at that position.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Grooms played just two games last season at defensive back, but the staff is excited that he's back in 2026. The athletic defender is aggressive in coverage, and he's a candidate to see a big jump in ball production, as he's excellent with the ball in the air.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Green is an athletic two-way lineman with serious upside. A younger guy, he'll be in the mix on both sides of the ball with some older, more experienced prospects. He might have the highest upside, though. Given the extra rotations on defense, he may be most productive there as a sophomore, and he's one to track over the next few seasons.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Verdict</h2>   <p>The Demons should be highly experienced on the lines of scrimmage, with some younger, high-upside athletes at the skill positions. That's a combination that tends to work, especially as Renolds returns its top four tacklers and 14 of 17 sacks from last season.</p>   <p>The Demons have some question marks in the form of unproven players at key positions like quarterback and receiver, but behind a veteran offensive line, they should thrive offensively. Expect them to ride a strong rushing attack early, and if the passing game finds its rhythm by conference play, I expect the Demons to pull off an "upset" or two in a competitive Central Piedmont 7A/8A conference en route to a second-straight winning season.</p>   <p><em>A special thanks to Reynolds head coach Joe Davidyock for sharing his prospect sheet and thoughts on his team.</em></p>

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