Phillip O. Berry 2026 Season Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Not a subscriber? Promo code Helms30 will get you 30% off your first billing cycle.</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/3-things-ive-learned-during-preview-season/">Preview season</a> rolls on here at Prep Redzone, and we're almost finished previewing nearly 100 teams across the state. The Phillip O. Berry Cardinals play in a wide-open conference. Can the offense put enough together to win some games in 2026?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Phillip O. Berry Cardinals Season Preview</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Info</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Darius Robinson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record:</strong> 0-10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 Conference:</strong> Greater Metro 6A/7A</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Returning Starters (Offense)</strong>: 5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Returning Starters (Defense)</strong>: 4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Games: </strong>vs. Rocky River (9/4), @ Hickory Ridge (10/2), vs. Harding (10/16)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Storyline</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Berry's defense has been solid over the last few years, and they've retained talent well in a transfer era. That said, the offense has struggled. The Cardinals reached double digits in a game just once last season, losing most games in blowouts, despite a defense that held opponents under 30 points five times.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Berry Players</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Potential Stars</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1678654"],"_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-6a7614267d5f6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mensah is a talented wideout who has thrived in camp settings, but Berry has often struggled to get him the ball. Last season, he had just 16 catches while facing plenty of double-teams and slanted coverage. I expect the Cardinals to do a better job of spreading the ball around this year, and think Mensah could have a big year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2118944"],"_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-6a7614267d652"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brown is one of the best individual defenders in the conference and led the Cardinals with three interceptions last season. He plays a hybrid DB-LB role for Berry, often coming down into the box to play the run. Still, he thrives against the pass and has the individual talent to flip a game on one play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2213282"],"_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-6a7614267d698"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Blackshear flew under the radar last year while quietly collecting a handful of tackles for loss. Even if the stats don't show it yet, Blackshear is an exceptional pass rusher and offensive linemen had trouble staying in front of him at the CFI Showcase earlier this offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Biggest Losses</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Daylyn Taylor</strong> | DL- Taylor provided length and flashed pass-rushing prowess for the Cardinals. He also led the defense with nine tackles for loss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Marquise McNair</strong> | DB- McNair is one of the smaller defensive backs you'll see, but last year he was aggressive and physical.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Elijah Britt</strong> | WR- Britt was the Cardinals' leading receiver last season with around 360 yards. He was one of the few explosive playmakers on an offense that didn't create many big plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Breakout Candidates</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2219554"],"_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-6a7614267d6dc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Listed as a tight end in our system, Collins' biggest contribution last year was as a defensive end who could set the edge. This season, I'd like to see him get after the passer a bit more, and he has the frame and athleticism to do so in a consistent manner.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2267361"],"_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-6a7614267d71a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I'd like to see what Brown could do in a better game-script. Too often last year, the Cardinals fell behind early and had to press, rather than riding a solid running back tandem. Brown plays both ways and provides much-needed size at both the running back and linebacker positions. I think we could see him get more consistent carries this year, which should help the offense take a step forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2267362,"_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-6a7614267d758"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fowler flashed in limited reps last season at corner, picking off a pass and making nine tackles in six games. This year, he could step in as a new starter, and I think his coverage skills could pay dividends for the Berry defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Breakout Candidates:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Zaddik Ford</strong> | DL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Andrew Barrett</strong> | OL/DL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Saron Cooper</strong> | DB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Zay McCauley</strong> | OL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>KJ Ellis</strong> | Ath.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kemari Tucker</strong> | LB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jahari Wilson</strong> | QB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Phillip O. Berry's 2026 Outlook</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Team Strengths</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I really like the defensive line on this Berry team. Between Blackshear, Collins, and Ford there's enough talent here to cause opponents' problems. There's also some individual talent here to turn close games. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2267361' first='Christopher' last='Brown']</strong> at running back, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1678654' first='Nana-Kwabena' last='Mensah']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2118944' first='Noah' last='Brown']</strong> should each have a big game or two this season, and that should be enough to get the Cardinals back in the win column.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Question Marks</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The quarterback position was a struggle last season. Teams loaded the box against Berry knowing the offense wouldn't have much success through the air. The staff is quietly excited about Jahari Wilson, a sophomore who could bring a new dimension to the offense. The Cardinals lack size, but if they're physical and aggressive, they should be able to challenge several teams on the schedule.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Verdict</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Berry's offense last year left plenty to be desired, and even their talented skill guys struggled to make an impact. The offensive line and quarterback position, if slightly improved, raise the floor significantly for the Cardinals. Expect their playmakers to step up as the Cardinals work to get back into the win columb behind a strong defensive front and promising young skill players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>A huge thanks to Phillip O. Berry head coach Darius Robinson for sharing his prospect sheet and thoughts on his team.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->