Al Pops Trail Mix: 2026’s Around The Country on My Radar
As middle school athletes, new studs are hopping on the radar almost daily at Prep Redzone Next. With so many different age groups, weight limits, division, etc. there’s no exact science to finding middle school athletes, but they’re certainly out…
Access all of Prep Redzone Next and Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingAs middle school athletes, new studs are hopping on the radar almost daily at Prep Redzone Next. With so many different age groups, weight limits, division, etc. there’s no exact science to finding middle school athletes, but they’re certainly out there. Let’s take a look at a few 2026’s that have opened my eyes, as their film has come across my desk.
William Svoboda | Arkansas | Wide Receiver
A big, tall receiver standing 6-foot-3 already. He’s a thicker athlete, and almost looks like the tight end position could be in his future. Whips his head around nice on short routes and presents a nice target for his quarterback to throw to. Not necessarily a burner at this point, but does have more than enough speed to get open and pick up valuable yards after the catch. Also not afraid to go get the ball in traffic if called upon.
Jackson Magley | New Jersey | Quarterback
Magley is a quarterback that has really come into his own as he wraps up his youth career and begins the transition into high school ball. Was the offensive catalyst on a fairly talented team in New Jersey. Put up gaudy numbers as an 8th grader to the tune of 2,293 total yards from scrimmage and 34 total touchdowns–most importantly, only three interceptions all season. On his film below, he’s more of what the modern take “pocket passer” looks like. Obviously can sling it all over the yard, but can also create with his legs if the play breaks down.
Mason Marck | New Jersey | Linebacker
Your classic throwback middle linebacker that wants to come down hill and knock your block off, Marck is fun to watch on film. He’s a solid, thick linebacker that reads his keys and is as sure a tackler as I’ve seen in New Jersey for the class of 2026. To me, draws a good comparison to 2022 NFL Hall of Fame finalist and Miami Dolphins legend, Zach Thomas. Will need to improve overall speed and quickness as he progresses through high school, bud I’d love to have him line up for me at the Mike.
Chase Labritz | West Virginia | Running Back
When throwing on Labritz’s film, what pops out immediately is how strong he is at this age. He’s running through arm tackles, carrying guys and constantly keeping his legs driving. Unofficially clocked at a 4.9 in the forty yard dash, the speed needs to continue to improve in high school. West Virginia isn’t exactly a hotbed for national football talent, but Labritz is an athlete to keep an eye on–as he’s a Morgantown native. I haven’t seen him play defense, but would be willing to bet he’s probably a very good linebacker given his build, quickness and the toughness I have seen out of him as a running back.
Rhett Morris | New Jersey | Offensive Line
With a Division 1 bloodline from his dad, Morris looks like he has the potential to follow the same path. At 6-foot-1 and 265 pounds, Morris suited up for the Bergen County Stars this past season and put some of the better competition on the ground. Versatility will continue to be key for Morris, as he played a lot of center this year; However, he can easily transition to either guard spot if needed. Loves to fight in the trenches and excels at run blocking. Will be fun to watch develop in the Garden State.
Jayden Melendez | New York | Athlete
Not the biggest 2026 prospect by any means, standing only 5-foot-7 and 135 pounds. However, in his league, he was one of the most talented athletes. A slippery kid who can be moved all over like a chess piece, Melendez took majority of his snaps at running back, but also lined up in the slot and even outside the hashes on screen plays. Also shined on special teams as a returner. If he continues to grow, he could be one of the better 26’s out of New York.
Nathan Fitch | New Jersey | Athlete
Hailing from the tough streets of Union City, Finch was the go-to weapon on a very good middle school program in New Jersey. Standing 5-foot-11 and 145 pounds, Fitch is one of the fastest athletes in the entire Northeast. He has sprinter speed and it translates well to the football field. He’s a big-play kid who doesn’t run the crispest routes right now, but is dominating with overall athleticism. Can take pitches and end-around’s the distance if given a little bit space.
Grady Marks | Connecticut | Wide Receiver
Connecticut, like West Virginia above, doesn’t turn out a staggering number of Division 1 prospects but there are athletes that are worth keeping an eye on–that’s what I see in Marks. The 6-footer has deceptive speed once he gets going with the ball in his hands. Plays a physical type of receiver and isn’t afraid of contact. Excelled during his youth career and lived off being taller and more athletic than a lot of his competition.
Derek Zammit | New Jersey | Quarterback
Needed to watch just a few throws on his film (not the one below) to know that I liked him. Very good fundamentals for an eighth grade quarterback. Love the footwork on his drops and how still he keeps his upper body while reading the the field. Has some good zip on his ball for the intermediate passing game. Can make some very advanced throws at this level. For better or worse, trusts his arm a lot. Reminds me a lot of current Illinois Quarterback and New Jersey native, Tommy DeVito when he was at this age.
Duquane Prevo | Texas | Athlete
A very intriguing prospect, Prevo looks like his football future could go several different ways. There’s no arguing just how athletic he is, just put on the tape. Played quarterback during middle school ball–and could stay there–but often times it was QB keeper right or QB keeper left because he was the most athletic kid on the field. Also returned kicks with ease. Spinning it forward, he projects to play one of the offensive skill positions rather than quarterback. Wherever he ends up, the obvious thing is that Prevo should get the rock early and often, because he simply makes plays.