Propspects New to Campus: Insight on 2026 Recruits
The aim of Prep Redzone’s New to Campus Series is as simple as the title sounds. This series will extract and evaluate potential standout prospects from the 2026 class that will likely make a splash for their programs as Freshmen.…
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Continue ReadingThe aim of Prep Redzone’s New to Campus Series is as simple as the title sounds. This series will extract and evaluate potential standout prospects from the 2026 class that will likely make a splash for their programs as Freshmen. Most of these guys listed are projected contributors or starters, and we are trying to assist in spreading awareness of their talents as early on as possible. Evaluations below are based on a variation of components not only limited to game film. This is due to most of the Freshmen only having a limited amount of actual Varsity game tape. These guys are sure to sprout into players to watch over the course of their careers’. You heard it here first!
Greg Keeton | DL/OL | 6’0 240 | Forest
This strong and talented young bull out of Forest is a good looking prospect that is only going to improve with age and experience. He has an overabundant amount of upper and lower body strength, which both translate well onto the playing field for him. Keeton uses his hands well when engaged with offensive linemen and is a technician of a player in the trenches. I would like to see his footwork and speed improve as his career progresses, but Greg will turn into a totally different player once his agility catches up to his strength and football IQ. That is the part of his game that stands out to me the most. Keeton shows a grasp of the game offensively and defensively that is beyond his years. Whether it is diagnosing different runs as a defender or executing different techniques offensively, Greg shows that his depth of knowledge for the game is deeper than most of his contemporaries. His youth shows a bit when playing against inferior competition, using brute force or sure ability to win on certain reps. That fault can be accredited to his youth and him trying to figure out his body. Greg will receive snaps on both sides of the ball as a Freshman. This will be good for his overall development as a player to play meaningful minutes this early on in his career. You will hear the name Greg Keeton sooner than later!
Cedric Owens Jr. | WR/DB | Adams County Christian
Mr. Owens is a 2026 guy that is impressive to watch on film. He has a majestically imposing wingspan and shows signs of being a guy that can wiggle and stretch the field already. He moves well as a wide-out and defensive back for his age. Cedric has the savvy and athleticism to play both sides of the ball as a freshman, but he seems to move more naturally and is more adept at making plays on the offensive side of the ball. His cuts are crisp, clean, and void of wasted movement. Owens’ long strides and quick-twitch ability make him a potential speed threat in the making. Cedric’s ball skills coupled with his athleticism and catch-radius are all signs of a kid that will be tough to deal with. Once this kid gets games under his belt, I’m sure his coaches will be finding ways to implement him early on. Hopefully this will boost his already gradual development as a player and warrant him the recognition he deserves. With the sufficient amount of time and effort Cedric puts into his game, he will be a kid you’ll want to have on your radar in the years to come. He finished up his Junior High Career with Natchez, but will be attending Adams County Christian for the 2022-2023 school year!
Preston Ashley Preston Ashley 5'11" | 160 lbs | DB Brandon | 2026 State MS | ATH | 5’10 160 | Brandon
Preston Ashley Preston Ashley 5'11" | 160 lbs | DB Brandon | 2026 State MS is an athletically gifted Freshman out of Brandon HS that has been on my radar for quite some time now! He is listed as a Athlete, but his primary position is at Defensive Back. As a DB prospect this kid checks all boxes… As a Freshman! He has great hips, explosion in and out of his transitional breaks, and ball skills that are nothing short of exceptional. Ashley runs well and seamlessly checks in and out of his breaks with ease. He works good with his hands to keep receivers off of his toes and exactly where he wants them. Preston is kid with a lot of hype surrounding him going into his Freshman year, but I can’t even call it hype, because all of the noise and chatter following the kid is true and much deserved. The 2026 prospect performed well this summer at Ole Miss, Miss. State and LSU’s prospect camps. With that being said Preston Ashley Preston Ashley 5'11" | 160 lbs | DB Brandon | 2026 State MS is going to be one of the most sought after players in Mississippi on the defensive side of the ball for the 2026 class. Assuming he claims a starting role, Ashley will be facing some respectable talent this year at the WR position based off of teams that the Bulldogs are facing. I am eagerly awaiting his debut season for Brandon. He is going to turn heads early on depending on what schools are comfortable trying him.
Alex Sanders | DB/RB | 5’10 165 | Vancleave
This kid has all the potential makings of a player that is lightning in a bottle place in the form of a 2026 Freshman prospect. His agility, strength, and first step quickness are all impressive. Sanders is a two sport athlete, competing in track & field as well as football. Alex has respectable speed for a 2026 prospect, clocking in an exceptional 25.06 in the 200 m in a meet last year as a 7th grader. He is currently listed on Vancleave’s roster as a DB, but the running back position is where I believe he will assume as his high school career progresses. In the few videos I have seen the kid shows good burst, balance, and anticipation. Alex is no slouch in the weight room either, easily moving weight over 225 lbs on bench press. Am I saying the kid is a star, no. Not by any stretch of the imagination. However, I do believe with the talent he has, Alex Sanders will surely be special under adequate coaching and positive culture to cultivate his current skill-set.
Ananias J. McBride | LB | 6’0 185 | Forest
AJ McBride has a skill-set renowned to most HS athletes at his age. He has size, speed, agility, power, and instincts. All of the characteristics listed make for a great football player no matter the position, but especially for most linebackers. The 2026 prospect is a marvel to watch defensively. AJ plays with good technique and also knows when to take calculated risks, as a freshman. He attacks blocks well with violent hands or by simply slipping oncoming offensive players. I love the reckless abandon he has when closing in on ball carriers, although it puts him out of position to complete tackles at times. It is like watching controlled chaos play out in real time seeing this kid move from sideline to sideline. AJ has the innate ability to seamlessly read, run the alley, and lay out to make plays. Often executing, making tackles and making reads you’d expect upper-classmen to make. Simply put, AJ McBride is a pure ball player, and I’ve witnessed his potential and how great he could be first hand. I’m overly eager to see how his freshman year goes.