2026 Rankings: New Additions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>75 New Additions to the 2026 Rankings is a lot, so I put a cap on this article mentioning the New Additions in the Top 30, excluding QBs [player_tooltip player_id='726060' first='Marcus' last='Snipes Jr'] and [player_tooltip player_id='451414' first='Justus' last='Murray Jr'], who were written about in last week's Freshman Friday article which you can check out <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2023/05/new-york-freshman-friday-v/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. 2026 players from New York are much harder to project than other states because not many freshmen play varsity or lack the size to be recruitable this early on. Either way, think of these rankings as a list of top prospects who will generate interest from schools as their careers develop, some of which could land DIII, and some could take the next step into being a DI prospect. Either way, all these names have good potential and come from different backgrounds and team situations. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["532839"],"_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_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='532839' first='Trevor' last='Benjamin Jr'] is one of the top OL in the state and will be a key player for a Holy Trinity offensive line that is moving up to the AAA division in the catholic league. Benjamin Jr is really athletic for an OL and while he is listed at 260lbs still has some really good power and strength in his base. Benjamin Jr has really good foot speed allowing him to get to the next level and make blocks but also is really good at recovering with that quickness. Benjamin Jr does a good job of moving laterally in his pass blocking sets and does a good job staying in front and mirroring the direction of pass rushers.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["402255"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"A really strong spring camp season at the Elite V showcase and the PrepRedzone NY/NJ camp Carlos u0022CJu0022 Malespin is a top interior offensive line prospect in this class. He still has room to grow and refine his build and athleticism but there are not many freshman who have the power that Malespin does. His ability to hold his ground, anchor and use his lower body strength to get defensive lineman vertical is impressive. Malespin has some really solid hand usage too where he does a good job of his initial punch and readjusting to gain leverage as he moves.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["806369"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='806369' first='Ameir' last='Morrow'] is a name that could rocket up our rankings come this fall and as he develops through high school. Morrow has been killing the 7v7 circuit and I have even had a couple people who have played against him or coach against him in 7v7 mention his name. It is not often you hear of a freshman running back getting noticed for what he can do as a receiver in 7v7 but Morrow has the smooth athleticism to be put anywhere. Morrow has that quick one-cut ability and acceleration that even through tighter holes and lanes he can get to the second and third level quickly. Morrow is RB#2 right now and likely will be a headline one of the better RB classes we have seen come out of New York in a few years.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["648879"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='648879' first='Robert' last='Rubinstein'] is a name to watch because he already has a verbal offer from Western Kentucky. At 6'5 there is clear potential as an edge rusher and Rubinstein is really good at utilizing his length to win. There is a really nice quickness and speed aspect to his game where he can win around the edge and finishes the quarterback really well. Rubinstein also has some good counter pass rushing moves and showcased the ability to rush the passer standing up on the edge or down in a stance as inside as 3-tech. Versatility, measurables, and athleticism make Rubinstein a name to watch.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["575516"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='575516' first='Omar' last='Mendez Jr'] showcased a couple camps I have seen him at that he is a terror to block on the edge. The Moore Catholic DE is really explosive with good quickness and speed. The pass rush moves are there as well as the motor to fight through and win against tougher offensive lineman. Mendez Jr has really nice ability to stay low and keep balance when cornering to the QB. Overall, Mendez has one of the highest ceilings in this class on the edge and is a new addition to our rankings.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["402253"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='402253' first='Ali' last='Farhat'] spent last season on JV but there is a clear path for the 6'6 tackle to play this season and even jump on the radar of colleges. With his measurables alone he will generate some interest but when you watch the tape you see why he is a top prospect in this class. Farhat is a lean 6'6 and there is room for muscle and weight. He has good strength in his upper body and keeps defenders at length with his wingspan. He has the tools and traits for your ideal tackle prospect. JV to CHSFL Varsity is a big jump especially considering the DL talent this year but Farhat is a name to watch through the fall.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["743701"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='743701' first='Prince' last='Mack'] played a few games on Varsity last season for Longwood and made an impression. Mack is a LB/RB/ATH who can play multiple positions and really excelled on the defensive side of the ball. He may be a little small as of now but has time to add some weight but the tape is really high quality play for a freshman. Mack has a knack for getting to the ball and being around the action. He reads plays well and has good explosiveness and closing speed as a tackler. Mack has a ton of potential that we saw play out through a few games but under a full season with more responsibility and expectation Mack is one of the top 2026 players in Long Island.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["735875"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='735875' first='Anthony' last='Dinapoli'] is a really quality prospect for Iona Prep's offensive line group. Dinapoli has really good measurables and really solid tape. There is a good chance that Dinapoli is the heir to top 2025 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='286675' first='Rowan' last='Byrne']'s left tackle spot and could even see some time at other positions before that. Dinapoli moves well and can block in space. He has solid footwork in his pass sets and can finish blocks in the run game. Overall, a consistent JV player with the size and measurables to make the jump and be a quality prospect for Iona Prep.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["402264"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='402264' first='Jahsear' last='Harris'] has some speed that not many other athletes in New York posses. A DB/ATH Harris could be is a part of the next generation of athletic Erasmus Hall defensive backs after [player_tooltip player_id='232927' first='Catrell' last='White'], [player_tooltip player_id='232929' first='Jeremiah' last='Colclough'], and [player_tooltip player_id='546446' first='James' last='Miller'] all graduated and are playing at the next level. Harris does not have varsity tape but is clearly going to be a top prospect in the class of 2026 hence his inclusion in the rankings. Harris would start at most other schools in New York but at Erasmus Hall the defensive back development is so consistent that every year they are churning our DI-DIII prospects. Harris is one of the next names to be manning that defensive backfield.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["735901"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='735901' first='Aidan' last='Winter'] is a true ATH in that he could really play most skill positions and be the best player on his team there. Good measurables as a freshman at 5'11, 180lbs Winter was very dominant on both sides of the ball. Over 1,000 all purpose yards and 12 all purpose TDs combined with 80 tackles are numbers and production that not many freshman have. Winter has good athleticism and body control and runs with really good agility and balance. Winter played some quarterback and had solid success there although when you watch his tape there is some good potential on the defensive side of the ball where his tackling and instincts are highlighted.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["606276"],"_player_evaluations_10_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='606276' first='Keith' last='Mcdowell'] has unprecedented size for a freshman. McDowell started last season and is over 325lbs. McDowell is all power and on the interior of the offensive line routinely brings guys to the ground. McDowell has good length where even his punch and arm extension can bring guys down and from tough angles and leverage. McDowell moves well inside the tackles and can get to LBs and even safeties but on the outside can struggle to reach the second level. McDowell has the size and strength to be noticed and should generate some interest. Finding the ideal playing weight to maximize that strength but also build some stronger foot speed and athleticism will be something that could really build McDowell's trajectory as a prospect.","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":11,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64667bb96cdf5"} /-->