The choice is clear as Darnell is a big time playmaker for Indian River game in and game out. A Syracuse commit, one of the top players in the state, and recently named Off player of the Year in Class 2A. With just shy of 1,000 APY on the year and a total of 18 TDs on the year, Darnell is a player that defenses need to have an eye on every play. With legit track speed and dynamic with the ball in his hands, Darnell is a big play threat every time he touches the ball. Used in multiple ways: he carries the ball, handled PR/KR’s and is high level WR. He goes up and attacks the ball in the air and can in 50/50 balls. Stokes also contributes on the defensive side at DB. With his size, speed, athleticism, he is a rangy ball hawking DB that QBs always need to be wary of.

A player that impacts the game across all 3 phases, Darnell makes plays for his team week in and week out. He is a big reason why Indian River is undefeated on the year and the #1 seed in the 2A bracket. Look for Darnell to lead them deep into the playoffs over these next few weeks.

Overview: Stokes might be the state’s most complete receiver and overall football player. “Open” or not, he high-points the ball over defenders or catches it over his shoulder, then makes a move to generate additional yards. His elusiveness stands out even more when he takes handoffs out of the backfield for long runs. And on defense, Thomas attacks the ball in the air like the pass was meant for him. So although he won offensive player of the year in his district and he could be an X receiver at the G5 (or even P4) level, Stokes’s highest upside might be as a deep safety with his exceptional ball skills.

Position Evaluation – Wide Receiver: Darnell Stokes Darnell Stokes 6'3" | 185 lbs | ATH Indian River (DE) | 2026 State MD is a prospect who brings a lot of excitement to the offensive side of the football. He’s a true playmaker, consistently turning small gains into big plays. He’s always a threat to score, whether catching a five-yard hitch or taking a jet sweep. His highlights are filled with plays showing him eluding tacklers in space and outrunning people to the end zone. He’s a wide receiver who made a big impression, catching 639 receiving yards and running 598 rushing yards during the 2024 season.

Stokes’s playmaking ability is proven by the fact that he scored 22 total touchdowns last season.
What stands out most to me about Stokes is his acceleration and agility. He reaches top speed quickly and has the kind of “wile” that makes defenders miss in the open. For a player his size, Stokes’ short-area quickness is impressive. As I alluded to earlier, he’s dangerous after the catch.

Stokes can also create separation by his smooth route running or overall speed to outrun people. He also shows good awareness against zone cover, as he can find soft spots and adjust his route to get open. Stokes’ highlights show that he can beat defenders deep as well. I would like to see what his route running looks like beyond what’s on his highlights (it’s not his fault, of course).
With his explosiveness, speed, agility, and playmaking ability, Strokes has the potential to make a mark early at the next level.

Darnell had a monster of a game to help lift Indian River over Tatnall in what was one of the most exciting games of the playoffs. On the day Darnell had 152 total yards from scrimmage while scoring 4 times, two rushing TDs and 2 receiving TDs. Both of his rushing scores game off of jet sweep handoffs where he able to wiggle his way through the defense. He also had a 62 yard reception he beat the coverage over the top to score and then an impressive go up and get it grab mossing the defender in the back corner of the endzone for his second. Darnell was an MVP level performer for IR that game and was key to their victory. With two Power 4 Offers already, more are on the way after his performance this past weekend.

Stokes did a little bit of everything for the Indian head offense, he carried the ball for 500+ yards and 9 touchdowns, and recorded 400+ receiving yards for 6 touchdowns. 1000 all-purpose yards, 3 interceptions, and 18 total TDs between offense, defense, and special teams puts Stokes on the radar as an all-around weapon. His performance earned him All-State (DE) honors at WR and DB and his first D1 offer from Syracuse. He’s gaining some attention from a few other east coast programs, he’s definitely a player to keep an eye on.