WILL BIG CORNERS CONTINUE TO TREND?
Within the final couple of recruiting cycles there have been numerous 6-foot-1 and taller cornerbacks which have been among the many highest-ranked prospects on the place. Zabien Brown and Kobe Black are two examples from the 2024 cycle, whereas Devin Sanchez and Na’eem Offord match that mould in 2025..
Will we see extra of that within the 2026 class? Brandon Lockhart, Aiden Hall and Samari Matthews are all 6-foot-1 and up. A wave of huge corners appears to be hitting faculty soccer proper now. Coaches covet the dimensions and pace combo to maintain up with quite a lot of large receivers on the perimeter.
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WHO WILL BE THE FIRST FIVE-STAR?
There have been 5 defensive backs within the 2024 class that ended the cycle rated as five-stars. At present there are three five-star defensive backs within the 2025 class. Who’re the highest candidates to be the primary five-star cornerback or security within the 2026 class?
California cornerback Brandon Lockhart is more likely to make a powerful case throughout the again half of his highschool profession. He’s a clean nook that can proceed to get greater. Over at security, Zelus Hicks definitely has the look to proceed climbing. So does big-hitting Louisiana native Blaine Bradford.
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WILL ZELUS HICKS RECLASSIFY TO 2025?
One of many largest questions for all the class facilities round Zelus Hicks‘ determination. Will he keep within the 2026 class or transfer up a 12 months to the present cycle? We now have seen big-time gamers do that just lately with Julian Lewis making an identical transfer just lately.
If Hicks makes that transfer, what does it do for his recruitment? Ohio State is the favourite proper now. However the Buckeyes’ defensive again group for 2025 is on tempo to be among the best ever. Would he wish to be part of that or go some other place with a cleaner path to taking part in time? Auburn, Miami, Georgia and Clemson are additionally among the many applications closely concerned.
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WHO IS A FUTURE RISER AT CORNERBACK?
The group of cornerbacks this cycle are deep with numerous completely different play types. That ought to make for some enjoyable debate as we transfer by means of the cycle on who ought to stand up the rankings. Justice Fitzpatrick is already extremely rated however may proceed shifting up. There’s a lot to love about Ohio native Elbert Hill and he’s one to look at.
Hold an eye fixed out for uber-athletic cornerback J’Vari Flowers from Miami Northwestern. He’s put up some nice testing numbers this offseason and performs for a powerhouse program.