Rivals Five-Star: Storylines surrounding defensive backs


Opponents 5-Celebrity: Storylines shape defensive backs

The Opponents 5-Celebrity is again nearest month in Jacksonville and one of the crucial public’s zenith defensive backs within the 2025 and 2026 categories will probably be figuring out.

Listed below are 5 storylines we’re gazing heading into the premier summer time tournament.

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MORE RIVALS FIVE-STAR: SEC groups in highlight | Bulky Ten groups in highlight | ACC groups in highlight | 5 QBs storylines | RB storylines | WR storylines | TE storylines | OL storylines | DL storylines | LB storylines | Roster | Opponents 5-Celebrity prepared for Jacksonville

PROSPECTS THAT COULD BOOST THEIR STOCK: Southeast | Florida potentialities | Mid-South | Midwest | Northeast | West

BEST OF THE RIVALS CAMP SERIES: Manage 10 quarterbacks | Manage 10 operating backs | Manage 10 receivers | Manage 10 tight ends | Manage 10 defensive linemen | Manage 10 linebackers | Manage 10 defensive backs

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1. Will a DB earn a 5th celebrity in Jacksonville?

Within the 2025 magnificence, there are 3 defensive backs who aren’t a ways out from being a five-star probability.

Native Jacksonville (Fla.) Mandarin protection Hylton Stubbs is recently ranked Negative. 27 within the Rivals250. There are recently 18 five-stars within the 2025 cycle and Stubbs was once a up to date riser of 13 spots within the fresh replace. It could no longer be stunning in any respect to peer him placed on a appearing that may name for a 5th celebrity.

Now not too a ways unwell the checklist is Chris Ewald Jr. at Negative. 40. Ewald was once at Negative. 13 simply over six months in the past, however has since dipped unwell a couple of instances. He may just turn out in Jacksonville that he must stand again up within the Rivals250.

The 3rd within the 2025 magnificence who may just sneak up on five-stars is Mater Dei’s Chuck McDonald III at Negative. 50 total. The California local has been a gradual riser this offseason, emerging alike to 50 spots general.

Within the 2026 magnificence, there’s a duo this is a lot nearer than even their 2025 opposite numbers to five-star situation. Carrollton (Ga.) protection Zelus Hicks unearths himself at Negative. 12 recently. There are 8 five-stars within the 2026 cycle and the 6-foot-3, 180-pounder is out to seek his 5th celebrity. Simply six spots in the back of him is Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade Madonna athlete Derrek Cooper. The multi-position probability will have the ability to display his versatility in Jacksonville.

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2. Can Omarion Robinson crack his score slide?

Minute Rock (Ark.) Landscape View four-star protection Omarion Robinson is the zenith probability within the situation of Arkansas in 2025. Regardless of keeping up his Negative. 1 spot within the situation, he has continuously dropped within the Rivals250. Not one of the drops were drastic, going from Negative. 75 to Negative. 121 over 8 particular person ratings updates.

So, for necessarily the primary pace, can Robinson opposite this development and spot his score progress up? He’s going to have an magnificient alternative to turn simply that, and possibly in finding himself again within the top-100.

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3. Does Jett White belong within the Rivals250 as soon as once more?

Like Robinson above him, Jett White was once as soon as a top-100 probability, however he now unearths himself at the out of doors having a look in on the Rivals250. The Maryland devote has a super body for the placement at 6-foot-2, 175-pounds, so we can be searching for him to flash one of the crucial skills that have been obvious previous in his recruitment.

In his most up-to-date season, as a youthful, White reportedly had 23 cross breakups along side one interception. It’s that stage of passing disruption we wish to see from White in Jacksonville.

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4. What role will it’s for Derrek Cooper?

Derrek Cooper is the top-ranked athlete within the nation within the 2026 cycle. What makes him particular is he really may just journey the “athlete” designation to the tip as he’s a distinct skill at a couple of positions. Cooper is a shockingly flexible probability who may just excel as a operating again, receiver, linebacker or defensive again.

On the Opponents Camp Order in Miami he selected to take part as a operating again and ruled the contest. Cooper’s pace, quickness, explode, reducing skills, measurement, lengthy hands and ball abilities made it just about unattainable for linebackers to reserve him in take a look at.

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5. The place will Hylton Stubbs finally end up? 

USC has suffered some weighty decommitments within the occasion of June and there are rumbles Stubbs may well be nearest. The Negative. 27 total probability dedicated to USC on March 24, however has since taken professional visits, along side USC, to Florida Situation, Florida and Miami.

Stubbs was once as soon as predicted by way of a number of to decide to Florida earlier than he quickly later made the selection to decide to USC.

It’ll be a scorching combat between no less than the 4 systems who’ve hosted for professional visits, however being as extremely touted as he’s, there are possibly to be others who paintings to stick concerned. USC has a difficult combat on their fingers to accumulation at the Jacksonville local.

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Rivals Five-Star: Storylines Surrounding Linebackers


The Competitors 5-Famous person is again then moment in Jacksonville and probably the most nation’s manage linebackers within the 2025 and 2026 categories might be figuring out.

Listed here are 5 storylines we’re gazing heading into the premier summer time tournament.

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Can any program catch Ohio Situation for Justin Hill?

Getting into professional talk over with season in June the Buckeyes held a commanding top for the four-star out of doors linebacker. The Cincinnati (Ohio) Winton Logs standout has additionally taken professional visits to USC, Alabama and Oregon.

His relief stage is prime in Columbus and Ohio Situation has been pushing dried for him thru his recruitment. All 3 of USC, Alabama and Oregon deal one thing distinctive to him and are operating excellent methods.

However it’s dried to believe any of the methods from out of doors the area having the ability to go up the in-state Buckeyes.

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Will a 2025 linebacker earn a 5th megastar?

Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng

Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng (Nick Lucero/Competitors.com)

On the pace, we do not need a five-star linebacker within the 2025 Rivals250. The stunning factor about Competitors 5-Famous person is that each the Disagree. 1 outside and inside linebackers might be on the tournament competing and they are going to each have the probability to end up they will have to have a 5th megastar.

Within linebacker Riley Pettijohn is making the go back and forth from McKinney, Texas. He’s taken professional visits to Ohio Situation, Texas, USC and Texas A&M. He’s were given a skillset and body that will permit him to manipulate in quite a few schemes.

Out of doors linebacker Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng is a sensation ailing at IMG Academy. He’s taken professional visits to Ohio Situation, Michigan, USC and Notre Dame. His brother starred for the Irish sooner than his NFL profession.

Each potentialities could have plethora of alternatives to exhibit their abilities in Jacksonville.

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3.

Will Christian Jones keep house?

Christian Jones

Christian Jones (Nick Lucero/Competitors.com)

4-star Omaha (Neb.) Westside linebacker Christian Jones is as sought-after as any linebacker chance within the nation. On the other hand, it’s been tricky for methods to split into his manage crew. Notre Dame used to be considered the manage warning to Nebraska and after the Irish have been eradicated sooner than an professional talk over with may just occur.

Auburn and Oklahoma did get professional visits. It feels just like the Sooners have Jones’ consideration essentially the most of any out of situation program.

Nebraska has been a relentless in his recruitment. The relationships and familiarity are there between Jones and Nebraska. Matt Rhule and his workforce will have to be capable of near the offer if they may be able to persuade him that wins are coming to Lincoln quickly.

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Will any individual stake a declare because the manage canine in 2026?

Jordan Campbell

Jordan Campbell (Nick Lucero/Competitors.com)

One fascinating fold concerning the linebacker crew in Jacksonville is that we will be able to get a stunning take a look at probably the most manage 2026 gamers on the place, akin to Jordan Campbell, Anthony Davis, Kosi Okpala and Tony Williams.

Those potentialities are all rated as a four-star with stunning deal sheets however none are ranked because the manage chance at their place. This might be a stunning alternative to measurement them up towards every alternative and probably see who merits a bump.

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Can we see Simeon Caldwell emerge at linebacker?

Simeon Caldwell

Simeon Caldwell (Nick Lucero/Competitors.com)

Each and every cycle there appears to be a couple of potentialities that saved rising from the security place and finally end up as hybrid linebackers. The ones gamers are very coveted through faculties on account of the original skillset they create with stunning measurement and velocity mixtures.

There’s a quantity of buzz ailing in Florida about Jacksonville (Fla.) Bolles four-star Simeon Caldwell rising right into a hybrid linebacker. He’s been a security in his highschool profession however colleges are actually providing him as a linebacker. After we get a probability to peer him then to the alternative linebackers all the way through drills, how will he store up?

Miami, Georgia, Ohio Situation, Florida Situation and lots of others who’ve presented him is also paying near consideration.

Rivals Five-Star: Storylines Surrounding D-linemen


The Opponents 5-Superstar is again later life in Jacksonville and one of the most nation’s govern defensive linemen within the 2025 and 2026 categories might be figuring out.

Listed here are 5 storylines we’re observing heading into the premier summer season match.

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MORE RIVALS FIVE-STAR: Heavy Ten groups in highlight | 5 QBs storylines | RB storylines | WR storylines | Roster | TE storylines | OL storylines | Opponents 5-Superstar poised for Jacksonville

PROSPECTS THAT COULD BOOST THEIR STOCK: Southeast | Florida potentialities | Mid-South | Midwest | Northeast | West

BEST OF THE RIVALS CAMP SERIES: Supremacy 10 quarterbacks | Supremacy 10 working backs | Supremacy 10 receivers | Supremacy 10 tight ends | Supremacy 10 defensive linemen | Supremacy 10 linebackers | Supremacy 10 defensive backs

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1. Can Hilson hunt that 5th famous person?

The Florida Atmosphere loyalty used to be bumped as much as the Deny. 19 general lease within the nation within the latter ratings replace, which means he’s the highest-ranked anticipation past five-star condition within the elegance. Hilson made the journey up the ranks following a dominant 2023 season, serving to Cocoa (Fla.) Top Faculty to a atmosphere championship, adopted up by way of a head-turning spring together with a defensive wrinkle MVP run on the RCS oppose in south Florida again in April.

Hilson, who left-overs coveted by way of Texas, Florida and UCF regardless of the FSU loyalty, has been gunning for the 5th famous person since he learned how related he used to be to the mantle next latter replace. Hilson has that twitch to return off the threshold and win with first-step pace, however he additionally has an array of counter strikes to turn energy year running towards the internal of the trenches. That whole pass-rush ability poised will supremacy to marquee matchups in opposition to one of the most govern tackles nationally.

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2. Thanos’ hardest check yet 

Jahkeem Stewart

Jahkeem Stewart

Jahkeem Stewart, a.okay.a. Thanos, has been a dominant drive on the Opponents Camp Sequence stops within the patch over the latter few years – profitable D-line MVP every of the latter 3 offseasons. Must he grasp a fourth honor in Jacksonville, it will greater than proceed to validate his Deny. 1 general rating within the elegance of 2026.

However Stewart has now not covered up by contrast truncate of combatants simply but in his younger profession. The Louisiana local, who used to be in Los Angeles latter life wearing some USC tools, has the body to problem blockers each from the internal or outdoors at the edge, one thing few competition have the prospect to copy. Getting a unutilized have a look at the motor and ability poised by contrast array of blockers, most commonly no less than a occasion used than Stewart as properly, might be a few of the most attractive storylines of the development irrespective of place.

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3. Magnificence of 2026 crew supplies depth 

Daverin Geralds

Daverin Geralds (Nick Lucero/Opponents.com)

It’s now not simply the five-star Stewart a few of the elegance of 2026 defensive linemen anticipated to compete. 3 extra govern 50 rising-juniors up entrance, amongst others, are hungry to return in and push for their very own probabilities at turning into a five-star within the updates to return. The gang contending in 2026 options other types, too.

Mississippi’s Jareylan McCoy assessments in at a high, but athletic 6-foot-7. At the alternative finish of the spectrum is the RCS Atlanta defensive wrinkle MVP in Daverin Geralds, who packs a compact punch at 6-foot-1, 260 kilos or so. In between is the well-traveled James Carrington, now at Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman.

Can any of those elite sophomores deal with Stewart and/or the 2025 crew forward of them?

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4. All visible on Zion Grady

Zion Grady

Zion Grady

Each off and on the subject, the Undertaking (Ala.) Top Faculty famous person will grow to be his personal storyline in Jacksonville. He’s the only elegance of 2025 defensive lineman poised to compete with no need come off the board with a verbal loyalty.

An Alabama promise when Nick Saban used to be on the helm, Grady has been lovely extensive not hidden since. In-state Auburn, which simply picked up his teammate in Eric Winters, is a program to observe, in conjunction with Tennessee and Ohio Atmosphere, amongst others.

At the subject, the long edge has a possibility to climb up the ratings together with his distinctive frame kind and ability poised. There aren’t many narrow pace rushers like him anticipated to compete, so a dominant run – particularly with 3 five-star tackles at the alternative aspect – may just move a ways towards a development up upper within the Rivals250 simply as loyalty year attracts ever closer.

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5. Cordova a person on a venture

Gus Cordova

Gus Cordova (Gus Cordova on Twitter)

From a reason point of view, few competition within the loaded subject might be taking a look to form a remark the way in which Gus Cordova is most probably taking a look to. From combating the belief of govern techniques cooling on him as a lease as a result of an off-the-field factor to creating an early loyalty to USC – the Texas local will command plethora of consideration in Jacksonville.

Armed with a admirable body at a indexed 6-foot-5, 255 kilos, Cordova has the kind of form to form performs in opposition to each tackles and inner blockers similar. It will snatch that form of outside-in efficiency to generate actual buzz for the anticipation and USC similar – one thing that would play games well timed since two elite defensive linemen simply decommitted from Lincoln Riley‘s program.

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RIVALS CAMP SERIES REGIONAL COVERAGE

Rivals Five-Star: Storylines Surrounding O-linemen


The Competitors 5-Megastar is again upcoming month in Jacksonville and probably the most nation’s summit offensive linemen within the 2025 and 2026 categories will probably be understanding.

Listed here are 4 storylines we’re looking at heading into the premier summer time match.

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MORE RIVALS FIVE-STAR: 5 QBs storylines | RB storylines | WR storylines | Roster | TE storylines | Competitors 5-Megastar eager for Jacksonville

PROSPECTS THAT COULD BOOST THEIR STOCK: Southeast | Florida potentialities | Mid-South | Midwest | Northeast | West

BEST OF THE RIVALS CAMP SERIES: Manage 10 quarterbacks | Manage 10 operating backs | Manage 10 receivers | Manage 10 tight ends | Manage 10 defensive linemen | Manage 10 linebackers | Manage 10 defensive backs

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1. Can Douglas Utu related the distance for Refuse. 1?

Douglas Utu

Douglas Utu (Nick Lucero/Competitors.com)

5-star Las Vegas (Nev.) Gorman OT Douglas Utu is the highest-rated offensive lineman slated to compete on the Competitors 5-Megastar. The 6-foot-6, 300-pounder is the Refuse. 2 anticipation at his function – at the back of simplest David Sanders – and enters the development because the Refuse. 8 general employ within the Rivals250 for the 2025 elegance.

Utu is already a top-10 anticipation and highest-rated non-quarterback anticipated to compete on this match. The West Coast blue-chipper has movie that pops, however in a reside atmosphere in opposition to an array of various pass-rushers – fast edge defenders, tough defensive ends and a number of other hybrid linemen – Utu has any other alternative to reinforce his playground throughout the Competitors summit 10 and related the distance — or problem — Sanders as OT1.

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2. Carter Lowe vs. Jaylen Williams will probably be a just right teaser sooner than soccer season.

There are taking to be a number of primetime one-on-one showdowns use the cost of admission within the Competitors 5-Megastar, however as June nears an finish there may be one in particular Weighty Ten-themed matchup that’ll stoke some fires in Jacksonville.

Carter Lowe is the Refuse. 4 OT within the Rivals250 for this cycle and the Refuse. 12 general participant within the population out of Toledo (Ohio) Whitmer Prime. Like Utu, the elite offensive take on may have a possibility to related the distance with Sanders and others in his positional scores and doubtlessly shuffle up the deck within the summit 15.

He’ll actually have a matchup he must get aware of, looking to decelerate Rivals250 DE Jaylen Williams, one of the crucial summit defensive linemen slotted to compete on the match. Williams, who dedicated to Michigan previous this time, must grant a glimpse into the moment of the most productive contention in school soccer, particularly because it relates to the trenches.

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3. Owen Strebig and Micah Debose have a anticipation to dance again.

Notre Dame-committed OT Owen Strebig and four-star OT Micah Debose are two extra of the highest-ranked offensive tackles within the population each embedded within the Rivals100 for this cycle. Strebig, an early a part of Marcus Freeman’s elegance, is the Refuse. 64 general participant within the nation. Debose, who sits at Refuse. 98 within the population, is getting courted at more than one positions up entrance by way of probably the most nation’s summit systems.

This represents an noteceable reside analysis for each offensive tackles. Strebig and Debose input the development sitting because the Nos. 8 and 10-ranked tackles within the Rivals250, respectively. Strebig boasts remarkable measurement and may have a large space of edge-rushers to fight. Debose has unbelievable toes, energy and is position-versatile, which must permit him to progress head-to-head with each inside and edge defenders.

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4. Who’s eminent the bundle for four-star OT Mario Nash Jr.?

June has been a roller-coaster for Rivals250 OT Mario Nash Jr., who has already taken 3 reputable visits and is kicking off his fourth — at Mississippi Surrounding — this weekend. Nash, one of the crucial easiest out of Mississippi, soaked up Clemson to kick off June, which eager the bar for the four-star OL.

Upcoming going back on Baton Rouge utmost weekend, there may be buzz round any other eager of Tigers, too. In between reputable visits, Nash has squeezed in journeys to Alabama and Ohio Surrounding. He’s additionally closely coveted by way of each Ole Leave out and Surrounding in his yard. This race has already persevered its percentage of twists and turns, and extra are pending with Nash eager to put together a choice this autumn.

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5. Which OL is upcoming off the board?

June is changing into one in every of — if no longer — probably the most noteceable months at the recruiting calendar. No longer simplest are there many nationwide occasions and camps across the nation, however with reputable viists ongoing, choices are rolling in left and proper. That comes with lots of the nation’s easiest offensive linemen.

Of the gang heading to the Competitors 5-Megastar, a number of are simply days got rid of from making their loyalty. Rivals250 OL Michael Carroll picked Alabama and Zyaire Addison simply made the decision for the Geese. They tie dedicated OL like Avery Gach (Michigan) and Strebig (Notre Dame) additionally off the board.

Utu, Nash, Debose and Max Buchanan are all nonetheless navigating thru their choices. Utu and Nash are in incorrect sprint. Debose, a one-time Georgia agreement, and Buchanan have each been actively visiting faculties. Summertime choices are most likely within the playing cards for each Rivals250 OL.

Rivals Five-Star: Storylines Surrounding Tight Ends


The Opponents 5-Famous person is again then pace in Jacksonville and one of the crucial nation’s peak tight results in the 2025 and 2026 categories will likely be understanding.

Listed here are 4 storylines we’re looking at heading into the premier summer time match.

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MORE RIVALS FIVE-STAR: 5 QBs storylines | RB storylines | WR storylines | Roster | Opponents 5-Famous person poised for Jacksonville

PROSPECTS THAT COULD BOOST THEIR STOCK: Southeast | Florida potentialities | Mid-South | Midwest | Northeast | West

BEST OF THE RIVALS CAMP SERIES: Manage 10 quarterbacks | Manage 10 operating backs | Manage 10 receivers | Manage 10 tight ends | Manage 10 defensive linemen | Manage 10 linebackers | Manage 10 defensive backs

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1. CAN CURE BE THE FIVE-STAR TE IN 2025?

In 3 of the closing 4 NFL Drafts there was one tight finish taken within the first spherical so we will have to strongly imagine having a five-star amongst that team. Linkon Healing may just turn out he’s the most productive within the nation on the Opponents 5-Famous person.

Presently, Georgia dedicate Elyiss Williams leads the best way in the ones place scores and the Kingsland (Ga.) Camden County standout is particular. He’s 6-foot-8 and 230 kilos and performs like a fat extensive receiver so Williams will certainly be thought to be as neatly.

However Healing suits the mould of what each and every professional workforce is searching for on the place.

The Goodland, Kan., four-star standout has stunning dimension as neatly at 6-foot-6 and 220 kilos. He strikes extremely neatly, can fracture out and be a mismatch defect or keep in and prevent. He’s been tremendous notable at various occasions this offseason.

If he beats up on linebackers and defensive backs in Jacksonville nearest there’ll certainly be five-star attention for Healing, who has Oregon, Texas A&M, Kansas Climate and others concerned.

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2. BRAME CAN MAKE HIS OWN STATEMENT

Healing is the top-rated tight lead to Kansas and second-best within the 2025 elegance, however DaSaahn Brame, from Derby, Kan., may just actually manufacture his personal remark on the Opponents 5-Famous person and execute up the charts as neatly.

The 6-foot-6, 225-pound four-star tight finish has the bona fides with 46 catches for 942 yards and 13 touchdowns closing season on the similar highschool that produced Kansas State’s Avery Johnson and switch Dylan Edwards, who got here to Ny from Colorado.

The Healing-Brame condition may be actually fascinating in recruiting. Oregon has been thought to be the far-away chief for the Derby standout and now Healing is speaking very extremely of the Geese. Would each move to Eugene? If one commits there first does Kansas Climate remove the alternative? That condition may well be actually impish within the coming months.

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3. ROBERTS GIVES PREVIEW IN COLUMBUS

5-star Ohio Climate quarterback dedicate Tavien St. Clair will likely be in Jacksonville and no less than within the one-on-one conditions, he may just workforce up with Buckeyes tight finish word of honour Nate Roberts to provide everybody a preview of what’s coming to Columbus. It may well be actually impish.

At 6-foot-4 and 230 kilos, the Washington, Okla., standout, who had prior to now been dedicated to Notre Dame in what turns out like every other lifetime is now, locked in with Ohio Climate. He selected the Buckeyes over the native land Sooners.

He can certainly travel neatly, he blocks neatly and this offseason he has proven to have stunning palms.

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4. LOCAL BOY COMING TO COMPETE

The one 2026 tight finish coming to the Opponents 5-Famous person is Corbyn Fordham and he doesn’t have to return a ways because the Jacksonville (Fla.) Bolles standout performs proper ailing the street.

He’s additionally a actually fascinating chance as neatly since the 6-foot-4, 210-pound tight finish is similarly as relaxed splitting out and operating routes to stretch the ground as he’s blocking off and having a look to knock someone backward.

Ohio Climate, Auburn, LSU, Ole Pass over, Georgia, NC Climate, Texas A&M, Florida Climate, North Carolina and South Carolina are his peak 10. That’s an excessively robust team for Fordham, who’s having a look ahead to trying out himself in opposition to one of the crucial very best tight results in the category forward of him.