Al Pops: 10 Louisiana 2026’s for LSU Tiger Fans to Know Early
The class of 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most talented in a long time. While it is early in the recruitment process for these athletes, there have been a record amount of scholarship offers handed out…
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Continue ReadingThe class of 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most talented in a long time. While it is early in the recruitment process for these athletes, there have been a record amount of scholarship offers handed out to this class. In Louisiana specifically, we’ve covered a number of talented prospects, spearheaded by a piece last month taking a look at Six Louisiana 2026 Prospects I’d Offer Right Now. Two of the athletes in that article ( Lamar Brown Lamar Brown 6'4" | 260 lbs | OL University Lab | 2026 State LA & Jahkeem Stewart Jahkeem Stewart 6'6" | 280 lbs | DL St. Augustine | 2026 State LA ) have been offered by the LSU Tigers. Here’s a look at 10 more prospects the Death Valley Faithful should know early.
RJ Fleming | Louisiana | Catholic (BR) | Defensive Line
Fleming is the type of long, lean Defensive End prospect that a lot of Offensive Tackles struggle to block. At 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds, he has the length and quickness to quickly gain the edge on a pass rush. Had multiple sacks in every game during his eighth grade season. Has the type of frame that can easily carry 230-245 pounds by the time he’s ready to sign. Also plays basketball, with the impressive footwork and agility serving as a byproduct for his production on the gridiron.
Isaiah Stokes | Louisiana | Catholic (BR) | Linebacker
Throwing on the tape, Stokes is the type of player you want as the leader of your defense at any Linebacker spot. Already 6-foot-1 and 170 pounds, he really does cover sideline-to-sideline and has elite range for just being a 2026 prospect. Understands angles very well, and, at this point, has the speed to make up for any poor ones he may take. Looks very athletic dropping into space, thanks to combination of physicality and fluidity.
Jalan Chapman | Louisiana | Warren Easton | Offensive Line
If you ask any high school coach in America, they’d welcome an incoming freshman Offensive Tackle that is 6-foot-3 and 260 pounds, with open arms. Chapman carries his weight extremely well, with ideal length and frame. The size alone is impressive, but then add in the fact that he can already squat over 400 pounds and it’s a recipe for a promising prospect. On the field, does a good job of keeping his feet while drive blocking and his athleticism allows him to match rushers step for step when pass blocking.
Kolston Martinez Kolston Martinez 6'0" | 175 lbs | DB John Curtis | 2026 State LA | Louisiana | John Curtis | Linebacker
Martinez possesses the exact body type you’d imagine when thinking about an athletic Mike Linebacker. Standing a very well-built, 6-foot and 176 pounds, he’s a thick kid that loves to come down hill and small back carriers behind the line of scrimmage in the tackle box. That said, he’s also significantly more athletic than your traditional throwback Mikes. Very capable of getting his hand on errant passes across the middle. Also reads very well, making stops on swing passes and screens.
Amaren Sanders | Louisiana | Madison Prep | Wide Receiver
The Madison Prep Chargers tasted 3A State Championship victory in 2020 and are reloading to make another significant run at the title again. Sanders looks like he could be a big piece of the group gearing up for that next championship run. I’m a big fan of what I see in terms of physical presence on the field. Right now stands 6-foot and 177 pounds with a huge catch radius that makes him seem much bigger, longer. Has room to improve top end speed but is a dangerous Wideout with very dependable hands.
Aiden Hall | Louisiana | Edna Karr | Athlete
I’m not sure what position Hall will end up playing during the entirety of his high school career with the Cougars, but he’s going to be an elite talent. Already 6-foot-2 and 165 pounds, he possesses the special mix of size and length that can make him a real difference maker on defense. If he ends up as a Safety, he covers a lot of ground with his length and looks every bit a 4.7 guy right now. If he ends up at Outside Linebacker, opposing offenses will be hard-pressed to find/create a mismatch with him.
Dylan Shelmire | Louisiana | Zachary | Athlete
Coming off an incredible eighth grade season where he quite literally did it all for Northwestern Middle School, Shelmire appears to be next in line for early success at Zachary. Shelmire stands at 6-foot and 184 pounds and has lined up at Wide Receiver, Running Back, Defensive Back and Linebacker to this point. Plays a violent, aggressive brand of football no matter what position he’s lined up as. If I had to decide right now where he settles in, I’d say Running Back but the jury will remain out.
Kris Brooks | Louisiana | N/A | Athlete
Brooks is a good looking young prospect that appears to be able to play on either side of the ball at this point. At 6-foot-3 and 160 pounds he stretches the field vertically as a Wide Receiver extremely well. Can high point the ball with the best of them and makes headtap grabs a common thing. Defensively he’s a true Safety with a great wingspan. He has the ability to blanket Receivers streaking downfield and can eliminate them as a threat. More on the athleticism, he can dunk from a standstill.
Clinton Hill | Louisiana | St. Augustine | Linebacker
Unlike the other 2026 prospects on this list that appear like they could be Varsity contributers from the jump, Hill will need a year or so to develop and grow a bit–but he’s definitely going to be a ball player. Right now stands at a very solid 5-foot-9 and 160 pounds and is listed on the Purple Knights Varsity roster. Fast, athletic and a stifling tackler make him a valuable asset at either Strong Safety or Outside Linebacker on the High School level. Reminds me a lot of another St. Augustine alumni, Tyrann Mahieu.
Carlin Kinchen | Louisiana | Archbishop Rummel | Defensive Back
Kinchen spent his eighth grade season playing for both Rummel and the New Orleans Dolphins. The latter of the two teams is one of the premier youth programs in both tackle football and 7-on-7, in the country. Kinchen looks like a budding superstar at Safety, currently measuring in at 5-foot-9 and 163 pounds, while running a 4.8 in the forty. Goes without saying that his ball skills are very advanced for this level, but what I love, is his willingness to tackle. Embraces contact and isn’t afraid to lay the wood.