Class of 2026 Rankings: Stock Risers
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These are some Freshman who has really solid varsity seasons and made a name for themselves. There is some serious talent here as some guys are already starting to get looks from Division 1 Teams and some have even picked…
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Continue ReadingThese are some Freshman who has really solid varsity seasons and made a name for themselves. There is some serious talent here as some guys are already starting to get looks from Division 1 Teams and some have even picked up some really significant offers.
De’Mari Clemons De’Mari Clemons 5’10” | 160 lbs | DB Bennett | 2026 State NY picked up offers from Syracuse and Buffalo which is a huge reason he makes this list. Clemons is a willing tackler and really solid cover corner. As time goes on he needs to fill out his frame as he is only 155 pounds but no Freshman made more noise this offseason and early season than Clemons did. He not only plays a fair amount for Bennett but he plays against high level competition in high leverage games as a Freshman. Right now Clemons is showing the skills but more development could be the key to him gaining interest outside of New York State.
Highlights
Jarrett Serate Jarrett Serate 6’1″ | 285 lbs | DL Curtis | 2026 State NY is quickly becoming a star for Curtis High School as the season continues for the PSAL contenders. Serate has a strong base and does not get pushed of the LOS much at all. Serate does a solid job of fighting through double teams and will use his strength and leverage to beat blockers into open gaps. Serate has the size of an interior defensive lineman and moves fairly well for the position. Overall, not many Freshman have continued to get better every week like Serate has. Serate is playing his best football most recently and was one of the bright spots for Curtis in a tough Loss against PSAL powerhouse Erasmus Hall.
Messiah Hampton Messiah Hampton 6’1″ | 170 lbs | WR Monroe | 2026 State NY put his name on the recruiting map this fall when he picked up an offer from the University of Buffalo. Hampton may not play at the highest level of high school ball in New York but that should not take away from the skillset he has shown. Hampton will go up and make contested catches and routinely makes difficult catches look easy. Hampton is also a solid route runner and does a good job of turning shorter routes up field after the catch. Hampton could be playing at the highest level in New York right now and he still would have the same impact as a Freshman. Hampton has become a true playmaker for his team this season and has not only got us watching but enough people to pick up a D1 offer.
King Mercer King Mercer 6’3″ | 260 lbs | DL Carmel | 2026 State NY has been a really solid pass rusher for Mt. Vernon, the freshman is strong and can finish the quarterback. Mercer came onto the scene this season and has really been one of the best players on his team as only a freshman. Mercer as solid against the run and comes of blocks to make plays at the LOS. Mercer showed his ability to get to the quarterback this season which is a coveted trait at the next level. Although he really put his name on the map this season Mercer needs to continue to develop a more well rounded game to start getting attention at the next level.
Julani Graham Julani Graham 6’0″ | 195 lbs | RB Middletown | 2026 State NY is not a true RB and more of a FB/LB type of player for Middletown. Middletown is known to run a Wing-T/triple option offense most of their offensive plays and Graham plays the FB position just a a couple yards behind the QB. Graham is a bruising runner who can break multiple tackles on his runs. Graham also has the speed to get away from players on the first and second level of the defense. With a little added to his frame Graham could become the ideal H-back/FB/TE prospect for a bunch of programs at the next level. His athleticism is really solid and his contributions as a Freshman only show really promising potential.
Tyshawn Bent Tyshawn Bent 5’10” | 175 lbs | RB Tottenville | 2026 State NY came on strong in his freshman season for Tottenville as he was one of the leaders on offense with over 1,000 all purpose yards and 13TDS (At the time of this article). Bent has elite speed and with a smaller size of 5-10, 170 Bent uses elite quickness and agility to make tacklers miss. Bent is not the type of back to run over linebackers but more of a player you want to get in space and force players to make tackles 1v1. Bent caught the attention of many this season, including Temple who gave him his first D1 offer.