The Class of 2026 features a diverse recruiting class that saw local high school football players end up at FBS, FCS, DII and DIII schools.

Several players from the region had productive high school hill careers and may have been under recruited in a sense. Now we aim to highlight these players and why the colleges or universities they committed to got a steal.

Geo Pena, DT, Malden Catholic (Assumption): Pena is a steal for Assumption and should make an immediate impact for the Greyhounds. He was virtually unblockable this season for the Lancers and one of the best defensive players in the Catholic Conference.

Hector Lopez, RB/DB, Greenwich High School (Hobert): A key cog in the Cardinals repeating as Class LL champions, Lopez was Mr. Do It All playing running back, defense and special teams. He might undersized, but he is tough, instinctive and athletic. He should carve a nice career for himself as a college player.

Ryan Brooks, RB/LB, Burlington High School (Marist): Brooks was one of the top two way players in Massachusetts the past two seasons. He profiles as a defensive player at the next level and could be a great get for Marist if he is allowed time to develop. I would not be surprised if Brooks challenged for playing time early.

Ronan Sammon, WR, Milton High School (St. Anselm): Sammon was productive for three years in Steve Dembowski’s spread offense. He is a good route runner who knows how to separate and get open and has strong hands. Another player on this list who is highly competitive and could get playing early in his college career.

Tim O’Malley, DL, Daniel Hand (Lehigh): O’Malley was a force for Daniel Hand in their state title season. At 6’3 285, he has the size and length to play defensive tackle in 40 fronts and play the five technique defensive end in 30 fronts. O’Malley is a high I.Q player and a hard worker who could position himself for some early playing time.

Bryan Harrison, LB, Winchester High School (Harvard): One of the most under recruited players in the region. Harrison plays with good instincts and is athletic. He plays downhill and he can chase, redirect and make plays from the back side. He has all the physical tools to develop into a starting linebacker eventually. He has the requisite size (6’2 210) to add weight and muscle to his frame.

Cordell Jones, WR, Portland High School (Maine): One of the top athletes in New England the past two years and a jack of all trades who played quarterback, wide receiver, defensive back and returned kicks for the Bulldogs. Nature beyond his years, Jones has the athletic make up and skill set to potentially make an immediate impact for the Black Bears.

Jonathan Jean Louis, DT, Hope High School (Bryant): The former Hope High School standout has good length at 6’5 270. He can play defensive tackle or switch over and play offensive line as well. One of the most under the radar prospects in New England. Jean Louis landed in a good spot playing for Chris Merritt. He will be given the time to develop and become a good player.

Hunter Allard, RB, Killingly High School (Franklin Pierce): An absolute monster for Killingly the past two seasons. Put up huge numbers for the Trailblazers in one of the most potent rushing attacks in New England. Allard could play running back or linebacker and he brings an element of toughness with him from the quiet corner of Connecticut. I would not be surprised if Allard played sooner than expected for the Ravens.

Tres Walker, QB, Falmouth (ME) High School (McGill): McGill got a steal in Walker. A pure pocket passer who can hang in the pocket, work through his progression and deliver the ball on time. Walker has the size and the arm talent to develop into a starting quarterback down the road. One of the most productive quarterbacks in New England the past two seasons.