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High school scrimmages in Louisiana are kicking off later this week, but to get to this point, some of the top players put in the work not only in fall camp, but in the spring and summer most notably at our Gridiron Football Elite Camps. The talent has been as good as every with nearly 60 players from this camp series having received offers to play in the 2026 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game. To be honest, it has been very tough to narrow down just a few of the top performers we got to see from the camps this year at locations such as Live Oak, Breaux Bridge, St. Louis Catholic, Neville, Elite Training Academy (Baton Rouge, Escambia (Pensacola, Florida), and LCU, but here are 30 of the top camp performers that you should expect to have a big season with a couple of honorable mentions added. If you want to be part of our camps next offseason and get on next year’s elite list or play for a bowl game invite, make sure to stay updated on our camp page!
- Grant High School (Dry Pong, LA) 2027 RB Aymaud Sykes:
Our number one performer for the 2026 Gridiron Football Elite Camp Series is none other than Grant High School (Dry Pong, LA) three star running back Aymaud Sykes. The Cougars’ speedy running back sent shockwaves at our Breaux Bridge camp by setting a Gridiron Football Elite Camp record 4.29/40-yard dash. His initial time was no fluke as he followed it up with a 4.35/40. Sykes’ speed comes as no surprise after rushing for 2,188 yards and 35 touchdowns his junior year including single game LHSAA record 420 yards and 10 touchdowns against Montgomery. His 40-yard dash helped set off Sykes’ recruitment like a blaze as he received 20 DI offers but ended up committing to play for the Tulane Green Wave, which was his first big DI offer. Along with the 40, Sykes’ combine numbers were dominant with a 4.15 shuttle and a 10′ broad jump. Sykes has also officially been committed to play in the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game at the end of the season.
2. North Iberville High School (Maringouin, LA) 2027 WR/DB Bra’Jon Melancon:
To be honest, it is more like 1A and 1B and picking apples and oranges when you are comparing two of the top overall athletes in the state of Louisiana between Bra’Jon Melancon and Aymaud Sykes. We gave Sykes the nod because he participated in all of the combine drills for the camps. While Melancon did not run the 40 yard dash and shuttle, he did tie Sykes with a 10′ broad jump and did participate in 1v1s. Playing for the North Iberville Bears, Melancon can make an impact at all three levels on offense, defense, and special teams. Last season, Melancon had 15 touchdowns, five interceptions, and four return touchdowns. Like Sykes, Melancon has received a lot of DI offers and has made his commitment decision with the Kansas State Wildcats. After playing in the first ever Gridiron Football Junior High All-American Bowl Game, he is the first ever player from the junior high game to commit to this years’ Gridiron Football All-American Senior Game!
3. Leesville High School (Leesville, LA) 2028 WR/DB Julius Brown:
Leesville High School (Leesville, LA) 2028 ATH Julius Brown is the highest player on the list that is not an upcoming senior. Only heading into his junior season, Brown has already made his stamp as one of the top juniors in the state of Louisiana. Like Melancon, who is ahead of him on this list, Brown is just a great all-around football player that can change the game in all three phases: offense, defense, and special teams. Last season, he finished with 1,349 all-purpose yards and 10 touchdowns on offense plus 110 tackles, 12 TFLs, and 3 INTs on defense. Those numbers put him 1st Team All-District at defensive back and 2nd Team All-District at wide receiver. At the Rosepine camp, Brown dominated during 1v1s and 7v7s while pacing the camp with a 4.6/40, a 4.39 shuttle, and a 9’7 broad jump. Already with a DI offer from Memphis, Julius Brown is already well on his way.
4. Welsh High School (Welsh, LA) 2027 ATH Jordan Strong:
Welsh High School (Welsh, LA) 2027 ATH Jordan Strong was one of our most dominant performers at our Gridiron Football Elite Camp Series this offseason. Having attended three different camps, Strong consistently showed why he was one of the top players camp in and camp out. Overall, Strong was indeed that with his camp numbers posting the quickest shuttle time of the camp series with a 3.98 and in the top 10 with a 9’5 broad jump. At the St. Louis Camp, Strong was highly regarded by the coaches as the best overall player at the camp winning 1v1 battles at wide receiver and defensive back. The three time All-Parish and two-time All-District selection has received an offer from Rhodes College this offseason and has committed to play in this year’s Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game.
5. East Ascension High School (Gonzales, LA) 2027 WR Jeremyah Merriweather:
East Ascension High School (Gonzales, LA) WR Jayden Merriweather was pretty much unguardable at the first elite camp of the offseason at Live Oak High School. Merriweather dominated 1v1s and 7v7 and made one of the most impressive catches on the circuit catching the football over two defenders in heavy traffic. With his 6’0 frame, Merriweather also impressed with his times posting a 4.34 shuttle and a 9’4 broad jump. Heading into his senior year, Merriweather already has received an offer from Arkansas State and many are expected to come. Merriweather has received an invitation to play in the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game.
6. Livonia High School (Livonia, LA) 2027 WR CJ Aguillard:
Livonia High School (Livonia, LA) WR CJ Aguillard is as quick and explosive as it gets at wide receiver. A precise route runner, reliable hands, and top end speed make Aguillard an all-around big-time playmaker to watch. At Elite Training Academy, Aguillard consistently made play after play during 1v1 competition. With 4.4/40 speed, Aguillard is a threat to score anytime he has the ball in his hands. After accounting for over 1,441 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, Aguillard is expected to have a bigger role this season. So far, the Livonia speedster has received three DI college offers from Nicholls State, Southern, and Grambling. Aguillard has been invited to play in the 2026 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game.
7. U-High (Baton Rouge, LA) 2027 RB Corbin Odell:
U-High (Baton Rouge, LA) 2027 RB Corbin Odell is one of the more underrated running backs in the state of Louisiana. After rushing for 733 yards and eight touchdowns his sophomore year, he followed it up by rushing for 828 yards and 11 touchdowns on just 108 carries last season. Odell’s fresh legs have allowed him to have a great offseason. At the Elite Training Academy camp, Odell ran a blazing 4.4 in the 40, a 4.25 shuttle, and had a 9’10 broad jump. Heading into his senior season, Odell has received offers from Nicholls State and Grambling State. Odell has received an invitation to play in the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game.
8. Livonia (Livonia, LA) 2027 WR Bo Stewart:
The Livonia Wildcats will have one of the best 1-2 punch duos at wide receiver in the state this year featuring Aguillard and 6’4, 185 pound deep threat Bo Stewart. With his big frame and 4.21 shuttle speed, Stewart’s speed, length, and athleticism makes it almost a nightmare for opposing cornerbacks to cover him. Along with posting a 9’5 broad jump at the camp, Stewart was very impressive. Like his counterpart, Stewart has been having a great offseason with offers from Missouri State and Nicholls State. He has been invited to play in the 2026 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game at the end of the season.
9. Cecilia (Cecilia, LA) 2027 WR Ashton Ruffin
Cecilia High School 2027 WR Ashton Ruffin is another big, tall, physical target that was nearly impossible to guard during the Gridiron Football Elite Camp held at St. Louis Catholic High School in Lake Charles, Louisiana. At 6’4, 195 pounds, Ruffin displays size, top end speed, and strong hands. Coming off a great offseason, he received an offer from Southern. His older brother Ellis Stewart is now at Nicholls State and was a former Offensive MVP of the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game. Ruffin will join his brother as he has also been invited to play in this year’s Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game.
10. East Ascension (Gonzales, LA) 2027 CB Jayd’n Washington:
After spending the last couple of years at Denham Springs High School, cornerback Jayd’n Washington will play his final year at East Ascension High School. At 6’0, 170 pounds, Washington is a lockdown cornerback that plays the football well in the air and never panics or puts himself in a bad position. With great technique, quick hips, and being an overall ball hawk, there are not going to be a lot of quarterbacks that attack his way. Those are all great qualities that have attracted multiple DI programs. In fact, Washington has committed to play for McNeese State this offseason. After the season, he will have another opportunity to showcase his talents at the 2026 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game.
11. East Feliciana (Jackson, LA) 2027 ATH Ryan Moore Jr.
East Feliciana High School (Jackson, LA) 2027 ATH Ryan Moore Jr. is an electrifying football player and is a big play just waiting to happen. Bug as he is nicknamed made a ton of big plays at Louisiana Christian University and was a human highlight reel with 4.4/40 speed. Last season, Moore was one of the state’s leading receivers with 56 catches for 1,203 yards and 11 touchdowns on offense while having another 360 yards and four touchdowns rushing. At the LCU camp, he received an official invite to play in the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game.
12. Mandeville (Mandeville, LA) 2027 OT Ty Cutrer:
Mandeville High School (Mandeville, LA) 2027 OT Ty Cutrer is the highest ranked lineman on this list. At 6’4, 290 pounds, Cutrer has the prototypical size that you look for in an offensive tackle and moves really well for his size as well. He has also shown the versatility to play guard or tackle. Cutrer is a prospect on the rise after really only playing football for three years. His huge upside has already given him an offer from Ottawa University and has officially been committed to play in the 2026 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game.
13. Jena (Jena, LA) 2027 RB Daniel Hatcher:
While Aymaud Sykes provides the speed at running back, his first cousin Daniel Hatcher provides the power at running back. At 5’11, 220 pounds with 4.6/40 speed, the Giants’ power back was a driving force in leading the team to a state championship runner-up finish to Sterlington. Last season, Hatcher ran for 1,900 yards and 25 touchdowns and is looking to improve on those numbers as the lead back this season. He currently has received an offer from Southern Arkansas and has received an invitation to play in the 2026 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game.
14. East Ascension High School (Gonzales, LA) CB Cedrick Jones Jr.
Former St. Amant Gator Cedrick Jones Jr. is now going to be on the other side of the rivalry as he will be suiting up for East Ascension High School this season. Jones stood out after being a Top Camp Performer entering his junior year and followed it up with a Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game invite in Breaux Bridge. At the camp, he ran a 4.7/40, a 4.37 shuttle, and had a 9’9 broad jump. His long 6’3 frame makes it tough for wide receivers to create any separation from him. Last season, Jones had 30 tackles, 14 PBUs, and even 1 game clinching interception against Live Oak. Currently, he has received a college offer from Western Illinois.
15. Creekside (Atlanta, GA) 2027 RB/WR Jonathan Hargrove Jr.:
Jonathan Hargrove Jr. nicknamed Mr. Electric has exactly been that at our camps over the last couple of years and continues to show why he has been consistently one of our most explosive playmakers. At the Louisiana Christian University camp, Hargrove Jr. immediately stood out to the college coaches working the camp naming him a top performer. There, he dominated the combine numbers with a 4.5/40 time and a 9’7 broad jump. Last season, he accounted for 1,750 yards and 14 touchdowns at Peabody. For this season, he recently announced that he was transferring to play at Creekside High School in Atlanta, Georgia. He has been invited to play in the 2026 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game.
16. Leesville (Leesville, LA) 2027 QB Antrel Broom:
Leesville High School (Leesville, LA) 2027 QB Antrel Broom is one of the best senior quarterbacks in the state of Louisiana and comes in as our highest ranked quarterback this offseason. Entering his third year as a starter, Broom is coming off a big junior campaign in which he threw for 2,144 yards and 23 touchdowns. Heading into 2026, Broom could even have a better senior year. At our Elite Camp held at Rosepine High School, Broom threw for multiple touchdowns during 1v1s and another touchdown during 7v7. At 6’4, 200 pounds, Broom showed off not only his strong arm, but also accuracy and touch while delivering the football. Broom was not only a camp top performer but received an official invite to play in the 2026 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game.
17. Escambia (Pensacola, FL) 2027 ATH Kyron Perry:
We go out of state for our #14 player and it is from Escambia High School in Pensacola, Florida. There was one multi position player that immediately stood out and that is 2027 QB/WR Kyron Perry. Perry is a dual threat quarterback with the ability to throw and run. His combine measurables were some of the most impressive that we saw throughout the camp series pacing the camp with a 4.56/40 and also was the third different player this year to jump a 10′ broad jump joining Sykes and Melancon, who are both DI commits. His raw athleticism makes him a under the radar prospect that has the ability to play for a lot of different schools. He has received an invitation to play in the 2026 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game.
18. Franklinton (Franklinton, LA) 2027 QB Kerston Diddon:
The Franklinton Demons may have one of the best kept secrets at quarterback in Kerston Diddon. Coming in as a transfer from Bowling Green, Diddon has the physical tools to become a great quarterback prospect. At 6’3, 185 pounds, Diddon has the frame, arm strength, and athletic ability to extend plays too. He showed deep ball touch, a quick release, and accuracy at the camp held at Elite Training Academy. With plenty of weapons surrounding him for the Demons, Diddon can put up some big numbers. Coach Saltaformaggio and offensive coordinator Matthew Hughes are helping develop some talented quarterbacks with previous signal caller Jacob Crain and now Diddon being Gridiron Football All-American quarterbacks.
19. Albany High School (Albany, LA) 2027 LB Kaleb Smith-Hiley:
We end the list with two standouts for the Albany Hornets which includes two-way standout Kaleb Smith-Hiley, who will play both running back and linebacker for Coach Mikel’s squad. Over his career, he has earned All-District and All-Parish nods at both positions. At 6’0, 215, it is surprising that Hiley is still searching for his first collegiate offer. At the Breaux Bridge camp where he was a top camp performer, he finished running a 4.7/40, a 4.47 shuttle, and a 9’11 broad jump. In the weight room, he can also squat 500 pounds and bench press nearly 400 pounds. He has received an invite to play in the 2026 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game.
20. Madison Prep Academy (Baton Rouge, LA) 2027 DE Rocco Duhon:
Madison Prep Academy (Baton Rouge, LA) 2027 defensive end Rocco Duhon recently became the second Duhon brother to commit to play in the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game after his older brother Kingston Duhon (Erskine College) played in the game last year. Duhon impressed Gridiron Football CEO Andy Bryson after working with him at two camps with one at Live Oak and the other at Elite Training Academy. At 6’3, 230 pounds, Duhon is a big, physical defensive end that can rush the passer, but is also equally great against the run. He has multiple college offers from Erskine College, Centenary College, Millsaps College, and Salt Lake Yeti.
21. Bunkie (Bunkie, LA) 2027 DE/OLB Mitchell Couvillion:
Bunkie High School (Bunkie, LA) 2027 DE/OLB Mitchell Couvillion has been recently named a team captain for a Panthers’ program that has won 30 games the last three years. At 6’3, 195 pounds, Couvillion is long, athletic, and has quickness to be tough to deal with off the edge. The All-District and All-Parish selection had a great camp at Breaux Bridge High School and his productive offseason continued with four college offers from Rhodes College, Lyon College, LCU, and Centenary College. Couvillion has committed to play in the 2026 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game.
22. Fontainebleau (Mandeville, LA) 2027 DL Kenneth Primus:
Fontainebleau High School (Mandeville, LA) defensive tackle Kenneth Primus is an impressive interior defensive lineman that can control the line of scrimmage. At 6’0, 270 pounds, Primus has been a proven player as a two time All-District selection. His strength, physicality, and his 5.03/40 quickness definitely make him a college prospect. Heading into his senior season as the unquestioned leader of the Bulldogs’ defensive line, Primus was not only a top performer at our Gridiron Football camp, but he has received an offer to play at Centenary College. We will have the official announcement posted later today, but Primus has committed to play in the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game.
23. St. Thomas More (Lafayette, LA) 2027 LB Tristan Klock:
St. Thomas More High School (Lafayette, LA) 2027 LB Tristan Klock is an athletic linebacker at 5’10, 205 pounds that is compact, but moves well sideline to sideline. His lateral agility was impressive running a 4.69/40 and having one of our quickest shuttle times during the Elite Camp Series with a 4.13. The All-District linebacker is coming off making 89 tackles, 12 TFLs, 6 sacks, 5 PBUs, 3 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, and two blocked punts. Klock’s football IQ is also off the charts being a coach’s son. With a has received an offer from Grinnell College, Hampden Sydney College, Lyon College, Millsaps, Centenary College, St. Norbert College, Macalester, Huntingdon College, and others. He has received an official invite to play in the 2026 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game at the end of the season.
24. Live Oak (Watson, LA) 2028 QB Willie Johnson III:
Live Oak High School (Watson, LA) 2028 QB Willie Johnson III is one of the highest ranked, most talented quarterbacks in his graduating class for the state of Louisiana. The former Gridiron Football Junior High All-American quarterback continues adding accolades to his list after being one of our top camp performers at our Live Oak camp to start the season. His strong arm, release, 6’2 frame, and ability to fit throws into tight windows make him one of the most talented pure passers in the state. With a talented receiving core around him, expect Johnson to put up big numbers as the Eagles’ starting quarterback. His ability has already drawn the attention of DI programs after receiving an official offer from Miami (Ohio).
25. Sulphur (Sulphur, LA) 2027 LB Wesley Bushnell:
Sulphur High School (Sulphur, LA) 2027 LB Wesley Bushnell has stood out with his play entering his junior year last year at our Elite Camp held in Baton Rouge and he followed it up with another impressive performance at Elite Training Academy this offseason with a 4.19 shuttle time. At 6’0, 205 pounds, Bushnell was one of the state’s leading tacklers with an eye opening 172 stops last season to go along with three blocked field goals and three forced fumbles. The Golden Tors’ 2nd Team All-District selection and Team Defensive MVP will have more of an impact on offense this season as a starting fullback on offense as Coach David Feaster has highlighted his athleticism. The official announcement will be posted soon, but Bushnell has been officially committed to play in the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game.
26. Zachary (Zachary, LA) 2027 RB Jeremey Patton:
Zachary High School (Zachary, LA) 2027 RB Jeremey Patton is a name that people need to keep an eye on this upcoming season playing for one of the bigger school brands in the state of Louisiana. Although a smaller back at 5’9, 175 pounds, Patton has the ability to take it to the house on any given play. At the LCU camp, Patton ran a 4.47/40 and also had a 9’5 broad jump. Last season, Patton had a great junior season accounting for 1,485 yards and 14 touchdowns. He has been invited to play in the 2026 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game.
27. Plaquemine 2027 RB Spencer Collins Jr.:
Plaquemine High School (Plaquemine, LA) 2027 RB Spencer Collins Jr. is back for his senior year after a big junior campaign in which he had 1,400 all-purpose yards and over 20 touchdowns. The 5’8, 180 pound All-District and All-Parish running back will be toting the rock for one of the top contenders in Division II Non-Select. Collins had a great outing at our Elite Training Academy Camp this offseason with a 4.25 shuttle and 9’7 broad jump. He has received an invitation to play in the 2026 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game.
28. Barbe (Lake Charles, LA) 2029 LB Juilon Rideau
Being a top camp performer at St. Louis Catholic High School was no fluke for Barbe High School 2029 LB Juilon Rideau as he was also named a top camp performer at Louisiana Christian University. As only a rising sophomore, Rideau already is showing what kind of player he can be. Last season, Rideau had a All-State freshman campaign and was the Co-Defensive MVP at Hamilton Christian where he had 141 tackles and 9 forced fumbles. He and his older brother Christopher Rideau Jr., who is also an Elite Camp Top Performer and Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game invitee, both have transferred to Barbe where both will be key impact players this season for the Buccaneers.
29. Sacred Heart (Ville Platte) 2028 OL Liam Vidrine:
At 6’7, 300 pounds, Sacred Heart High School (Ville Plate, LA) 2028 offensive lineman Liam Vidrine has something you can’t teach and that is a college football ready frame. However, what is just as impressive is how athletic and nimble he is for his size. Vidrine is actually a multi-sport athlete that excels on the football field, baseball diamond, and on the basketball court. Only heading into his junior season, Vidrine is just scratching the surface. He was named top camp performer at our Rosepine Elite Camp.
T-30. Amite (Amite, LA) 2028 RB Ja’Myron Dillon:
This season, the talented Amite Warriors offense will revolve around the talents of Ja’Myron Dillon, who is making the transition from running back to quarterback this upcoming season. Dillon still was able to showcase his running back talents at the Gridiron Football Elite Camp at Elite Training Academy as a Camp Top Performer. Last season, the 5’9, 180 pound runner was a bell cow with over 1,000 yards rushing. His compact frame, ability to break tackles, and ability to catch the ball make him an all-around running back.
T-30. Albany High School (Albany, LA) 2027 CB Jayden Lapine:
To wrap up a very deep list of talented athletes, we end it with one of our most consistent performers at our Elite Camps in Albany High School (Albany, LA) 2027 cornerback Jayden Lapine. At 5’8, 150 pounds, Lapine ran the fastest 40-yard time at two camps including at Live Oak and Breaux Bridge. Lapine ran in the 4.5’s consistently and showed his coverage skills in 7v7 competition. Lapine has not only been an All-District defensive back and Defensive MVP, but his speed makes him one of the best kick returners in the area and will have more contributions on offense this season. Lapine has committed to play in the 2026 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game.
Honorable Mentions (No Particular Order):
Jena 2029 OT Hunter Poole
Teurlings Catholic 2027 QB DJ Kelly
Pace 2028 LB Nathan Wilson
North Iberville 2027 LB Jaedon Lathers
St. John 2027 WR Daniel Braud
St. John 2027 ATH Ahmad Wilson
CHEF 2027 RB Keimon Hardieway
Rosepine 2027 OL Tug Haymon
Alexandria 2028 DE Jeremiah McKinney
Live Oak 2029 OL Daston McGee
St. Thomas More 2028 QB Mark Guthrie
Jena 2029 WR/DB Ken Jones
North Iberville 2029 WR/DB Clarence Walls
Amite 2030 WR De’Andre Moore
Livonia 2028 DT Jacorryan Franklin
Lake Arthur 2027 LB Wyatt Monceaux
Barbe 2027 WR Christopher Rideau Jr.
Notre Dame 2027 OL Scott Sibley
Grant 2028 QB Gage Hossieni
Vinton 2027 ATH Michael Lange
To read more about our camps this offseason, click the links below.