15 takeaways from the start of football season in the South

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2026 DL Rich Anderson, S Aiden Hall making noise

Richard Anderson was named to the On3 2026 watch list earlier this month and has been a buzzy name around the state after what he’s done this pre-season. The four-star sophomore checks in at 6-foot-4 and 280 pounds, and has thrived after slimming down this off-season.

Anderson is one of several big bodies up front for New Orleans (La.) Edna Karr and as a sophomore, is forcing the issue on the interior of the DL and giving the defense one of the fiercest pass rushes in the state. Anderson, in particular, has been superbly quick off the ball and impressive pursuing the QB during live evaluations this spring and summer.

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2026 OL Lamar Brown with a statement jamboree

On3 Industry Ranking No. 1 IOL Lamar Brown was in mid-season form working at right tackle and also taking first-team reps on the DL from Baton Rouge (La.) University Lab. The 6-foot-4, 260-pounder was an impact freshman, and after devoting the off-season to sharpening up his tools Brown was dynamic setting the tone in the trenches, particularly on offense.

Brown made a few tackles and filled some gaps playing DL, and his best work came at OL. He was fleet of foot to block out in space and also effortlessly drop back in pass-sets. The sophomore left his mark as a finisher as a run-blocker, and his combination of agility, length and physical style makes him as intriguing a OL prospect as there is in-state regardless of class. LSU, Georgia and Tennessee are just a few early contenders of note from the SEC.

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LSU commit Ju’Juan Johnson dynamic in return

The last we saw of On300 CB Ju’Juan Johnson was in the Superdome in December where the versatile two-way ATH set a Louisiana state record with 585 total yards of offense, including 238 yards rushing and piling up nearly 8 yards per clip.

LCA came up short against St. Thomas More in December, and I anticipate a very motivated team to rally behind their leader, Johnson, this fall. Johnson is elusive with the rock in his hands and his vision of the field is second to none. From talking to those in and around the program, the future LSU defensive back will see snaps in the secondary, especially during pivotal game moments.

Johnson camped at LSU last summer and has position flexibility to line up on the perimeter or inside as a nickel. He’s instinctive and a natural playmaker, and his experience on offense certainly works in his favor.

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On300 LB Keylan Moses dynamic in return

Injuries derailed the bulk of On300 LB Keylan Moses‘ off-season, but the Jenga piece of this University Lab defense returned to form in the jamboree. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Moses lined up as an off-ball LB, on the EDGE and with a hand in the dirt, and was viligant setting the edge and applying pressure at a high clip. He flies around the ball and can easily cover sideline to sideline, and boasts a versatile skill-set as a second-level defender.

Moses, who was sensation as a sophomore last season, is now set to be a veteran leader on this defense. He rocked Florida gloves and an Oregon cap. LSU, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M and Florida State are also in the mix.

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Stock up for Ole Miss, Georgia Tech, LSU commitments

LSU-committed IOL Khayree Lee Jr. has been anchoring the Ehret offensive line for years and enters his senior season at sub-300 pounds. Since he was a freshman, the New Orleans OL has shed almost 90 pounds as he continues to hone his skills at the position and take advantage of his slimmed-down frame and physical play-style.

Lee will be clearing running paths for the team all season long and shined blocking out in space and reaching multiple levels of the defense during Ehret’s pre-season scrimmage. He shined in pass protection during camps this summer. He’s continuing to take massive steps forward in his development.

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RB1 Harlem Berry delivers in timely moments

2025 RB1 Harlem Berry was a workhorse for Metairie (La.) St. Martin’s last fall as the dynamic back carried the rock and caught passes at will. This pre-season, Berry’s touches have been numbered, especially as the No. 11 overall player in the On300 also splits action at linebacker.

Despite a lesser workload, which may be a theme for the 5-foot-11, 180-pound offensive weapon from New Orleans, Berry has continued to find ways to hit home-runs time and time again. Berry has elite verified speed, but what separates the back is his outstanding balance. He can create yardage on his own, which is what makes him so effective in so many parts of the field.

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