Top Junior Quarterback Faizon Brandon Impresses at Under Armour Future 50 Showcase Event
ICARO Media Group
In a gathering of the nation's most promising class of 2026 prospects, the Under Armour Future 50 event showcased the skills of some exceptional young athletes at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. While the No. 1-ranked prospect stole the spotlight, several other standout players turned heads during the two-day competition.
Leading the pack was quarterback Faizon Brandon, the top-ranked prospect in the class, who displayed remarkable consistency in passing during Saturday's drills. Brandon's impressive performance in Friday's 5v5 action, where he threw multiple touchdowns and showcased his speed, further solidified his position as one to watch. Standing at a lean 197 pounds, Brandon's frame has gained solid mass over the past few months, impressing scouts from schools like Alabama, Tennessee, LSU, and NC State.
Wide receiver Cederian Morgan made a significant leap in rankings, going from unranked to No. 20 overall in the Top247 when the rankings were expanded in April. Showing exceptional potential, Morgan's build distinguished him among his pass-catching peers on Saturday. With smooth explosiveness and impeccable body control, the Alabama native caught every pass that came his way, establishing himself as an early favorite for top programs like Alabama.
Keisean Henderson, an athlete committed to Houston, generated significant buzz with his stellar performance on both sides of the ball. Though the Cougars see him as a wide receiver, Henderson impressed as a quarterback during drills, displaying a catchable ball and the potential to adapt to different positions on the field.
Another standout quarterback was Jaden O'Neal, an Oklahoma commit, who had a strong showing and emerged as the second-best performer among the group. With a sturdy frame and the ability to generate torque, O'Neal fearlessly challenged tight coverage windows and showcased versatility in his play. Despite the Sooners' secure quarterback situation, O'Neal's potential has the coaching staff excited about his future at Harbor City Narbonne.
Wide receiver Jayden Petit caught the attention of scouts with his ability to make contested grabs. Standing at 6-foot-4, Petit's rare size and advanced hands make him an exciting prospect for the next level, although adding bulk over the next few years will be crucial to fully translate his game.
Denairius Gray, an Auburn commit, demonstrated his skills in finding open spaces and attacking the ball in the air. After a quiet sophomore season, Gray has the potential to shine as a breakout star in Florida, and his performance at the showcase solidified his reputation as a top prospect.
Athlete Jett Washington, standing over 6-foot-3, showcased exceptional agility and burst, using his experience as safety to excel in footwork drills. Washington's versatility puts him in consideration for a variety of roles at the collegiate level, with his highest potential as a second-level defender.
Among the defensive standouts was safety Blaine Bradford, who impressed with his physicality and speed. Despite missing a significant portion of his sophomore season due to a knee injury, Bradford displayed marked improvement in his movements and proved himself versatile enough to potentially transition to linebacker at the next level.
Another dynamic safety, Zech Fort, impressed with his ability to find the football and excel in coverage. Despite being considered a low safety prospect in the past, Fort continues to impress scouts with his ball skills, suggesting his potential to handle split-field responsibilities.
Cornerback Jordan Thomas showcased outstanding footwork and displayed the ability to play multiple positions in the secondary, with his physique and lateral quickness making him a competitive force near the line of scrimmage.
In addition to the individual performances, Vance Spafford emerged as the fastest player, winning the fastest-man competition with an unofficial 4.35-second 40-yard dash. Several other wide receivers showcased their talents, including Donovan Murph, Naeem Burroughs, Jabari Mack, Chris Henry Jr., and Tristen Keys.
Noah Grubbs, a Notre Dame commit, claimed the quarterback accuracy challenge championship, edging out Brady Smigiel of Florida State. Brady Hart of Michigan and Dia Bell of Texas also impressed with their performances.
The Under Armour Future 50 event provided a platform for these talented junior prospects to showcase their skills and catch the attention of college scouts. With their promising performances, these young athletes have solidified their positions as rising stars in the world of football.