By: Nick Gradney (National Scout) @StatZ_G
National Signing Day is like a holiday for many student athletes and coaches across the country. It is a moment where all of the hard work on the field and inside of the classroom culminates into a celebration of playing collegiate football. There’s a ton of hype surrounding a lot of the big name players at the top programs, and rightfully so. However, at a smaller school such as KIPP Sunnyside, there are major players who are looking to etch their name in history as well. The 2026 class helped carry KIPP Sunnyside to what it is today – 3 time consecutive state champions. Get to know a few of the core athletes who will be taking their talents to the next level.
26′ DB Adrian Bernard II (@poodiex3_) will be attending Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas. They’re getting a leader on the field, a player with great instincts, play recognition, and someone who can be the eyes and ears for the coach. He saw time at cornerback and safety, but he’s a nickel at heart. During his senior season, he was asked to play running back and receiver and ended up being one of the best weapons on the field. Adrian’s best attribute is his reliability. He’s never missed a game and rarely likes to be taken out of the game. He’s a player that has to be accounted for by opposing teams because he can take the ball away. Whether it’s by interception or strip, he just has a knack for creating turnovers for his team. His ability to understand what offenses are running and making it make sense for the rest of his teammates is something you want in an athlete. Bernard is most certainly a steal and will undoubtedly be an asset in multiple ways to Hendrix program. http://www.hudl.com/v/2Qj07k
26′ ATH Timonthy Carter Jr (@sh0wtime_doodie) will be attending the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Missouri. You can throw out all of the rankings and stars, but if you put on his film, there’s no way you don’t walk away thoroughly impressed. Timonthy has nearly 10,000 total all-purpose yards for his high school career. This is the toughest kid I’ve ever seen play live – a real diamond in the rough. I’m a bit surprised a school didn’t give him a shot to play quarterback, given how well he can throw, move in the pocket, scramble, and retain information. However, his production on the defensive side of the ball shows a plug and play athlete. He can guard your best player, cover half of the field, or come downhill and make tackles. He’s a swiss army knife. More importantly than all of that, this kid is a winner! He’s a 3 time state champion and 3 time all state award recipient. He has the size and intangibles and is made up of the right stuff to elevate a program immensely. http://www.hudl.com/v/2Qj7D2
26′ WR Rodney Wilson Jr (@RodneyUnoWilson) will be attending the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Missouri. Wide Receiver is my favorite position in sports and the one I’ve studied the longest. I’ve had the pleasure to be around many high school greats. I can tell you firsthand that Rodney is of that cloth. He has some of the best tape out there. He never had a bad game! The one thing you see when opponents line up against him is respect. The serious look on their faces says they are in for a long night. He strikes fear in defenders. He was the game plan and still couldn’t be maintained. Wilson can run every route in the tree, has strong hands, and he often turns 50-50 balls into 80-20. He has sneaky speed and is an excellent kick/punt returner. UCM is getting an immediate impact player. I have no doubt that he’ll play early in college. Put the ball in Uno hands and amazing things are reliable to happen. http://www.hudl.com/v/2QjAGT
