Class of 2026 Spotlight: Orion Saunders
Patrick Harkness • August 10, 2026
Orion Saunders
6-3/180
Concord, MA
Scouting Report:
- Elite Length & Physicality:
- 81” wingspan + 6’3.5”+ frame allows him to blanket receivers and high-point balls.
- Athleticism & Versatility:
- Track pedigree + two-way production = scheme flexibility (outside CB, nickel, safety, returns).
- Football IQ & Competitiveness:
- Plays fast, physical, and with relentless motor; “certified STUD” per regional evaluators with immediate collegiate impact potential.
- Ball Skills:
- Natural hands and leaping ability make him a turnover creator.
#RollWave
A quick share helps us a lot!
Gabe Mocek Is quietly making noise as a walk-on running back for the Tulane Green Wave. The 6-foot, 217-pound redshirt freshman from Lafayette and St. Thomas More High School arrived as a walk-on and has spent his early college career working in a crowded backfield. Official stats show limited game action so far. During the second day of practice, observers noted ( @greenwavecolin & @DougJoubert ) Mocek’s shifty cuts, quick burst, and ability to hit holes and make defenders miss in the open field. Running backs coach feedback grouped him with the rest of a deep room that includes Jamauri McClure, Johnnie Daniels, and DJ Dugar, with one coach saying he doesn’t care who’s back there because “everybody in the running back room can play at any level.” At St. Thomas More, Mocek was a productive contributor on championship teams. Across 26 high school games he rushed 175 times for 1,248 yards (7.1 yards per carry), scored 25 touchdowns (24 rushing), and piled up 1,475 yards of total offense. He recorded four 100-yard games and finished his senior season with 709 yards on 102 carries while helping the Cougars win state titles. Listed as #20, the Louisiana product adds another physical, decisive runner to a backfield already stocked with speed and power. Walk-ons rarely force their way into significant roles on a deep roster, but Mocek’s early camp work suggests he is determined to earn snaps and contribute wherever the Green Wave need him this season. For a local kid who chose to stay in-state and compete as a preferred walk-on, the opportunity is there, if not this year possibly the future. Early returns from fall practice show he’s making the most of it. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
Macho Stevenson - Texas Tech
He committed on January 7, 2026 (after entering the portal January 2) and is now on Tulane’s 2026 roster as a redshirt junior (#21, 6’1”, 190 lbs) from Shreveport, Louisiana (Captain Shreve HS), with two years of eligibility remaining.
Here’s why Stevenson aligns so well with the Green Wave program:
• Local Kid and Immediate Homecoming Boost
: Hailing from Shreveport, LA (just a few hours from New Orleans), Stevenson is a true Louisiana product who brings instant fan connection and familiarity with the region.
• Elite Athleticism and Physical Tools for Modern CB Play:
A former consensus three-star recruit (No. 58 CB nationally, top-20 in Louisiana), Stevenson is a long, physical press corner with track-star speed, Louisiana 5A state champion in the 400m (47.18 PR), sub-11.00 100m (10.59 wind-aided), and strong 200m times. At 6’1” and 190 lbs, he has the length, frame, and explosiveness Tulane’s scheme loves for mirroring receivers on the boundary, jamming at the line, and closing on the ball in the AAC’s up-tempo passing attacks.
• Power 4 Experience + Proven Production:
Stevenson gained valuable reps in the Big 12 at Texas Tech (a program known for developing defensive backs). In his redshirt freshman year (2024), he appeared in 12 games with 3 starts, posting 23 tackles (13 solo), 2 pass breakups, and 1 forced fumble, including key plays in conference games. He contributed on special teams as well. Even with limited snaps in 2025, the experience against high-level competition gives him a leg up as an immediate competitor for playing time in Tulane’s rebuilt secondary.
• Starting Potential and Upside in a Reloading DB Room
: With recent departures in the secondary, Tulane needed athletic, experienced starting pieces who can step in right away. Stevenson’s size/speed combo, ball skills, and physicality make him a high-upside addition alongside other portal pickups (like Anthony Rogers). Coaches have already praised his smarts, athleticism, and potential to make an impact in spring 2026 practices.
• Multi-Sport Background and Coachability:
High school standout in football (transitioned from WR to CB), basketball, and track, the kind of versatile athlete Tulane’s staff excels at developing into NFL-caliber players.
In short, Macho Stevenson is a smart, high-motor portal win: a Louisiana native with P4 reps, elite speed, and the physical tools to thrive in the Green Wave defense. He helps stabilize and elevate the secondary while adding that hometown energy. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X