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
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🚨Tulane Green Wave Commit🚨 🌊Class of 27 DB/CB🌊 Trevor Caudle – @TrevorCaudle 6-0 / 170 James Clemens HS – Madison, AL Scouting Report: Elite track speed (10.55 100m / 21.06 200m) Speed & Explosiveness: True track-athlete burst. Region champion-level 100m/200m times translate to instant recovery speed and the ability to close on throws or run with any vertical threat. He’s a legitimate deep-ball eraser who can flip his hips and get back on top of routes quickly. Coverage & Ball Skills: Projects as a lockdown outside corner. Smooth in press/man with the long speed and quick feet to stay in phase. Shows the confidence and ball-tracking ability to play aggressively at the catch point. Track background gives him natural high-pointing and body control in the air. Run Support & Physicality: Willing and competitive defender who isn’t afraid of contact. Length and athleticism allow him to shed blocks and make plays in the open field. Fits Tulane’s preference for physical, multi-phase defensive backs. Special Teams & Versatility: Return-game upside from his track speed and open-field vision. Can contribute immediately on kicks/punts while developing as a boundary corner. High-character student-athlete with a strong work ethic. Recruitment: Committed after a strong official visit. Chose the Green Wave over Coastal Carolina, Furman, Dartmouth, and others. Received the offer on the visit and pulled the trigger shortly after. #RollWave
Team Stats (Timberwolves at Pelicans) Final Score: 115-109 Rebounds: 49-41 Assists: 23-25 Blocks: 6-4 Steals: 5-7 Turnovers: 11-13 Stat Leaders Scoring Leaders: Ayo Dosunmu, 26; Jeremiah Fears, 24 Rebound Leaders: Trey Lyles, 13; Zion Williamson, 8 Assist Leaders: LaMelo Ball, 8; Trey Murphy III, Jeremiah Fears, 5 My Player of the Game: Jeremiah Fears Chrissy's Key Takeaways * 22 points, 8 assists, and a game-high +23 plus-minus in 35 minutes of action, sparking a crucial 10-2 run in the fourth quarter after New Orleans briefly took an 89-87 lead . * Pelicans star Zion Williamson was held to a season-low 13 points , largely slowed down by Minnesota's defensive versatility and physicality (including standout defensive pressure from Jonathan Kuminga). * Minnesota capitalized on the glass, pulling down 17 offensive rebounds and attempting 15 more 3-pointers than New Orleans to overcome an otherwise quiet night from deep (12-of-39 on 3-pointers). Follow @TheKneaux on X, and follow me there too, @SportsChrissy.