Hamburg

Coach: Blake Johnson

Hamburg heads into 2026 with rare experience and leadership in the backfield and secondary thanks to four-year starter Kaeden Thomas. Coach Blake Johnson notes that Thomas has started at quarterback and safety for four seasons, giving the Lions continuity at two key positions. Thomas holds 17 college offers, including 12 from Division I programs, a reflection of his talent and potential. Johnson calls him a phenomenal athlete and an even better leader, which fits the program’s emphasis on character and competitiveness.

Offensively, Hamburg will continue to build around Thomas at quarterback. His experience and athleticism allow him to control the offense and make plays with his arm and legs. Thomas is also a multi-sport standout who plays basketball and baseball and runs track, where he won the 4A long jump state championship. That broad athletic background adds to his profile as one of the state’s more dynamic players.

Defensively, Thomas anchors the secondary at safety, while mike linebacker Aiden Robinson provides production and physicality in the middle of the defense. Robinson had a phenomenal sophomore year, finishing second in the state in tackles. He added two interceptions and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown, showing his ability to make game-changing plays. Johnson reports that Robinson has had a great offseason and expects him to have a big junior year, giving Hamburg a strong one-two punch on defense.

Even with each new season presenting fresh challenges, Johnson likes the combination of Thomas’s experience and recruiting profile with Robinson’s tackling numbers and upside. If both continue to develop, Hamburg expects its leaders at quarterback, safety and mike linebacker to keep the Lions competitive throughout 2026.