Willis football coach Trent Miller has no doubt. Fight him on it, if you are so inclined.
But there’s nothing anyone can say to make him feel, think or know otherwise when it comes to sophomore defensive back/receiver Jermaine Bishop Jr.
“Hands down, undoubtedly, put it on the record: The best prospect in the 2026 class,” Miller said. “I’ll argue that with anybody who wants to argue. That kid is special.”
Miller may hold a slight bias but the film and numbers are convincing. There is nothing the 5-foot-11, 150-pound Bishop cannot do on the football field.
Bishop’s natural position is cornerback. He has two interceptions and eight passes defensed this year.
“I’d probably favor defense a little bit more,” Bishop said of what he enjoys most. “Going through the offseason, working out a lot and grinding and staying in the lab, I’m stronger and better. I’m a smaller guy out there, so I worked to find any advantage I can.”
On offense, Bishop is arguably Willis’ most explosive playmaker, which is saying something for a team littered with awe-inspiring talent on the perimeter.
He has 34 catches for 542 yards and eight touchdowns, with 16 carries for 288 yards and four touchdowns on a litany of jet sweeps.
Bishop is also the backup quarterback.
“He’s grown a lot, mentally and physically,” said senior quarterback and Florida commit D.J. Lagway. “I’m so excited for him.”
On special teams, Bishop is a lethal returner, which he showed off in Thursday’s win over College Park with a 92-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to open the game.
“That kid is unbelievable,” Miller said. “Last year, I was a little bit hesitant to play a freshman on both sides of the football. He didn’t play a whole lot offensively, but this year he’s doing what he does. But on top of that, it’s his attitude, his preparation. He knows where the ball is going to be, he knows what his assignment is based off formation or alignment. He knows who he can take advantage of in coverage.
“We’re blessed to have him.”
Bishop — who already holds 11 offers, including Michigan, Texas, Nebraska, Florida and Texas A&M — has impressive experience for his age and terrific bloodlines.
Bishop has been playing football since he was 3 and played nine varsity games as a freshman last year, when he had five interceptions, 35 solo tackles and totaled 619 return yards and 60 rushing yards.
“I’ve been playing the game for a long time,” Bishop said. “So, I’ve always felt I’ve had an edge when it comes to experience on the field. I can think and see stuff before it even happens.”
Miller said no one spends more time in the film room, and that includes the meticulous Lagway. Bishop said his growth is mental, and that, in turn, has polished his innate ball skills.
His eyes are “way better.” His feet are “way better.” Bishop is stronger because of a more consistent effort in the weight room.
As for the genes, Bishop is the cousin of Michael Bishop, the College Football Hall of Famer who had a historic career as a Kansas State quarterback and played eight games in the NFL before a lengthy career in the CFL.
But it’s his father, Jermaine Sr., whom Bishop said is the reason for his football career.
“I play this game for my family,” Bishop said. “There’s a lot of pressure that comes with it, of course, but I just try and keep a positive head about it.”
More than anything, though, Miller said what makes Bishop one of a kind is his character.
Claiming a 3.8 grade-point average, Bishop is studious and cerebral. As fast of a learner as he is on the field, he is just as diligent in the classroom.
Smiles adorn conversations. He’s “Yes, sir; No, sir” and “Yes, ma’am; No ma’am.” Bishop is accommodating and soft-spoken externally, grateful and driven internally.
A question to Bishop regarding his play this year, for instance, begets an answer about the brotherhood of the team and how much fun everyone is having together playing a game they all enjoy.
All of that falls into Bishop’s M.O. as a leader. Yes, a leader. At 15 years old. Of a 7-0, No. 17-state ranked football team.
Bishop said he emphasizes positivity and being composed and collected, no matter what is happening on the field.
His approach is a joyful focus.
“He is a phenomenal human being,” Miller said. “He’s the happiest kid you will ever meet. Just an all-around, absolute stud.”
