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    863Showcase: Notable Top Performers

    Written by: Drew Johnson (@RealNews102)

    The 863Showcase hosted at Denison Stadium brought together talent from over 10 counties, with multiple media outlets on hand to cover the action. A mix of established names and emerging prospects took the field, making their case for increased exposure. Here’s a breakdown of the top performers who stood out.

    Notable Top Performers

    Malikai Broffitt | ATH | 2025 | Santa Fe | @_malikaii

    Talk about making a name for yourself. Broffitt is known as a basketball player, but if he had switched to football two years ago, he’d likely be holding D1 offers by now. Built like a natural football player at 6-3, 210 pounds, he showed off elite athleticism. Still raw, but he took coaching well, rushed the edge effectively, and looked solid in coverage. His ability to move in space and react quickly stood out, proving he has the tools to develop into a dominant force. If he keeps refining his technique, he’ll be a late-blooming prospect college coaches won’t want to overlook.

    Elijah Dias | LB | 2026 | Auburndale | @twin_frmpolk

    The USF commit showed up to prove why his D1 offer is legit. Dias keeps getting faster and more agile, and his coverage ability has taken a step forward. With high football IQ and natural instincts, he played with confidence and looked every bit the top linebacker in attendance. His sideline-to-sideline speed makes him a true modern-day linebacker, capable of defending the run and pass with equal efficiency. Expect his stock to rise even further as he continues to improve in coverage and add muscle to his frame.

    Zyuan Dukes | WR | 2026 | Lake Wales | @ZDhumble3

    One of the more talented wide receivers in Polk County, Dukes brings speed and a solid catch radius, making tough grabs look easy. If he locks in this offseason and refines his body and skill set, he’ll be a sure-fire D1 recruit. At 6-0, 175 pounds, he has the hands and route running to turn heads. His ability to track the deep ball and create separation makes him a dangerous target, especially on vertical routes. With continued work on his physicality and consistency, he could emerge as one of the top receivers in Central Florida.

    Chad Williams | QB | 2026 | Lake Wales | @ChadWqb12

    Williams has been locked in this offseason, preparing his mind, body, and mechanics to take the next step. He stood out with his ability to spin it to multiple receivers, showcasing clean footwork and a strong frame. He connected on several 15- to 20-yard comeback throws, showing his ability to make tight-window passes. His poise under pressure and ability to read defenses are improving, making him a quarterback to watch over the next two seasons. If he continues to develop his deep ball and mechanics, he could rise in the recruiting rankings as a legitimate college prospect.

    Cameron Fuse | WR | 2028 | Lakeland | @D1Cam04

    Fuse is on his way to becoming one of the nation’s top-ranked 2028 wide receivers. At 6-2, 185 pounds, he already has the size and athleticism that college coaches covet. His speed and fluidity in his routes were impressive, allowing him to create separation against older competition. He’s a natural playmaker with strong hands and an aggressive mindset when attacking the football. With three more years to refine his game, Fuse has a ceiling that could place him among the best in his class.

    Aaron Truedell | RB | 2027 | LCS | @clapz_aj

    This was my first time getting eyes on Truedell, and I was not disappointed in the slightest. He impressed with his ability to run routes out of the backfield, finishing plays with soft hands and blazing speed. He looked solid in drills, but it was the 1v1 period where he really separated himself as one of the top backs at the event. His ability to shift gears and make defenders miss in open space makes him a name to track in the 2027 class.

    Derrick McBride | WR | 2026 | Lake Gibson | @dmcbridejr_

    McBride continues to grow into his frame and looked the part of a true receiver during the event. His route execution and finishing ability stood out during the 1v1 period, where he showcased good speed, crisp route running, and strong hands. He’s developing into a reliable playmaker who just needs a little more work and exposure to take the next step in his recruitment.

    Jasper Hebel | ATH | 2026 | Lakeland | @JHebel88

    Hebel has transferred to the defending 5A state runner-up Dreadnaughts and understands the challenge ahead. At 6-5, 230 pounds, he’s already one of Polk County’s top edge rushers. His wrestling background gives him an edge in hand-fighting, and his motor never stops. With his recent move to Lakeland High, Hebel is poised to take his game to another level this season.

    Cason Dash | DB | 2026 | Lake Gibson | @CasonDash3

    One of the top DB standouts at the event, Dash continues to grow into his frame and showed out in coverage. His natural athleticism allows him to make plays on both sides of the ball, but his future looks brightest at defensive back. He brings a physical presence with good instincts, and his ability to stay in phase with receivers makes him a promising prospect for Lake Gibson and beyond.

    Lavonski Tubbs | RB | 2026 | Ridge | @LavonskiT2

    The top rusher in Polk County this season, Tubbs has been an anchor for Ridge Community’s offense. At 6-0, 210 pounds, he showed his versatility in the passing game, making clean catches out of the backfield. His fluidity and speed for his size stood out, but it’s his tough, workhorse running style that has made him a difference-maker. He runs with balance and vision, making him a complete back to watch.

    James Tilus | DE | 2026 | Auburndale | @JamesTilus8

    Telling you now, if Tilus puts it all together with technique and experience, there’s no way he doesn’t land at a D1 university. At 6-3, 215 pounds, he already looks the part, and his physical tools make him a nightmare for offensive linemen. He’s still refining his game, but with the right development, he could be one of the best defensive linemen in Polk County in the next two years.

    Adonis Cuyler | DB | 2027 | Lake Gibson | @AdonisCuyler2

    One of the better DBs in attendance, Cuyler has the tools that college coaches should be keeping an eye on. He showed solid technique and finished multiple reps with pass breakups. He has good speed and the potential to add more size to his frame, but his overall upside is what stood out. After a productive sophomore season, he’s looking to take his game to another level.

    Jordan Tarver | ATH | 2026 | Auburndale | @Jordantarver100

    Tarver was active throughout the event, standing out with his 6-1 frame and successful reps at defensive back. He locked down two receivers right in front of me, showing the ability to stay patient and mirror routes. A track athlete with solid speed, Tarver could have a real future at DB if he continues to refine his footwork and use his length to his advantage.

    Collin Henderson | QB | 2027 | Lake Gibson | @collin_cj12

    Polk County is a hotbed for athletic skill talent, but the quarterback scene is also growing, and Henderson is one of the next up. Now at Plant City, he impressed with his natural throwing ability and arm strength. His ball placement under pressure was notable, and for a rising sophomore, he showed advanced poise and decision-making. As the spring progresses, expect him to emerge as a leader and key playmaker.

    Best of the Rest:

    Xavion Mitchell | RB | 2027 | Kathleen | @xavionmitchell_

    Quick, shifty back with upside as a playmaker in space.

    Ethan Brous | QB | 2026 | Bartow | @d1_e_9

    Showed solid arm talent and poise in the pocket.

    Malachi Moore | LB | 2027 | Lake Gibson | @MalachiMoore222

    Physical young linebacker with instincts beyond his years.

    Gavin Hall | DB | 2026 | Auburndale | @Gavin_hall2

    Active in coverage with smooth transitions and ball skills.

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