Written by: Drew Johnson (@RealNews102)
Carmelo Harden | DT | Bartow | @Mello_da1_
Harden is a nimble, athletic big with real upside in the trenches. He moves well for his size and flashes the strength to control gaps. As he continues to develop, he could anchor Bartow’s interior for years to come.
Dominick Harris Payne | ATH | Lakeland | @Laadom2028
One of the more talked about 2028s in Polk. Payne is a long, fluid athlete with legit two-way upside. At 6-3, 170, he could develop into a matchup nightmare at receiver or a ball-hawking DB on the back end. Still unlocking his full potential — Lakeland has a special one.
De’Sean Sharrieff | ATH | Armwood | @DeSean813
A rising playmaker who continues to gain buzz heading into the fall. Sharrieff is a speedster that’s starting to put it all together. He’s dynamic out the slot and shows the work ethic to turn flashes into full-time production.
Cedric King | ATH | Wiregrass Ranch | @llce5ll
One of the more explosive 2028s out of Pasco. King showed flashes last season, and this fall will be big for his stock. He has breakaway potential and that extra gear to be a true big-play threat.
Ah’Narri Cooper | RB | Lakeland | @1wayNarri
Cooper is the next name out of Lakeland’s deep backfield room. Shifty, explosive, and fearless through the hole. Already holding a couple offers, he made defenders look silly during spring reps. His vision and footwork stand out.
Michael Smith | WR | 2028 | @MJalltheWay4
Smith has the tools to be a breakout name this fall. With a strong frame, clean routes, and reliable hands, he’s built to become a go-to target early. If the connection with his QB clicks, expect varsity-level production and early recruiting buzz.
Deshaun Smalls | ATH | 2028 | @7_smalls38505
One of the few on this list with a D1 offer — and he plays like it. Smalls is a physical presence on defense and has that burst when he lines up at RB. A two-way athlete with pop and downhill juice.
Vario McBride | ATH | 2028 | @hbk_dmarrr
Another 2028 with early offers and legit talent. McBride has shown to be versatile, instinctive, and just scratching the surface of what he can be. A future difference-maker who can impact all three phases.
Reese Nunez | LB | VCA | @Reese_Nunez6
Nunez has the physical tools and IQ to become one of Polk’s dynamic rising LBs in the 2028 class. Explosive, versatile, and locked this offseason in the weight room. Coach says he can play all over the front seven — a future defensive leader.
Tavaris Smith | ATH | Auburndale | @tavarissmi23088
One of the more exciting 2028 athletes in Polk County. Smith has real speed and football instincts. He’s going to be a vertical threat from day one and gives Auburndale a weapon to build around.
Isaiah Johnson | WR | 2028 | Winter Haven | @IsaiahJohn95133
Johnson is starting to gain momentum as a name to know. Shifty, competitive, and productive. Could be one of Winter Haven’s go-to options sooner than later.
Lorenzo Jones | DB | 2028 | @lusiosk10405
Jones plays with confidence and instincts beyond his age. He’s a natural playmaker in the secondary and should emerge as a young defensive leader this fall. As he adds strength, his upside as a ball-hawking DB only grows.
Alijah Galva | ATH | Bartow | @AlijahGalva04
Galva brings a lot to like. Long frame, quick feet, and a competitive edge that shows up in every drill. He’s got the tools and bloodlines to develop into a high-level athlete for Bartow.
Jamarian Everett | DB | Auburndale | @marifrmla23
One of the more confident young DBs I saw. Everett has the speed to stay with receivers and competes through the ball. Still raw in spots, but the foundation is there to build on. Definitely trending up.
Ian McCarty Hall | DB | VCA | @ian4_mccarty
Hall has been grinding this offseason and it’s starting to show. Quick feet, improved technique, and a growing feel for coverage. If his confidence keeps rising, he could carve out a big role in the secondary this fall.
