Written by: Drew Johnson (@RealNews102)
The junior class is loaded with upside across Polk County, and several of these prospects have been turning heads all offseason. From weight room gains to improved technique and field awareness, this group is next up. As fall approaches, here are some 2027s trending upward with the potential to make major noise this season.
Jaiziah Battle | ATH | Bartow | @JaiziahBattle
Battle is settling into Bartow’s system and showing steady progression on both sides of the ball. He has good length, lateral quickness, and a competitive edge that stands out during reps. While he can contribute on offense, his long-term upside projects best as a rangy defensive back with room to grow physically.
Jordan Young | DB | @jordanyoung_05
Young looks the part already at 6-2, 180 and moves with confidence. He’s a downhill striker with fluid hips in coverage, making him dangerous in both man and zone schemes. The offseason has only added polish to his technique, and with continued reps, he could rise into a national DB name by season’s end.
Drew Sapp | DE | @SappDrew2027
Sapp has made serious strides in his body and technique since last fall. Now at 6-3, 230, he uses his hands well and plays with natural leverage. His get-off and ability to convert speed to power make him tough to block off the edge. He’s one of the more complete 2027 trench players in the area heading into the fall.
Kelin Hendrix | ATH | Lakeland | @HendrixKelin
Hendrix brings versatility and experience to this new-look offense. He was a top passer last season but has quickly used his athleticism to climb the WR depth chart. With quick feet and big play ability, he could thrive in the slot and create matchup problems on this offense.
Deonte Fielder | ATH | @DeonteFielder1
Fielder is electric. He’s quick-twitch, creative in space, and has made clear gains in confidence this offseason. Whether he’s lined up at receiver, defensive back, or returning kicks, he’s a constant threat. If his strength and coverage skills continue to improve, he’ll be a problem on defense.
Brayden Padgett | QB | @brayden_p9
Padgett has grown into more of a vocal leader and refined his mechanics. He’s showing better poise in the pocket, with improved footwork and control through his progressions. His arm strength continues to develop, and with more live reps this fall, he’s positioned to take a noticeable leap in production.
Malachi Moore | LB | @MalachiMoore222
Moore is a tone-setter at linebacker — built like a varsity veteran at 6-0, 215. He plays downhill with violence, shows sideline-to-sideline range, and brings juice in every drill. He’s clearly been putting in work this offseason, and if his instincts sharpen, he’s going to be one of the most feared 2027 defenders in the county.
Adonis Cuyler | ATH | @AdonisCuyler2
Cuyler has made a real jump in his offensive game. He’s seeing more time at receiver, where his acceleration and strong hands give him big-play potential. Still a factor on defense, but the added polish in his route running and ability to create separation make him a dangerous two-way option going forward.
Caleb Beck | LB | Lake Gibson | @calebbeckLB
Beck is quietly emerging. He’s got a strong motor, good footwork, and plays fast downhill. Coaches have noticed his maturity and improved feel for the game. With more snaps under his belt and continued physical development, Beck has the makings of a breakout two-way contributor this fall.
Paul Wright | LB | @PAULWRIGHT___
Wright plays with heart and purpose. He’s become one of the more vocal young defenders and backs it up with physical play and natural instincts. Over the offseason, he’s learned the adapted the culture and could be a hidden gem. His leadership and consistency make him a core piece of this defense moving forward.
Takeo Edwards | ATH | @edwards_takeo
Track speed, but now with better control and ball skills. Edwards is showing improved route running and sharper cuts in space, making him a vertical and YAC threat from the slot. He’s putting it together — if the production matches the potential, he’ll be a top playmaker this fall.
Major McBath | WR | @Majormcb
McBath brings intensity to every rep. His route running has gotten crisper, and he shows natural hands through contact. He’s already building chemistry with the QB1 and knows how to find soft spots in coverage. The traits are there for a strong statistical jump this season.
Vanshawn Burch | OL/DL | @Vanshawn495
At 6-3, 280, Burch is a powerful presence with surprising agility. He’s been a staple on the offensive line, but his flashes at DT this offseason show he could be a legitimate two-way force. If he trims up and sharpens his hand technique, he’ll be a dominant trench piece.
Messiah Borders | ATH | @Messiah2borders
Still rehabbing, but the anticipation around Borders is real. He’s a natural athlete with proven playmaking skills when healthy. Coaches are confident in his ability to bounce back and be a spark plug in the offense by midseason.
Raeshaun Pugh | ATH | 2027 | @daarealduce
Versatile rising junior who took reps at DB and WR. Physical, locked in, and already picking up offers. Pugh is a name to watch for a breakout season in the secondary.
Brody Davis | OL | 2027 | Santa Fe | @BrodyDavis08
At 6-1, 285 pounds Davis has the strength and frame to dominate inside. He’s cleaned up his pass sets this offseason and plays with smart leverage and grit. One of the more underrated trench players in the region heading into fall.
Reagan Korlacki | RB | 2027 | Santa Fe | @ReaganKorlacki
A compact, physical runner with natural pad level and good burst through contact. Korlacki has improved as a receiver and added strength over the summer. Should step into a lead role for Santa Fe’s ground game this season.
Charles Calhoun | RB/LB | 2027 | Auburndale | @4_wayyyzz
A tone-setter with a violent running style and a linebacker’s mindset on both sides of the ball. Calhoun has worked on his conditioning and foot quickness, and looks primed to make plays as a true two-way impact guy this fall.
Shemarie Collins | WR | @Grindontstop03
Collins brings toughness and hunger. He’s been grinding all offseason and earned solid reps this spring. Shows physicality at the catch point and competes with every route. Still developing, but he’s putting himself in position to make an impact early.
Ja’Kobie Terry | ATH | @Kobie_863
Terry is a polished skill guy in this group. He’s got vision, burst, and the ability to contribute in multiple roles — jet sweeps, short passes, and even out of the backfield. He’s taken big steps in his consistency and should be a focal point of the offense this fall.
