Written By: Drew Johnson (@RealNews102)
Drew’s Prospect Watch spotlights Florida’s rising high school football stars, delivering sharp evaluations, key highlights, and insights that matter to athletes, parents, and college recruiters.
La’Darius Simmons | 2026 | Flagler Palm Coast | @l4dar1us
Simmons is one of my guys — first sponsorship winner, been tapped in with the grind. The confidence is catching up to the talent. He’s taken advantage of the offseason circuit and that work is showing. Still evolving with the reads, but the tools? Real.
Ethan Brous | 2026 | Bartow | @d1_e_9
This Bartow offense runs smooth when Brous is under center. Calm under pressure, throws with great touch, and doesn’t try to force things. He’s got control. Not flashy, but efficient — and that wins games.
Nick Dyer | 2027 | Cooper City | @NickDyer_QB
Like this kid, go watch the film! Dyer is surgical — smooth feet, smooth release. Great touch on the move, and he’s consistent. Not just highlight flashes. Kid’s steady. With a few breakout games, his name’s going to explode.
Marcus Starke | 2028 | American Heritage | @Marcus_Stracke
Starke is ahead of the curve — 6’1”, 180, and already producing real numbers. Big time 1,700+ yards as a freshman at Spanish River? He’s calm in the pocket, throws a great deep ball. If you’re building a future QB board, circle this name.
Xavion Mitchell | 2026 | Kathleen | RB | @xavionmitchell_
RB MVP at SEU Camp — Mitchell is that dude. Soft hands out the backfield, real vision, and can turn on the jets. Low-key complete back. Don’t be surprised if he hits 1K this year.
Rashard Kelly | 2027 | Kathleen | WR | @shard_k3
High-ceiling guy. Body control, vertical threat, RUNS A 4.4, and a knack for making the big grab. Still developing physically, but already plays like a WR1. The more touches he gets, the better he looks.
Marcus Bankston | 2027 | Kathleen | WR | @MarcusBankston
Slot nightmare — quick twitch, elite burst, and savvy in open space. Uses his hips and hesitation well. Could be a volume guy this year if they feed him.
Jesse Mitchell | 2026 | WR | Fort Meade | @jesse_mitchell4
6-3 and climbing. Starting to look comfortable in his skin — clean hands, solid red zone target, and a real mismatch vs smaller DBs.
Cayden Clark | 2026 | WR | @caydenclark24
Offered by Miami (OH) for a reason. Tracks the deep ball well, plays through contact. More than just a possession guy — he’s got wiggle and vertical speed.
Kamar Gilmartin | 2026 | ATH | @2waymar
Everywhere on the field. Offense, defense, return game — this kid impacts games. Fort Meade doesn’t win that 7v7 chip without him.
Davion Borders | 2026 | ATH/DB | @BordersDaidai12
4-year starter. Chess piece in the secondary. Can play man, drop back in zone, or blitz. Great tackler and communicator. College-ready IQ.
Drew Sapp | 2027 | Lakeland | DE | @SappDrew2027
6-3, 240 and build like a general four star marine. Quick first step and converts speed to power. Lakeland’s next big-name edge guy? Very possible.
Jermaine May | 2026 | Lake Region | ATH | @_2JermaineGw
Can do it all — WR, DB, returner. Silky footwork and sticky coverage. Criminally underrated. That tape is going to travel fast. Local D1-D2, and FCS schools should be on the phone,
Jasper Hebel | 2026 | Lakeland | DE/TE | @JHebel88
Tough, reliable, versatile, and coachable. Brings energy on both sides. Underrated as a tight end — hands + frame = mismatch all season for the Dreadnaughts.
Malachi Moore | LB | @MalachiMoore222
At 6-0, 215, Moore brings a veteran build and energy that sets the tone. He has been flying around all offseason and showing real instincts at the position. Our breakout DOG to watch for a reason.
Caleb Beck | Lake Gibson | 2026 | @calebbeckLB
Under the radar but plays with heart. Scrappy, instinctive, and plays downhill with violence. Starting to build buzz. Coaches should pay attention.
Noah Maddox | Boone | 2026 | @nmaddox1313
4.2 GPA and 100+ tackles. That’s discipline. High football IQ, always in position. He’s a glue guy on defense. Coaches will love his tape.
Leandro Gutierrez | Hagerty | 2026 | LB/LS | @leo_guti150
Dual-threat — starter at LB and top-tier long snapper. Smart, consistent, and productive. Ivy League sleeper. 102 tackles + impact ST plays? Come on.
Riley Cooper | 2026 | Auburndale | OL/DL | @Rileyfrmpolk
Low center of gravity, strong punch. Underrated mover. He’s not just a gap plug — he can pull, shift, and redirect.
RJ Stamm | Dr. Phillips | OL | 2026 | @RJStamm74
6-5, 290 and built like a tank. Fluid in pass sets, but nasty in the run game. Quiet killer up front for a legit program. Colgate Commit
Juan Diaz | Lakeland | 2026 | OL | @_Juandiaz77
Brings over 6-6, 300 pounds to Lakeland. Big body who will be an instant key trench piece — the upside is there. Massive ceiling.
Zatorien Vilsaint | 2026 | Lakeland | OL | @ZATORIENV54
Underrated pass blocker. Strong hands, good feet, great anchor. He’ll rise fast if Lakeland leans on the run game.
Frankie Lastinger | DL/OL | 2027 | Lake Wales | @frankiethegoat2
One of Lake Wales’ most improved trench players. Listed at 6-1, 250, Lastinger flashes powerful hands and a fast get-off. Could see meaningful snaps this fall as he continues to grow into a complete lineman.
Ah’Narri Cooper | 2028 | Lakeland | RB | @1wayNarri
Already holding a D1 offer from Toledo, Cooper looks like the next star in the Lakeland backfield. Electric, smooth, and way ahead of his age. Word is he’s already flashing in camp — and if that’s true? Big, big future.
