Lakeland Area Has Some Major Talent

When football fans across the state of Florida talk about the best areas for talent, Polk County and the Lakeland area are always in the discussion. <img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-49300" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/09/UndertheRadar-Logo-4-300x188.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="188" />This has long been a fertile region for youth talent that also makes a statement at the high school level – and while Lakeland High has been at the center of that talent train under the legendary<strong> Bill Castle</strong>, there are indeed other schools that have continued to add to that impressive group that are produced each and every year. It’s because of those strong youth football ties that this area is always in the spotlight. The fan support is impressive and the level of play gets better and better every year. Throughout the years, from Fort Meade to Haines City, Frostproof, Bartow, Mulberry, Lake Wales and throughout the communities in and around Lakeland, Polk County has been loaded with prospects and teams who have grabbed the spotlight. This year, once again, there are some amazing athletes in all classes – and today we take time out to showcase five seniors who are expected to have a stellar year as football comes back to Florida for the 2020 season. <strong>Jonathan Jean, CB, Lakeland Victory Christian. </strong>Here is a well-rounded student/athlete who plays on both sides of the ball and sports an impressive 3.49 GPA in the classroom. As a defensive back, he is an outstanding coverage defensive back who also tackles extremely well and will hit you. As a receiver, his ability to run and jump will always give this 5-11, 160-pounder a huge advantage. <strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/7454654/Jonathan-Jean">https://www.hudl.com/profile/7454654/Jonathan-Jean</a> <strong> </strong><strong>Reggie Kellum, RB, Lakeland. </strong>What the Dreadnaughts have in this 6-0, 180-ounder is a bruising back who will wear you down with his strength and overall athletic ability. Once he breaks the line of scrimmage and gets into that secondary, he is not easy to catch. A hard runner, who has balance and the ability to break tackles. Not someone who will go down on the first hit. <strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/10222235/Reggie-Kellum">https://www.hudl.com/profile/10222235/Reggie-Kellum</a> </strong> <strong>J.J. McKinley, OLB, Lakeland Lake Gibson. </strong>On a team loaded with impressive athletes, this 6-1, 215-pounder is strong, athletic and plays this game at a high level. His instincts to always be around the ball is a major advantage. While he’s an impressive run stopper, you had better account for him when he walks up to the line of scrimmage – because he is coming and is not easy to block. He play off blocks like a defensive lineman, and that is another signal that he is the real deal. <strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/10180477/JJ-Mckinley">https://www.hudl.com/profile/10180477/JJ-Mckinley</a><strong> </strong> <strong>Tadarius Thomas, RB, Auburndale. </strong>At 5-11, 225-pounds, this is a bruising runner who plays halfback and fullback. You had better not let his big frame get up some steam or it’s going to be a long night. Very strong and powerful, this is a big time football talent who will be a huge factor. <strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11704664/Tadarius-Thomas">https://www.hudl.com/profile/11704664/Tadarius-Thomas</a> <strong> </strong><strong>Jalen Williams, DB, Lakeland George Jenkins. </strong>This versatile defensive secondary standout is a huge piece of this team’s puzzle. A major playmaker who has outstanding cover skills as well as being very instinctive, knowing where the ball is. He is a playmaker as a corner or at safety, which is giving colleges a look at what he can do to help his team win. <strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11037806/Jalen-Williams">https://www.hudl.com/profile/11037806/Jalen-Williams</a> <strong><em>You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: <a href="mailto:Foridakids1@aol.com">Foridakids1@aol.com</a>. We are also on Social Media on @PrepRedzonefl.</em></strong>