CLASS OF 2023 TOP 100: It’s All About Defense

As we continue to break the Class of 2023 Top 100 plus prospects, heading into spring, it's all about defense today – as five of the top rising prospects in Florida bring so much to the table. The objective has long been about promoting prospects, and with the release of the Class of 2023, many across the state began to see how many talented football players there are to choose from. With a visit to last week's Under Armour Combine at West Orange High School in Winter Garden, many of our top-rated players were on hand, so we had one additional exposure event to watch them. Because there is so much talent in this class, when we re-rank this enormous list before the season begins in the summer, it will be based off of spring and the entire summer season. Remember, the objective of these lists is to get it right and not to win favor by placing one athlete higher than the next. This spring will be vital for all classes. As defense is certainly a priority when recruiting the state of Florida, here are a few young men to keep your eye on: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="127995" first="Jayvant" last="Brown"], OLB, 6-0, 200, Deerfield Beach. </strong>This former University School running back prospect has thrust himself into the spotlight with the Bucks as an impressive linebacker, who has size, speed and plenty of athletic ability. A very smart talent that also gets it done in the classroom. Colleges have already watched him plenty on film, and when things open up on June 1, you can guarantee that this is a prospect who will continue to get plenty of attention and more offers. <strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12729297/Jayvant-Brown">https://www.hudl.com/profile/12729297/Jayvant-Brown</a> <strong> </strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128772" first="Daniel" last="Harris"], DE, 6-5, 190, Palm Bay. </strong>Had the opportunity to watch this gifted athlete over a year ago, tracked him during his sophomore year on the football field and saw him make a huge impact on the basketball court. What this young man brings to the table as football prospect right now is plenty of athletic ability and speed. He has a long reach and has a passion for the game. As he gains more weight and gets stronger, he will rise up the charts very fast. <strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13279200/Daniel-ManMan-Harris">https://www.hudl.com/profile/13279200/Daniel-ManMan-Harris</a> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128009" first="Malik" last="Muhammad"], CB, 6-1, 185, Bradenton IMG Academy. </strong>We should all know by now that when this program brings someone in – especially as a rising junior – you know that he is gifted and will be a difference maker. He gets out on that island by himself and he shines. Tough to get away from a quality secondary standout like this. One who uses speed, strength and the knowledge of the position at such a young age. This is a big-time football talent who will fit in with the national champions very well. <strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13004551/Malik-Muhammad">https://www.hudl.com/profile/13004551/Malik-Muhammad</a> <strong> </strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128018" first="Derrick" last="Leblanc"], DE, 6-5, 245, Kissimmee Osceola. </strong>After watching this quality football talent three times this past season, there is no question that the only thing that separates him from being the total package is game experience. Heading into his second year as a starter for the 8A state runner up Kowboys, this is a tremendous talent who has already started to blow up – along with the rest of his 2023 teammates, who are among the best in Florida. Another one to watch over the next two seasons. <strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12952148/Derrick-LeBlanc">https://www.hudl.com/profile/12952148/Derrick-LeBlanc</a> <strong> </strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128015" first="Devin" last="Williams"], DT, 6-2, 292, Brooksville Hernando. </strong>Two years ago a coach in the Nature Coast area sent me a practice session with a prospect that he warned could be one of the best this area has watched in a long time. Considering the great<strong> Jerome Brown</strong> came out of Hernando, and was a dominating player throughout his career, even mentioning the name <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128015" first="Devin" last="Williams"]</strong> in the same sentence was crazy. But fast forward two years, and this rising junior is ready to take that spotlight, and took the first step in doing that at the Under Armour Combine at West Orange High School. This is a big, agile and athletic football talent that is still a work in progress. <strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12704564/Devin-Williams">https://www.hudl.com/profile/12704564/Devin-Williams</a> <strong> </strong>To check out all 563 Class of 2023 prospects, just check out the complete list: <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2021/04/updated-2023-florida-rankings/">https://prepredzone.com/2021/04/updated-2023-florida-rankings/</a> <strong><em>You Can Contact [player_tooltip player_id="111610" first="Larry" last="Blustein"] with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com. We are also on Social Media on @PrepRedzonefl.</em></strong>