PrepRedzoneFL Showcase Standouts: Offensive MVPs

On January 23rd, on a cold (by Florida standards), blistery afternoon intermingled with brief periods of rain and sunshine alike, 100 athletes from the Sunshine State and beyond brought their talents to the lofty fields of IMG Academy to compete, learn, and test their athleticism at the inaugural PrepRedzoneFL Showcase. It was a lively and productive event, with talent all across the board and represented by five graduating classes and all regions of Florida from Key West up to Yulee. There was also some notable prospects in attendance, with players coming off of P5 offers, future high-profile & up-and-coming underclassman prospects still growing and developing, and unsigned seniors who would make a recruiting coordinator gush with excitement upon the late gem of a find. Of the many outstanding prospects in Bradenton last weekend there were a few particular athletes who really caught my eye and impressed me on the offensive side of the ball, and below I have the complete report of the PrepRedzoneFL Showcase Standouts: Offensive MVPs. There are some real deal studs highlighted here and I hope you enjoy the detailed look. Thanks for reading! Offensive Line [player_tooltip player_id="128610" first="Matthew" last="Prigmore"] (Cypress Bay) OG. 6'2, 280 lbs. C/o 2023. @Matt_Prigmore66 My favorite OL at the Showcase came out of South Florida and Cypress Bay High School rising senior [player_tooltip player_id="128610" first="Matthew" last="Prigmore"]. He showed some solid play strength and was able to withstand bull rushes and power moves from bigger DL as well as counter speed rushes upfield. He played both OT and OG at the event as well. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-275307" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/45-Matthew-Prigmore-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="128610" first="Matthew" last="Prigmore"] - Cypress Bay [player_tooltip player_id="275814" first="Troy" last="Robertson"] (Parrish Community) OG. 6'3, 245 lbs. C/o 2023. @Bullsfootball76 Stood out due to his athleticism in the OL group and was competitive and hard to disengage from for opposing rushers. Solid frame that would really benefit from a college strength and conditioning program. Best football is in front of him. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-275310" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/48-Troy-Robertson-236x300.jpg" alt="" width="236" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="275814" first="Troy" last="Robertson"] - Parrish Community [player_tooltip player_id="275860" first="Gage" last="Wallace"] (Martin County) 6'1, 270 lbs. C/o 2025. @GageWallace772 The young buck put up some solid numbers in the testing portion of the event and clocked a 5.0 40, a 4.9 short shuttle, and a 7.65 L-drill to go along with varsity experience on the Martin County Tigers offensive line this past fall. As an interior OL prospect he plays with solid balance and a strong base for his age that absorbs contact well from bigger defenders. He's also patient in his initial punch and keeps his feet active once he engages with an opponent. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-275311" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/49-Gage-Wallace-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="275860" first="Gage" last="Wallace"] - Martin County Running Back [player_tooltip player_id="275873" first="TreQuan" last="Jones"] (Bartow) C/o 2023. 5'10, 170 lbs. @Que2officiall Oh boy, was [player_tooltip player_id="275873" first="TreQuan" last="Jones"] fun to watch. Originally caught my eye after clocking a 4.54 in the 40 and a 4.34 in the short shuttle that made for one of the best testing performances of the afternoon in Bradenton. He later put those skills to good use as he was incredibly elusive in short area drills against LBs and displayed special timing, lateral agility, and overall explosiveness. He could set up defenders and make them look silly after cutting at the drop of a hat, snatching their ankles and leaving them grasping at air and he bolts past into daylight. He also showed off his hands and route running ability during 1-on-1s and brought that same shiftiness out of the backfield. I loved watching him with the ball in his hands and am a big fan after watching compete. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-275331" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/72-TreQuan-Jones-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="275873" first="TreQuan" last="Jones"] - Bartow [player_tooltip player_id="275824" first="Jamarion" last="Strawder"] (South Sumter) C/o 2025. 6'2, 240 lbs. @jay_strawder6 If you read my PrepRedzoneFL Showcase feature highlighting the defensive standouts from the event you already know that I am a big fan of the plethora of young talent coming up at South Sumter High School in Bushnell, FL. They came out in force to the PRzFL Showcase, and of the offensive youngins' I was quite intrigued by the 6'2, 240 lb. freshman Mack Truck of a RB [player_tooltip player_id="275824" first="Jamarion" last="Strawder"]. I'm not exaggerating when I say 6'2, 240, and he was all of it. He could also move a little bit and recorded a 4.80 in the 40 to go along with a 4.80 on the short shuttle and displayed some lateral agility and nimble feet during positional drills and 1-on-1s. The freshman saw a ton of time and carries on varsity this year for South Sumter and ran over more than a few would-be tacklers in his inaugural season of high school ball. He showed that physicality and athleticism without the pads at IMG Academy and I think he's a future FBS athlete who could potentially play a few different positions as he ages and grows. Big fan of this kid. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-275335" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/76-Jamarion-Strawder-228x300.jpg" alt="" width="228" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="275824" first="Jamarion" last="Strawder"] - South Sumter [player_tooltip player_id="241226" first="Elija" last="Mason"] (Ben Hill Middle School) C/o 2026. 5'8, 150 lbs. @emason813 One of only two middle schoolers to get a preferred invite to the PRzFL Showcase, Mason was a good sized youth RB prospect who did not play like his age would suggest, especially against high school competition. He was dangerous in both passing situations out of the backfield as well as with the ball in his hands in a condensed space, and I liked his balance and overall quickness for his age. I can't wait to see what high school he ends up attending and I think he'll see some varsity action sooner rather than later. Thanks for coming, Elija! <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-275333" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/74-Elija-Mason-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="241226" first="Elija" last="Mason"] - C/o 2026 [player_tooltip player_id="275819" first="Stanley" last="Young"] (South Sumter) C/o 2025. 5'9, 155 lbs. Another South Sumter freshman, Young still has some growing to do but showed off some quick feet and natural shiftiness in the open field that should suit him nicely as he gets stronger in the weight room. Had a variety of moves to get past defenders but didn't dance and waste time/steps. Another young Raider to keep an eye on! <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-275336" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/77-Stanley-Young-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="275819" first="Stanley" last="Young"] - South Sumter [player_tooltip player_id="275812" first="Connor" last="Mathews"] (Land O Lakes) C/o 2025. 5'8, 170 lbs. @ConnorMathews18 Another young ball carrier who flashed some promising reps on the grass of IMG Academy. Showed some elusiveness and quickness and a comfortability with the ball in his hands. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-275334" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/75-Connor-Mathews-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="275812" first="Connor" last="Mathews"] - Land O Lakes Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="275827" first="kael" last="Alexander"] (Cypress Bay) C/o 2024. 6'5, 200 lbs. @kaelalexander1 Underclassman QB that impressed both coaches and scouts alike as his noteworthy size coupled with his high release point, smooth mechanics, and strong arm helped him accurately hit just about every throw asked of him. He got the ball out of his hand quickly threw a pretty deep comeback as well. Excited to see how he puts his physical skills to use this coming fall. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-275312" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/50-Kael-Alexander-226x300.jpg" alt="" width="226" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="275827" first="kael" last="Alexander"] - Cypress Bay [player_tooltip player_id="128296" first="Jake" last="Bechtel"] (East Lake) C/o 2023. 6'4, 225 lbs. @JakeBechtel10 There will always be a premium for 6'4, 225+ lbers. who can run in the 4.8s in the 40 and a 4.28 on the short shuttle so forgive me if I have to mention the prospect that Bechtel has the athleticism to potentially play a few positions at the next level. He's a well built kid and a fluid athlete who also had a cannon attached to his shoulder and could sling the rock downfield like it was a baseball, which also happens to be a sport the rising senior excels in. There's definitely arm talent there, but with how versatile his overall game is I think there's a lot of intriguing possibilities in his future. I'll be eagerly anticipating his senior tape! <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-275313" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/51-Jake-Bechtel-239x300.jpg" alt="" width="239" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="128296" first="Jake" last="Bechtel"] - East Lake [player_tooltip player_id="275845" first="Nikolay" last="Boyce"] (Naples) C/o 2025. 6', 180 lbs. @NikoBoyce One of the high profile recruits I mentioned in the introduction to this PRzFL feature, Boyce was a couple of days removed from his first college football offer from the Oregon Ducks and made his way to Bradenton ready to compete, learn, and get better. It wasn't a surprise that he was one of those rare freshman to earn a P5 offer after seeing his work as the first year gunslinger showed off a strong arm that could accurately deliver balls off-platform in or outside of the pocket. He also displayed some impressive footwork that helped him generate power into his throws and was athletic and mobile while evading pressure, which he showed off in positional drills. During 1-on-1s I also like how he took care of the football as he consistently put the rock where only the wideout could make a play on it and he carried himself with the confidence and poise of an upperclassman. All-in-all the FBU Freshman All-American lived up to the hype. You got a fan in me, Niko! <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-275314" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/52-Nikolay-Boyce-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="275845" first="Nikolay" last="Boyce"] - Naples [player_tooltip player_id="252369" first="Nino" last="Freeman"] (Pensacola) C/o 2025. 6'4, 170 lbs. @NinoFreeman8 Another surefire freshman QB prospect that coaches at the D1 level needs to be aware of comes out of the Panhandle and Pensacola High School freshman [player_tooltip player_id="252369" first="Nino" last="Freeman"]. At a legit 6'4 he could run like a deer and could generate a noticeable amount of zip on his passes that caught the eye of coaches, scouts, and fellow players alike. He could fit the ball into small windows with tight coverage thanks to that whippy arm of his and showed accuracy across all three levels of the field. He also tested well: jumping 9' in the broad jump and a 4.7 flat in the 40, times and measurements that will only improve as he gets older. Freeman was also a nice kid and fun to talk to and with his combination of physical traits and natural arm ability I think it's only a matter of time before college offers start rolling in. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-275316" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/54-Nino-Freeman1-217x300.jpg" alt="" width="217" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="252369" first="Nino" last="Freeman"] - Pensacola [player_tooltip player_id="128339" first="Zachary" last="Pleuss"] (Lakeland) C/o 2023. 6', 185 lbs. @ZacharyPleuss Representing one of my favorite football counties in the nation in Polk County, FL and their heavyweight high school Lakeland came the impressive junior Zach Pleuss. The athletic signal-caller had arguably the most zip on his throws of any QB at the PRzFL Showcase and the audible whistle he created tossing the football through the air caught my attention while I was watching another group of QBs and forced me to checkout the Dreadnaughts talented quarterback. He was fun to watch to say the least, and brought a ton of confidence and swag to the table along with that rocket attached to his right shoulder. He also showed noteworthy accuracy and some dual-threat capability from the QB position. Also threw for 2000+ yards and 20+ TDs in 2021! Coaches: get at him! <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-275322" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/62-Zachary-Pleuss-240x300.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="128339" first="Zachary" last="Pleuss"] - Lakeland [player_tooltip player_id="275821" first="Brady" last="Shaffer"] (Palm Harbor University) C/o 2024. 6'3, 190 lbs. @brady_shaffer12 Loved the underclassman's touch on his deep throws and his overall arm for his age. He threw a beautiful ball downfield with a consistently tight spiral and the ability to drop the ball right in the receivers breadbasket or on a well-timed back shoulder throw. Was able to take advantage when his receivers had only a step or two in coverage and could lead WRs open as well. Also possessed a solid frame for a sophomore and is still growing. I think there's a bright future for Mr. Shaffer! <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-275325" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/65-Brady-Shaffer-224x300.jpg" alt="" width="224" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="275821" first="Brady" last="Shaffer"] - Palm Harbor U Greg Jones (Foundation Academy) C/o 2022. 6'4, 215 lbs. The unsigned senior out of Winter Garden had one of the strongest arms at the entire showcase and let me say, there were some strong arms in attendance at IMG Academy a little more than a week ago. He'd flick his wrist and the rock would be sailing through the East Florida sunshine like a seagull heading to the ocean and receivers had an awesome time running under his throws over the course of the afternoon. He's still somewhat raw but could make a recruiting coordinator really happy with a late season find. I couldn't find a Twitter but someone get in contact with the Foundation Academy coaches and see what's up! Wide Receiver Samuel Smith Jr. (Wauseon, OH) C/o 2023. 6'4, 205 lbs. @sam_smith11 Representing the Buckeye State, [player_tooltip player_id="173939" first="Sam" last="Smith Jr"]. showed up and showed out at IMG Academy two Sundays ago and recorded a 4.6 flat on the 40 and a 4.5 on the short shuttle in addition to a 9'5 broad jump at a legit 6'4, 205. He put that frame to good measure as well as he was a matchup nightmare for opposing DBs who could run by them, body them out of position, or high point the football over their heads for impressive catches all afternoon long. I loved his vertical ability and he was a contested catch machine over the course of the afternoon. His noteworthy performance also seemed to catch the eye of college programs, as only a few days ago he earned his first college football offer from MAC competitor Toledo. Congrats from all of us at PRZ, Sam! More coming. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-275353" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/98-Samuel-Smith-Jr.-232x300.jpg" alt="" width="232" height="300" /> Samuel Smith - Wauseon [player_tooltip player_id="227264" first="Aaron" last="Pasick"] (Lemon Bay) C/o 2022. 6', 160 lbs. @d1_pasick The speedster out of Lemon Bay recorded a 4.57 and 4.50 in the 40 as well as a 4.25 short shuttle for some impressive testing numbers. He also balled out during 1-on-1s. Not only was he a deep threat downfield, Pasick could drop his hops and cut his routes off in no more than a step or two, allowing him to gain separation on deep comebacks, digs, and post-corners. I also saw him show off some strong, sticky hands as he plucked the ball out of the air on more than a couple of occasions of low or high thrown footballs. Couldn't ignore the speed as well. Someone hit the unsigned senior up! <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-275348" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/91-Aaron-Pasick-240x300.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="227264" first="Aaron" last="Pasick"] - Lemon Bay [player_tooltip player_id="275832" first="Rashad" last="Johnson"] (South Sumter) C/o 2025. 6'2, 180 lbs. @Rashad_Johnson4 The final South Sumter product to make my list of standouts from the inaugural PrepRedzoneFL Showcase, [player_tooltip player_id="275832" first="Rashad" last="Johnson"] was exceptionally long at 6'2, 180 and had big hands and feet that indicated that he was not done growing by any means. He had great body control that helped him make some impressive catches throughout positional drills and 1-on-1s and I loved how he could track and high point the football when it was in the air. He'd float through the air when he powered off the ground and showed concentration and soft hands at the highest point. His long legs also helped him get downfield on deeper routes and there was a ton of promise in the freshman's game and body type. Dude can play! <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-275342" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/84-Rashad-Johnson-223x300.jpg" alt="" width="223" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="275832" first="Rashad" last="Johnson"] - South Sumter [player_tooltip player_id="275808" first="Gerald" last="Lawton III"] (Belleview) C/o 2025. 5'7, 145 lbs. @juicelawtonIII A prospect who did his best work when the lights came on and the competition period of the PRzFL Showcase began. Despite his smaller stature, he was a monster during 1-on-1s and torched DBs throughout the afternoon on a variety of routes across all three levels of the field. He could get in and out of his breaks impressively and was dangerous at the LOS and able to gain separation and multiple different points throughout a route. Bright future for the freshman. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-275343" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/85-Gerald-Lawton-III-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /> Gerald Lawton - Belleview [player_tooltip player_id="128460" first="Jeremiah" last="Gines"] (Durant) C/o 2023. 5'9, 172 lbs. @GinesJeremiah One of the best individual performances of the 1-on-1 period of the event came from the Durant product and the rising senior and playmaker [player_tooltip player_id="128460" first="Jeremiah" last="Gines"]. There wasn't a route he couldn't run successfully or a DB he couldn't leave swiveling his head in confusion. He did his best work at the top of the route, where he was deceptive and shifty and never gave any indication of where he was breaking to before the fact. He was also excellent at stacking DBs and taking advantage when corners got themselves even slightly out of position or out of step. Also put up some good testing numbers and brought a fiery and competitive attitude to the table. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-275339" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/81-Jeremiah-Gines-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="128460" first="Jeremiah" last="Gines"] - Durant