863Showcase: Difference makers on “D” & in the trenches
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The high school football offseason has brought about anticipated showcases around the state of Florida. Polk County hosted an event on Wednesday with some of the top prospects in the area to showcase their skills in front of college coaches…
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Continue ReadingThe high school football offseason has brought about anticipated showcases around the state of Florida. Polk County hosted an event on Wednesday with some of the top prospects in the area to showcase their skills in front of college coaches and scouts. Prep Redzone scout Andrew Johnson attended the event to provide a list of top prospect standouts and notable names to know. This list will include players of the day and standouts from the DBs, LBs and Lineman groups. Make sure to follow PrepRedzoneFL for more player evaluations from various position groups.
DB:
Brayshon Williams Brayshon Williams 5'11" | 170 lbs | DB Lakeland | 2024 State FL | 2024 S | Lakeland | @Brayshon4
Likely the defensive MVP of the day. Williams competed against most of the top receivers at the event and held his own. I pride young prospects that aren’t afraid to get reps and improve their games against older competitors. Williams holds over 20 offers and rightfully so. Has a really good frame for his age with untapped potential and room for growth. What impressed the most was his ability to flip his hips and use his hands to jam and disrupt routes. There were a couple of times it seemed as if he ran the route for the receiver. Will be one of the key returning defensive backs this season for Lakeland.
Ja’marion Davis | 2023 DB | Fort Meade | @jamaroanDavis8
Davis had a strong performance which earned his name of the list. The 6’1, 185-pound defensive back has good speed for his size to stay with shifty receivers in coverage. At one point there was a lack of defensive backs but Davis stepped up any time he could. He was fearless in man/press coverage and displayed good hand play and loose hips. Holds various offers from the likes of Coffeyville Community College and Ellsworth.
King Garrett | 2024 DB | Lake Region | @garrett14_king
Garrett plays the safety position but was able to work on press coverage and change of direction skills. Wiry defensive back at 6’1, 165-pounds and has time to add needed weight to his frame.
LB:
Joshua Smith | 2024 LB | Lakeland | @joshua9smiths
Smith was circled on my list heading into the showcases and I left impressed with the linebacker’s overall play. At 6’2, 220-pounds, Smith plays the linebacker position with raw speed and has good coverage skills for his size. Didn’t see much of him going through drill but was treated with a few reps during 1v1. He displayed decent coverage skills and definitely looks the part heading into his senior season.
OL:
Darian Anderson | 2023 OL | Lakeland | @Darian0528
Anderson was easily the most gifted and developed offensive lineman attending the showcase. I spoke with him after the event and Anderson was a well-spoken young man that seemed to understand everything about his position. The 6’2, 320-pound senior has really strong hands and a high IQ to play various positions on the line. Anderson holds Division I offers from Wesleyan University, Allen University and the University of the Incarnate Word.
Caleb Stokes | 2024 OL | Lakeland | @Big_Tex51
The teammate and friend of Darian Anderson, Stokes excels in his own right. The state champion offensive guard displayed his talent and skillset while competing against both linebackers and defensive edge rushers. Really good bend and knows how to use his hands. Three aspects of his game: power, explosiveness, and versatility. Both Stokes and Anderson are learning techniques from the well-known offensive line coach Koty Hix.
DL:
Tavoris Jones | 2023 DE | Lake Wales | @t0uchmoney_jiz
Jones put on a show during last year’s showcase and was just as excited to repeat his performance on Wednesday. The defensive line coach on the day said that Jones was impressive throughout each drill and could hardly be blocked. Really good quickness and footwork for the position with good hand work.
William Maloy | 2023 | Avon Park | @WILLIAMMALOY88
Maloy won a couple of 1v1s against the offensive lineman, earning him a spot on the standout list. An explosive first step with good IQ to get past through blocks.
Notable Names:
Ben Beymer | 2025 OT | Auburndale | @BenBeymer
Josiah Taylor Josiah Taylor 6'0" | 220 lbs | LB Sebring | 2024 FL | 2024 LB | Sebring | @josiahkeepit1
TJ Lane | 2020 OL/DL | Lake Gibson | @Tj73_
Trey’On Ellington | 2024 LB | Winter Haven | @TreyEllington