Notable Underclassman Performers of 2023

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the high school football season begins to conclude, we will look at some Underclass stock riser prospects that deserve recognition in their respective positions and classifications. This week, Prep Redzone Scout Drew Johnson will highlight instrumental freshmen recruits who have consistently produced this season. As noted frequently, Prep Redzone Florida aims to provide adequate coverage of all athletes for college coaches At All Levels and readers to evaluate. Let's get into some of the stats, Hudl films, and recent offers from some of the rising recruits in the state of Florida.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Notable Underclassman Performers of 2023 &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Edgewater</strong>&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='212284' first='Michael' last='Clayton II'] | QB | Class of 2026 | Edgewater | @MikeClaytonQB1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ocoee</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Michael Mcclenton | DL | 2026 | Ocoee | @michaelmcclent5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*1st in total tackles</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wow, this kid has seemingly come out of nowhere but has put up Madden franchise numbers throughout the season. He currently leads the nation in sacks with <strong>31.0 total</strong>, and second in the nation with <strong>202 total tackles</strong>. Just check the film, this isn't little boy football or padded stats but he's a production beast with incredible upside for the college level. Mcclenton is a monster off the edge, a versatile athlete who understands the game early.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023 stats: 202 total tackles, 45.0 TFL, 31.0 sacks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='705916' first='Joshua' last='Jones']</strong> | ATH | Class of 2027 | Zarephath | @JoshuaJones3x</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jones has one of the best physiques I've seen on a rising freshman wide receiver and he's been able to transfer all of the hard work in the off-season to the gridiron.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tohopekaliga</strong>&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='212286' first='Sabby' last='Meassick'] | QB | Class of 2026 | Toho | @SabbyMeassick</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lake Wales</strong>&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1670969' first='Kaneilius' last='Purdy'] | ATH | 2027 | Lake Wales | @KaneiliusPurdy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Purdy is one of the top 2027 prospects in the Polk area and soon to be the state. You heard it here folks, this kid will be a Power 5 recruit in years to come. Special team threat and can play all over the field.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>D'Cari Smith | ATH | 2026 | Lake Wales | @1era__</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith is a rising 2026 athlete generating some interest in his recruitment. He's contributed on both sides of the ball this season for the Highlanders.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1583333' first='Dontavius' last='Purdy'] | DL | 2026 | Lake Wales | @DontaviusPurdy6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023 stats: 53 total tackles, 17.0 TFL, 6.0 sacks&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CAI KNIGHTS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pressure bursts pipes, or it can create a diamond as 2027 QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1592775' first='Joaquin' last='Kavouklis']</strong> has taken on immense pressure to crystallize into a leader in year one under center.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6-1, 180-pound freshman is developing into a potential Power 5 prospect for Clearwater Academy International since filling in for the injured Washington State senior QB commit Evans Chuba.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kavouklis has gained invaluable experience, finishing his inaugural high school season with 1,608 passing yards and 13 touchdowns.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>CJ Cresser | DB | 2026 | CAI | @CJCressser</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What a way to put yourself on the map. Cresser has provided solid coverage throughout the season in both man and zone coverages. It's the developing IQ at the position that separates him from prospects his age.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mannie McKinney | WR | 2027 | CAI | @manniemck_</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McKinney is one of the top freshman wide receivers in the state. The electric slot product made some momentum-shifting plays including a big-time catch to set up CAI for a goal-line score.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bishop Moore</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1212165' first='Jake' last='Kreul'] | DL | 2026&nbsp; | Bishop Moore | @JK_DE_SNAKE_34</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023 stats: 68 total tackles, 22.0 TFL, 15.0 sacks&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This kid has developed into a legitimate Power 5 prospect on the college radar. Very athletic combined with explosiveness and good hand work makes Kreul an intriguing prospect for the next level. Still plenty of time to add weight to his frame but coaches get eyes on him Now.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Armwood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1249091' first='Jaelen' last='Waters'] | DB | Class of 2026 | Armwood | @Jaelen_waters9</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For college coaches looking to establish legitimate relationships with true upside 2026 defensive backs, look no further than Armwood producer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1249091' first='Jaelen' last='Waters']</strong>. This kid has developed into the Real Deal since first laying eyes on him. Really good frame combined with long arms and a nice burst gets the job done in pass coverage. It's the on-field IQ and confidence at the position that makes him a special recruit for the future. Look for a continued uptick in college interest as we head into the offseason period. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lakeland</strong>&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1247490' first='Malik' last='Morris'] | LB | 2026 | Lakeland | @MalikMorris43_</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Morris is a RISING STAR who has a nose for the ball and has been my standout linebacker this season. I've watched Morris fire off into his gap to finish off back-to-back tackles throughout the year and sure Morris will be one of the hottest names in the Polk County area next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Auburndale</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='283732' first='Elijah' last='Dias'] | LB | 2026 | Auburndale | @twin_frmpolk</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023 stats: 101 total tackles, 27.0 TFL, 5.0 sacks, 12.6 TPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's nice to watch young high school football players fly around the field and put it on the line to make game-changing plays and when you do, it must be highlighted.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1142239' first='Chad' last='Williams'] | QB | Class of 2026 | Auburndale | @ChadWqb12</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bloodhounds have shocked some with the strong season they've had despite replacing production pieces lost before the season. Williams has been a bright spot on the offense as a young leader behind center that can get it done with his arm and limit turnovers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>2023 stats: </em>52/101 (51%), 864 yards, 7-3 TD-INT</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lake Minneola&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1266256' first='Chancellor' last='Barclay'] | OL | Class of 2026 | Lake Minneola | @ChancellorB2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Immokalee</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='212274' first='Justin' last='Compere'] | RB | Class of 2026 | Immokalee | @CompereJustin</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The rising sophomore finished the season with <strong>900 rushing yards with 10 touchdowns</strong>. Compere has plenty of time to grow and add weight for the strain of the position but his speed and explosiveness pop out when watching his film and workout videos. Has everything you want in a rising Division I running back: great balance, good RB vision, and a versatile athlete who's highly competitive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West Orange&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1249113' first='Devin' last='Jackson'] | DB | 2026 | West Orange | @DevinJackson010</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023 stats: 58 total tackles</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson has been one of my top DOG standouts because he wasn't afraid to step up and show off his technical skills in coverage while providing reliable tackling. The West Orange product has plenty of time to sharpen his bag of skills and see a big uptick in offers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1368296' first='Larry' last='Miles'] | WR | Class of 2026 | West Orange | @d1larry123</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023 stats: 39 receptions - 531 yards - 3 TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Holy Trinity&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1143156' first='Brogan' last='McNab'] | QB | Class of 2026 | Holy Trinity Episcopal | @BroganMcNab2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McNab adds to one of the more stacked 2026 quarterback classes that I've had a chance to cover. The three-year varsity starter has displayed good footwork mechanics and a grasp of the offense in his time under center. The dual-threat riser has been an important component of the offense as he's able to stretch the defense with a good arm and decent rushing attack with his legs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Offers: Marshall and Umass</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023 stats: 2,462 yards, 17-3 TD/INT | 842 rushing yards - 13 TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Buchholz</strong>&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1607753' first='Trace' last='Johnson'] | QB | 2026 | Buchholz | @Tracejohnson12_</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023 stats: 145/234 - 2261 yards - 29 TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Winter Park</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Will Wankleman | QB | Class of 2026 | Winter Park | @willwankleman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lake Gibson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='212284' first='Joel' last='Morris'] | QB | Class of 2026 | Lake Gibson | @1_Joel_Morris</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A tough season for the Braves who are without some production pieces combined with a hard schedule. Morris has made the most of his sophomore season, soaking up the real game experience while working out the kinks in his game. Still has plenty of time to put it all together and lock in those big-time D1 offers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1141192' first='Cason' last='Dash'] | DB | 2026 | Lake Gibson | @CasonDash3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dash is a 2026 DB prospect that colleges need to get into before it's too late. He's had a learning and development year at the position which should be critical moving forward. He can provide solid man coverage but will be a true D1 prospect with more technique.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fort Meade&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1628903' first='Omari' last='Russell'] | DB | 2026 | Fort Meade | @omari_russell</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bishop Moore Pt. 2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jaeden Powell | @Jaelynpowell08</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='222904' first='Trenton' last='Gummer'] | DB | Class of 2026 | Bishop Moore | @trentongummer</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023 stats: Targets – 50 Allowed Catches – 8 | Allowed Yards: 97 | Allowed TDs: 0 | PBUs: 13 | INTs: 5 | 32 total tackles&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Since the off-season, Gummer had made noise because of his coverage skills and anticipation to watch it translate in the regular season. Really solid performance for the sophomore this season as he allowed just 3 TDs against tough competition.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='274425' first='Kenyon' last='Alston'] | WR | Class of 2026 | Bishop Moore | @KenyonAlston</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alston is one of the top WR prospects in the 2026 class as he showed off his skill set this season 602 receiving yards with 9 TDs. A must-look at 2026 WR prospect for college coaches in need of relationships with young recruits.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>David Coleman | DB | 2027 | Bishop Moore | @DavidLColemanJ2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>College coaches have to develop a relationship with this fast rising 2027 defensive back. Plenty of upside, length, and skill to be a problem at the next level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cocoa</strong>&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Duran Guilford | DB | 2026 | Cocoa | @DuranGuilford</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023 stats: 63 total tackles, 3 INT</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CJ Hester | DB | 2026 | Cocoa | @CliftonHester14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023 stats: 48 total tackles, 2 INT</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These two combined sophomores led the team in INTs with a combined 5 total on the season. Really impressed with their ability to cover and IQ on the backend as well as the effort to make tackles.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>FBA</strong>&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Landon Wolney | TE | 2027 | FBA | @landonwolny_80</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wolny is a decent route runner for his size and has flashed sure-hand capabilities when contested. He can likely develop into a true Power 5 recruit with more work put in during the off-season. Really impressive freshman year with lots of upside for Wolny. College coaches should get in early and monitor his progression.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Boca Raton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1583956' first='Chance' last='Routson'] | QB | 2026 | Boca Raton | @1cr3_</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Routson started behind center as a freshman for Boca Raton last season and has taken that confidence into the sophomore year as he totaled 2,760 yards with 25 TDs. Just check the film, this kid is a gamer with plenty of time to develop.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Newberry</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1142185' first='Keil' last='McGriff'] | QB | Class of 2026 | Newberry | @Keil_Mcgriff</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mitchell</strong>&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1754043' first='Cayden' last='Thomas'] | QB | Class of 2026 | Mitchell | @CaydenThomas_ &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Raines</strong>&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1221454' first='Shareef' last='Jackson'] | DB | 2026 | Raines | @DREAMSJ23</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023 stats: 7 INTs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Film: <a href="https://x.com/dreamsj23/status/1713708972174197085?s=46&amp;t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ">https://x.com/dreamsj23/status/1713708972174197085?s=46&amp;t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Naples</strong>&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nino Joseph | RB | 2027 | Lely | @njoseph015</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023 stats: 150 carries - 1,055 yards - 10 touchdowns&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>ZCA</strong>&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kaden Paghense | DL | 2026 | ZCA | @kaden_paghense</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gavin Davis | WR | 2027 | ZCA | @GavinKDavis11</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->