Regular Season Review: Polk County Tackling Machines

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's time to give the <strong>Tackling Machines</strong> some recognition as high school football coverage has been swamped with skill players and quarterback standouts. Throughout the week following Friday HS Football Game Day, Prep Redzone scout Drew Johnson will be highlighting some of the standouts and notable performances from the weekend and we will now be listing various position groups. Teams around the state wrapped up the regular season and there were certainly some Notable Standouts to note.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Johnquae Richardson | LB | 2024 | Lakes Wales | @stayhumble_quay</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023 stats: </strong>99 total tackles, 26.0 TFL, 4.0 sacks, 11.0 TPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Richardson is a beast in person who flies all over the field and was one of the primary reasons teams couldn't get anything going in the run game on Friday night. One of the top linebacker prospects is beginning to emerge as an interesting prospect for the next level. He led the state in total tackles last season and is on track to be in the top total tackles again this year though he plays with two other dominant tacklers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Film: </strong><a href="https://x.com/stayhumble_quay/status/1720789875266342974?s=46&amp;t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ"><strong>https://x.com/stayhumble_quay/status/1720789875266342974?s=46&amp;t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1035186' first='Quinton' last='Moore Jr'] | LB | 2024 | Lake Gibson | @QuintonMooreJr2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023 stats: </strong>103 total tackles, 7.0 TFL, 3.0 sacks, 9.3 TPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moore has developed into one of the top linebacker prospects in the Polk area and is finally starting to get the college attention he deserves as he received a couple of recent offers. A sure tackler who plays with his heart on his sleeve week in- week out. Senior season has concluded for Moore but he has the off-season to generate even more interest before signing. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Film: </strong><a href="https://x.com/h2_recruiting/status/1716613002525393147?s=46&amp;t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ"><strong>https://x.com/h2_recruiting/status/1716613002525393147?s=46&amp;t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='283732' first='Elijah' last='Dias'] | LB | 2026 | Auburndale | @twin_frmpolk</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023 stats: </strong>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>That's seemingly all Auburndale's 2026 linebacker<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='283732' first='Elijah' last='Dias']</strong> has put on film for college coaches to evaluate. He's continuing to stay humble throughout the recruiting process but is determined to leave as one of the greats out of Polk County.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Film: </strong><a href="https://x.com/kar98sports/status/1718798922439668003?s=46&amp;t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ"><strong>https://x.com/kar98sports/status/1718798922439668003?s=46&amp;t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaydon Williams | ATH | 2024 | Bartow | @863_jayy1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams has developed into one of my top defensive back prospects in the Polk region. He can do it all: reliable tackling/coverage, advanced football IQ, and a high motor and engine to get things done on both sides of the ball. Impressed with his development and upside.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Film: </strong><a href="https://x.com/863_jayy1/status/1712248218967277716?s=46&amp;t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ"><strong>https://x.com/863_jayy1/status/1712248218967277716?s=46&amp;t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Malik Morris | LB | 2026 | Lakeland | @MalikMorris43_</strong></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>Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19358559/651d6bce6898c806b09f60ac">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19358559/651d6bce6898c806b09f60ac</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Timothy Jones | LB | 2024 | Mulberry | @timothyjones_jr</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023 stats: </strong>107 total tackles, 20.0 TFL, 4.0 sacks, 11.9 TPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The tackle leader of the Mulberry Panthers defense has shocked the city this season with how well-coached and passionate the team has played together despite many tough seasons. Jones is another sleeper linebacker prospect who has a decent frame and has continued to produce good stats.  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Film: </strong><a href="https://x.com/h2_recruiting/status/1719137215224447019?s=46&amp;t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ"><strong>https://x.com/h2_recruiting/status/1719137215224447019?s=46&amp;t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Trey'On Ellington | LB | 2024 | Winter Haven | @TreyEllington</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023 stats: 63 total tackles, 6.0 TFL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ellington has been the engine of the Blue Devils' defense this season and had a big-time performance against Auburndale on Friday night. For sure a player who can contribute at the next level for some of the local Florida schools. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Film: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16426658/651999ee664b0c159c96840d"><strong>https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16426658/651999ee664b0c159c96840d</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='743077' first='Nate' last='Gabriel'] | DT | 2024 | Auburndale | @nathangabriel7_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The West Virginia commit has been the top defensive line prospect in the county. A state champion wrestler with tremendous upside at the next level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Film: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16034037/6533e0e2041e0907385119bd"><strong>https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16034037/6533e0e2041e0907385119bd</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaylen Evans | DL | 2024 | Lake Gibson | @JaylenE4412</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023 stats: </strong>38 total tackles, 11.0 TFL, 3.0 sacks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Evans has proved to be one of the top defensive tackles and best available 2024 prospects in the Polk area with double-digit tackles for loss through week 8. He's a 6'3, 250-pound versatile lineman who can cause havoc on opposing offensive lines. College coaches, check the film. He's a good upside prospect with room to add weight.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Film: </strong><a href="https://x.com/h2_recruiting/status/1704479798754492623?s=46&amp;t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ"><strong>https://x.com/h2_recruiting/status/1704479798754492623?s=46&amp;t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ladarrius Davis | DL | 2024 | Bartow | @LadarriusD25</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023 stats: </strong>61 total tackles, 12.0 TFL, 8.0 sacks&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An underrated production piece for the Yellow Jackets' defense is a tackle-for-loss machine who finds himself in the opposing team's backfield more than often. Decent size but plenty of upside to play the game at the college level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Film: </strong><a href="https://x.com/polk_way/status/1720588412455993428?s=46&amp;t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ"><strong>https://x.com/polk_way/status/1720588412455993428?s=46&amp;t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1209647' first='Trey' last='Berry'] | DB | 2025 | LCS | @Trey_berryy2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023 stats: 90 total tackles, 8.0 TFL, 4 INTs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Player of the Year for LCS this season is second on the team in total tackles as a defensive back while leading the team with 4 interceptions. He's a decent-sized versatile athlete that can provide good coverage and solid tackling abilities. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Film: </strong><a href="https://x.com/trey_berryy2/status/1714430799934582978?s=46&amp;t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ"><strong>https://x.com/trey_berryy2/status/1714430799934582978?s=46&amp;t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Messiah Marlow | LB | 2024 | Lake Wales | @MarlowMessiah</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023 stats: </strong>53 total tackles, 16.0 TFL, 5.0 sacks, 8.8 TPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marlow has had a productive session as he is constantly in the backfield or assisting on a tackle. It was good to see Marlow in person, he has a good frame and motor that will help him produce for a college at the next level. Plays the game fearless but has decent technique, impressed with his upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Film: </strong><a href="https://x.com/marlowmessiah/status/1662196340510670848?s=46&amp;t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ"><strong>https://x.com/marlowmessiah/status/1662196340510670848?s=46&amp;t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Keon Young | DB | 2025 | Lakeland | @keonyoung_55</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Young was the co-Player of the Game in a big-time #863 showdown win against Bartow. He finished Thursday night with a huge momentum-shifting 83-yard pick-six and followed it up with 2 forced fumbles. That's a game-changers college coache's who will only continue to develop in his junior season. He provided good coverage and solid tackling as well throughout the night. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Film: </strong><a href="https://x.com/polk_way/status/1710089693897826352?s=20"><strong>https://x.com/polk_way/status/1710089693897826352?s=20</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='830612' first='Jamal' last='Williams'] | DL | 2025 | Haines City | @espnmall34</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This kid has the potential to be a Power 5 commit out of Polk County. Not much media love playing for HC but the size, numbers, and upside are there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Film: </strong><a href="https://x.com/espnmall34/status/1713246471435223401?s=46&amp;t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ"><strong>https://x.com/espnmall34/status/1713246471435223401?s=46&amp;t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='292088' first='Quavion' last='Bird'] | DT | Class of 2024 | @bird_quavion</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bird is a beast in the trenches that has made it known to opposing offenses. He was an anchor on the defensive line to help Bartow complete a much-needed district comeback.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Film: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15135566/6518413edfd8460d50cacce5"><strong>https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15135566/6518413edfd8460d50cacce5</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TJ Lane | DL | 2024 | Lake Gibson | @Tj73_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ashton White | LB | 2024 | Fort Meade | @Ashtontofye23</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>White is the leader and head hunter of the Miners' linebacker core and he showed that throughout the season. He's some big-time tackles and the numbers show that.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Film: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15127986/64fe4d030c54fe0abc5ab0ee"><strong>https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15127986/64fe4d030c54fe0abc5ab0ee</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cedric Townsend | DB | 2025 | Mulberry | @Gokrazi_cool</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Talk about wanting to put your name on the map. Townsend has made the most of his love for Mulberry and had a breakout game against Santa Fe, totaling 3 interceptions with a 108-yard pick-six. He also added 3 tackles, 1 PBU, and 1 TFL. They 80+ total tackles for a defensive back is why he made the list.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Film: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19349596/653d76695b3cca0de8615390"><strong>https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19349596/653d76695b3cca0de8615390</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Best of the Rest:&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1230854' first='Darian' last='Kirkland'] | ATH | 2025 | Fort Meade | @d1_kirk10</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Film: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16891875/653c97edc11a240bd8223b01"><strong>https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16891875/653c97edc11a240bd8223b01</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Treston Ward | LB | 2024 | Frostproof | @Trestonnward1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dylan Simmons | LB | 2024 | Lake Wales | @D1dilll</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='404574' first='Wade' last='Tyer'] | LB | 2024 | Lake Gibson | @WadeTyer1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Film: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14974983/650a66d1578ee30abc6d81c6"><strong>https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14974983/650a66d1578ee30abc6d81c6</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Robbie Gaskin | 2025 | ATH | Winter Haven | @Robbie2goated</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023 stats:</strong> 46 total tackles, 3.0 TFL, 2 INT</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Film: </strong><a href="https://x.com/robbie2goated/status/1713253704713806275?s=46&amp;t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ"><strong>https://x.com/robbie2goated/status/1713253704713806275?s=46&amp;t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1583333' first='Dontavius' last='Purdy'] | DL | 2026 | Lake Wales | @DontaviusPurdy6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023 stats: </strong>53 total tackles, 17.0 TFL, 6.0 sacks&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mikeyon Bruce | DL | 2024 | Bartow | @MoneyMike_96</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023 stats: </strong>35 total tackles, 5.0 TFL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaden Gray | DB | 2025 | VCA | @GrayJaden_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023 stats: </strong>59 total tackles, 12.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Film: </strong><a href="https://x.com/grayjaden_/status/1706984353903882443?s=46&amp;t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmT"><strong>https://x.com/grayjaden_/status/1706984353903882443?s=46&amp;t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmT</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nazir Hayes | LB | 2024 | Winter Haven | @NazirHayes_45</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023 stats: </strong>48 total tackles, 9.0 TFL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hudl: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15172182">https://www.hudl.com/profile/15172182</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Markell Baker | ATH | Class of 2025 | @markellbaker</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023 stats</strong>: 44 total tackles<strong>Hudl: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16342368/Markell-Baker"><strong>Markell Baker – Hud</strong>l</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->