Off-season Outlook: Best Available 2024 Prospects
In this article:
As the high school football season comes to a close, the senior class of 2024 prospects is gearing up to make one of the most important decisions of their lives. Talented young athletes are not only focused on winning but…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingAs the high school football season comes to a close, the senior class of 2024 prospects is gearing up to make one of the most important decisions of their lives. Talented young athletes are not only focused on winning but also on choosing a college program that aligns with their goals and aspirations. As they weigh their options, these seniors will be looking for a program that offers the perfect balance of academics and athletics, a supportive coaching staff, and a team culture that fosters growth and development. As the evaluation process continues, several promising prospects remain available for consideration. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top wide receiver prospects that college coaches should keep an eye on.
Dee Rucker | RB | 2024 | Lakeland | @Dee3_Rucker
Rucker showed off his slick running abilities today and also caught the ball out of the backfield. The versatile athlete even took some snaps in the shotgun where he exploded through gaps during design run plays. I expect Rucker to produce similar or greater numbers this season but will be tough with the amount of talent the Dreadnaughts have at the position.
Isaiah Riggins | WR | 2024 | Wiregrass | @isaiahriggins3
2023 stats: 93 receptions – 1586 yards – 16 TD
Analysis: Riggins has put his name on the map this season as a true production piece that can make an impact at the D1 level. Riggins became just the 10th Pasco County student-athlete to have 1,000+ receiving yards in a single season. He’s electric in the slot, beating defensive backs with initial quickness and slick route running. Riggins helped his 2024 QB Luke Knight to a record-breaking season, as he reached 3,000 regular-season passing yards in just nine games. A video game-like duo this season for Wiregrass with still games left on the schedule.
Rashad Orr | RB | 2024 | Lake Wales | @RashadOrr4
2023 stats: 97 rushes | 920 yards | 8 TD | 9.5 yards per carry
One of the top running back prospects in Polk put on another show to help Lake Wales go undefeated during the season. Delayed but not denied. That’s the motto 2024 running back Rashad Orr has used as motivation to rack up nearly another 1,000-yard rushing season through week eight. He’s developed into one of the top prospects in the Polk County area but the senior still moves with a chip on his shoulder.
Jaydon Williams | DB | 2024 | Bartow | @863_jayy1
This kid will be a leader and set the tone at the next level wherever he lands. Played all over the field this season. Sure tackler with a high football IQ to fly around the gridiron.
Rick Penick | WR | 2024 | Lakeland | @rick_p7
Penick is still on the market and has the skill sets to make it happen at the Division 1 level. He recently decommitted from Western Michigan but shouldn’t be on the market for too long.
Jackson Jensen | QB | 2024 | Wharton | @JacksonJensenQB
Career stats: 402/670 (60%) – 5960 passing yards – 58 TD – 17 INT – 5 rushing TD
Have had the opportunity to watch Jensen compete against multiple top talented Power 5 recruits during a Bus Tour around the southeast. He continues to develop his game and is an overall solid product at the position. Jensen has put together a solid high school campaign where he’s thrown nearly 6,000 passing yards. He also plays on Prime Truth, one of the top National 7v7 Teams that has produced many speedy and elusive receivers with Jensen running QB for the past couple of off-seasons. He holds offers from Arizona, Penn State, and Ole Miss but is still on the board for college coaches to grab.
Analysis: Possesses a college-ready frame at 6-3, 205-pounds with a good lower body and QB mechanics he used to complete every route on the tree. Calm but a confident leader who’s been consistently accurate as the years have progressed. Plenty of upside and coachability to produce early on at the next level. Big arm, good footwork, and understands how to bring the best out of his receivers.
Jackson Hughes | QB | 2024 | Lake Minneola | @jackson12hughes
Career stats: 185/305 (62%) – 2986 passing yards – 30 TD – 6 INT – 255.5 YPG
Regular season: 2786 passing TD – 26 TD – #2 seed (4S)
What a senior season Hughes has put together with his Hawks squad that is still plucking away in round 3 of the FHSAA playoffs. As his coach has stated, Hughes didn’t start a game until his varsity season where he blossomed into a leader under center while throwing for over 2500 passing yards. That’s the way to put your name on the map and show college coaches your potential to develop at the next level.
Analysis: Good footwork mechanics he uses to extend plays and deliver accurate strikes downfield. Makes the easy throws where his receivers can finish big plays on the run. He has a solid release on the ball and can zip it into tight windows when needed.
Johnquae Richardson | LB | 2024 | Lakes Wales | @stayhumble_quay
2023 stats: 99 total tackles, 26.0 TFL, 4.0 sacks, 11.0 TPG
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.
Kordell Lewis | 2024 | WR | Lake Gibson | @kordell_lewis
There’s no doubt I think this kid can make an impact at the next level. Good speed, frame, hands, and big-play ability.
2023 stats: 26 receptions – 445 yards – 6 TD – 638 All Purpose yards
Caleb Stokes | OL | 2024 | Lakeland | @Big_Tex51
The teammate and friend of the dominant Darian Anderson, Stokes excels in his own right. The state-champion offensive guard displayed his talent and skill set 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. Stokes is learning techniques from the well-known offensive line coach Koty Hix.
Samadrae Hawkins Samadrae Hawkins 5'11" | 220 lbs | LB Cocoa | 2024 FL | LB | 2024 | Cocoa | @samadraehawkins
2023 stats: 130 tackles, 20.0 TFL, 3.5 sacks
Dai’Veon Parham | LB | 2024 | Cocoa | @DaiveonParham
2023 stats: 118 tackles, 20.0 TFL, 4.0 sacks
Trey’On Ellington | LB | 2024 | Winter Haven | @TreyEllington
2023 stats: 63 total tackles, 6.0 TFL
Ellington has been the engine of the Blue Devils’ defense this season and had some big-time performances as a game-changer. For sure a player who can contribute at the next level for some of the local Florida schools.
Jesse Winslette Jesse Winslette 6'6" | 215 lbs | QB Choctawhatchee | 2024 FL | QB | 2024 | Choctaw | @JesseWinslette7
Career stats: 303/578 – 5,578 All-Purpose yards – 70 TD – 16 INT – 162.5 YPG
Analysis: Productive senior for Winslette who finished with just under 2,000 yards passing, with 23 passing and 4 rushing touchdowns. Not sure how he continues to fly under the radar. Standing at 6’6, 215-pounds he’s shown good balance and the ability to make the most of his arm either in or out of the pocket. With the ability to get mobile when needed, he can impact a program early on at the next level and compete for a starting job in the right program. I’ve watched him compete in various Division I camps where he looked solid around QB prospects. Has all the tools and determination to be a Division 1 quarterback with more room to develop his mechanics.
DJ Galva | DB | 2024 | Bartow | @dgalva9
Galva has developed into a lockdown defensive back that’s trending toward the next level. Still, he provided a much-needed offensive spark for the Yellow Jackets to complete an exciting second-half comeback. One of the top 2024 athletes on the market in the Polk County area. Brayshon Williams Brayshon Williams 5'11" | 170 lbs | DB Lakeland | 2024 State FL | DB | 2024 | Lakeland | @Brayshon4