Prospect Sheet: Notable Available Polk 2024s

As the high school football season comes to a close, the senior class is gearing up to make one of the most important decisions of their lives. With playoff games coming to an end, these 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 Polk County prospects that college coaches should keep an eye on.   QB:   Jackson Benton | QB | Class of 2024 | Victory | @Jackson_ben10   Record: 5-4   Benton has risen on my radar list since taking the starting QB position at Victory this season. He's a decent game manager but can extend plays with his legs and stay accurate for downfield throws. Good frame at 6-2, 204 with upside and heart to compete at the next level.    2023 stats: 79/150 (52%), 1033 yards, 13-4 TD-INT – 241 rushing yards    Aiden George | QB | 2024 | Davenport | @Aidenjge   Record: 4-4   George is the lifeline of the Davenport offense as he uses his arm and legs to beat opposing defenses. He had a solid off-season and has proven to be a DOG that can provide versatility at the next level.    2023 stats: 109/197 (53%) - 1530 passing yards - 16-7 TD/INT | 72 rushes - 688 rushing yards - 6 TD   RB:    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.   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.   Jeffrey Duvalt | RB | Class of 2024 | Mulberry | @ohthatsdj4   2023 stats: 144 rushes – 1624 rushing yards – 20 TD   This kid will be a production piece for whoever gets his talent on the recruiting trail. He's recorded 20+ touchdowns this season while being the engine of the LCS offense. Just check the film, good speed, vision, and balance to get it done in the rushing game at the next level.    Fentrell Graham | RB | Class of 2024 | Lake Gibson | @FentrellG   2023 stats: 138 rushes | 813 yards | 8 TD | 5.61 yards per carry    Graham has proven to be in the top 5 running back prospects in the Polk County area. Graham had the difficult task replacing the production of former Mr. Football, Jaylon Glover. He's held his own, finishing his senior season with over 1,000 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. The 5'11, 187-pound running back can rush between the tackles and use his speed to bounce it outside. Graham holds an offer from FAU.   Alfred Smothers | RB | Class of 2024 | Winter Haven | @underated_3k   2022 stats: 170 carries | 1201 rushing yards | 11 TD    Smothers is likely the most slept-on prospect in the Polk area who continues to be productive each week for the Blue Devils. He's a workhorse in the backfield with good leadership energy and upside to be successful at the next level.   Donavan Soloman | RB | 2024 | Frostproof | @d1_don3   Soloman has consistently produced for Frostproof as this will be an important senior season for his college recruitment. He's already poised for another big-time season on the stat sheets.    Markel Johnson | RB | Class of 2024 | Lakeland | @Markel_johnson6   2023 stats: 72 rushes, 368 yards, 3 TD   Johnson is a bowling ball of a running back prospect who hardly goes down on the first carry. He's battled through an injury-bugged Dreadnaught season and has shown to be a reliable back who gets positive yardage more than often.   [player_tooltip player_id='404612' first='Travis' last='Kerney'] | RB | Class of 2024 | Sebring | @Travis44880514   2023 stats: 71 rushes, 406 yards, 5 TD   WR:   [player_tooltip player_id='404260' first='Jamar' last='Taylor Jr'] . | WR | 2024 | Lakeland | @JamarTaylorJr1   2023 stats: 37 receptions – 524 yards – 5 TD   Taylor looks like he's put on a size to his already college-ready frame but still moves with slickness and smoothness when he runs routes. He has been one of the top WR prospects in the area because of his bag of skills. Has potential Power 5 ability with time left to generate buzz with production in the playoffs.    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.    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   Ora Farlow | WR | 2024 | Winter Haven | @OraFarlow4   This kid is a slot demon ready to get it in at the next level. Real slick footwork and quickness makes him hard to stay in front of.    Ryan Screen | WR | 2024 | Fort Meade | @s_ryanscreen   OLine - Dline:   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.   [player_tooltip player_id='292088' first='Quavion' last='Bird'] | DT | Class of 2024 | @bird_quavion   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.    Tristan Black | OL | 2024 | Lake Gibson | @Tristanblack111   A lot of positives for the 6'6, 270-pound OT Tristan Black who is one of the most vocal kids on the roster. He has good explosiveness, decent technique and doesn't shy from competition. He'll get beat as everyone will but isn't hesitant to line it back up to get after it.    Messiah Marlow | LB | 2024 | Lake Wales | @MarlowMessiah   2023 stats: 53 total tackles, 16.0 TFL, 5.0 sacks, 8.8 TPG   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.   Defense:   [player_tooltip player_id='742866' first='Carlos' last='Mitchell'] | ATH | 2024 | Lakeland | @d1cj11   A true swiss army knife, the Power 5 recruit has stamped himself as the Real Deal playing with the Dreadnaughts this season. Interestingly, he won a state championship last season with Lake Wales and will now have the opportunity to repeat with Lakeland.     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.    [player_tooltip player_id='1123185' first='Jameson' last='Young'] | DB | 2024 | Lakeland | @jamesonyoung12   It has been multiple consecutive weeks that no one has targeted Young who had established Jamo Island early this season. Still shows up in the tackling department which is key to not getting bored out there and working on your game. He's likely the top coverage corner in the county and making a case for top prospects for his position.    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 high football IQ to fly around the gridiron.   [player_tooltip player_id='1035186' first='Quinton' last='Moore Jr']. | LB | 2024 | Lake Gibson | @QuintonMooreJr2   Such a well-spoken young man off the field but a beast and anchor of the defense at the middle linebacker position. Nice to see his recruitment starting to take off after recording 100+ tackles in his senior season.    2023 stats: 103 total tackles, 7.0 TFL, 3.0 sacks, 9.3 TPG   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.    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.    [player_tooltip player_id='404159' first='Brayshon' last='Williams'] | DB | 2024 | Lakeland | @Brayshon4   Timothy Jones | LB | 2024 | Mulberry | @timothyjones_jr   2023 stats: 107 total tackles, 20.0 TFL, 4.0 sacks, 11.9 TPG   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.     Jaylen Evans | DL | 2024 | Lake Gibson | @JaylenE4412   2023 stats: 38 total tackles, 11.0 TFL, 3.0 sacks   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.    Joshua Smith | LB | 2024 | Lakeland    Ladarrius Davis | DL | 2024 | Bartow | @LadarriusD25   2023 stats: 61 total tackles, 12.0 TFL, 8.0 sacks    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.   Treston Ward | LB | 2024 | Frostproof | @Trestonnward1   Quantavious Calloway | 2024 | ATH | Winter Haven | @CoveBoiiQue   Calloway moved over to Winter Haven this season where he's been used as a utility piece on both sides of the ball. Callaway has an athletic and compact build that he uses to surprise defenders in the open field when he jolts and dashes with explosiveness combined with good speed. The senior prospect is a high-motor energy player who can be a dynamic playmaker at the next level with more work put in during the offseason.

As the high school football season comes to a close, the senior class is gearing up to make one of the most important decisions of their lives. With playoff games coming to an end, these 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 Polk County prospects that college coaches should keep an eye on.