863Showcase: Defensive Prospects to Watch Out For

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="--tw-translate-x: 0;--tw-translate-y: 0;--tw-rotate: 0;--tw-skew-x: 0;--tw-skew-y: 0;--tw-scale-x: 1;--tw-scale-y: 1;--tw-pan-x:;--tw-pan-y:;--tw-pinch-zoom:;--tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity;--tw-ordinal:;--tw-slashed-zero:;--tw-numeric-figure:;--tw-numeric-spacing:;--tw-numeric-fraction:;--tw-ring-inset:;--tw-ring-offset-width: 0px;--tw-ring-offset-color: #fff;--tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000;--tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000;--tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000;--tw-blur:;--tw-brightness:;--tw-contrast:;--tw-grayscale:;--tw-hue-rotate:;--tw-invert:;--tw-saturate:;--tw-sepia:;--tw-drop-shadow:;--tw-backdrop-blur:;--tw-backdrop-brightness:;--tw-backdrop-contrast:;--tw-backdrop-grayscale:;--tw-backdrop-hue-rotate:;--tw-backdrop-invert:;--tw-backdrop-opacity:;--tw-backdrop-saturate:;--tw-backdrop-sepia:;font-weight: 600;color: var(--tw-prose-bold);font-size: 18px">The high school football offseason has brought about anticipated showcases around the state of Florida. Polk County's Hasani Harper (H2 Athletes) and Landlin May and Dylan Oliver of PolkWay will host an event on </span><strong>Jan. 31</strong> <span style="--tw-translate-x: 0;--tw-translate-y: 0;--tw-rotate: 0;--tw-skew-x: 0;--tw-skew-y: 0;--tw-scale-x: 1;--tw-scale-y: 1;--tw-pan-x:;--tw-pan-y:;--tw-pinch-zoom:;--tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity;--tw-ordinal:;--tw-slashed-zero:;--tw-numeric-figure:;--tw-numeric-spacing:;--tw-numeric-fraction:;--tw-ring-inset:;--tw-ring-offset-width: 0px;--tw-ring-offset-color: #fff;--tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000;--tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000;--tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000;--tw-blur:;--tw-brightness:;--tw-contrast:;--tw-grayscale:;--tw-hue-rotate:;--tw-invert:;--tw-saturate:;--tw-sepia:;--tw-drop-shadow:;--tw-backdrop-blur:;--tw-backdrop-brightness:;--tw-backdrop-contrast:;--tw-backdrop-grayscale:;--tw-backdrop-hue-rotate:;--tw-backdrop-invert:;--tw-backdrop-opacity:;--tw-backdrop-saturate:;--tw-backdrop-sepia:;font-weight: 600;color: var(--tw-prose-bold);font-size: 18px">with some of the top prospects in the area to showcase their skills in front of college coaches and scouts. Prep Redzone scout Drew Johnson will preview and attend the event to provide a list of top prospect standouts from various position groups with notable names to know. This list series will include players to watch and standouts from the QBs, RBs, and WRs groups. Make sure to follow PrepRedzoneFL for more player evaluations from various position groups.</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Omari Russel | DB | 2026 | Fort Meade | @omari_russel</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My top-rising DB in the area hands down. Russell can read plays before they happen and has the hands to seal the money takeaways. Russell is one of the premier under-the-radar 2026 DBs in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Joshod Hampton |DB | 2025 | Bartow | @Joshod3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another big-time riser who has witnessed his stock rise during the offseason period. As noted: Hampton has a good football IQ for the defensive back position where he can make plays on the ball or use his presence to deter throws. Important period for the 2025 DB who can make some noise this offseason.</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>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 who can provide good coverage and solid tackling abilities.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Damareion Smith | LB | Class of 2025 | Lakeland | @damareion_smith</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith has developed into a Player to Watch and now is up next. This is his time to generate buzz around his recruitment. Physical and determined backer that can separate himself soon.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Klein Gilles | ATH | 2025 | Ridge | @k1eing</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gilles has seemingly put his name on the map this season while playing for Ridge. He's a multi-talented athlete who can play on both sides of the ball. Still has another year to add weight and work on his overall development at the defensive back position.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jayden Cornelius | DB | 2025 | Durant | @jay_cornelius6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Excited to see this kid battle it out with receivers this weekend. He's a ball hawk with good IQ skills for the defensive back position, already making waves of noise during the early 7v7 period&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Malachi Moore | LB | 2027 | Lake Gibson | @MalachiMoore222</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The younger brother of the leader and head hunter of the Braves defense a season ago (Quinton Moore), but this kid is ready to make a name for himself. Plenty of time to develop but let's see how he performs at the event.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1143144' first='Riley' last='Cooper']</strong> | G/T | 2026 | Santa Fe | @RileyCo91361498&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*Sante Fe Spring Watch: The big dawg of the Santa Fe offensive and defensive line is the sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1143144' first='Riley' last='Cooper']</strong>. He can push kids almost out to the parking lot and has shown the ability to play at linebacker because of his speed and footwork. This is the definition of a hidden gem that could develop into a notable prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Best of the Rest: Will update with their performance</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Marc Michel | DL | 2025 | Ridge | @Marc_Michel55</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1581926' first='Ziggy' last='Riley'] | LB | 2026 | Lakeland | @riley1_ziggy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='829543' first='Darean' last='Peterson'] | LB | 2025 | Sebring | @DareanPeterson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ethan McArthur | DL | 2025 | VCA | @EAM_60</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->