863Showcase: Notable Defensive Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The high school football offseason has brought about anticipated showcases around the state of Florida. Polk County hosted an event on Wednesday with some of the top prospects in the area to showcase their skills in front of college coaches and scouts. Prep Redzone Florida will always promote everybody in hopes of them getting the opportunity to play college football at the next level. Prep Redzone scout Drew Johnson attended the event to provide insights and takeaways. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Top Standouts:&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Omari Russel | DB | 2026 | Fort Meade | @omari_russel</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This kid has all the tools to be a big-time recruit for a Power 5 defensive coordinator. The length and frame of a top sophomore DB at 6-1, 170-pounds combined with the agility and close-out speed to stick with most receivers. Every college coach in Florida should have Russel on your radar.&nbsp;</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>The recent University of South Florida commit made his appearance last night at the showcase and finished as one of the top promising linebackers. The rising sophomore is another stud with a college-ready frame and mindset that attracts big-time offers. Dias showed his versatility and speed to cover running backs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cedric Townsend | DB | 2025 | Mulberry | @Gkrazi_cool</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My other top defensive back standout of the night. This kid has the heart of a lion and relishes the opportunity to take reps against other talented receivers. He displayed solid man coverage last night and looked good going through drills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Trenton Turner | DL | 2025 | Lake Wales | @trentnxtup8</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A beast and top defensive lineman standout of the night has to go to 6-2, 290-pound rising junior Trenton Turner. This kid is a monster to deal with for opposing O-lineman because of his pure strength and underrated mobility at the point of contact. With more exposure, this kid can bring in some Division I offers here soon.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tavares Murray | DB | 2025 | Bartow | @TMurr_JR</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Didn't see much of Murray during the 1v1 session but man this kid continues to put on weight and develop his technique at this position. He impresses in coverage each time I see him and is rising on my list of potential breakout stars in the Polk area. I will keep an eye on his overall progression throughout this offseason.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Trench Monster Standouts:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rusty Watts | DE | 2025 | Lake Wales | @nottrustty</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1143144' first='Riley' last='Cooper'] | G/T | 2026 | Santa Fe | @RileyCo91361498&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>James Tilus | DE | 2026 | Winter Haven | @JamesTilus8</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best of the Rest:&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1131791' first='Dathan' last='Glover'] | DB | 2025 | Santa Fe | @dathan_g3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Myshawn McKinley | DB | 2025 | VCA | @myshawnMK</strong></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>Brendo Coelho | LB | 2025 | Davenport | @BrendoCoelho455</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Martavius McCall | DB | 2025 | Lake Gibson | @MartaviusMcCal6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Daivion Borders | DB | 2026 | Fort Meade | @BordersDaiDai12</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->