Spring Preview: Polk Prospects To Watch (Pt.1)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's that time again, the Prep Redzone Polk Edition All-County Watchlist is finally here, featuring the most talented athletes in the area! These young stars have dominated their competition and showcased their impressive skills throughout the season. This watchlist is a must-read if you're a Prep Level football fan or love supporting local talent. Keep an eye out for these future superstars and don't miss out on all future All-County Lists. Let's get into some recruits who earned their name on the list.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1127045' first='Keon' last='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-changer college coaches who will only continue to develop in his junior season. He provided good coverage and solid tackling as well throughout the night.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaysean Prichard | ATH | 2025 | Auburndale | @D1Jaysean</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Doesn't matter where this kid competes he will finish as a top standout. Prichard can do it all on the gridiron as he even showed off his arm during the routes on air period. I think he will end up as a defensive back at the college level because of his overall football IQ, DOG mentality, and upside at one of the toughest positions in sports. Look for him to pop even more during the offseason and bring in some huge Power 4 verbal offers.</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>[player_tooltip player_id='833712' first='Keveun' last='Mason'] | RB | Class of 2025 | Fort Meade | @keveunmason07</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023 stats: 108 rushes | 1067 yards | 14 TD | 9.9 yards per carry</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Since transferring to Fort Meade, Mason has been stamped as a true riser and has moved into my top 5 running back prospects in Polk. He will pick up some D1 offers during the offseason as he has totaled over 1,000 yards rushing while showing his versatile skill sets throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1670969' first='Kaneilius' last='Purdy'] | ATH | 2027 | Lake Wales | @KaneiliusPurdy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Recent offers: West Virginia, FSU, USF</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Purdy is one of the top 2027 prospects in the Polk area and soon to be the state. You heard it here folks, this kid will be a Power 5 recruit in years to come. Special team threat and can play all over the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tavares Murray | DB | 2025 | Bartow | @TMurr_JR</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the premier risers in the Polk area has been the 2025 Bartow DB product, T Murr! He's growing more into his frame heading into his senior season and has displayed solid technique during the offseason 7v7 period where he's been noted as a standout at various tournaments. Look out for his name to pop on college coaches radar in the spring period.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1220110' first='JoJo' last='Scott'] | ATH | 2025 | Victory Christian | @jojoscott0</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Recent offers: Kansas State, Kansas, Arkansas State, USF</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On Friday nights, Scott is the main attraction for Victory Christian's offense as he's a home run type player who has made some big-time catches while making plays on both sides of the ball. He also provides solid defensive coverage and could play the defensive back position at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->