Spring Look: Prospects Making Noise

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Before the dust settles from the HS spring session and college camp showcases, recruits eagerly anticipate the upcoming season. With new talent emerging and established players stepping up their game, there are plenty of notable stock risers who deserve recognition. These athletes have put in the work and have seen an uptick in offers/interest. Let's take a closer look at some top performers ready to shine this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jocobie Dobie | RB | 2026 | Lakeland | @dobie_jadarius</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My top RB standout of the week so far has been Dobie who seems to have added 15 pounds to his frame. Impressive spring game performance against a tough Jesuit defense likely landed an FIU offer today. He was a productive back for the Dreadnaughts who have about 2-3 other Division I backs on the roster, not including Dobie. You wouldn't know that looking at the stats because he finished near the top. He showed off his ability to run crisp routes out of the backfield and finish plays with good hands.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>David Parks | ATH | 2025 | Seminole | @TotalParkage</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm not sure what this kid can't do. The definition of “jack of all trades” at the prep level. This kid will compete his heart out on the gridiron and lace 'em up for a hockey game the next day. Impressive spring game for Parks who showed his ability to be a willing blocker and receiving threat from the tight end position. Don't forget, he has one of the better legs in the area at the punter position. The kid is a do-it-all type athlete.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kavon McKinney | DB | 2025 | Lakeland | @KavonMckinney</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This kid has been one of the fastest growing names in the Polk County area because of his immense upside to make an impact at the defensive back position. McKinney has a long frame at 6-1, 165-pound with a triple jump, 110 hurdles, and 4x relay track experience. That's what college coaches are looking for in next level athletes. Really impressive spring for this kid who is positioning himself for college interest.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nathan McNeil | ATH | 2025 | Wiregrass | @NathanMcNeil_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McNeil went off for a big-time spring game to let the city know he's next up in the area. He finished with 2 touchdowns (1 receiving, 1 rushing) and 100+ all-purpose yards to help set the tone. Big-time senior season coming up for McNeil so keep an eye on this kid to make some noise this season for Wiregrass's offense.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Azuri Jackson | ATH | 2026 | ZHS | @ajdiesy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another 2026 riser that college coaches need to get eyes on. He's received some offseason offers from Toledo and Buffalo since getting some deserved exposure in the offseason. Jckson was known for catching eye-popping head-top catches and it's time to put it together in the pads.. He's displayed great athleticism that he uses to boost his catch radius combined with his solid catching skills.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='869381' first='Zyuan' last='Dukes'] | ATH | Class of 2026 | Lakeland | @ZDhumble3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dukes has finally got his chance to take the field against competition for the Dreadnaughts and he did not disappoint. You can line this kid up in the backfield or spread him out wide to watch his speed and route running go to work. He's gotten some offseason love with an EKU and Western Michigan offer but expect him to see an uptick in interest. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Myshawn McKinley | 2025 | DB | VCA | @myshawnMK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm really impressed with this kid's overall progression since making a move over to VCA. He fits in well with this coaching staff who landed a hidden gem at the DB position and has developed into a D1 defensive back prospect. McKinley also runs track which he uses to his advantage in coverage. Solid frame with some time to add weight for the next level. He's also received some college interest but look out for his name to pop going towards fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aaron Truedell | RB | 2027 | LCS | @clapz_aj</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Somehow, someway, Lakeland Christian continues to find ways to get talented athletes on the roster. This kid has just got on my radar as a 2027 riser since making noise this offseason. He's a versatile athlete on the gridiron with track speed and physicality to make opposing defenders look silly. Excited to see how many all-purpose yards he can rack up. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1229952' first='Zion' last='Wolf'] | WR | 2025 | Winter Park | @zionwo1f</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the versatile athletes to compete with Gridiron Elite 7v7 has to get some recognition for his game and overall skill set. He's coming off a productive season where he recorded nearly 500 receiving yards with 5 TDs to add on just 23 receptions. He has big-play potential because of his reliable hands and solid route running.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1134226' first='Jabari' last='Smith'] | ATH | 2025 | Wekiva | @Rokkout_J4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This kid is making some noise as he's been one of the more talented versatile athletes in his area. Impressive spring game performance where he recorded 1 touchdown, and 1 INT, with 3 receptions for 67 yards. Smith can make an impact on both sides of the ball at the prep level and will for sure lock in some college interest during his senior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='829506' first='Brady' last='Manning'] | ATH | Class of 2025 | Oviedo | @BradyManning8</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the better hybrid safety/linebacker prospects in the area put together another productive season for the Lions as he looks to see an uptick in college interest during his senior season. He's developed into a leader and reliable member of this team to get the job done when needed. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Devonte Howard | WR | 2026 | LCS | @DJhoward_6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Like I've said before, it seems this kid has played every position, a pure athlete who will likely move on to wideout for his high school campaign. He will likely make it happen off LCS at the WR position this year but look out for him to line up wherever the coaches feel they can use his talents. He's been one of the interesting riders in the Polk area to keep an eye on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->