Spring Look: Prospects On The Rise

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.   Omari Russel | DB | 2026 | Fort Meade | @omari_russel   A couple much deserved offers from USF, and UCONN have come to Russell this offseason. 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.    [player_tooltip player_id='829342' first='Collins' last='Dunmore'] | 2025 | QB | Newberry | @CollinsDunmore   What a way to set the tone at your new school as Dunmore had a productive spring game for Newberry. In one half of play, Dunmore threw 3 passing touchdowns (4, 80, 60) for 150 total yards and 1 rushing touchdown (59). I'm not sure how I missed this kid during our PRZ Orlando Camp but won't make the mistake again. This kid is all of 6-5, 225-pounds with the spring period to get his mechanics and timing right with his new receivers. Dunmore has a solid base and release when going through routes on air and was solid during the team period. Once he gets the playbook and scheme down, the game will slow and he can be better with his eyes.   Anthony Howard Jr | RB | 2028 | Auburndale | @Anthonyh_2028   Okay folks, look out for another big-time running back prospect to develop out of the Polk County area. The young running back prospect from the Class of 2028, set to start his high school career at Auburndale High, brings a unique blend of athleticism and potential to the field. With a solid track background, he demonstrates the speed and agility essential for a successful running back. He picked up a recent offer from Marshall and hasn't taken a handoff yet at the varsity level. Plenty of time for this kid to develop into a star.    Jaylan Erby | DB | 2026 | Tarpon Springs | @JaylanErby9   Erby is rapidly rising on my radar in the class of 2026. His development trajectory and potential to impact both the high school and college levels make him an exciting prospect to watch. His frame and ability to play multiple positions in the defensive backfield will set him apart. With more work and in-game experience, Erby's versatility will allow coaches to utilize him in various defensive schemes. At 6-1, 180-pounds, look out for him to bring in some college offers.    Trenton Turner | DL | 2025 | Lake Wales | @trentnxtup8   Turner is a beast and top defensive lineman standout on the Lake Wales defensive front at 6-2, 290-pounds. This kid is a monster to deal with for opposing O-linemen 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.    [player_tooltip player_id='1583350' first='Micah' last='J. Fils-Aime'] | DE/DT | 2026 | Golden Gate | @mfilsaime4   One of the faster risers in the Naples area has seen a big-time uptick in offers this offseason. Louisville, Toledo, and Wake Forest are some of the latest schools to offer the 2026 monster. A productive season ago for Fils-Aime has him set for an anticipated junior year where he can go for over 100+ total tackles and 30+ tackles for loss.   Brennan King | DT/DL | 2025 | Cardinal Newmann | @brennanking07   College coaches in need of a physicality gifted tri-sport athlete on the defensive line with wrestling and discus track experience, get eyes on 2025 Cardinal Newman product Brennan King. Just look at the numbers from a season ago: 69 TT (1 FF) - 21 TFL - 22.5 Sacks (2 Strips). Those are monster numbers and a testament to his disruptive play. Really nice frame and upside to build on will interest college coaches.   [player_tooltip player_id='1141192' first='Cason' last='Dash'] | DB | 2026 | Lake Gibson | @CasonDash3   Dash is one of the better riders in the Polk area at the defensive back position. A solid spring session has brought in offers from EKU and Marshall. At 6-1, 175-pounds, Dash still has a couple of seasons to tweak his overall build for the P4 level. Highly impressed with his upside. Dash combines a solid frame with refined technique, making him a formidable presence in the secondary. His physicality and skill in coverage allow him to shut down opposing receivers effectively. Don't sleep on his chances of making an impact on the offensive side as well this season for the Braves.   DeCoryian Stanley | 2025 | LB | Bartow @DeCoryianS    The head hunter and sure tackler for the Bartow defense will be rising senior linebacker DeCoryian Stanley. He just picked up a deserved D1 offer from Albany. He's a physical player with a decent frame and IQ to make plays at the position. I came to Bartow's practice with a question mark for the LBs but left impressed with Stanley's ability to be a leader in the middle of the defense.     [player_tooltip player_id='1263672' first='Reese' last='Van Gemert'] | LB | 2026 | Barron Collier | @ReeseVanGemert   Gemert has landed on my riser radar list after an impressive spring performance. The 6-0, 200-pound rising junior will have the offseason to work on his frame and study film to be a problem for opposing offenses this coming fall. I like his motor and ability to be a willing tackler which will separate him from his peers.   Nico Weiss | 2025 | Creekside | @NicoWeiss10   Weiss had some of the most impressive hands a season ago during the offseason period and he's only grown his versatility and skill sets. He can make plays on both sides of the ball as I've watched him catch a touchdown on the offensive side and an interception on the following defensive possession. Good body control in the air and surprisingly decent route-running skills and vision.   Bryce Wheeler | DT | 2027 | Navarre | @Brycewheeler92   It's time for the 2027 risers to emerge and separate themselves from others in the class. Taking a look at the North Florida area, the Raiders have a freshman phenomenon developing on the defensive line as Wheeler has been noted for his standout performance a season ago. He's now back and more hungry to make a difference. Look out for Wheeler to gain leadership quality amongst his teammates and be a problem for opposing offenses.

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.