Spring Tour: Bartow Yellow Jackets

As spring practices emerge for high schools around the state of Florida, I wanted to highlight some of the local schools in the Polk County area which has been a known hotbed county in producing athletes and talented football players. Our fourth spring tour stop features notable head coach Tyler Eden and the Bartow Yellow Jackets who finished 7-5 last season but return a number of college prospects who have a chance to make some noise in the 863. Prep Redzone scout Drew Johnson will turn to his backyard to attend one of the first week's spring practice.   Tavares Murray | 2025 | DB | Bartow @TMurr_JR   Murray has been one of the top risers in the county this offseason with plenty of D1 offers rolling in. He's put in the work to tweak his frame and technique which will get him to the next level. I've been impressed with this kid's progression and he should make noise this season. He can tackle, cover, versatile to move around, has all the tools to be an impact DB.    [player_tooltip player_id='1022076' first='Blake' last='Johnson'] | 2025 | QB | Bartow | @blakejohnson_11   The QB1 and leader behind center for the Yellow Jackets will be rising senior [player_tooltip player_id='1022076' first='Blake' last='Johnson']. Do not sleep on this kid who has elite arm talent capability, just needs the right offensive scheme and belief. I've watched him develop throughout the months where he's growing to his frame. Wouldn't be shocked if he finished as one of the top throwers in the county.   Joshod Hampton | 2025 | DB | Bartow | @Joshod3   We've said it here many times recently but this kid is on the rise. Hampton is one of the better cover corners in the county that understands technique and how to lock down his side of the field. He's bringing out that DOG mentality more and more where I'd expect him to rack up some tackles to go with his potential high INT numbers. Look out for Hampton to continue rising folks.    Cory Butler | 2025 | WR | Bartow | @whoiscb10   Butler finished as my DOG of the day on practice Tuesday. This kid is a DOG and can back it up in various aspects. I've already been impressed with his strong hands and decent route running but the blocking ability and flat out killer 1v1 session has locked him in on the real deal breakout list. I'd expect him to keep building chemistry with new QB1 [player_tooltip player_id='1022076' first='Blake' last='Johnson'] where he can go for big-time numbers this season.    Josiah White | 2026 | DB | Bartow | @3_strapz   If there is a DB I've seen this spring with a pro-level build and high upside is this kid Josiah White who picked up his first P4 offer from West Virginia prior to practice. He was willing to put that to the test throughout the day where he showed high IQ at the safety position with developing coverage skills in the 1v1 session after practice. Got my eyes on White who still has another year to build on technique and using his eyes.    Ka'Marion Thomas | 2025 WR @off1cial_kam    Thomas is my gadget piece on this roster that can play nearly anywhere on the offensive side. Look out for Thomas to catch passes and take runs out of the backfield because of his versatile athleticism and speed. One of the better skill players on this team who will need to have a huge impact to move to needle for Bartow.    [player_tooltip player_id='829333' first='Avis' last='Brown'] Jr | 2025 | RB | Bartow | @hollywood_ajb    Did not get my eyes on Brown who was absent at practice but have been told he is the real deal and potential bell cow for this offense.    DeCoryian Stanley | 2025 | LB | Bartow @DeCoryianS    The head hunter and sure tackler for the Bartow defense will be rising senior linebacker DeCoryian Stanley. He's a physical player with a decent frame and IQ to make plays at the position. I came to 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='1258693' first='Ethan' last='Brous'] | 2026 | QB | Bartow | @d1_e_9    Winning programs usually have more than one solid quarterback on roster and [player_tooltip player_id='1258693' first='Ethan' last='Brous'] has developed into a young riser that can come in and run the offense. As noted, Brous is developing more confidence in his game where the arm talent can show and it did in the 1v1 session where he threw a couple dots. It was the mobile ability that surprised me at practice which he'll be able to build on.    Shemarie Collins | 2027 | WR | Bartow | @Grindontstop03    Collins is another young pup on this team who will have the chance to make an impact early on for this offense. He gives off that DOG mentality and racked up winning reps in the 1v1 period.    [player_tooltip player_id='1681626' first='Jaiziah' last='Battle'] | 2027 | ATH | Bartow | @JaiziahBattle    One of the top 2027 prospects in the county is now at Bartow where he's still learning the system and finding his way. I believe this kid can play both sides of the ball but will play the DB position at the next level. He looked solid in the 1v1 period after practice.    [player_tooltip player_id='212279' first='Caleb' last='Bell'] | 2026 | DE | Bartow | @CalebBell44   Bell is a young EDGE rusher who has the time and upside to be a problem for opposing offensive tackles. He's technical with his hands and has a solid initial burst.    Best of the Rest:    Tyjheir Haskins | WR | 2025 | Bartow | @TyjhierH11   Bryce Chaney   Markell Baker    Jacobe Terry

As spring practices emerge for high schools around the state of Florida, I wanted to highlight some of the local schools in the Polk County area which has been a known hotbed county in producing athletes and talented football players. Our fourth spring tour stop features notable head coach Tyler Eden and the Bartow Yellow Jackets who finished 7-5 last season but return a number of college prospects who have a chance to make some noise in the 863. Prep Redzone scout Drew Johnson will turn to his backyard to attend one of the first week's spring practice.