Future Stars: 2027 Offensive Playmakers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2027 class is packed with talent that's already making an impact on the field. Here are a few sophomores standing out early this season:<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1670969' first='Kaneilius' last='Purdy'] | Lake Wales | @KaneiliusPurdy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of Polk County's best young athletes, Purdy is a dual-threat player who makes big plays on both offense and defense. His natural athleticism and football IQ stand out, and he's shaping up to be a top prospect by the time college recruiters come calling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1671673' first='Dorien' last='Jones'] | Venice | @21GocrazyMacho</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jones is turning heads as one of the top running backs in the state. With over 200 rushing yards in a recent game, he's already racked up 723 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. His blend of speed and vision has college coaches taking notice.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nino Joseph | Lely | @njoseph015</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Joseph has been on fire, rushing for 567 yards and 9 touchdowns, putting him among the top backs in the state. His ability to break tackles and find the end zone makes him one to watch as he continues to develop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1671015' first='Jamarin' last='Simmons'] | Godby | @JamarinSimmons</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Simmons is emerging as a top wide receiver prospect with 520 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns. His recent offers from FSU and UCF underscore his rapid rise in the 2027 class, and his ability to stretch the field makes him a key playmaker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mannie McKinney | Tampa Catholic | @manniemck_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McKinney's move to Tampa Catholic has elevated his game, and he's already showing he's a tough cover for defenders. With 365 yards and 3 touchdowns so far, his quickness and route-running ability are causing problems for defenses across the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1250080' first='Hanoj' last='Williams'] | Timber Creek | @kingnoji4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams' 636 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns have made him a standout. His offseason work and combine performances hinted at his potential, and now he's proving to be one of the better sophomore wide receivers in Florida.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Von'Tavius Keller | Choctawhatchee | @JustVon33</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keller is another running back who's turning in a stellar sophomore season with 723 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns. His consistency and ability to move the chains make him a reliable offensive weapon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Antwon Brown | Fivay | @Antwon_Brown2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A physical presence on both sides of the ball, Brown has racked up 463 yards and 5 touchdowns. His ability to make plays as a running back and on defense has college scouts keeping an eye on his development.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gavin Davis | ZCA | @GavinKDavis11</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davis is a threat not just on offense, but on special teams as well. His playmaking ability gives his team a spark in multiple phases of the game, making him one of the more versatile players in the 2027 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jasiah Powell | Buchholz | @JasiahPowell_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Powell has been a bright spot for Buchholz with 517 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns. At 5-9 and 190 pounds, he's already built like a future collegiate back and is one of the more productive sophomores in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nathan Merriman | Sunlake | @NathanMerrima15</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Merriman leads the state of Florida in total points for his class with 12 touchdowns and 72 points overall. His ability to consistently find the end zone has helped Sunlake to a strong 3-1 start, making him a key player to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->