First Thoughts: Round 3 Playoff Studs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>First Thoughts: Round 3 Offensive Playoff Studs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Malik Morris | LB | 2026 | Lakeland</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Morris wasted no time impacting the game with a monster first quarter: 1 INT, 1 pick-six, 1 rushing TD, 3 tackles, and a sack. His relentless play helped keep Lakeland undefeated and set up a showdown with Niceville in Round 4.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1206696' first='Noah' last='Grubbs'] | QB | 2026 | Lake Mary</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grubbs cemented himself as one of Florida's best QBs, hitting 100 career touchdown passes in just 2.5 seasons. He added three more in Lake Mary's 42-3 blowout of rival Sanford Seminole, helping secure a regional championship. The kid continues to light up defenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='992858' first='Jamarice' last='Wilder'] | RB | 2025 | Venice</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When Venice needed a workhorse, Wilder answered with a massive performance, tallying 250+ rushing yards and 3 TDs. His dominant ground game was key in Venice's victory, opening up their passing attack and putting them on track for the next round.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='826448' first='Taevion' last='Swint'] | RB | 2025 | Osceola</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 4-star UCF commit carried Osceola to a shocking upset of previously undefeated Armwood. Swint punched in two rushing touchdowns in a 17-14 thriller, solidifying his status as one of the top backs in Florida.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='828993' first='Johnny' last='Lewis Jr']. | QB | 2025 | Niceville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lewis Jr. did it all for Niceville, completing 7-7 passes for 90 yards and a TD while rushing for 218 yards and another score on 30 carries. His ability to convert on third downs was critical in pushing his team into the semifinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1681897' first='Jayden' last='Lockhart'] | RB | 2027 | West Boca Raton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lockhart stepped up big as a sophomore, rushing for 100+ yards to fuel West Boca's offense in a 17-0 win over Wiregrass Ranch. His hard running and maturity under pressure make him one to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shanard Clower | ATH | 2025 | Lakeland</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clower came through in clutch moments for Lakeland, returning a 97-yard kickoff for a touchdown and a 60-yard return to set up the game-winning field goal in a 24-21 nail-biter. He's been a difference-maker all season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1317660' first='Teddy' last='Hoffman'] | WR | 2025 | Atlantic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hoffman nearly pulled off the upset of the year against STA, scoring three first-quarter touchdowns in an electrifying performance. His ability to dominate early against elite competition underscores why he's considered one of Florida's top 2025 WRs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='828984' first='Lincoln' last='Graf'] | QB | 2025 | Atlantic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Graf delivered one of the gutsiest performances of the playoffs, throwing five touchdown passes in a near-upset of STA. He showcased his accuracy and mobility, proving he's an underrated gem deserving of more D1 attention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1263588' first='Darryon' last='Jones'] | QB | 2026 | Tampa Bay Tech</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jones sparked TBT's offense in the second half, showing flashes of a young Cam Newton with his dual-threat ability. His QB runs and downfield throws nearly brought TBT back into the game, earning him well-deserved recognition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1258717' first='Parker' last='Perales'] | ATH | 2025 | Lake Mary</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Perales continued to be Lake Mary's Swiss Army knife, making plays as a wideout and running back. His versatility helped the Rams dominate Seminole and punch their ticket to the next round. He along with with senior defensive stud Luke Prieto (Stats: 6 tackles 1 sack 1 Pick six) were true difference makers for the Rams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1230854' first='Darian' last='Kirkland'] | ATH | 2025 | Fort Meade</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kirkland's dedication and consistent play have been the backbone of Fort Meade's surprising semifinal run. His impact goes beyond the stat sheet, as he's been a true leader for his team during an up. Kirkland, along with kicker Lex Duarte (2/2 FG 20yarder, 28 yarder, 3/3 PAT, 9 total points), came up huge for the Miners.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->