Season Review: Notable Polk WR Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Carl Jean-Bart | WR | 2026 | Davenport | @CarlJB26</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• Stats: 1,069 yards, 6 TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jean-Bart has exploded onto the scene, leading the county in receiving yards. His breakout season makes him one of Polk's top WR prospects, and he's sure to draw attention this offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shanard Clower | WR | 2026 | Lakeland | @shanardclower1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• Stats: N/A</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clower's versatility and impact across all three phases of the game make him a strong candidate for Player of the Year in Polk County. His electric play style as a gadget player is turning heads, and he's deserving of college looks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cory Butler | WR | 2025 | Bartow | @whoiscb10</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Butler has made history this season by breaking Bartow's single-season TD record with 11 touchdown catches, surpassing the record set in 1996. His senior year has been nothing short of impressive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sam Frederking | TE | 2025 | GJHS | @samfrederking18</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• Stats: 708 yards, 7 TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Frederking has been a reliable target for the Eagles, leading one of the county's best passing offenses. At 6-2, 205 pounds, he has the size and skill to make an impact at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1628903' first='Omari' last='Russell'] | ATH | 2026 | Fort Meade | @omari_russell</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• Stats: 648 yards, 4 TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Russell continues to impress as both a top ballhawk and a receiving threat in the county. His athleticism and versatility position him as a promising next-level prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1670969' first='Kaneilius' last='Purdy'] | ATH | 2027 | Lake Wales | @KaneiliusPurdy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• Stats: 611 yards, 6 TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Purdy is one of the county's best young talents, showing up as a dual-threat playmaker. With his athleticism and IQ, he's set to be a top target for college recruiters in the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Derrick McBride | WR | 2026 | Lake Gibson | @dmcbridejr_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• Stats: 496 yards, 4 TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Standing at 6-2 and 185 pounds, McBride brings a strong frame and dual-sport athleticism to the receiver position. His recent pick-six shows his potential on defense as well, especially with added size.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1131791' first='Dathan' last='Glover'] | ATH | 2025 | Santa Fe | @dathan_g3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• Stats: 475 yards</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Glover has shown his abilities on both sides of the ball, with his speed, length, and coverage skills making him a likely defensive back at the next level. Despite playing at a private school, he competes at a high level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Marcus Bankston | ATH | 2027 | Kathleen | @MarcusBankston_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• Stats: 445 yards, 4 TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bankston has been a standout for Kathleen, providing a glimpse of the program's future. As a younger prospect, his production this season signals a bright path ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DJ Howard | ATH | 2026 | LCS | @DJhoward_6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• Stats: 395 yards, 2 TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Howard has shown his versatility for LCS, contributing in multiple ways to help his team succeed. His skill set makes him a valuable piece of the program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Malachi Carter | WR | 2025 | Auburndale | @xxxmalachii</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• Carter led the Bloodhounds in receiving yards this season, proving himself as a go-to target in the passing game. His consistency and playmaking ability make him a standout on the Auburndale offense, with strong potential for continued development heading into his senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->