Off-Season Watch: 2027 Rising Stars On College Radars

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quarterbacks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1592775' first='Joaquin' last='Kavouklis'] | QB | 2027 | Tarpon Springs | @joaquinkav10</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kavouklis has established himself as a top-5 quarterback in the 2027 class. His ability to make sharp throws across the route tree and launch deep balls with precision transformed Tarpon Springs into a dangerous offense. With smooth mechanics and consistent accuracy, this transfer has made his name known across the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1672994' first='Landon' last='Dougherty'] | QB | 2027 | Gadsden County | @landodougherty</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The leader behind Gadsden County's state championship run, Dougherty combines size, confidence, and a gunslinger mentality. His season stats—78-of-115 for 1,450 yards, 17 touchdowns, and a 68% completion rate—prove his efficiency and poise under pressure. His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions makes him a promising prospect moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1158090' first='Logan' last='Flaherty'] | QB | 2027 | Port Charlotte | @Lflahertyqb17</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Flaherty is a dual-threat quarterback with a cannon for an arm. His season was nothing short of impressive, passing for 1,403 yards and 20 touchdowns while adding 842 rushing yards and 13 more scores on the ground. With athleticism, a quick release, and elite processing speed, Flaherty's ceiling is sky-high. Received recent offers from FSU, Louisville, and Tulane.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Running Backs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dorien Irving-Jones | RB | 2027 | Venice | @21GocrazyMacho</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jones is coming off a breakout sophomore campaign, rushing for 1,398 yards and 17 touchdowns while splitting reps with one of the state's top 2025 backs. A key piece of Venice's state championship run, Jones already holds D1 offers from UCF and Louisville. His blend of speed, vision, and versatility makes him a must-watch prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aaron Trudell | RB | 2027 | Lakeland Christian | @clapz_aj</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Trudell emerged as a reliable back for Lakeland Christian this season. His ability to step up in critical playoff moments cemented his place as one of the top underclassmen to watch in Polk County.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1681897' first='Jayden' last='Lockhart'] | RB | 2027 | West Boca Raton | @Jaylock777</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lockhart played beyond his years, helping West Boca Raton earn a state championship as a sophomore. Known for his physical running style and cool under pressure, Lockhart's maturity and skill set are propelling him into the spotlight as one of the top 2027 backs in Florida.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wide Receivers</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: 46 receptions, 767 yards, 10 touchdowns</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Purdy has the athleticism and IQ to be a game-changer on both sides of the ball. His ability to make explosive plays has solidified him as one of the county's best young talents, and his college recruiting stock is set to rise significantly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1671015' first='Jamarin' last='Simmons'] | WR | 2027 | Godby | @JamarinSimmons</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Simmons is a rising star, finishing the season with 520 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns. His offers from FSU and UCF are proof of his high ceiling. With his ability to stretch the field and create mismatches, Simmons is already making a name for himself.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mike Connor | WR | 2027 | Oakleaf | @luhmikemike8x</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 41 receptions, 709 yards, 5 touchdowns</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Connor is a speedy and shifty wideout who excels in creating separation and making adjustments in the air. His acceleration and crisp route-running make him a tough cover for defenses. Connor's production this season sets the foundation for a bright future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->