2026 Prospects to Watch Heading into Spring

[player_tooltip player_id='1247547' first='Xavier' last='Lherisse'] | ATH | Eau Gallie | @XavierXEL11   Lherisse continues to build his case as one of the most dynamic playmakers in the 2026 class. His burst, smooth hands, and ability to make defenders miss in space make him a major weapon. This offseason, he's been sharpening his route-running and explosiveness, showing why colleges are taking notice. Expect his offer list to grow as he heads into a pivotal spring.   [player_tooltip player_id='869381' first='Zyuan' last='Dukes'] | WR | Lake Wales | @ZDhumble3   Dukes has all the tools to be a top receiver in Polk County. His speed, strong hands, and ability to high-point the football make him a threat on deep balls. This offseason, he's focused on refining his body and technique, and the results are showing. If he continues on this trajectory, he's a lock to be a heavily recruited D1 prospect by next year.   Eshawn Sutton | ATH | Winter Park | @EShawnSutton   Sutton has proven himself as a legit two-way athlete. He's played linebacker and receiver this offseason, showing his versatility and leadership. His physicality and high-energy approach make him a standout in any setting. With major programs already in pursuit, Sutton's stock will only keep rising.   London Green | WR | Lennard | @londondgreen12   Green has been putting in work, and it's paying off. His acceleration off the line and precise footwork give him an edge in creating separation. At 5-11, 155 pounds, he's still filling out his frame, but his route-running and ability to make defenders miss make him a name to watch this spring.   Amar'e Johnson | RB | Bishop Moore | @AmareJohnson   Johnson has wasted no time making an impact since transferring from West Virginia, quickly emerging as one of the most complete backs in the area. His ability to run, catch, and block at a high level makes him a true three-down weapon, and college programs have taken notice. With offers now in from Army, Arkansas State, Dartmouth, and Old Dominion, his recruitment is gaining serious momentum. Johnson's vision, balance, and speed set him apart, and as he continues to refine his game, expect even more schools to jump in.   Jordan Jackson | DB | Winter Park | @JordanJacksonj9   Jackson has everything you want in a high-level defensive back—length, athleticism, and fluid movement in coverage. He's already earned a three-star rating, and with his ability to stay in phase with receivers, that ranking could climb. His upside as a shutdown corner is undeniable, and he's poised for a breakout spring.   Josiah White | DB | Bartow | @3_strapz   White has the size, athleticism, and football IQ to be a difference-maker in the secondary. His ability to read offenses and react quickly makes him a versatile defender, whether he's playing deep as a safety or locking down receivers in man coverage. Wake Forest and ECU have recently offered, and as he sharpens his technique this offseason, expect more programs to follow suit. With another year to develop, White has all the tools to become one of the top rising defensive backs in the state.   [player_tooltip player_id='1283611' first='Hayden' last='Moore'] | WR | Newberry | @HaydenM_14   At 6-3, Moore is a natural mismatch for defenders. His athleticism and size make him a standout wide receiver, and with more weight training and track work, he could be a dominant force in the 2026 class. College scouts should keep an eye on him as he continues refining his game.   [player_tooltip player_id='1524509' first='James' last='Tilus'] | DE | Auburndale | @JamesTilus8   Tilus is a monster in the making. At 6-3, 215 pounds, he's got the size, athleticism, and raw power to be a force off the edge. His pass-rushing technique is improving, and with continued development, he could be one of Polk County's top defensive linemen by his senior year. D1 schools will be keeping a close eye on his progress.   [player_tooltip player_id='1268166' first='Corey' last='Simms'] | RB | Mitchell | @CoreySimms18   Simms has shown he's more than just a ball carrier—his ability to catch passes out of the backfield makes him a true three-down back. He's shifty in open space and has the vision to find cutback lanes. After a strong fall season, he's proving he can be a featured back at the next level.   Derrick McBride | WR | Lake Gibson | @dmcbridejr_   McBride has taken major strides this offseason. His ability to get in and out of breaks cleanly, combined with strong hands, has made him one of the more polished route-runners in the area. He's still adding to his frame, but his playmaking ability is already turning heads.   Jordan Tarver | ATH | Auburndale | @Jordantarver100   Tarver has been putting in serious work at defensive back, and it's paying off. His patience in coverage and ability to mirror routes make him a tough matchup for any receiver. With his track speed and 6-1 frame, he's got the physical tools to play at the next level—now it's just about refining the little details.   [player_tooltip player_id='1612347' first='Jasper' last='Hebel'] | ATH | Lakeland | @JHebel88   Hebel's move to Lakeland has him set up for a massive season. At 6-5, 230 pounds, he already has the frame of a D1 edge rusher. His wrestling background makes him an absolute problem with hand-fighting at the line of scrimmage. If he continues to develop his pass-rushing moves, he could be one of the top hidden gem defensive prospects in the state.