Spring Buzz: Hiddem Gem Polk Prospects to Watch This Spring

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Charles Calhoun | RB/LB | 2027 | Auburndale | @4_wayyyzz</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Physical, tough, and ready for a full workload. Calhoun is expected to be the lead back for Auburndale, showing downhill power as a runner with the size to contribute in pass protection or short-yardage sets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaidon Furman | RB | 2026 | Tenoroc | @jaidon_f09</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quietly put together a near 1,000-yard season last year. Furman is one of the most productive backs in Polk, proving smaller programs still have dudes who can tote the rock and get it done.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Darion Jiles | ATH | 2026 | Auburndale | @DarionJiles07</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Versatile and physical with natural receiver skills. Jiles runs clean routes and brings toughness in the open field. He's expected to be one of Auburndale's go-to options on both sides this spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cassidy Ervin | ATH | 2026 | Lakeland | @CassidyErvinn</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the more versatile rising names in the area. Ervin has elite short-area quickness and sharp route-running ability. Lakeland can move him around the offense—he's dangerous in space, on screens, or even as a DB.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1143144' first='Riley' last='Cooper'] | OL/DL | 2026 | Auburndale | @Rileyfrmpolk</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Built with power and plays with serious motor. Cooper moves defenders with ease and even flashed enough athleticism to take reps at linebacker. Rising name coaches should check out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Zephaniah Rogers | OLB | 2026 | Lakeland | @ZephaniahRoger5</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Big pickup for Lakeland. Rogers adds length and sideline-to-sideline speed at linebacker. Physical tackler who can cover in space—checks a lot of boxes for a modern hybrid backer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1612347' first='Jasper' last='Hebel'] | DE | 2026 | Lakeland | @JHebel88</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hebel is starting to take off as one of the more promising edge guys in Polk. He's physical, plays with effort and continues to show steady growth each time out. You can tell the work is being put in—he's stayed hungry, and it's beginning to pay off.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tayron Grant | LB | 2026 | Mulberry | @4pf__tayy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Led the county in tackles and plays like it. Grant is relentless, instinctual, and cleans up everything in his lane. He's a high-production linebacker whose name deserves more buzz.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>David Bess | DB | 2026 | Auburndale | @Davidbess_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vocal, physical, and fearless. Bess plays with a chip on his shoulder and brings juice to Auburndale's secondary. He's a tone-setter in coverage and can come down to make plays in the run game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1655458' first='Drew' last='Sapp']&nbsp;| DE | 2027 | Lakeland | @SappDrew2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sapp made a statement in the trenches at our recent PRZ combine. He's a stout and physical prospect at 6-3, 230 pounds. He's explosive off the edge and uses his hands well to win reps. Already a key piece for powerhouse Lakeland, his athleticism and versatility are on full display. Took home the DL MVP award.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Paul Wright | LB | 2027 | Kathleen | @PAULWRIGHT__</strong>_</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Emerging as Kathleen's defensive anchor. Wright topped 100 tackles as a sophomore and brought consistent energy every week. He's becoming one of the most dependable young backers in the area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1695051' first='Ty' last='Montsdeoca'] | OL | 2027 | Fort Meade | @Ty_Montsdeoca&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Already standing 6-3, 235, Montsdeoca is turning heads as one of the best young linemen in the county. Plays physical, anchors well, and has the frame to keep growing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>D'Cari Smith | ATH | 2026 | Lake Wales | @1era__</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A two-way playmaker with a knack for impact plays. Smith has been a tackling machine on defense but can also contribute offensively when needed. Underrated athlete with room to rise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1581765' first='Mekhi' last='Berrien'] | LB | 2026 | Fort Meade | @MekhiBerrien</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Heart of Fort Meade's defense. Berrien brings physicality and leadership to the middle. He's got a nose for the football and plays with good discipline—one of the more reliable backers in Polk.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cordelius Allen | ATH | 2027 | Tenoroc | @CordeliusAllen1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of Tenoroc's rising stars. Allen posted over 100 tackles last season and was a consistent disruptor in the backfield. High-motor athlete who can contribute in multiple spots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='928360' first='Jordan' last='Jenkins'] | DL | 2026 | Lake Gibson | @jordann3jenkins</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jenkins has the size at 6-3, 290 to draw early attention. As he continues developing his hands and leverage, he could become a Power 4-caliber lineman. Big body with even bigger upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->