Underrated Polk Prospects to Know This Spring

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Albert Plain | ATH | 2026 | Frostproof |<a href="https://twitter.com/AlbertPlain_"><strong> </strong><strong>@AlbertPlain_</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Plain is a pure playmaker, no matter where he lines up. A dynamic athlete on offense, defense, and special teams, he's been a catalyst for Frostproof's success. While others have taken the transfer route, Plain has stayed loyal to his squad and continues to prove he's one of the top talents in the county.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1583333' first='Dontavius' last='Purdy'] | DE/LB | 2026 | Lake Wales |<a href="https://twitter.com/DontaviusPurdy6"><strong> </strong><strong>@DontaviusPurdy6</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6-1, 225 pounds, Purdy is a menace in the trenches. His explosiveness off the edge and ability to clog running lanes make him a nightmare for opposing offenses. With a strong frame and natural instincts, he's poised to generate more buzz this offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Darion Jiles | ATH | 2026 | Auburndale |<a href="https://twitter.com/DarionJiles07"><strong> </strong><strong>@DarionJiles07</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jiles is a name to know heading into the spring. He's got the physicality and skill set to contribute in multiple ways for Auburndale. As a receiver, his sharp route running and reliable hands stand out, and his versatility could make him a key piece this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Charles Calhoun | RB/LB | 2027 | Auburndale |<a href="https://twitter.com/4_wayyyzz"><strong> </strong><strong>@4_wayyyzz</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Calhoun is shaping up to be the workhorse for Auburndale's offense. A powerful, downhill runner with a grinder's mentality, he welcomes contact and isn't afraid to lower the shoulder. Expect him to be a focal point in the Bloodhounds' backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Paul Wright | LB | 2027 | Kathleen |<a href="https://twitter.com/PAULWRIGHT___"><strong> </strong><strong>@PAULWRIGHT___</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kathleen has a rising defensive leader in Wright. He's got a natural nose for the football and the toughness to set the tone for the Red Devils. With his work ethic and instincts, he's a young prospect worth tracking as he develops.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>David Bess | DB | 2026 | Auburndale |<a href="https://twitter.com/Davidbess_"><strong> </strong><strong>@Davidbess_</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bess plays with confidence and backs it up with physical, lockdown coverage. He's vocal, energetic, and not afraid to mix it up in run support. He landed on my radar last spring, and he's a name to watch as he continues refining his game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1143144' first='Riley' last='Cooper'] | OL/DL | 2026 | Auburndale |<a href="https://twitter.com/Rileyfrmpolk"><strong> </strong><strong>@Rileyfrmpolk</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Auburndale's anchor in the trenches, Cooper plays with power and an edge. His strength is evident in how he moves defenders, and he's even shown enough agility to get some reps at linebacker. He's a hidden gem who could emerge with the right exposure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Zephaniah Rogers | OLB | 2026 | Lakeland |<a href="https://twitter.com/ZephaniahRoger5"><strong> </strong><strong>@ZephaniahRoger5</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rogers is a major addition for Lakeland, bringing physicality and range to their linebacker corps. He's one of the more intriguing defensive prospects in the county and will have eyes on him this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1695051' first='Ty' last='Montsdeoca'] | OL | 2027 | Fort Meade |<a href="https://twitter.com/TyMontsdeo31529"><strong> @Ty_Montsdeoca</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ty is carving out his own path in his football career. At 6-4, 268 pounds, he's got the frame and strength to dominate the trenches and will be one to watch as he develops.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Traveon Hymes | RB | 2026 | Mulberry |<a href="https://twitter.com/TraveonHymes"><strong> </strong><strong>@TraveonHymes</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hymes has been electric since his move to Mulberry. He's a home-run threat every time he touches the ball and has been a key piece in the Panthers' offensive attack. His speed and versatility make him a must-watch prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cordelius Allen | ATH | 2027 | Tenoroc |<a href="https://twitter.com/CordeliusAllen1"><strong> </strong><strong>@CordeliusAllen1</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Allen has been a defensive playmaker for Tenoroc, racking up over 100 tackles and making his presence felt behind the line of scrimmage. His instincts and athleticism set him apart, and he's a key building block for the program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='928360' first='Jordan' last='Jenkins'] | DL | 2026 | Victory Christian |<a href="https://twitter.com/jordann3jenkins"><strong> </strong><strong>@jordann3jenkins</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6-3, 305 pounds, Jenkins has the frame to catch recruiters' attention. His size alone makes him a problem in the trenches, but if he can sharpen his technique and consistency, he has real D1 potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaidon Furman | RB | 2026 | Tenoroc |<a href="https://twitter.com/jaidon_f09"><strong> </strong><strong>@jaidon_f09</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Furman has been a workhorse for Tenoroc, nearing the 1,000-yard mark last season. He's proving that Polk County's smaller programs have legitimate talent, and his production speaks for itself.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1581765' first='Mekhi' last='Berrien'] | LB | 2026 | Fort Meade |<a href="https://twitter.com/MekhiBerrien"><strong> </strong><strong>@MekhiBerrien</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Berrien has been the backbone of Fort Meade's defense, bringing intensity and leadership to the middle of the field. His ability to read plays and deliver solid tackles makes him a key piece for the Miners.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Elijah Byers | OL/DL | 2026 | Lake Gibson |<a href="https://twitter.com/ElijahByers18"><strong> </strong><strong>@ElijahByers18</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6-4, 310 pounds, Byers is a force on the offensive line. He's part of a growing core at Lake Gibson, and with continued development in his hands and footwork, he has the potential to be a high-level recruit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1681659' first='Chris' last='Garcia'] | ATH | 2027 | Lake Gibson |<a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisGarcia2027"><strong> </strong><strong>@ChrisGarcia2027</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Garcia has been one of the hardest-working players on his team, flying off the edge and making plays. He's got the tools to be a future leader for Lake Gibson, and it'll be interesting to see how the coaching staff maximizes his skill set.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shemarie Collins | WR | 2027 | Bartow |<a href="https://twitter.com/Grindontstop03"><strong> </strong><strong>@Grindontstop03</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Collins has that dawg in him. He's a young receiver who thrives in one-on-one situations and isn't afraid to compete. Expect him to earn meaningful reps early and carve out a role in Bartow's offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->