Unseen but Rising: Class of 2026 Under-the-Radar Names

Shannon Jordan April 21, 2025 @ 08:58 AM

Florida has long been a hotbed of high school football talent. Annually, Florida produces some of the nation's top prospects. Florida athletes are known for their speed, agility, and raw athleticism. These prospects have made names for themselves and have caught the attention of coaches and scouts at the collegiate level. With the 2025 season getting closer, we're looking for players whose stock is rising in the state.   These players are all talented and have college-level abilities. Some of these players have a few offers, but all of them have the ability to play college football at some level.   There are some big-time, highly rated prospects and several sleeper prospects who should all be getting looks for the next level. This list is full of stud prospects.   Prep Redzone Florida will always support every player on their journey to playing college football.   Gregory Merricks, Guard/Defensive Tackle – Westwood High   Height/Weight: 6'4", 335 lbs   Evaluation: Merricks is a massive presence in the trenches with two-way ability. Whether he's anchoring the offensive line or clogging the middle on defense, he brings strength and size that command attention. With solid academics and all-area recognition, Merricks is one of the more overlooked big men in the region.   [player_tooltip player_id='928356' first='Cameron' last='McCrea'], Defensive End/Outside Linebacker – Central High   Height/Weight: 6'1", 215 lbs   Evaluation: McCrea is a hybrid edge defender with burst and instincts. He makes the most of his reps, living behind the line of scrimmage with 9 TFL and 4 sacks in limited snaps. Explosive off the edge, he has the tools to be a disruptive outside linebacker in multiple schemes.   [player_tooltip player_id='1251755' first='Ethan' last='McClain'], Defensive Tackle/Guard – Fletcher High   Height/Weight: 6'4", 305 lbs   Evaluation: McClain is a run-stuffer through and through. He plays with power, great leverage, and clogs gaps with consistency. A reliable presence on either side of the ball, he's built to wear down opponents and win the physical battle up front.   [player_tooltip player_id='1249162' first='Liam' last='Marley'], Defensive End – Calvary Christian Academy   Height/Weight: 6'3", 240 lbs   Evaluation: Marley is a cerebral edge rusher who combines size, motor, and elite academics. His production jumps off the page, and his 4.5 GPA and Ivy League offer speak volumes about his discipline and character. Marley diagnoses plays quickly and has the power to finish — a complete player on and off the field.   [player_tooltip player_id='1191028' first='Izzy' last='Lobe'], Defensive Tackle – Immokalee High   Height/Weight: 6'1", 280 lbs   Evaluation: Lobe is a havoc-wreaking interior lineman with serious burst for his size. He stuffs the stat sheet and applies consistent pressure on quarterbacks, racking up sacks, TFLs, and hurries. Lobe's motor, strength, and nose for the ball make him one of the most productive defensive tackles in South Florida.

Florida has long been a hotbed of high school football talent. Annually, Florida produces some of the nation's top prospects. Florida athletes are known for their speed, agility, and raw athleticism. These prospects have made names for themselves and have caught the attention of coaches and scouts at the collegiate level. With the 2025 season getting closer, we're looking for players whose stock is rising in the state.