Breakout Watch: 2026 Stock Risers Making Noise

Shannon Jordan May 19, 2025 @ 06:20 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.   [player_tooltip player_id='1382628' first='Louis' last='Figueroa'], LB – Osceola High   Height/Weight: 6'0", 205 lbs   Evaluation: Figueroa exploded as a sophomore with eye-popping production—130 tackles and five sacks—which showed his ability to impact every level of the defense. He plays fast, instinctive, and with a relentless motor. Though he's returning from an ACL injury that cut last season short, he's already shown the type of talent that gets noticed by college programs. If fully healthy, he's a serious breakout candidate again in 2025. The physicality and football IQ are already in place—he just needs to stay on the field.   Taye Dawson, LB – Blountstown High   Height/Weight: 6'2", 220 lbs   Evaluation: Dawson is a long, well-built linebacker who plays downhill with force and poise. He closes space quickly and diagnoses run plays efficiently, often meeting ball carriers at the line of scrimmage or behind it. His frame and movement suggest he could grow into an inside ‘backer or hybrid box role at the next level. He has the tools, the production, and now the offer sheet is starting to reflect that. Expect more attention to follow this offseason and into his senior year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1338232' first='Yvenerson' last='Elizee'], LB/Edge – Haines City High   Height/Weight: 5'11", 182 lbs   Evaluation: Elizee is one of the most explosive edge rushers in the state pound-for-pound. Despite a leaner frame, his elite burst and first step off the edge are devastating, as shown by his 11 sacks and 15 tackles for loss. His track background adds another layer to his profile—this is a twitchy athlete with rare bend and explosiveness. As he adds muscle and refines hand usage, his upside as a hybrid LB/Edge/ATH is sky-high. FCS and Group of Five programs should be watching closely.   [player_tooltip player_id='1400868' first='Bertrand' last='DeRose'], LB – Jones High   Height/Weight: 6'1", 225 lbs   Evaluation: DeRose is a physically imposing backer with college-ready size and academic discipline. At 225 pounds, he brings thump to the box and can stack and shed effectively in traffic. He moves well for his size and offers versatility in how he can be used—either as a MIKE or an inside/outside combo backer. Coaches will love his blend of smarts, physicality, and upside. He's one of the more under-the-radar risers who could pick up steam fast this summer.   [player_tooltip player_id='1626930' first='Antonio' last='Delacruz'], LB – Jefferson High   Height/Weight: 6'0", 200 lbs   Evaluation: Delacruz is the definition of consistent and coachable. A 4.0 GPA student who racks up 10 tackles per game and squats 500 pounds—his work ethic and football mindset jump off the page. He shows excellent play strength, instincts, and short-area quickness, making him tough to block or evade in the box. The 4.6 speed is solid for a backer, and combined with his work in the weight room, he projects as a high-ceiling, high-floor college prospect. He's going to win coaches over quickly.

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.