Spring Tour: Auburndale Bloodhounds — Control the Dash

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Spring football is heating up in the Sunshine State, and few counties in Florida bring the energy like Polk. For our fourth stop, we head to Auburndale—where second-year head coach Antonio Thomas is quietly building something dangerous with the Bloodhounds. This team returns several key playmakers who could flip the script in the 863 this fall. Prep Redzone scout Drew Johnson made the quick trip across town to check out one of the first spring practices—and here are the names you need to know:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1524509' first='James' last='Tilus'] | DE | 2026 | @JamesTilus8</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6-3, 230 and a problem. Tilus is oozing with D1 upside and looks like a natural off the edge. He's got the frame, the burst, and now it's about refining the technique. If he locks it in mentally and cleans up his handwork, he could be one of the best edge rushers in Polk County.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jordan Tarver | ATH | 2026 | @Jordantarver100</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A long, fluid DB with verified track speed. Tarver excels in man coverage, shows real patience in his backpedal, and has the tools to thrive at the next level. He's already caught the attention of college programs and should keep rising with a strong spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Darion Jiles | ATH | 2026 | @DarionJiles07</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top overall performers during the visit. Jiles is a physical, polished route runner with reliable hands and a competitive motor. He's got that DAWG in him and looked like one of the more college-ready athletes on the roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1368321' first='Elijah' last='Dias'] | LB | 2026 | @twin_frmpolk</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A stat-stuffer and film standout who's been making noise since his freshman year. Dias is a versatile defender with the instincts and toughness to line up anywhere. College coaches: this is one you should've already been tracking.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>David Bess | DB | 2026 | @Davidbess_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bess plays with that Polk County confidence and backs it up with physical, high-IQ coverage. Whether he's jamming at the line or chasing down a run play, he plays fast, vocal, and fearless.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1143144' first='Riley' last='Cooper'] | OL/DL | 2026 | @Rileyfrmpolk</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most intriguing linemen in the 2026 class. Cooper brings raw power in the trenches and surprising agility for his size. A hidden gem who could really take off with the right exposure and camp circuit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Charles Calhoun | RB/LB | 2027 | @4_wayyyzz</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The bell cow in this backfield. Calhoun is built for punishment and embraces the workload. He runs with intent and purpose and isn't afraid to lower the shoulder. Physical, focused, and fearless.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1727159' first='Pat' last='Weir Jr'] | ATH | 2027 | @PeezyWeirr</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This kid pops off the tape. Weir is an electric offensive weapon with track speed and a blue-collar work ethic. He impressed with his toughness and versatility—able to run between the tackles and make plays in space.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1258720' first='Takeo' last='Edwards'] | ATH | 2027 | @edwards_takeo</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A sleeper no longer. Edwards flashed elite speed and strong YAC ability. He's another track guy with legit game-breaking potential. Look for him to emerge as a big-play threat in the slot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Trey Sullivan | ATH | 2026 | @Deuce1726</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sullivan had the sideline buzzing during The Big Show. He's got a 6-0, 220-pound frame and moves extremely well for his size. Can line up all over the field and brings leadership energy to every snap.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1640218' first='Brentley' last='Meyer'] | ATH | 2026 | @brentley_meyer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Meyer showed his willingness to do whatever it takes to get on the field. Took reps behind center and flew around defensively. Big frame, high motor, and could thrive once he finds his long-term role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>**Names to Track This Spring:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kenaris Cooper</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>William McKenzie</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brittan Zealley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tavaris Smith</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aquim Williams</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gavin Hall</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Darrin Williams</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keagan Cole</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jason McGough</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eddie Lowrey</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1705032' first='Jamarian' last='Everett']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->