Spring Tour | Lake Gibson— New Life, Same Mission

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As spring ball kicks off across Florida, we're stopping by some of the most talent-rich programs in Polk County—one of true hotbeds in the state. Our first stop on the tour brings us to Lake Gibson, where first-year head coach Jeff George Jr. is putting his stamp on a program looking to bounce back from a 4-7 season. The energy is different, the tempo is up, and a strong group of underclassmen is starting to take shape. I pulled up to a second-week practice, and here are the names that popped.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026s</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Derrick McBride II | ATH | 2026 | @dmcbridejr_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McBride has taken a noticeable step forward physically and mentally. At 6-3, 190, he's long, lean, and athletic—with tools that translate to both sides of the ball. Colleges have taken notice, and his recent offer list confirms he's trending way up. If he keeps refining his game, he could be one of the most sought-after juniors in the region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1141192' first='Cason' last='Dash'] | DB | 2026 | @CasonDash3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dash looks more confident this spring. He's been dialed in with his technique, showing better footwork and awareness in coverage reps. Still developing, but the physical tools and IQ are there. College interest is heating up—and rightfully so.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Elijah Byers | OL/DL | 2026 | @ElijahByers18</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Byers continues to anchor the line at 6-4, 310 pounds. He's light on his feet for his size and flashes power in the run game. What stood out at practice was his improved brute strength and real upside in the trenches—definitely progressing in the right direction.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027s</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1655446' first='Brayden' last='Padgett'] | QB | 2027 | @brayden_p9</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Padgett looked sharp during spring install periods, showing improved pocket presence and mechanics. He's taken on more of a leadership role and has grown more comfortable commanding the offense. With another offseason under his belt, he's poised to take a big jump.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1657157' first='Malachi' last='Moore'] | LB | 2027 | @MalachiMoore222</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moore brought the energy all practice long and was flying around in team drills. At 6-0, 215, he's built like a seasoned upperclassman and brings the physicality you want in a head hunting backer. You can tell he's been grinding—stock up. My DOG of the day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Adonis Cuyler | ATH | 2027 | @AdonisCuyler2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cuyler continues to show versatility. He's flipping over to offense more now, and his burst and hands make him an intriguing weapon at receiver. He's a natural football player, and with his aggressive play style, expect him to be a two-way threat this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1655304' first='Caleb' last='Beck'] | ATH | 2027 | Lake Gibson | @calebbeckLB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beck entered spring with some buzz—and he's starting to back it up. He moves well, plays with a motor, and brings positional flexibility that coaches love. His frame is coming together, and if the growth continues, he could see his stock rise heading into summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Paul Wright | LB | 2027 | @PAULWRIGHT___</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wright has emerged as one of the vocal leaders of this young defensive core. He's instinctive, plays with an edge, and doesn't shy away from contact. He's going to be key for this defense's success in the fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Christopher Garcia | ATH | 2027 | @ChrisGarcia2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Garcia was active all practice—whether rushing off the edge or setting the edge in run support. He plays with a motor and clearly takes pride in his effort. As his body continues to fill out, expect his impact to grow even more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028s</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Laquinton Chandler | QB | 2028 | @Qchandler627</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For a rising sophomore, Chandler is impressive. He's got a clean release, keeps his eyes downfield, and already shows command of the offense in limited reps. The Braves may have their next guy in the pipeline.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->