Spring Tour: Lake Wales — Championship Mindset

There's a different standard at Lake Wales—and it shows. The Highlanders are coming off a wake up season, and head coach TaVoris Johnson isn't letting up. From the jump at practice, it was clear this group is hungry, focused and loaded with next-level talent. With a strong 2026 core and some electric underclassmen, Lake Wales looks like a problem again this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1670990' first='Kaneilius' last='Purdy'] | ATH | 2027 | @KaneiliusPurdy   The FSU commit is the most polished underclassman in the county. He ran clean routes, made tough catches, and competed like a senior. His versatility on both sides of the ball makes him special, and he brings a swagger that sets the tone for the whole team.   [player_tooltip player_id='1142239' first='Chad' last='Williams'] | QB | 2026 | @ChadWqb12   Williams is growing into the role as the leader of this offense. You can tell he's been grinding this offseason—mechanics looked sharper, and he threw with confidence across the field. If he keeps progressing, he could be one of the top senior QBs in the region this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1800116' first='Gabriel' last='Legrand'] | WR | 2026 | @GabeLegrand26   Big, physical receiver with a D1 frame and strong hands. This kid is legit college coaches. He drew plenty of attention from defensive backs and still made plays. Offers from UMass and Duquesne are just the start—expect his stock to rise.   [player_tooltip player_id='869381' first='Zyuan' last='Dukes'] | WR | 2026 | @ZDhumble3   One of the smoothest receivers in Polk. Dukes creates separation with ease and made a eye-catching grab at practice. Speed, body control, and soft hands—he checks all the boxes and should see a big bump this fall.   D'Cari Smith | LB | 2026 | @1era__   Smith is a tone-setter on defense. Physical, instinctual, and vocal—he was flying around and looks like his frame has progressed into a hybrid linebacker build. He looks more comfortable and explosive than last season, and his recruitment should take off soon.   Cedarius Christian | ATH | 2026 | @12kBino   A key transfer with college traits. Christian has legit length at 6-2 and moves well for his size. Coaches moved him around on both sides, and he made plays. Offers from Duquesne, South Dakota, and UMass are on the table.   BJ Alston | ATH | 2026 | @alston_bj   Alston is a thick, powerful athlete who lines up in the trenches and can move like a fluid tight end. At 6-0, 240, he gives this offense flexibility in short-yardage situations and brings grit to the front.   Kamari Smith | RB | 2026 | @D1kamari2   The offense needs a bell cow—and Smith can be that guy. He runs hard, sees holes well, and brings a DB background that gives him added toughness. A productive fall could change his trajectory.   [player_tooltip player_id='212276' first='Claudarius' last='Bell'] | ATH | 2026 | @darius1_2   Another hybrid athlete with good size and raw upside. Bell flashed in drills with strong ball skills and physicality. Still developing, but the frame and tools are there for a late-blooming college prospect.   Walter Davis III | EDGE | 2026 | @WalterJDavis11   One of the top edge defenders on the roster. Davis has twitch, hand usage, and effort. At 6-2, 205, he's tough to block and should be a key piece in this front seven.   Raeshaun Pugh | ATH | 2027 | @daarealduce   Versatile rising junior who took reps at DB and WR. Physical, locked in, and already picking up offers. Pugh is a name to watch for a breakout season in the secondary.   A'Quayvion Herring | DB | 2027 | @Quay_Herring   Herring had one of the toughest assignments—covering Purdy—and rose to the occasion. Confident, competitive, and improving fast. Should be a core piece of the Highlanders' DB group moving forward.   Najee Reynold | OL | 2026 | @wbnajee   A steady force on the offensive line with college experience and leadership. Reynold looked solid in both pass pro and run game reps. He anchors a strong returning unit.   Players to Watch:   Loobensky LaFortune | ATH | 2027 | @Loobenskylafor1   Physical defender with versatility at 6-1, 205.   Lidielle Bruno | WR | 2026 | @Ledielle4   Quick slot receiver who adds juice to the passing game.   Kingston Loydd | QB | 2029 | @KingstonL50761   Talented rising ninth grader who throws it better than most freshmen I've seen this spring. Will be the future.

There's a different standard at Lake Wales—and it shows. The Highlanders are coming off a wake up season, and head coach TaVoris Johnson isn't letting up. From the jump at practice, it was clear this group is hungry, focused and loaded with next-level talent. With a strong 2026 core and some electric underclassmen, Lake Wales looks like a problem again this fall.