Rising Prospects Coaches Should Get Eyes On

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Carmelo Harden | DT | Bartow | @Mello_da1_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harden is a nimble interior presence who's starting to put things together. A key piece in Bartow's trench unit, he's athletic enough to get to the second level and strong enough to battle inside. Also a multi-sport athlete with fluidity for his size—a name to watch develop over the next few years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1251761' first='Trenton' last='Gummer'] | DB | 2026 | Bishop Moore | @trentongummer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gummer continues to stack momentum. He's added size and polished up his technique, becoming a more complete defensive back with strong ball skills. Quietly becoming one of Central Florida's most underrated DBs in the 2026 class—expect his recruiting buzz to pick up soon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Azuri Jackson | ATH | 2026 | Tampa Bay Tech | @ajdiesy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson is a walking highlight. His body control, leaping ability and ball-tracking skills make him a serious red-zone threat. If he translates this offseason momentum into in-game consistency, he'll be one of the breakout names this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mario Alloway | DE | 2026 | Choctaw | @AllowayMar30346</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alloway has been making waves on the camp circuit with his explosive burst off the edge and a blend of speed and raw power that's tough to contain. He's not just flashing—he's producing. With 20+ sacks and 15 tackles for loss last season, Alloway has proven he knows how to wreck plays in the backfield. A rising impact player in North Florida that college coaches need to get eyes on this summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='715823' first='Jacob' last='McDonald'] | WR | 2028 | Lake Brantley | @jacobmcdonaldx4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For a 2028 prospect, McDonald plays with confidence and speed. Solid size at 6-0, 170, runs crisp routes, and made plays down the field. The early flashes are real—McDonald could be a household name in a few years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1410847' first='Jamarcus' last='Giscombe'] | ATH | 2027 | Eau Gallie | @JamarcusG321</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Giscombe has shown real two-way versatility. Whether it's at receiver or defensive back, he's instinctive and explosive with a strong motor. Coaches love multi-use guys like this—and he fits that mold perfectly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1162973' first='Trent' last='Richburg'] | TE | 2027 | Forest | @D1trent17</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6-5, Richburg has the size—but it's his movement and route-running that stood out. He creates separation, makes contested grabs, and shows real pass-game upside. If he continues to sharpen his footwork and hands, expect offers to roll in.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sergarion Gunsby | ATH | 2027 | Vanguard | @sergarionGunsby</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gunsby has been on the rise all offseason since watching him earn MVP honors after locking up receiver after receiver at All 22. At 6-1, 198, he has the frame of a hybrid defender with the movement of a true corner. One of the better 2027 defensive prospects I've seen this summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Santana Mikeal | TE | 2026 | Port Charlotte | @santamikael2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mikeal is a true athlete at 6-4, 210, and brings basketball bounce to the football field. He's a smooth mover at tight end who can stretch the field or wall off defenders as a blocker. Definitely a prospect who could grow into something special.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nasir Taylor | WR | 2026 | SFA | @Naz_lifestyle</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taylor has legit track speed and flashed at West Florida with clean hands and explosive routes. He has the traits to become a major threat in the vertical passing game—just needs more volume this fall to push his name further up the board.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mason Jackson | DB | 2026 | @Mason99Jackson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson made a statement at West Florida with lockdown reps during 1v1s. Built like a true nickel at 5-11 and compact, but played big with strong technique and confident coverage. He's one of those players whose tape and in-person performance match up—definitely worth a deeper look.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Michael Smith | WR | 2028 | Winter Haven | @MJalltheWay4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith burst onto the radar with his physical tools and polish well beyond his years. At 6-0+, he's already got the build and route tree to earn targets at the varsity level. Future WR1 potential—college staffs should tag his name early.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->