Fall Preview Series: Polk 2026s With Breakout Potential

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1368321' first='Elijah' last='Dias'] | LB | Auburndale | @twin_frmpolk</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dias has been a name to know since his freshman year, and he's only sharpened his game. A stat-sheet filler with sideline-to-sideline range, he's a versatile piece who can line up at multiple linebacker spots. Physical, instinctive, and always around the ball—this is a prospect college coaches need to be paying close attention to.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1612347' first='Jasper' last='Hebel'] | DE/TE | Lakeland | @JHebel88</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hebel brings grit and growth to both sides of the ball. He's transitioned his game into a true D1 tight end prospect because of his solid 6-5, 235 pound frame with dependable hands. Hebel will be a well-rounded asset in Lakeland's system.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212276' first='Claudarius' last='Bell'] | ATH | Lake Wales | @darius1_2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bell is one of the more intriguing hybrid prospects in the area. With good size and untapped upside, he stood out in drills for his competitive nature and ability to play through contact. As he continues to refine the fundamentals, his ceiling only rises.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Walter Davis III | EDGE | Lake Wales | @WalterJDavis11</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davis has the tools to be one of the better pass rushers in Polk County. He's got that first-step burst, active hands, and a relentless motor. At 6-2, 205 pounds, he's hard to keep in front of—and he's only getting better.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tucker Fox | ATH | Victory Christian | @tuckerfox15</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fox is a do-it-all athlete who stands out on both the football field and the basketball court. He plays fast, smart, and with great body control. Expect him to line up in different roles this fall and continue to show off his versatility.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jerry Thomas | WR | Lakeland | @Showtime2swift</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thomas is one of the more underrated vertical threats in the region. At 6-3, he brings length, timing, and the ability to win 50-50 balls. He's gained trust as a red zone target and continues to build momentum heading into a big junior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1640209' first='Jermaine' last='May'] | ATH | Lake Region | @_2JermaineGw</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>May turned heads this offseason with his fluidity in coverage and natural ball skills. He's a two-way standout who's rising fast. Whether at DB or as a route technician on offense, he's a name that's quickly climbing the radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Najeh Miller | ATH | Lake Region | @najeh_miller</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Miller is one of the more physically imposing receivers in Polk. With strong hands, toughness through the catch, and the ability to switch to defense, he checks a lot of boxes. His WR1 traits are showing—and he's still trending upward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Trey Sullivan | ATH | Auburndale | @Deuce1726</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sullivan made an impact at The Big Show with his physicality and versatility. Built at 6-0, 220, he moves with ease and brings energy to every snap. Whether he's on offense or defense, his leadership and presence can't be missed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Davin Sirmons Jr. | DE | Lakeland Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sirmons brings heat off the edge and effort through the whistle. He plays with a downhill mindset and shines in aggressive fronts. With production already in the books, he's one of the better defensive playmakers returning in 2026 for this LCS program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1704139' first='Andrew' last='Simpson'] | RB | Winter Haven | @drew_ski0</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Simpson is the spark plug for this offense. Explosive in space and slippery through contact, he can break one at any moment. His comfort in the backfield continues to grow, and he's stepping into a leadership role heading into the fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gavin Hall | DB | Auburndale | @Gavin_hall2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hall is a smooth-moving defensive back with the athletic traits to be a riser. He covers ground quickly and competes at the catch point. With continued reps and polish, Hall has a chance to elevate his stock significantly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->