Polk County 7v7 Championship Top Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1628903' first='Omari' last='Russell'] | DB | 2026 | Fort Meade | @omari_russell</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Did a bit of everything to help Fort Meade take home the chip. One of the most complete DBs in the state. At 6-1, 180, Russell checks every box—length, hips, instincts, and swagger. He's already got offers from Wake Forest, JSU, Liberty, ECU, and more will follow. High ceiling, high motor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Derrick McBride | WR | 2026 | Lake Gibson | @dmcbridejr_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Best wideout on the field. He proved he's “that guy” with clean routes, strong hands, and natural body control. He's filling out his frame and becoming the WR1 scouts expected. His stock is rising fast after a strong spring/summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jayden McCutchen | QB | 2027 | Fort Meade | @jaydenmccut5</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Composed beyond his years. Showed precision in the air and made defenses pay with his legs. With his dual-threat skill set and leadership, he's developing into one of the most exciting young QBs in Central Florida.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1640209' first='Jermaine' last='May'] | ATH | 2026 | Lake Region | @_2JermaineGw</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another day, another standout performance. Whether locking up receivers or getting open himself, May's versatility and footwork pop. One of the most slept-on two-way playmakers in Polk.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Darion Jiles | ATH | Auburndale | @DarionJiles07</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Physical, competitive, and multi-positional — Jiles made plays at WR and DB. He's built for contact and isn't afraid to go over the middle or come downhill. Expect him to be a major weapon in Auburndale's system this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Josiah White | DB | Bartow | @3_strapz</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Length, IQ, and range — White was flying around in coverage. He has the traits to be a ballhawk safety or a long press corner. One of the smoother DBs at the event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cassidy Ervin | WR | Auburndale | @CassidyErvinn</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Certified spark plug. Ervin made clutch plays from the slot and added value on defense. He's got juice in his game and plays with heart. One of the more underrated guys who just keeps producing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1655446' first='Brayden' last='Padgett'] | QB | 2027 | Lake Gibson | @brayden_p9</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sharpest I've seen him this offseason. Threw with confidence and touch, and took command of his group. His leadership and feel for the game are coming together nicely. Big jump coming.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1141192' first='Cason' last='Dash'] | DB | 2026 | Lake Gibson | @CasonDash3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>UConn commit lived up to the hype. Physical at the line, fluid in coverage, and brings attitude to every rep. One of the most college-ready DBs in the area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>David Bess | DB | 2026 | Auburndale | @Davidbess_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another lockdown outing for Bess, who's stacking strong performances. Showed off his change of direction and closing burst. A top DB in Polk's 2026 class who plays with edge and confidence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1258693' first='Ethan' last='Brous'] | QB | 2026 | Bartow | @d1_e_9</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The tools are there — strong arm, calm demeanor, and touch. Brous looked comfortable running the offense and is ready to lead Bartow into a new era.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1715880' first='Cru' last='Slocum'] | QB | 2027 | VCA | @CruSlocum</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Baseball arm on the football field. Lefty with zip and fast release, Slocum is becoming the heartbeat of the VCA offense. Trending way up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Xavion Mitchell | RB | 2026 | Kathleen | @xavionmitchell_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mitchell continues to prove he's a complete back. Natural pass-catcher with burst and fluid feet. His versatility will be huge for Kathleen this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Najeh Miller | ATH | Lake Region | @najeh_miller</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Miller stood out with his size and strength at WR. Tracks the ball well, fights through contact, and can flip to defense. A true two-way threat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jordan Tarver | DB | 2026 | Auburndale | @Jordantarver100</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bowling Green commit brought leadership and discipline to the backend. Clean technique and top-tier speed make him a difficult matchup for any receiver.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1687626' first='Malachi' last='Moore'] | LB | 2027 | Lake Gibson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB of the defense. Moore made impact plays in coverage, including two picks, and showcased great recognition. Physical, smart, and productive — my top LB from the event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kamar Gimartin | ATH | 2026 | Fort Meade | @2waymar</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This kid was nearly unstoppable throughout the event and played a major impact in helping Fort Meade take home the championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1258720' first='Takeo' last='Edwards'] | ATH | 2028 | Auburndale | @edwards_takeo</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Youngest name on the list but already showing elite speed and instincts. Big-play threat with game-breaking ability. The future is bright.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->