The Future: Polk 2028 Breakout Watchlist

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cameron Fuse | WR | Lakeland |<a href="https://twitter.com/D1Cam04"><strong> </strong><strong>@D1Cam04</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the better 2028 receivers in the country. At 6-2, 185 pounds, Fuse already looks the part—and looks like a varsity vet. He's added strength and burst to his frame this offseason, and there's no ceiling in sight. Future WR1 with national potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Carmello Harden | DL | Bartow |<a href="https://twitter.com/Mello_da1_"><strong> </strong><strong>@Mello_da1_</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harden was one of the top defensive lineman prospects I got eyes on this offseason. His motor is relentless, his presence undeniable, and his upside as a defensive anchor for Bartow is real. Stamp him early.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dominick Harris Payne | ATH | Lakeland |<a href="https://twitter.com/Laadom2028"><strong> </strong><strong>@Laadom2028</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6-3, 170 pounds, Payne is a long, athletic weapon still unlocking his full potential. Could develop into a matchup nightmare at receiver or an impact defensive back. Lakeland's staff has a real chess piece on their hands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ah'Narri Cooper | RB | Lakeland |<a href="https://twitter.com/1wayNarri"><strong> </strong><strong>@1wayNarri</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Already earning a couple offers this offseason, Cooper is the next name out of Lakeland's backfield machine. Shifty, explosive, and fearless—he's was nearly untouchable in spring reps. Remember the name.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Michael Smith | WR | Winter Haven |<a href="https://twitter.com/MJalltheWay4"><strong> </strong><strong>@MJalltheWay4</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The surprise young standout for WH's offense. Smith popped with his frame, polished routes and natural hands. A 2028 with WR1 traits who will build some recruiting buzz—he's coming.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Deshaun Smalls | ATH | Winter Haven |<a href="https://twitter.com/7_smalls38505"><strong> </strong><strong>@7_smalls38505</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Already holding a D1 offer, Smalls is an explosive two-way force. He brings physicality and IQ at safety and can break off chunk plays on offense too. One of the more complete athletes in this class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Vario McBride | ATH | Winter Haven |<a href="https://twitter.com/hbk_dmarrr"><strong> </strong><strong>@hbk_dmarrr</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McBride is a chess piece—productive, instinctive, and physical. He can fit multiple roles in a defense or serve as a gadget-type on offense. College interest is growing for a reason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Laquinton Chandler | QB | Lake Gibson |<a href="https://twitter.com/Qchandler627"><strong> </strong><strong>@Qchandler627</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chandler has the talent to battle for the starting spot under center. Calm in the pocket, clean release and already showing signs of leadership and control. The tools are there—just needs reps.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Alijah Galva | ATH | Bartow |<a href="https://twitter.com/AlijahGalva04"><strong> </strong><strong>@AlijahGalva04</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Galva has the look of a long-term difference-maker. He's still growing into his frame but already shows quick feet, field awareness, and a competitive edge. Has the bloodlines and mindset to develop into something special.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1681432' first='Lorenzo' last='Jones'] | DB | Winter Haven |<a href="https://twitter.com/lusiosk10405"><strong> </strong><strong>@lusiosk10405</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jones is a tone-setter on defense. Picked off two passes and housed them both when I visited—he's got elite anticipation and ball skills. Still filling out physically, but he plays bigger than his frame.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tavaris Smith | ATH | Auburndale |<a href="https://twitter.com/tavarissmi23088"><strong> </strong><strong>@tavarissmi23088</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the exciting local athletes in this 2028 class. Smith is a true speedster with track speed and football instincts. He's going to be a vertical threat and playmaker for years to come.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1705032' first='Jamarian' last='Everett'] | DB | Auburndale |<a href="https://twitter.com/marifrmla23"><strong> </strong><strong>@marifrmla23</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Locked in as one of Auburndale's rising young defenders. Everett is a developing DB who already has the speed and confidence to challenge WRs. Expect steady growth and more eyes on him this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Look out for:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kalen Mitchell | ATH | Kathleen | @kalen813</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Joseph Bustos | LB | LCS | @bustos_football</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->