Bright Future: 2028 Up-and-Comers Turning Heads Early

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Florida has long been a hotbed of high school football talent. Annually, Florida produces some of the nation's top prospects. Florida athletes are known for their speed, agility, and raw athleticism. These prospects have made names for themselves and have caught the attention of coaches and scouts at the collegiate level. With the 2025 season getting closer, we're looking for players whose stock is rising in the state.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>These players are all talented and have college-level abilities. Some of these players have a few offers, but all of them have the ability to play college football at some level.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>There are some big-time, highly rated prospects and several sleeper prospects who should all be getting looks for the next level. This list is full of stud prospects.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Prep Redzone Florida will always support every player on their journey to playing college football.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='605913' first='Zion' last='Green']</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Position: Wide Receiver / Cornerback</em></strong><br><strong><em>School: Raines High (FL)</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 6'2”, 160 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>2024 Stats: 10 receptions, 201 yards, 2 touchdowns; 47 tackles, 1 TFL, 2 interceptions, 7 passes defensed, 1 forced fumble</em></strong><br><strong><em>GPA: 3.43</em></strong><br><strong><em>College Offers: UNC-Pembroke</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scouting Report: Green is a lengthy, athletic two-way player with excellent body control and ball skills. As a receiver, he tracks the deep ball well and uses his length to win contested catches. On defense, has fluid hips and closing speed making him tough to beat in coverage, while his physicality at the catch point disrupts timing. Brings added value as a playmaker with turnovers and versatility on both sides of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Rashad Smith</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Position: Free Safety / Wide Receiver</em></strong><br><strong><em>School: Largo High</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 5'11”, 170 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>2024 Stats: 4 carries, 87 yards, 1 touchdown; 3 receptions, 71 yards, 1 touchdown; 47 tackles, 2 forced fumbles</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scouting Report: Smith is an instinctive safety who plays with range and aggression. He diagnoses plays quickly and arrives with force, creating turnovers with well-timed hits. Has the versatility to contribute on offense as a playmaker with speed in space. Reads the quarterback well in coverage and isn't afraid to step into the box to stop the run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Brody Dawkins</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Position: Linebacker / Tight End</em></strong><br><strong><em>School: North Florida Christian High</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 5'10”, 185 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>2024 Stats: 2 receptions, 18 yards; 46 tackles, 4 TFL, 2 sacks, 5 QB hurries</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scouting Report: Dawkins is a high-motor linebacker who thrives on instincts and effort. He plays downhill with a quick first step and strong finishing ability in the backfield. Shows solid awareness in tracking quarterbacks and disrupting timing. Brings toughness and team-first mentality, also contributing at tight end as a reliable blocker and short-yardage option.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Tra'vion Lester</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Position: Defensive End</em></strong><br><strong><em>School: Cardinal Mooney High (FL)</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 6'1”, 225 lbs</em></strong><br>2024 Stats: 46 tackles, 19 TFL, 9 sacks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scouting Report: Lester is an explosive edge rusher with an good burst off the snap. His 19 tackles for loss and 9 sacks reflect his ability to win quickly and disrupt plays before they develop. Uses strong hands and leverage to shed blocks, while maintaining discipline against the run. Plays with relentless energy and consistently forces offenses to account for him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Beau Tack</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Position: Linebacker / Athlete</em></strong><br><strong><em>School: Out-of-Door Academy</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 5'9”, 178 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>2024 Stats: 45 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 pass defensed, 1 forced fumble</em></strong><br><strong><em>GPA: 3.74</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scouting Report: Tack is a scrappy, intelligent defender who plays bigger than his size. Shows closing quickness and is reliable in wrapping up ball carriers. Displays leadership traits and discipline in coverage, with the ability to contribute in multiple roles on defense or special teams. Brings consistent effort and situational awareness that elevates team play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->