Fall Forecast: 2026–2027 Prospects Set to Breakout This Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As pads start popping and the lights come on, these prospects are ready to make noise around the state. Offseason risers are primed to break out or see their stock trend up heading into the fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aaron Johnson | ATH | 2027 | Rickards |<a href="https://twitter.com/Aljjunior2"><strong> </strong><strong>@Aljjunior2</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of North Florida's twitchiest athletes is starting to turn heads. Johnson shows real juice after the catch, and the frame is filling out. Still developing his overall game, but the burst and play speed jump off the film. If the game continues to slow down for him this fall, expect offers to ramp up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1671213' first='Jordan' last='Young'] | DB | 2027 | Lakeland |<a href="https://twitter.com/jordanyoung_05"><strong> </strong><strong>@jordanyoung_05</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Young plays and looks like a vet. Physical, instinctive, and well-built at 6-2, 180. He embraces coverage and tracks the ball with ease. With another year to refine his hips and reactions, he has all the makings of a national recruit. Expect a heavy workload this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Anthony Harris | ATH | 2026 | Largo |<a href="https://twitter.com/Antjr0"><strong> </strong><strong>@Antjr0</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A do-it-all athlete who doesn't get enough statewide recognition. Harris is physical, productive, and has a nose for big plays. He can take over games from multiple spots, and this fall is a chance for him to take the next step in becoming a top priority for college programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dmari Roberts | ATH | 2026 | Lakewood |<a href="https://twitter.com/DmariSRoberts11"><strong> </strong><strong>@DmariSRoberts11</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Already committed to USF, but his senior year could draw more attention. Roberts has a college-ready build and runs with confidence after the catch. His fall outlook is strong—expect WR1 usage and potential impact in all three phases.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1251734' first='Kallen' last='Martinez'] | ATH | 2026 | Armwood |<a href="https://twitter.com/Kallenmartinez"><strong> </strong><strong>@Kallenmartinez</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A long-framed playmaker (6-3, 180) with clean movement and fluid change of direction. Martinez gives Armwood a dynamic chess piece—can high-point balls on offense and flip the field on defense. Has the size and versatility that'll draw P5 interest with consistent fall production.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1681626' first='Jaiziah' last='Battle'] | ATH | 2027 | Bartow |<a href="https://twitter.com/JaiziahBattle"><strong> </strong><strong>@JaiziahBattle</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>New to Bartow, Battle is finding his fit, but the physical tools are already showing up. Likely projects as a DB long term, where his footwork and body control pop. Could be one of Polk's breakout defenders by season's end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mannie McKinney | WR | 2027 | TFA |<a href="https://twitter.com/manniemck_"><strong> </strong><strong>@manniemck_</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clean route-runner with burst in and out of breaks. McKinney has been dominant this offseason and gives TFA a reliable weapon in the pass game. The fall will be another platform for him to show he's one of the top 2027 wideouts in Florida.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Adonis Cuyler | ATH | 2027 | Lake Gibson |<a href="https://twitter.com/AdonisCuyler2"><strong> </strong><strong>@AdonisCuyler2</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Explosive and slippery in space. Cuyler's shift to more offensive reps this fall should boost his visibility. Can stretch the field from the slot, but also brings value as a DB with closing speed. One of Polk's better overall athletes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1671212' first='Brian' last='Dillard'] | ATH | 2027 | TFA |<a href="https://twitter.com/BDilllard2027"><strong> </strong><strong>@BDilllard2027</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>TFA has another one. Dillard is starting to put it all together—natural hands, sharp change of direction, and legit versatility. He can still sling it from the QB spot when needed, but as a true ATH, his upside is growing fast.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jok Harris | ATH | 2027 | Palmetto |<a href="https://twitter.com/jok_harris"><strong> </strong><strong>@jok_harris</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a legit 6-2 frame and high-end athleticism, Harris has emerged as a name to know. His ceiling is incredibly high, and whether he makes the bigger jump at WR or DB, this fall could be his breakout moment. Special physical tools.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1410847' first='Jamarcus' last='Giscombe'] | ATH | 2027 | Eau Gallie |<a href="https://twitter.com/JamarcusG321"><strong> </strong><strong>@JamarcusG321</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A fluid athlete who makes plays on both sides of the ball. He's tough after the catch and flashes real range on defense. The fall will be telling as to where he settles positionally, but the production is expected to rise either way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1258692' first='Elijah' last='McCluster'] | ATH | 2027 | Jones |<a href="https://twitter.com/ElijahM_27"><strong> </strong><strong>@ElijahM_27</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McCluster's speed is undeniable, but he's not just a track guy. Smooth in space, tracks the ball naturally, and creates after the catch. With more polish and consistent targets over at Jones this fall, his name could pop up on national radars.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->