Next Big Thing: Class of 2028 Prospects Emerging Fast

<!-- 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><strong><em>Mason Beane</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Position: Linebacker</em></strong><br><strong><em>School: [player_tooltip player_id='1640270' first='St.' last='Augustine'] High</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 5'11”, 190 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>2024 Stats: 61 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack, 1 interception, 1 pass defensed</em></strong><br><strong><em>GPA: 3.9</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scouting Report: Beane is a smart, disciplined linebacker with strong play-recognition skills and excellent pursuit angles. He closes space efficiently and rarely over-pursues, making him a steady tackler in the open field. Comfortable dropping into zone coverage, with the awareness to read the quarterback and create turnovers. High academic marks reflect leadership qualities and attention to detail on and off the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Matheus Kaminski Cordeiro</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Position: Defensive End / EDGE</em></strong><br><strong><em>School: West Orange High</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 6'3”, 215 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>2024 Stats: 59 tackles, 22 TFL, 5 sacks, 8 QB hurries, 1 forced fumble, 1 blocked punt</em></strong><br><strong><em>College Offers: Georgia State, Rhode Island University</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scouting Report: Cordeiro brings length, athleticism, and an aggressive edge-rush mentality. His 22 TFLs showcase consistent backfield penetration, while his wingspan and hand usage allow him to shed blocks quickly. Shows versatility as both a speed rusher and strong run defender. Special teams value is boosted by his blocked punt. With D1 offers already in hand, his size and motor make him a legitimate every-down defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Gabriel Reina</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Position: Cornerback</em></strong><br><strong><em>School: Florida Christian High</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 5'10”, 160 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>2024 Stats: 48 tackles, 4 TFL, 1 sack, 3 interceptions, 2 passes defensed, 1 forced fumble, 1 blocked punt</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scouting Report: Reina is a competitive, ball-hawking corner who thrives in man coverage and isn't afraid to step up in run support. Displays fluid hips and quick transitions, allowing him to mirror receivers effectively. Shows playmaking ability with three interceptions and multiple impact plays on special teams. Aggressive at the catch point and physical despite his frame.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Ryder Pollard</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Position: Wide Receiver / Strong Safety</strong></em><br><em><strong>School: Lecanto High</strong></em><br><em><strong>Height/Weight: 5'10”, 170 lbs</strong></em><br><em><strong>2024 Stats: 54 tackles, 2 interceptions, 3 passes defensed, 2 fumble recoveries</strong></em><br><em><strong>GPA: 4.1</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scouting Report: Pollard is a versatile two-way athlete whose defensive instincts stand out. Reads the quarterback well in coverage, breaking on the ball with confidence. Reliable tackler with strong closing speed and an ability to force turnovers in big moments. High academic achiever with a 4.1 GPA, bringing strong leadership and football IQ.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Rodney Jones</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Position: Running Back / Athlete</em></strong><br><strong><em>School: Nature Coast Tech</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 5'9”, 160 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>2024 Stats: Offense: 8 carries, 81 yards, 1 TD Defense: 51 tackles, 3 TFL, 2 passes defensed, 1 forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries</em></strong><br><strong><em>GPA: 3.4</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scouting Report: Jones is a high-energy athlete capable of making plays on both sides of the ball. As a runner, he shows quick burst and vision to exploit gaps, averaging over 10 yards per carry. Defensively, he plays with aggression and hustle, delivering clean, physical tackles. His versatility and toughness make him an asset in multiple roles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->