Week 3 Spotlight: Players Who Made Big Plays

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.   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.   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.   Prep Redzone Florida will always support every player on their journey to playing college football.   Malachi Hairston (c/o 2027)   Position: Safety / Wide Receiver School: Zephyrhills Christian Academy Height/Weight: 5'11”, 155 lbs Current Season Stats (through Week 3): 9 receptions for 235 yards and 4 TDs; 8 tackles, 1 interception   Evaluation: Hairston is a true two-way athlete who makes an impact on both sides of the ball. On offense, his 9 receptions for 235 yards and 4 touchdowns show his ability to create explosive plays, averaging over 26 yards per catch. On defense, he has already produced an interception and 8 tackles, showing strong ball skills and instincts at safety. At 5'11”, 155 lbs, he has room to add muscle but already possesses the quickness and football IQ to play multiple roles effectively. His versatility makes him a valuable asset and one to track closely as he develops physically.   Ashton Hunt (c/o 2027)   Position: Defensive End School: The Villages High Height/Weight: 6'2”, 200 lbs Current Season Stats (through Week 3): 12 tackles, 10 TFL, 7 sacks, 2 interceptions   Evaluation: Hunt has been a disruptive force early in his junior season, racking up double-digit tackles for loss and 7 sacks in just three games. What stands out even more are his 2 interceptions, a rare feat for a defensive end, showing his awareness and athleticism to make plays in coverage. At 6'2”, 200 lbs, he has a lean frame with plenty of room to add strength, and his explosiveness off the edge makes him a matchup problem. Hunt's early production shows high upside as a defensive playmaker with the versatility to impact multiple phases of the game.   Dory Thimote (c/o 2027)   Position: Defensive End / Edge School: Gateway High Height/Weight: 6'2”, 210 lbs Current Season Stats (through Week 3): 27 tackles, 8 TFL, 6 sacks, 8 QB hurries, 2 forced fumbles   Evaluation: Thimote has emerged as one of Gateway's most impactful defenders, showing a relentless motor off the edge. With 27 total tackles, 6 sacks, and 8 QB hurries, he consistently disrupts opposing offenses. His 2 forced fumbles also highlight his ability to create turnovers. At 6'2”, 210 lbs, he has the size, length, and athleticism to project as an edge rusher at the next level. His mix of production and physical tools makes him one of the more intriguing 2027 defensive prospects in the state.   Cole Archambeau (c/o 2027)   Position: Defensive End / Outside Linebacker School: Mosley High Height/Weight: 6'3”, 225 lbs Current Season Stats (through Week 3): 20 tackles, 6 TFL, 5 sacks   Evaluation: Archambeau brings an ideal frame at 6'3”, 225 lbs and backs it up with strong production. His 5 sacks and 6 tackles for loss show his ability to consistently win at the line of scrimmage. He has the versatility to play with his hand in the dirt or stand up as an outside linebacker, giving Mosley flexibility in defensive looks. With his size and early production as just a sophomore, Archambeau has the potential to develop into a physically dominant edge defender as he continues refining his technique.   Blake Daniels (c/o 2027)   Position: Linebacker School: Sunlake High Height/Weight: 6'0”, 206 lbs Current Season Stats (through Week 3): 30 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble   Evaluation: Daniels has been the centerpiece of Sunlake's defense, flying to the football and consistently finishing plays. With 30 tackles in three games, he has shown strong instincts and physicality in the middle of the defense. His ability to force turnovers, with both a fumble recovery and a forced fumble, highlights his playmaking ability. At 6'0”, 206 lbs, he already has a solid frame and the tools to be an enforcer at linebacker. Continued growth in coverage skills will make him a complete defensive leader.

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.