Central Florida Tackling Machines Spotlight

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaquarius Lucas | ATH | 2026 | Lake Region | @Jaquarius_6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lucas is making a name for himself as one of the most productive defenders in Florida. Currently ranked No. 3 in the state with 103 total tackles, he's thriving in that middle linebacker role — diagnosing plays quickly and finding the football every snap. Size, speed, and consistency make him a true centerpiece for Lake Region's defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Zi'rieck Roberts | LB | 2026 | Evans | @zirieckroberts_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Roberts is playing at an elite level — 90 total tackles, 11 TFLs, and 2 sacks through six games. His ability to read blocking schemes and shoot gaps with authority makes him a problem for offenses. He's one of the most disruptive defenders in Florida this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tyler Gagen | LB | 2026 | Melbourne | @TylerGagen_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>84 tackles, 8 TFLs, 2 sacks — Gagen's production speaks for itself. He's relentless, plays with high football IQ, and finds ways to flip momentum with impact plays, including a few interceptions this season. A smart, active linebacker who thrives in traffic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>D'Cari Smith | ATH | 2026 | Lake Wales | @1era__</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith's been one of Polk County's most valuable defensive players. Defensively, he's posted 83 tackles, 13 TFLs, and 2 sacks — showing both toughness and timing. His versatility makes him a matchup problem, and he's proving to be a steady difference-maker every week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Noah “Mad” Maddox | LB | 2026 | Boone | @nmaddox1313</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>82 tackles, 5 TFLs, and a highlight reel of notable plays — Maddox has earned his nickname. He plays with control and intelligence, diagnosing plays early and positioning himself to make stops. The heart of Boone's defense and a college-ready prospect with steady production.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jarvis Howell | LB | 2026 | Merritt Island | @jarvis_howell2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Howell's been one of Brevard County's most consistent linebackers. With 80 tackles and 4 TFLs, he's a tone-setter for Merritt Island's underrated defense. His awareness and tackling fundamentals stand out week after week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Roberto Castillo | LB | 2026 | Mount Dora | @rcastillo9_26</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A versatile and reliable defender who's been a steady playmaker all season. Castillo's racked up 88 tackles and 9.5 TFLs, proving that size isn't everything when you have great instincts and effort.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chase Coello | LB | 2026 | South Lake | @chase_beast12</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top tacklers in the state this fall. Coello's totaled 79 tackles and 10 TFLs, consistently flying to the ball and cleaning up plays. Underrated prospect who's quietly building one of the better résumés in Central Florida.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1610008' first='Tyson' last='Williams'] | LB | 2026 | South Lake | @Tysonwilli2008</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another South Lake standout, Williams has put up 76 tackles, 14 TFLs, and 3 sacks — production that can't be ignored. His burst off the line and ability to finish plays behind the line of scrimmage make him a constant threat to opposing offenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1371502' first='Jermaine' last='Robinson'] | LB | 2026 | Oakleaf | @Maine2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Robinson brings a college-ready frame at 6-2, 192 pounds and backs it up with strong tape — 75 tackles, 4 TFLs, and 3 sacks. Long, rangy, and technically sound, he's got next-level potential and the numbers to match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>James Olson | LB | 2026 | Viera | @JamesOlson18</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Olson's been everywhere for Viera. Already sitting at 90 tackles and 16 TFLs, his quickness and instincts allow him to attack downhill and create chaos. He may not have prototypical size, but his energy and pursuit make him one of the most effective backers in the region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1581765' first='Mekhi' last='Berrien'] | LB | 2026 | Fort Meade | @MekhiBerrien</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The heart and voice of Fort Meade's defense. Berrien brings toughness, communication, and consistency every snap. Plays disciplined, hits hard, and rarely misses assignments — a true leader in the middle for the Miners.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->