Hidden Gems: 2027 Tampa Defenders Flying Under the Radar

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.   Blake Daniels (c/o 2027) Position: Linebacker School: Sunlake High Height/Weight: 6'0”, 206 lbs Current Season Stats (through Week 10): 73 tackles, 4 TFL, and 1 interception   Scouting Report: Daniels is a steady, physical linebacker who anchors the middle of Sunlake's defense with strong tackling fundamentals and field awareness. He diagnoses plays quickly and takes efficient pursuit angles, limiting yards after contact. His frame and balance allow him to shed blocks and stay square to the ball.   Analysis: Daniels' consistency and football IQ make him one of the more reliable tacklers in his class. While not overly flashy, his presence brings stability and leadership to the defense. As he continues to refine his lateral quickness and range in coverage, his all-around linebacker profile will only strengthen.   [player_tooltip player_id='1681636' first='Zacary' last='Carroll'] (c/o 2027) Position: Linebacker School: Zephyrhills High Height/Weight: 5'8”, 175 lbs Current Season Stats (through Week 10): 72 tackles, 13 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 passes defensed, 1 forced fumble   Scouting Report: Carroll plays with relentless effort and tenacity, showing a natural ability to slip through gaps and make plays behind the line of scrimmage. His speed and low center of gravity allow him to attack ball carriers with aggression and leverage. Despite being undersized, he compensates with strong instincts and quick reaction time.   Analysis: Carroll's motor and energy set him apart. He's the type of linebacker who thrives on disruption and hustle, consistently making impact plays across the field. Continued strength development will only amplify his effectiveness as a high-volume tackler and versatile defensive presence.   Nate Vega (c/o 2027) Position: Strong Safety School: Pinellas Park High Height/Weight: 5'11”, 180 lbs Current Season Stats (through Week 10): 70 tackles, 3 TFL, 4 passes defensed, 2 forced fumbles   Scouting Report: Vega brings a linebacker's mentality to the secondary, playing downhill with physicality and confidence. He's a sure tackler in open space and reacts quickly to plays developing in front of him. His versatility allows him to line up near the box or drop back in coverage when needed.   Analysis: Vega's toughness and instincts make him an ideal hybrid defender. He reads offensive keys well and takes pride in being around the football. As his coverage technique continues to evolve, he projects as a strong safety capable of impacting both the run and pass game at the next level.   Cooper Buck (c/o 2027) Position: Middle Linebacker School: Sarasota High Height/Weight: 6'1”, 200 lbs Current Season Stats (through Week 10): 70 tackles, 1 TFL, 2 interceptions   Scouting Report: Buck is a disciplined inside linebacker with excellent instincts and range. He moves fluidly in space, reads plays efficiently, and has shown strong ball skills with two interceptions this season. His 6'1” frame gives him an advantage in vision and tackling radius.   Analysis: Buck has the makings of a modern middle linebacker—smart, athletic, and dependable. He plays under control and makes sound decisions, keeping the defense aligned. With continued growth in strength and explosiveness, he has long-term potential as a leader in the middle of the defense.   Machi Mack (c/o 2027) Position: Linebacker School: Durant High Height/Weight: 5'10”, 205 lbs Current Season Stats (through Week 10): 61 tackles, 7 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 fumble recovery   Scouting Report: Mack is an active, physical linebacker who thrives in attacking roles. He's quick to diagnose the run and has the burst to close on ball carriers with authority. His 7 tackles for loss and 2 sacks reflect his ability to create pressure and disrupt blocking schemes.   Analysis: Mack's strength and aggression make him a force around the line of scrimmage. He's dependable against the run and shows flashes of pass-rushing potential from multiple alignments. Continued refinement in coverage and lateral agility could elevate him into a true every-down linebacker.

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.