Polk County Player of the Year Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1682016' first='Reagan' last='Korlacki'] | RB | 2027 | Santa Fe Catholic (8-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 1,400 rushing yards, 13 TDs, 4.5 TFL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Korlacki powers one of the most productive ground attacks in the county. His ability to break tackles and control the tempo has been essential to Santa Fe Catholic's success. Removing him from this offense would clearly change the output, and his stock continues trending up. College coaches should be paying closer attention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brody Brenneman | QB | 2027 | Lakeland Christian (7-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 1,942 passing yards, 25 TD / 3 INT, 5 rushing TDs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brenneman has been the most efficient passer in the county, showing poise, accuracy, and command of the offense. His leadership elevates the players around him, and he continues to deliver in critical moments. A strong postseason could bolster his résumé even more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1671138' first='Santana' last='Harvey'] | DE | 2027 | Lakeland (8-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The highest-rated edge prospect in Polk, Harvey's presence alone forces offensive adjustments. Double-teams, tight-end help, and protection shifts have become standard. Regardless, he still finds ways to impact games in big-time situations. His disruption changes game plans.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1628903' first='Omari' last='Russell'] | ATH | 2026 | Fort Meade (7-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most gifted multi-purpose players in the state, Russell can contribute anywhere on the field. He's a top-three prospect in the county and thrives on loyalty to his community. His skillset, versatility, and mentality make him one of the most valuable players in the area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kelin Hendrix | QB | 2027 | Lakeland (8-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Since taking over the starting job, Lakeland hasn't scored under 35 points. Hendrix has stabilized the offense, improved timing in the passing game, and allowed explosive playmakers to shine. If he performs at a high level against TFA this week, he may be the frontrunner for the award.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1670990' first='Kaneilius' last='Purdy'] | ATH | 2027 | Lake Wales (7-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 841 total yards, 11 TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Purdy is one of the highest-rated prospects in Polk County and a top 2027 talent statewide. His versatility and playmaking ability change game plans and locker room mentality. When Purdy is on the field, Lake Wales always has a chance to win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaquarius Lucas | LB | 2026 | Lake Region (4-5)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 122 tackles</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lucas leads the county in total tackles and plays with nonstop motor. He consistently works sideline-to-sideline and embraces physicality. Production like this deserves attention, and he profiles as one of the better hidden-gem defensive prospects in the area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kamari Smith | RB | 2027 | Lake Wales (7-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 1,075 rushing yards, 14 TD | UTSA Offer</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith is the most complete running back prospect in Polk County. Burst, vision, pass-catching ability, and second-level acceleration all stand out — and he still has another season to grow. Without Smith, this offense loses its identity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaidon Furman | RB | 2026 | Tenoroc (4-5)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 1,200+ rushing yards, 11 TDs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Furman has produced in a situation where yards aren't always easy to earn. His 4.3-speed and big-play ability have carried the offense, and with stronger trench play, his numbers could be even bigger. His ceiling is still rising.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->