Quiet Enforcers: Tampa Bay’s 2027 Defensive Players

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.   Quinn Conrad (c/o 2027) Position: Free Safety School: Calvary Christian High Height/Weight: 5'11”, 185 lbs Current Season Stats (through Week 11): 24 tackles, 4 interceptions, 4 passes defensed   Scouting Report: Conrad is a smart and instinctive safety who consistently positions himself to make plays on the football. His ability to read the quarterback's eyes and anticipate routes makes him a legitimate ballhawk in coverage. He shows good range on the back end and isn't afraid to come downhill to assist in run support.   Analysis: Conrad's combination of instincts, timing, and awareness allows him to impact games in multiple ways. With continued work on his tackling angles and acceleration out of breaks, he could emerge as one of the more complete safeties in Florida's 2027 class.   Carl Jones Jr. (c/o 2027) Position: Cornerback School: Tampa Catholic High Height/Weight: 6'2”, 165 lbs Current Season Stats (through Week 11): 29 tackles, 3 interceptions, 14 passes defensed   Scouting Report: Jones Jr. brings length and athleticism to the corner position, using his long frame to disrupt passing lanes and contest throws. His footwork and recovery speed allow him to stay sticky in coverage, and he displays natural instincts in tracking the football.   Analysis: Jones Jr. is a long, fluid athlete with the tools college coaches look for in a boundary corner. As he adds strength and refines his press technique, his ceiling as a lockdown defender continues to rise.   Milton Harrell (c/o 2027) Position: Safety School: Jefferson High Height/Weight: N/A Current Season Stats (through Week 11): 67 tackles, 5 TFL, 5 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles   Scouting Report: Harrell is an explosive and physical safety who thrives on making impact plays. He plays with a downhill mentality, showing impressive burst when closing on the football. His ability to create turnovers—both through interceptions and forced fumbles—speaks to his aggressive style and high football IQ.   Analysis: Few players match Harrell's combination of production and playmaking ability. His knack for creating chaos on the back end makes him a defensive catalyst, and continued growth in coverage discipline will only enhance his all-around game.   [player_tooltip player_id='1682600' first='Dorian' last='Edwards'] (c/o 2027) Position: Outside Linebacker School: East Bay High Height/Weight: 6'1”, 205 lbs Current Season Stats (through Week 11): 42 tackles, 7 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 1 interception, 2 forced fumbles   Scouting Report: Edwards is an athletic edge defender with strong closing speed and a relentless motor. He shows the ability to play in space or attack off the edge, using solid leverage and hand placement to shed blocks. His physicality and explosiveness make him a versatile threat at outside linebacker.   Analysis: Edwards continues to impress with his blend of power and quickness. He's a disruptive defender who can pressure quarterbacks or drop back into coverage when needed. With more experience reading offensive keys, he projects as an impact playmaker at the next level.   Chris Stroud Jr. (c/o 2027) Position: Cornerback School: Wharton High Height/Weight: 5'10”, 180 lbs Current Season Stats (through Week 11): 11 tackles, 2 interceptions, 3 passes defensed   Scouting Report: Stroud Jr. plays with confidence and quick reaction time, showing fluid hips and a good feel for reading routes. His anticipation allows him to jump throws and make plays on the football, while his compact frame and strong lower body give him the ability to hold his own in press coverage.   Analysis: Though still developing his overall consistency, Stroud Jr. flashes the coverage instincts and athletic traits of a high-upside corner. With more reps and refinement, he has the tools to become a trusted defensive back in man and zone schemes alike.

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.