Senior Spotlight: Central-North Florida Hidden Gem Ballers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aaron Hardy Jr | RB | Boone | 2026 | @Flash_0829</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hardy has quietly become one of the more fast-rising stock risers in the region. A workhorse for an undefeated Boone program, he's handled tough matchups and delivered every week. His consistency and vision in the backfield make him one of the top rushers in the state — a player who keeps Boone's offense rolling when it matters most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1583270' first='Fareed' last='Coleman'] | RB | Oakleaf | @fareedcolemanjr</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Few players in the state show Coleman's kind of versatility. A year ago, he was one of Oakleaf's leading tacklers. He's now the heart of their offense, topping 1,000 rushing yards and 11 TDs — including a jaw-dropping performance against Ed White with 5 touchdowns and 300+ yards, breaking the school's single-game scoring record. Dynamic, physical, and explosive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jerry Thomas | WR | Lakeland | @Showtime2swift</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Standing at 6-3 with big hands and legit burst, Thomas has all the traits college staffs look for. His 4-TD breakout performance last week didn't come out of nowhere — he's been consistent all season, winning with physicality and body control. With a wide catch radius and top-end speed, Thomas is one of the more intriguing WR prospects still on the board in Polk County.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Harper Campbell | LB | Niceville | @Harper0Campbell</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Campbell recently hit 300 career tackles, and the numbers tell the story of his impact. In just eight games this season, he's posted 94 tackles, 5 sacks, and 17 TFLs — a stat line that screams production. He's instinctive, physical, and plays fast from sideline to sideline. Whether in coverage or chasing down the run, Campbell brings relentless energy and leadership every snap.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaylan Lurry | WR | FSUHS | @_Jaylan_Lurry</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nearly at 1,000 receiving yards and double-digit TDs, Lurry has become a go-to playmaker for FSUHS. His combination of strong hands, power after the catch, and crisp route running make him a “can't ignore” prospect in North Florida. Simply put, Lurry is a certified dawg — a competitor who produces under pressure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DaShon Febres | WR | Oviedo | @Dashon_febres</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Febres might be one of the more underrated wideouts in Central Florida. He's twitchy, explosive, and brings real vertical pop to Oviedo's offense. He bounced out this year with a vengeance — flashing D1-level traits with his speed, burst, and playmaking ability.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1371502' first='Jermaine' last='Robinson'] | LB | Oakleaf | @Maine2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6-2 192 pounds, Robinson has the frame and instincts that project well to the next level. He's racked up 75 tackles, 4 TFLs, and 3 sacks — consistently around the ball and setting the tone for the Oakleaf defense. His length and range stand out on tape, and his motor doesn't stop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1953436' first='Daunte' last='Wallace'] | RB | Jones | @DaunteDwallace8</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While most come to see the “Coleman-Miles show,” it was Wallace who seals this offense together. He runs through defenders and sets the tone early for Jones. A tough, downhill runner who thrives on contact, Wallace has proven he can carry the load in big moments — a true hidden gem in Orlando's 2026 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jesse Barker | LB | South Lake | @Jessejrbarker</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barker brings energy, toughness, and discipline on every snap. A top Central Florida preseason player to watch, he's quick off the ball, finishes tackles with authority, and brings leadership that elevates his unit. With his grades matching his on-field intensity, Barker checks a lot of boxes for a next-level linebacker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaidon Furman | RB | Tenoroc | @jaidon_f09</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Furman's been one of the most productive backs in Polk County, eclipsing 1,000 yards on the ground. He's a north-south runner who hits holes decisively and finishes with power. His consistency has been key to Tenoroc's offense — a tough, reliable back who deserves serious looks from college programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->