Tackling Competition In Jacksonville Area

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When it comes to talent and playmakers, the state of Florida certainly has it all covered.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From the Keys to the Alabama and Georgia stateliness, the athletes that are produced in the Sunshine State has long been impressive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Simply flip on the TV on any Saturday and you will see collegiate stars who began their careers on fields and stadiums in every direction right here in Florida.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whether it's on offense – where the spotlight is bright at every position – or defensively – as big play performances often dictate the outcome of games – there is no shortage of quality prospects.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we continue to spotlight every region of the state throughout the course of a year, today we take a look at the Jacksonville area – where defensive playmakers are plentiful – to the west, north and south of Duval County.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some players who continue to make an impact as major players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 - Stephen Akita, DE/Athlete, 6'2, 186, Jacksonville Paxon School For Advanced Studies&nbsp; – 3.8 GPA. </strong>IB Program. Has played five positions on both sides of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17982722/Stephen-Akita" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/17982722/Stephen-Akita</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2028 – Mason Beane, Athlete, [player_tooltip player_id='1640270' first='St.' last='Augustine'] – 3.9 GPA. </strong>One of the fast-emerging underclassmen who can play multiple positions but has made an impact for one of the state's best programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18402970/Mason-Beane" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/18402970/Mason-Beane</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 - DeQuan Beecham, DL, 6'3, 270, Orange Park Oakleaf – 3.1 GPA. </strong>This is an elite and versatile big man on the defensive side of the ball. Playmaker for a quality program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20085578/Daquan-Beacham" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/20085578/Daquan-Beacham</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 - Tyson Callum, LB, 6'0, 185, Jacksonville Eagle's View. </strong>Versatile athlete who plays on both sides of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19844479/Tyson-Callum" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/19844479/Tyson-Callum</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 - [player_tooltip player_id='929649' first='Jacob' last='Curry'], MLB/SS, 6'1, 210, Ponte Vedra Nease – 4.27 GPA. </strong>Oklahoma commitment that is truly one of the best in the region and beyond.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16013057/Jacob-Curry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16013057/Jacob-Curry</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 - Michael Goins, LB, 5'10, 170, Jacksonville Eagle's View.</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20543424/Michael-Goins">https://www.hudl.com/profile/20543424/Michael-Goins</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 - Julian Holt, SS, 6'2, 200, Jacksonville Ed White. </strong>He has put up some head-turning numbers with tackles, sacks, interceptions and touchdowns for the Commanders.<strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17776111/Julian-Holt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/17776111/Julian-Holt</a></strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 - Terrence Hubbard, OLB, 5'10, 175, Jacksonville Riverside. </strong>Elite talent who has not only been productive on the field, but also has leadership qualities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18316366/Terrence-Hubbard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/18316366/Terrence-Hubbard</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 - </strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1580882' first='Kyle' last='Hurtado'], LB, 5'10, 205, Ponte Vedra Nease – 3.6 GPA. </strong>Has received offers and will pick up more as we head toward the state playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17878648/Kyle-Hurtado" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/17878648/Kyle-Hurtado</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 - Braylon Jenkins, MLB, 5'10, 190, Jacksonville Paxon School For Advanced Studies – 3.0 GPA. </strong>Yet another underclassman who is making a lasting impression this season, setting the tone for the future.<strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19499433/braylon-jenkins" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/19499433/braylon-jenkins</a><br></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 - [player_tooltip player_id='1371502' first='Jermaine' last='Robinson'], LB, 6'2, 195, Orange Park Oakleaf.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17373592/Jermaine-Robinson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/17373592/Jermaine-Robinson</a></strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 - Xavier Williams, LB, 5'10, 210, Jacksonville Impact Christian Academy – 3.5 GPA. </strong>Leading tackler on his team and one of the best in the region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18430655/Xavier-Williams" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/18430655/Xavier-Williams</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 - Lewis Stewart, LB, 5'10, 210, Neptune Beach Fletcher – 3.2 GPA.</strong> In addition to what he brings to the table as a quality and athletic linebacker, he is also an impressive baseball player as well.<strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20613846/lewis-boogy-stewart" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/20613846/lewis-boogy-stewart</a></strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 -Will Reynolds, LB, Neptune Beach Fletcher – 4.2 GPA. </strong>Another impressive student/athlete that has shown that he can perform on both sides (TE) of the ball as well as produce in the classroom. An underclassman to keep an eye on.<strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18233314/Will-Reynolds" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/18233314/Will-Reynolds</a></strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 PREP REDZONE FLORIDA STOCK UP EVENT. </strong><a href="https://events.prepredzone.com/e/2137/register/stock-up-showcase-florida">https://events.prepredzone.com/e/2137/register/stock-up-showcase-florida</a> <strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>OCTOBER CLASS OF 2027 RANKING UPDATES: <a href="https://prepredzone.com/florida/rankings/2027-rankings/">https://prepredzone.com/florida/rankings/2027-rankings/</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Statewide Coverage Daily. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/florida/">https://prepredzone.com/florida/</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COACHES, PLAYERS: Do You Have A Subscription? Contact us for a savings code so you can see what everyone has been talking about! <a href="mailto:Floridakids1@aol.com">Floridakids1@aol.com</a>.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->