Tampa Bay Class of 2028 LBs Shining Through Week 7

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.   Rashaun Fitts Jr. (c/o 2028) Position: Linebacker School: Jesuit High Height/Weight: 5'10”, 205 lbs Current Season Stats (through Week 7): 66 tackles, 9 TFL, 4 sacks, 1 INT, 3 fumble recoveries   Evaluation: Fitts has been a tone-setter for Jesuit's defense, showing tremendous instincts and sideline-to-sideline range. His 66 tackles and 9 tackles for loss through seven weeks speak to his physicality and ability to diagnose plays quickly. What separates him is his playmaking consistency, forcing turnovers and creating pressure at every level of the field. Compact and powerful at 205 pounds, Fitts projects as a high-motor linebacker with the toughness and intelligence to anchor a defense.   Logan Cox (c/o 2028) Position: Linebacker School: Indian Rocks Christian Height/Weight: 6'0”, 200 lbs Current Season Stats (through Week 7): 69 tackles, 4 TFL, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble   Evaluation: Cox has emerged as one of the most productive young defenders in the region, leading his team with consistent tackling and effort. He plays with excellent vision and pursuit angles, rarely missing opportunities in open space. His 69 tackles through seven games reflect both reliability and endurance, while his ability to shed blocks and stay active near the ball shows advanced football IQ for his class.   Zion Poole (c/o 2028) Position: Linebacker School: Countryside High Height/Weight: 6'2”, 210 lbs Current Season Stats (through Week 7): 66 tackles, 18 TFL, 4 sacks, 1 INT, 3 forced fumbles   Evaluation: Poole has been a dominant front-seven force for Countryside, showcasing elite production across the board. With 18 tackles for loss and 4 sacks, he consistently disrupts plays behind the line of scrimmage. His blend of size, strength, and explosiveness allows him to take over games physically, while his 3 forced fumbles highlight his aggressive play style. Poole is a high-upside linebacker who already plays with the physical presence of an upperclassman.   Jacob Blough (c/o 2028) Position: Middle Linebacker School: St. Petersburg High Height/Weight: 5'11”, 185 lbs Current Season Stats (through Week 7): 58 tackles, 3 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 fumble recovery   Evaluation: Blough is the definition of a steady defensive leader in the middle of the field. He diagnoses plays quickly and gets downhill with purpose, often setting the tone with his physical tackling. His 58 tackles and ability to pressure the quarterback from the inside show versatility and competitiveness. As he continues to add size and strength, his instincts and work ethic will make him a key defensive anchor for years to come.   Messiah Rushing (c/o 2028) Position: Linebacker School: Bloomingdale High Height/Weight: 6'1”, 240 lbs Current Season Stats (through Week 7): 55 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery, 2 forced fumbles   Evaluation: Rushing is a physically imposing linebacker who brings power and intensity to every snap. At 6'1”, 240 lbs, he uses his strength to shed blockers and finish tackles with authority. His 6.5 tackles for loss and 2 forced fumbles show his knack for making momentum-shifting plays. Rushing's combination of size, strength, and downhill aggression makes him one of the more physically advanced defenders in the 2028 class.

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.