Picking Off The Competition In Orlando

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we are now heading toward the state playoffs, we continue to look back at some of the top performers in the 2025 high school football season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prospects statewide – in every class – have finished the regular season as many look toward the state playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>No matter what position it was this season, prospects did their thing for college coaches to check out, and while many seniors (2026), the underclassmen also shared in the spotlight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the positions that has always been productive in the Sunshine State is the defensive secondary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today, we stop in and check out the Central Florida area – in and around Orlando. Osceola, Orange, Seminole and Lake Counties had their share of gifted football talent that made it tough on quarterbacks as they were among the leaders in interceptions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some of those impact players:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 - [player_tooltip player_id='1636846' first='Blake' last='Banks'], 6'0, 185, Mount Dora Christian.</strong> While he had eight interceptions and was a huge leader for this team, he had already established himself as one of the best as a two-time All-State selection.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17107136/Blake-Banks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>https://www.hudl.com/profile/17107136/Blake-Banks</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2029 - Nyshaun Drye, 6'2, 180, Orlando Central Florida Christian Academy – 3.5 GPA.</strong> What a year for this freshman standout as he showcased some impressive skills with five interceptions for head coach Kevin Blackman and the Eagles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/22902600/Nyshaun-Drye" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>https://www.hudl.com/profile/22902600/Nyshaun-Drye</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 - Jonathan Gandy, 5'11, 160, Oviedo Hagerty.</strong> Track &amp; Field. Tremendous season for this two-way (WR, CB) standout who impacted the defense for this program with five key interceptions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17920459/Jonathan-Gandy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>https://www.hudl.com/profile/17920459/Jonathan-Gandy</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 - Zeke Gunn, 6'2, 205, Orlando Christian Prep – 3.7 GPA. </strong>For this Marshall University commitment, this was a special season where he made an impact on both sides of the ball – as a receiver and a safety. On defense, he was one of the reliable playmakers with five interceptions. Team Captain. Basketball Prospect.<strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18694841/Zeke-Gunn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/18694841/Zeke-Gunn</a></strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 - Ray Jenkins III, 5'10, 175, Umatilla – 3.4 GPA. </strong>One of the most versatile and unique athletes in this region. A tremendous offensive threat who also came up with five interceptions on the defensive side of the ball. In addition, he is a basketball prospect as a point guard who is a three-sport athlete.<strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17672995/Ray-Jenkins" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/17672995/Ray-Jenkins</a></strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2028 - Jaylen Lowman, 6'1, 160, Winter Springs – 3.54 GPA.</strong> Track &amp; Field. This impressive sophomore was one of the leaders in the state with 10 interceptions for a much-improved squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE:</strong> <strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/22670053/JAYLEN-LOWMAN">https://www.hudl.com/profile/22670053/JAYLEN-LOWMAN</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 - Bryce Norflee, 5'10, 150, Umatilla – 3.8 GPA. </strong>On a program that is a perfect 11-0 going into this week's Sunshine State Athletic Association playoff game, this impressive and versatile (WR, CB) talent was one of the reasons why this program made such an impression. Came up with five interceptions as well as making some other key plays on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19110383/Bryce-Norflee" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/19110383/Bryce-Norflee</a></strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 - [player_tooltip player_id='1247513' first='Ayden' last='Pouncey'], 6'3, 175, Winter Park. Track &amp; Field.</strong> This Notre Dane commit may have been the most valuable player in the region this season, keeping this program in the spotlight as he finished as a versatile secondary performer with six interceptions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17333824/Ayden-Pouncey" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>https://www.hudl.com/profile/17333824/Ayden-Pouncey</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2028 - Demetre Pryor, 5'11, 175, Orlando Evans – 3.6 GPA. </strong>Yet another gifted underclassman who made a major impact for the Trojans as they continued to turn the corner. His seven interceptions certainly set the tone throughout the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/26565168/68545d3cce1298b27d4e3f3a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/26565168/68545d3cce1298b27d4e3f3a</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2028 - Johnny Reyes II, 5'10, 160, Kissimmee Gateway. </strong>This versatile underclassman not only impacted the defense, where he had five interceptions and came up with numerous big plays, but he also showed why he is special as a receiver on the offensive side of the ball.<strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/22623978/Johnny-Reyes-II" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/22623978/Johnny-Reyes-II</a></strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2028 - Ahvioume Scott, 5'10, 160, Groveland South Lake.</strong> How about these impressive underclassmen who have stepped up this season and had so many colleges and universities watching and appreciating what they did for their team. In leading this team to an amazing 9-1 record, his five interceptions came in handy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/25974947/Ahvioume-Scott" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>https://www.hudl.com/profile/25974947/Ahvioume-Scott</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 - Eshawn Sutton, 6'1, 190, Winter Park.</strong> On a team that certainly stepped it up this season, this versatile (SB, SS) prospect came up with several big plays and chipped in with five interceptions. He is committed to attend Syracuse University.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17728667/671bf7fe935fb6b106b90754" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17728667/671bf7fe935fb6b106b90754</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 - Caiden White, 6'1, 175, Kissimmee Tohopekaliga – 3.5 GPA. </strong>With six interceptions this past season, here was a major catalyst and leader for a program that finished the regular season with a .500 record.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/23675776/Caiden-White" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>https://www.hudl.com/profile/23675776/Caiden-White</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 - [player_tooltip player_id='1640540' first='Bryce' last='Anthony Oraine Williams'], 6'0, 185, St. Cloud – 4.1 GPA. </strong>In a year when the Bulldogs had one of their best seasons, this quality talent registered nine interceptions (four picks for scores), 50 tackles and made a huge impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18021716/Bryce-Anthony-Oraine-Williams" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>https://www.hudl.com/profile/18021716/Bryce-Anthony-Oraine-Williams</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are five more prospects who also made a major impact this season:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 - Julian Currie, FS/RB, 6'1, 200, Eustis.</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/23490477/Julian-Currie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/23490477/Julian-Currie</a></strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 - Amarian Jackson, Athlete, 6'0, 190, Eustis.</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18410680/Amarian-Jackson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/18410680/Amarian-Jackson</a> </strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 – Maximus Lennon, 5'11, 205, Winter Park – 4.0 GPA.</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19549150/Maximus-Lennon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/19549150/Maximus-Lennon</a></strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 – C.J. Nassar, 5'11, 165, Orlando Boone.</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19588243/CJ-Nassarroy">https://www.hudl.com/profile/19588243/CJ-Nassarroy</a> </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2028 - Jonathan Slack, Winter Park.</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/23186357/Jonathan-Slack" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/23186357/Jonathan-Slack</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 "><strong>https://events.prepredzone.com/e/2137/register/stock-up-showcase-florida </strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Statewide Coverage Daily. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/florida/"><strong>https://prepredzone.com/florida/</strong></a></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 -->