Polk All-Star Team Watch: Public School Linebacker Selections

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1247490' first='Malik' last='Morris'] | ATH | 2026 | @MalikMoriss43_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Morris closed the regular season looking every bit like a Power 5 linebacker. His physicality shows up early in games — he strikes, sheds, and finishes with real force. Kathleen leaned on him as a tone-setter, and he answered with consistent production in the box. When he was used on offense, he ran with the same downhill urgency. Morris' combination of strength, burst, and versatility puts him at the top of the county's defensive board heading into the postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1368321' first='Elijah' last='Dias'] | LB | 2026 | Auburndale | @twin_frmpolk</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dias delivered another season of steady, reliable production for Auburndale. He rarely gets caught out of position and has a good feel for tracking the ball between the tackles. What stands out is his week-to-week consistency — he doesn't disappear. Dias played a major role in keeping the Bloodhound defense competitive down the stretch, and he projects well as a college MIKE with his tackling efficiency and discipline.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaquarius Lucas | LB | 2026 | Lake Region | @Jaquarius_6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lucas finished the regular season with 129 total tackles — the most in Polk County and one of the top marks in Florida. The motor is real. He plays fast, doesn't shy away from contact, and consistently gets himself around the ball. Lucas' sideline-to-sideline effort kept Lake Region in games they shouldn't have been in. With his production and competitiveness, he fits the profile of a rising under-the-radar linebacker who should see more college attention soon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1657157' first='Malachi' last='Moore'] | LB | 2027 | @MalachiMoore222</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moore put together a strong sophomore year, leading his team in tackles with 101 and adding 3.5 sacks. He plays with good energy and reads well for a 2027 prospect. Moore's physicality shows up when he fills lanes, and he's becoming more comfortable playing downhill. He's one of the top young linebackers in the county, and his early production suggests he's only scratching the surface.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>D'Cari Smith | ATH | 2026 | Lake Wales | @1era__</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith continued to be one of the most impactful defensive players in Polk County. With 118 total tackles, 16 TFLs, and 2 sacks, he answered every challenge placed on him. Smith is aggressive at the point of attack and has a good feel for disrupting plays before they develop. His ability to play multiple roles makes him valuable, and his production reflects his week-to-week toughness. A legitimate all-star candidate with strong college upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1581926' first='Ziggy' last='Riley'] | LB/ATH | 2026 | Lakeland | @riley1_ziggy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Riley plays with a quick trigger — he diagnoses fast and closes even faster. Lakeland used him in multiple spots throughout the season, and he consistently found ways to impact the game. His ability to avoid blocks and finish in space stands out. Riley has already drawn early college attention, and with another offseason of development, he's positioned to take a real step forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Zephaniah Rogers | OLB | 2026 | Lakeland | @ZephaniahRoger5</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rogers has developed into one of Lakeland's most reliable defensive pieces. He plays with an edge, covers ground well, and brings a physical presence on the perimeter. This was his most complete season yet — steady production, cleaner technique, and more confidence in his reads. Rogers was named Player of the Year in the program for a reason: he finds the ball and arrives with intent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Javaree James | LB | 2026 | Ridge | @JaVareeJames1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>James finished the year leading Ridge in tackles with 94 and was a consistent anchor for their defense. He tackles well in space and showed improved patience in his run fits. Ridge leaned heavily on him to clean up plays inside, and he delivered. A dependable 2026 linebacker with room to grow physically and technically.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Deshaun Smalls | LB | 2028 | Winter Haven | @7_smalls38505</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As a freshman, Smalls showed flashes of what makes him one of the top 2028 prospects in the county. Winter Haven trusted him in real varsity snaps, and he held his own with quickness and effort. He reads fast for his age and doesn't shy from contact. A name to track — his ceiling is high with continued physical development.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->