Polk County WR All-Star Selection Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below are the receivers and multi-positional athletes firmly in the All-Star conversation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1670990' first='Kaneilius' last='Purdy'] | ATH | 2027 | Lake Wales | @KaneiliusPurdy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Purdy remains one of the most highly regarded prospects in Polk County and is trending as a top 2027 in the state. His presence forces defensive adjustments, and his competitive edge positively impacts the entire locker room. When Purdy is available, Lake Wales always has a pathway to win — his versatility is that valuable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Derrick McBride | WR | 2026 | Lake Gibson | @dmcbridejr_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McBride has played like a true WR1 all fall. Clean route running, strong hands through contact, and sharp body control stand out on film. Physical growth has added another layer to his game, and the consistency matches the buzz he generated this offseason. His stock continues to rise with legitimate momentum entering the winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DJ Howard | ATH | 2026 | Lakeland Christian | @DJhoward_6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Howard has showcased his ability to contribute in multiple phases, giving LCS reliable production when needed. His skill set allows him to be moved around the formation to create matchups. Utility value matters late in the year, and Howard provides it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1800116' first='Gabriel' last='Legrand'] | WR | 2026 | @GabeLegrand26</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Legrand is a size-and-strength mismatch. His ability to win in the air and shield defenders makes him difficult to control in contested situations. Already committed to USF, Legrand still appears to be trending upward — his best football likely remains ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1681626' first='Jaiziah' last='Battle'] | ATH | 2027 | Bartow | @JaiziahBattle</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top 2027 athletes in Polk County, Battle has settled into Bartow's system and looks increasingly comfortable. He contributes on both sides of the ball with smooth athleticism and natural football instincts. As he develops physically, his ceiling could rise quickly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Darion Jiles | ATH | 2027 | Auburndale | @DarionJiles07</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jiles brings toughness and versatility. His physicality shows both as a receiver and defensive back, and he's not afraid to work between the hashes. He has been a reliable playmaker within Auburndale's scheme, and his competitive edge pops on tape.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1628903' first='Omari' last='Russell'] | DB | 2026 | Fort Meade | @omari_russell</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most complete defensive backs in Florida, Russell stood out all season for Fort Meade and helped carry the program to hardware. At 6-1, 180, he checks the measurables — length, fluid hips, instincts, and confidence. With offers from Wake Forest, JSU, Liberty, ECU and growing interest, Russell's recruiting window is still opening.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Joseph Howard | WR | 2027 | Lakeland | @jokerwondr</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lakeland's surge in big-play production can be traced in part to the emergence of Howard. His speed, return ability, and ability to flip field position have added another dimension to the offense. With another offseason to polish, Howard projects as a key weapon moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->