Rising Gem Central Florida Wide Receivers To Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jerry Thomas | WR | Lakeland | @Showtime2swift</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6-3, Thomas brings a college-ready frame and natural hands that make him a mismatch on the perimeter. His four-touchdown performance last week wasn't a fluke — he's been a consistent red-zone and vertical threat all season. Thomas wins with physicality, control through contact, and legit top-end speed. One of the more intriguing uncommitted wideouts in Polk County.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1640209' first='Jermaine' last='May'] | ATH | 2026 | Lake Region | @_2JermaineGw</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>May has been a steady two-way performer with advanced footwork and instincts. His ability to create separation as a receiver and lock up on defense shows his complete athletic profile. He's quietly one of the more balanced playmakers in the area — a true technician who competes at a high level every snap.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tucker Fox | ATH | 2026 | Victory Christian | @tuckerfox15</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fox continues to show why he's one of Polk County's most underrated athletes. A two-sport standout with strong football IQ, he's used all over the field and has proven to be a reliable playmaker in key moments. His three-touchdown showing in a rivalry game reinforced his ability to take over offensively. Versatile, tough, and highly productive — the type of prospect that wins programs games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Messiah Borders | WR | 2027 | Bartow | @Messiah2borders</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Borders has emerged as one of the top young playmakers in Polk County. With fluid athleticism, strong run-after-catch ability, and natural confidence, he's become a go-to weapon in Bartow's offense. When he touches the football, something usually happens — a promising long-term prospect with high upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Zyrell Thomas | ATH | 2026 | Santa Fe | @863ZyrellThomas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thomas put together a productive year across multiple roles. He's comfortable lining up in space, creating yards after contact, and even contributing defensively. His quick-twitch ability and open-field elusiveness jump off the film. The late-season surge from Thomas deserves more recruiting attention heading into the offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Marcus Bankston | ATH | 2027 | Kathleen | @MarcusBankston_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bankston's development this season has been impressive. He's shown reliable hands, route consistency, and confidence against upperclassmen. The sophomore has the makeup of a key piece in Kathleen's future offensive plans, with early flashes of polish that project well at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ja'Kobie Terry | ATH | 2027 | @Kobie_863</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Terry brings versatility and play design flexibility. Whether it's on jet sweeps, screens, or traditional routes, he's a smooth operator with the ball in his hands. Already one of the more refined young skill players in the area, Terry's versatility gives coaches plenty of ways to get him involved.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rashard Kelly | WR | 2027 | Kathleen | @shard_k3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kelly's speed and explosiveness separate him from most peers in his class. A legitimate 4.4 guy with vertical burst and body control, he's beginning to round out his game as a complete receiver. As he continues to fill out physically, expect his role and production to take another leap. True high-ceiling prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1258720' first='Takeo' last='Edwards'] | ATH | 2027 | Auburndale | @edwards_takeo</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Edwards is a big-play threat every time he touches the football. His straight-line speed, acceleration, and field instincts stand out right away. He's one of the younger names on this list but already flashes college-level traits. The long-term projection here is strong.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1581772' first='Cayden' last='Clark'] | WR | 2026 | @caydenclark24</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clark has drawn FBS attention for good reason. He's a clean route runner who tracks the deep ball naturally and plays through contact. More than just a possession receiver — Clark can stretch the field and make contested plays downfield. A dependable, all-around wideout with real polish.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Major McBath | WR | 2027 | Bartow | @Majormcb</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McBath is beginning to emerge as one of the more reliable young receivers in the county. He shows confidence, soft hands, and the ability to win one-on-one matchups. With his route development and growing feel for space, McBath could take a big step forward next season as a primary option in Bartow's offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1581775' first='Kamar' last='Gilmartin'] | ATH | 2026 | Fort Meade | @2waymar</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gilmartin is a true all-around athlete who contributes in every phase. Offensively, he's dynamic with the ball; defensively, he competes at a high level; and in the return game, he's a constant spark. His motor and versatility make him one of the most valuable players in Fort Meade's system.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->