2028 Ball Hawk Central Florida DBs to Follow This Offseason

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaylen Lowman | Winter Springs | @soulflyjaso</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lowman put together one of the most productive sophomore seasons in the region. He consistently finds the football and finishes plays, whether it's in coverage or coming downhill as a tackler. The interception numbers stand out, but what really shows up is his awareness and effort on every snap. With a strong offseason, he has a chance to separate himself even more heading into the fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Demetre Pryor | Evans | @1waynot2go</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pryor is a high-upside defensive back who showed steady growth throughout the season. He flashes playmaking ability in coverage and isn't afraid to be physical. Still developing, but the tools are there. This offseason will be important as he continues to add consistency and refine his technique.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='971695' first='Cyion' last='Smith'] | Blountstown | @cyionsmith5</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith had a strong sophomore year and played a major role in Blountstown's run to the state title game. He's comfortable playing the ball in the air and shows good instincts in coverage. Already committed to Mississippi State, he's proven he can handle big moments and should continue to build on that momentum.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dominick Harris Payne | Lakeland | @Laadom2028</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the more intriguing 2028 prospects in Polk County. Payne is long and fluid with clear upside on both sides of the ball. At this stage, he's still developing, but his length and movement skills give him real potential as a defensive back. Lakeland will be a great place for his growth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaden Irons | St. Cloud | @JadenIrons_7</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Irons was a reliable piece for a St. Cloud defense that made a playoff run. He impacted games in multiple ways — coverage, tackling, and special teams. Coaches trusted him to line up in different spots, and his production reflects that. A steady, dependable DB with room to keep improving.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ahvioume Scott | South Lake | @Jawzishim</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scott has a natural feel for the position. He consistently puts himself around the football and finishes plays. His interception totals speak to his instincts, but he also contributes as a tackler. Only a sophomore, he's already one of South Lake's more dependable defensive pieces.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Julian White | South Lake | @Juju__White</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>White was a key contributor during one of the best seasons in program history. He showed the ability to match up in coverage and make plays when targeted. Whether it was breaking up passes or forcing turnovers, he brought consistency to the secondary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Johnny Reyes II | Kissimmee Gateway | @Johnny_Reyes11</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reyes made his presence felt throughout the season with solid production in the secondary. He's an athletic defender who can contribute in multiple phases, including special teams. His versatility and effort stood out, and he's another name to monitor as he continues to develop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->