Offseason Look: 2028 Tackle Machines in Central Florida (Part 1)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Vario McBride | ATH | Winter Haven | @hbk_dmarrr</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McBride is a productive, physical athlete who shows up around the ball. He's been used in multiple spots and plays with good instincts, especially downhill. Comfortable taking on contact and finishing plays. His versatility gives Winter Haven flexibility, and continued development this offseason should help clarify where he fits best long term.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cale Britt | LB | Bishop Moore | @Cale_britt6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Britt had a strong sophomore season, setting a school record and finishing with 118 tackles, 4.0 TFLs, and 3.0 sacks. He has a solid 6-3, 190-pound frame with room to add weight. Plays with good effort and range and shows a willingness to take on blocks. Physical development will be key over the next year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1879608' first='Will' last='Warren'] | LB | MCC | @williamwar90019</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Warren made consistent plays as a sophomore and brings a high motor to the second level. He shows some ability to cover in space and can pressure off the edge when asked. At 6-1, 185, he's still developing physically but has good versatility and upside moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tyrone Robinson | LB | Martin County | @robinson_t54493</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Robinson is an active, hard-hitting linebacker who plays fast and attacks the ball. Already a productive starter as a sophomore, he brings energy and toughness every snap. His continued offseason work should help him become more consistent and refined as he gains experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Deshaun Smalls | ATH | Winter Haven | @7_smalls38505</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smalls is an explosive athlete with two-way value. On defense, he brings physicality and awareness in the secondary, and offensively he can generate big plays with the ball in his hands. Already holding a D1 offer, he's one of the more complete athletes in the 2028 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2075125' first='Evan' last='Sorkness'] | ATH | Oviedo | @Evan_S_11</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sorkness transitioned into a solid safety this season and showed good football IQ. He takes good angles, tackles well in space, and has enough size and speed to be reliable in coverage. A steady piece for Oviedo's defense with room to keep improving.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Zion Reed | Umatilla | @ReedZion14376</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reed is a physical sophomore who projects at safety or outside linebacker. He runs well, reads the quarterback in zone coverage, and isn't shy about contact. With his size and instincts, he's a name college coaches should continue to track.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1773843' first='Reese' last='Nunez'] | VCA | @Reese_Nunez6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nunez brings good size at 6-1, 210 and has already taken on a leadership role for a young defense. He plays with strength, physicality, and clear command of the unit. Still early in his development, but the tools and mentality are there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->