Polk County National Signing Day Notes

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1247490' first='Malik' last='Morris'] | ATH | 2026 | Lakeland | @MalikMoriss43_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Florida Commit 🐊</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Morris wrapped up the regular season looking exactly like a Power 5 linebacker. He strikes with real force, sheds blocks cleanly, and consistently finishes plays in the box. Lakeland leans on him as their defensive tone-setter — and he delivers early in games with physical, downhill urgency. When he gets offensive touches, that same aggression shows up. Morris' blend of strength, burst, and versatility makes him one of the county's most impactful defensive prospects. A big-time addition for Florida.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1524509' first='James' last='Tilus'] | DE | 2026 | Auburndale | @JamesTilus8</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>UConn Commit 🤍💙</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tilus transformed himself into a true D1 edge prospect. At 6-3, 230, he has the frame and the burst you want on the outside. His ability to win with length, effort, and natural athleticism makes him one of Polk County's better defensive ends. The next step will be refining technique — but the upside is real and UConn saw it early.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CJ Cresser | DB | 2025 | Lakeland | @CJCresser</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>USF Commit 🐂</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cresser's move to Lakeland elevated every part of his game. A true physical corner, he thrives in both man and zone, showing strong instincts and improved processing. He hasn't slowed down since the transfer — still making plays in the secondary and on special teams. USF is getting a confident, tough, and ready-to-play defensive back.</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>USF Commit 🐂</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Legrand is a matchup problem with size and strength. He wins in the air, shields defenders well, and forces mismatches in contested situations. Already committed to USF, but still ascending — his best football is ahead. Huge building-block receiver for Brian Hartline.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Darion Jiles | ATH | 2026 | Auburndale | @DarionJiles07</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Southern Miss Commit 💛🖤</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jiles brings size, speed, and ball skills that translate to multiple spots. Whether he's in the slot, at DB, or returning kicks, he gives you instant playmaking. Spring will be big for showcasing consistency, but the tools are there. Southern Miss is getting a versatile athlete with a high ceiling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DJ Howard | ATH | 2026 | Lakeland Christian | @DJhoward_6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>South Dakota Commit 🐺 #GoYotes</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Howard does a little bit of everything for LCS — slot, outside, special teams, whatever the situation calls for. His utility value makes him a reliable late-season weapon, and he delivers with smart, efficient play. South Dakota gets a polished, do-it-all athlete who understands how to create mismatches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1141192' first='Cason' last='Dash'] | DB | 2026 | Lake Gibson | @CasonDash3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>UConn Commit 🤍💙</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dash is a physical, instinctive defensive back with tools that should translate quickly to college. Dash has active feet, solid ball skills, and plays bigger than his listed size. One of the top DBs in Polk County.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Myron Jean | DB | 2026 | Lake Wales</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tulane Commit 🌊</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jean brings exceptional length and natural upside, whether he's at corner or safety. He covers ground well and plays with confidence, giving Tulane a long-term secondary piece. Huge win for the Green Wave securing him through the process.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cedarius Christian | ATH | 2026 | @12kBino</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bowling Green Commit 🟠🟤</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Christian arrived as a key transfer and immediately showed college-level traits. At 6-2, he moves fluidly and can play multiple spots. Coaches used him all over the field, and he consistently produced. He's a strong long-term projection for Bowling Green.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Still Available Prospects</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jordan Tarver | ATH | 2026 | Auburndale | @Jordantarver100</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tarver is a natural defensive back with real track speed. He stays patient in coverage, mirrors routes, and closes with burst. One of the cleaner cover athletes still on the board.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Josiah White | DB | 2026 | Bartow | @3_strapz</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A high-IQ, versatile DB who can play safety or corner. White diagnoses plays quickly and communicates well. Recently decommitted from Sacramento State — should see more offers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Derrick McBride | WR | 2026 | Lake Gibson | @dmcbridejr_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McBride is a polished route runner with great hands and a frame that continues to develop. Stock trending up after multiple strong offseason showings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1628903' first='Omari' last='Russell'] | ATH | 2026 | Fort Meade | @omari_russell</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most naturally gifted multipurpose players in the state. Russell can impact the game anywhere — offense, defense, or special teams. Elite versatility, elite competitiveness, and one of Polk County's most valuable overall athletes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->