Tampa Bay Defenders Coaches Need to Look at Next Season

Florida has long been a hotbed of high school football talent. Annually, Florida produces some of the nation's top prospects. Florida athletes are known for their speed, agility, and raw athleticism. These prospects have made names for themselves and have caught the attention of coaches and scouts at the collegiate level. With the 2025 season over, we're looking for players whose stock is rising in the state.   These players are all talented and have college-level abilities. Some of these players have a few offers, but all of them have the ability to play college football at some level.   There are some big-time, highly rated prospects and several sleeper prospects who should all be getting looks for the next level. This list is full of stud prospects.   Prep Redzone Florida will always support every player on their journey to playing college football.   [player_tooltip player_id='1866458' first='Larkin' last='Dudley'] – MLB, East Lake High Height/Weight: 5'11”, 200 lbs Season Stats: 104 tackles, 4 TFL, 1 pass defensed   Scouting Report: Dudley is a smart, disciplined middle linebacker who consistently finds the football. He reads plays quickly, flows well sideline-to-sideline, and wraps up with solid tackling technique. His instincts allow him to stay in position while still being aggressive in the run game.   Analysis: Dudley projects as a dependable inside linebacker at the next level. Adding more functional strength could help him shed blocks and take on larger ball carriers, but his awareness, consistency, and tackling ability make him a foundational defensive presence.   Nate Vega – Strong Safety, Pinellas Park High Height/Weight: 5'11”, 180 lbs Season Stats: 91 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 interception, 4 passes defensed, 2 forced fumbles   Scouting Report: Vega is a versatile safety with a nose for the ball and physicality in run support. He wraps up well, can make plays in coverage, and shows a natural ability to force turnovers. His instincts allow him to anticipate routes and react quickly to plays developing in front of him.   Analysis: Vega projects as a multi-dimensional safety capable of contributing in both the box and deep zones. Further refinement in coverage technique will maximize his impact, but his physicality, awareness, and playmaking skills give him strong upside.   Kaleb Rodney-Clarke – LB/Edge, Tarpon Springs High Height/Weight: 6'1”, 200 lbs Season Stats: 88 tackles, 17 TFL, 11 sacks, 4 interceptions, 8 passes defensed, 1 fumble recovery, 3 forced fumbles   Scouting Report: Rodney-Clarke is a dynamic hybrid defender who can dominate as a pass rusher, run stopper, and coverage linebacker. He displays excellent burst off the edge, strong tackling, and the agility and speed to make plays in space. His production reflects a high football IQ combined with explosive athleticism.   Analysis: Rodney-Clarke projects as a versatile defensive weapon at the next level. His ability to impact multiple phases of the game makes him a true matchup nightmare. Continued development in consistency and technique will enhance his overall ceiling, but his blend of athleticism and instincts already separates him.   Gavin Holloway – LB, Calvary Christian High Height/Weight: 6'1”, 190 lbs Season Stats: 83 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 interception, 1 pass defensed   Scouting Report: Holloway is a solid, instinctive linebacker who shows good awareness and pursuit angles. He contributes reliably in both run support and coverage, showing disciplined technique and effort on every play.   Analysis: Holloway projects as a steady contributor at linebacker. Improving his physicality and aggressiveness at the point of attack will elevate his impact, but his football IQ, consistency, and coverage ability provide a strong foundation for the next level.

Florida has long been a hotbed of high school football talent. Annually, Florida produces some of the nation's top prospects. Florida athletes are known for their speed, agility, and raw athleticism. These prospects have made names for themselves and have caught the attention of coaches and scouts at the collegiate level. With the 2025 season over, we're looking for players whose stock is rising in the state.