Fresh Faces Popping Up Across The State

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the off-season upon us, the underclassmen are not starting to showcase their talents at as many events as possible.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Camps, combines, junior days and 7-on-7 competition is giving many talented student/athletes across Florida that chance to jump onto the radar for colleges and universities to at least get some eyes on them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As you know, it doesn't matter what class it may be (2027-2029), there are so many gifted football players that are getting an opportunity to make a dream come true.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today, we bring you some prospects that are the “Fresh Faces” of the upcoming season. A series of players that we will continue to bring you all the way up to the start of the 2026 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 – Roderick Adams Jr., OL, 6'2, 280, Jacksonville Raines – 3.5 GPA. </strong>Was one of many catalysts during the unbeaten 3A state championship run for the Vikings. This was a team that beat its opponents through the air and on the ground – capping off the year with a huge “upset” win against national powerhouse Miami Northwestern.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/22328563/Roderick-Adams-Jr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/22328563/Roderick-Adams-Jr</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 – Larry Christian III, RB/LB, 5'11, 205, St. Petersburg Catholic – 3.2 GPA. </strong>In a year when the Barons were easily one of the best success stories, this quality two-way talent made a major impact with over 600 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns. This is someone who can truly impact his career with a huge off-season by attending camps and combines and having a productive spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19832728/Larry-Christian" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/19832728/Larry-Christian</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 – [player_tooltip player_id='2089669' first='Mario' last='Hayes'], SS/OLB, 6'1, 175, Milton. </strong>After a 7-4 season and a state playoff appearance, this was a quality talent who made some positive contributions on the defensive side of the ball for the Panthers and setting the table for his senior season. Will be counted on to step up and be big part of this team in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19846380/692c8078733bfca19ff7f9a7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19846380/692c8078733bfca19ff7f9a7</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2029 – Dante Keller Jr., DE/Athlete, 6'2, 220, Land O'Lakes Sunlake – 3.4 GPA. </strong>Tackles, sacks, QB Hurries and Pressures, forced fumbles, fumble recoveries and overall defensive play, this was easily one of the top freshmen in the region this past season. As he matures and continues to pick up the game, you can guarantee that this is a talent that has an opportunity to be recognized as one of the emerging sophomores in the state!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/26985845/Dante-Keller" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/26985845/Dante-Keller</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2028 - Cedrick King, WR/DB, 6'0, 160, Sarasota Cardinal Mooney – 3.5 GPA. </strong>As if the defending state champions didn't need another elite player, this Wesley Chapel Wiregrass Ranch transfer comes in for the 2026 season and he is indeed a difference maker. No matter what side of the ball he plays on, he produces like this past season when made an impact as a receiver and in the secondary. You can guarantee that he will fit in with what the Cougars have coming back and coming in.<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/22726907/CJ-King" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/22726907/CJ-King</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 – Terrell “Nugget” Pinkney II, Athlete, 6'2.5, 197, Jacksonville Trinity Christian. </strong>Yet another emerging star on a team that has plenty of quality talent. Because of his size and athleticism, this is someone who has a chance to be special for the Conquerors and he plays all over the field. This is a talent with tremendous ball skills, talent and has a knack of being around the ball on just about every play. He is one of those under-the-radar players that many will find out about during spring and into summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19666658/Terrell-Pinkney" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/19666658/Terrell-Pinkney</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 - Caleb “Chubs” Reed, DB, 6'0, 190, Altamonte Springs Lake Brantley – 4.3 GPA. </strong>Yet another football talent that made some major strides in the secondary for the Patriots this season as the team started to turn the corner. It will be fun this off-season to watch how much he continues to improve and becomes a force for his final season at the high school level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20808641/Caleb-Reed" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/20808641/Caleb-Reed</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Statewide Coverage Daily. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/florida/">https://prepredzone.com/florida/</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->