PROSPECT WATCH: Welcome To A New Year

It's a new year, but the objective for high school football players across the state of Florida is very much the same.   For graduating seniors in this current 2026 class or the many underclassmen who have already started the grind to prepare for the next season, it is indeed all about exposure.   Attending the right camps and combines that are designed to promote, expose you to colleges and universities, and not taking your money is one of the biggest challenges.   As we have told you over and over again, please be proactive when it comes to what events you attend. Do your research and homework. Ask questions of those who have gone to these events in the past and have had positive results.   We want this recruiting experience to be a positive one – because there are numerous people out there just waiting to make money off of you and provide trace of getting your results and film out to college coaches and to those who can help to promote.   Our January 18th Stock Up Showcase is in its sixth year and we have provided valid exposure via website, social media and contact with colleges, so yes, we think that what we do is unmatched for exposure. NOBODY can promote EVERY prospect that attends their events. We do just that – over and over again.   Here is the link to that event: <a href="https://events.prepredzone.com/e/2137/register/stock-up-showcase-florida">https://events.prepredzone.com/e/2137/register/stock-up-showcase-florida</a>   Once again on this first day of a new year, we are out here promoting Florida talent in every class for everyone to check out.   Here are some of the prospects who have turned heads:   2026 – [player_tooltip player_id='1582538' first='Ayden' last='Dunnell'], LB, Perry Taylor County – 3.8 GPA. What an outstanding senior season that this quality talent had in North Florida, looking to attract college attention. His 123 Tackles, 12 tackles for loss, five sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and four pass break ups were vital in the success of the Bulldogs during a 10-2 season.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18259268/692c96b984423567d9914c51">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18259268/692c96b984423567d9914c51</a>   2027 – Matthew Hennesey, QB, 6'4, 200, Palmetto. While the Tigers fell short of their goal of reaching the state title game after finishing a 4-0 district season, this talented junior took control and made a major impact. His 2,236 yards passing (159/220) with 30 touchdowns ended up being among the best in the state as he will be back to continue helping this program finish the job. His name will surface plenty in the off-season at camps, combines and at 7-on-7 events.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19488137/Matthew-Hennesey">https://www.hudl.com/profile/19488137/Matthew-Hennesey</a>   2027 – Davin Joseph, DB, 5'9, 175, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian. While the Eagles and veteran head coach Kirk Hoza fell short in getting deeper in the state playoffs, they did finish 7-3 and certainly used the play of this emerging standout to accomplish several goals. His 51 total tackles also included three sacks and one interception. With a strong off-season, you can count on hearing this name plenty in 2026.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18148551/6946d3e21741b399cf9a190c">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18148551/6946d3e21741b399cf9a190c</a>   2027 – Demarkus Roberts, WR/DB, 5'9, 160, Blountstown – 3.5 GPA. Basketball. Finishing 12-1 and second among Rural teams in the state, here is one of the reasons why the Tigers were able to make such an impressive run this season under head coach Brad Waggoner. On offense, he caught 31 balls for 674 yards and 12 touchdowns while adding balance to a potent attack. On the defensive side of the ball, his 25 tackles, two tackles for loss and three key interceptions were huge throughout the season.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/26524148/68e2a03f8b66bd76c5473c05">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/26524148/68e2a03f8b66bd76c5473c05</a>   2027 – [player_tooltip player_id='1187458' first='Cole' last='Sharpless'], DL, 6'2, 245, Dover Strawberry Crest. While the Chargers came up short of their pre-season goals of winning the district and getting a chance to play in the post-season, this was a standout underclassmen that came through and showed why he will be special his senior season. With 6.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 38 total tackles (12 solo), three forced fumbles, two recovered fumbles and two touchdowns made him one of the most valuable players on the team.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19804273/68e644fa684d930f6987bca0">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19804273/68e644fa684d930f6987bca0</a>   2026 – [player_tooltip player_id='212269' first='Jaden' last='Weatherly'], QB, 6'1, 225, Jacksonville Bolles – 3.8 GPA. In reaching the 2A state final, here is someone who made a major impact – not only as a senior leader for the Bulldogs, but as a quarterback that completed 119/183 (65%) for 2,142 passing yards and 26 touchdowns. On the ground, he ran for 282 yards and six touchdowns. If you are a college that needs a playmaker, this is a prospect that you build your offense around – guaranteed!   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17732697/Jaden-Weatherly">https://www.hudl.com/profile/17732697/Jaden-Weatherly</a>   2028 – [player_tooltip player_id='419128' first='Brysen' last='Wright'], WR/DB, 6'4, 200, Jacksonville Mandarin. As he heads toward his junior season, there is simply nothing more you can say about the best player in the state and one of the top 10 nationally for this class. This is a once in a generation talent that impact the Mustangs on both sides of the ball – plus special teams. His 46 receptions for 983 yards and 10 touchdowns kept this team in the picture all year – falling short in the state playoffs. On defense, he was just as impressive and dominating with 63 Tackles, five interceptions – with two being returned for touchdowns. He is indeed a difference maker!   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/23029332/Brysen-Wright">https://www.hudl.com/profile/23029332/Brysen-Wright</a>     2026 PREP REDZONE FLORIDA STOCK UP EVENT. <a href="https://events.prepredzone.com/e/2137/register/stock-up-showcase-florida">https://events.prepredzone.com/e/2137/register/stock-up-showcase-florida</a>   Statewide Coverage Daily. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/florida/">https://prepredzone.com/florida/</a>   You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com.   COACHES, PLAYERS: Do You Have A Subscription? Contact us for a savings code so you can see what everyone has been talking about! <a href="mailto:Floridakids1@aol.com">Floridakids1@aol.com</a>.

It's a new year, but the objective for high school football players across the state of Florida is very much the same.