UA Next Orlando: Linebackers, Running Backs Star

ORLANDO – When rising senior football players Ninaud “Nino” Joseph and Theodis Wilson arrived at Bishop Moore High School on Sunday, both standouts were out to show that they both were among the best football prospects in the state.   For the 5'7, 170-pound Joseph, who transferred to Naples Saint John Neumann from nearly Lely High School this off-season, he is coming off a 1,995-yard rushing performance that included 25 touchdowns adding to what has already been a brilliant career.   His amazing 4,403 yards and 53 touchdowns is easily one of the best in Collier County history.   His amazing effort on Sunday earned him MVP honors over some quality talent that also came out.   Ninaud “Nino” Joseph.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19652825/Nino-Joseph">https://www.hudl.com/profile/19652825/Nino-Joseph</a>   OTHER RUNNING BACKS SHINED ON SUNDAY   As Joseph certainly did well during testing, drills and competition, there were others who turned heads as well.   Among the rising Florida seniors (2027) were Tamauri Collins (Tavares), Ishmael Mcnichols (Miami Norland), state champion Connail Jackson (Sarasota Cardinal Mooney), state champion Jayden Lockhart (West Boca Raton), Sergarion Gunsby (Ocala Vanguard), Jaelyn Powell (Orlando Edgewater), Dorien Irving-Jones (Venice), Caleb Mattison (Jacksonville Bishop Kenny), Donovan Richardson (Melbourne Eau Gallie), Ashton Callahan (Havana Gadsden County), Luby Jones Jr. (Tampa Berkeley Prep) and Miami Carol City's Claude Dauphin.   HOW ABOUT THOSE ELITE UNDERCLASSMEN?   As impressive as the rising senior running backs will be this coming season, how about those quality underclassmen – like Class of 2028 standout Xander Edwards (Jacksonville The Bolles School), who led all rushers in the state, fast-rising Taihj Moore (DeLand) and Issac Farling (Mount Dora Christian Academy).   Also, keep an eye on rising sophomores (2029) Anthony White III (Tallahassee Maclay), Jakobe Gilyard (Niceville) and Brycsen Robb (Orlando The First Academy).   WILSON AND OTHERS LEAD THE WAY AT LINEBACKERS   For the past few years, Seffner Armwood High School has been home to some of the top high school football players in the state of Florida – especially on the defensive side of the ball.   On Sunday, the Hawks added another elite prospect when Class of 2027 standout Theodis Wilson was named MVP. Sacks, QB Hurries, forced fumbles and tackles. This was indeed a leader for one of the best teams in the state.   He led a defense that was one of the best and stingiest in Florida, yielding just 72 points in 14 games before losing a heart-breaker in the 6A state semifinals.   Theodis “Theo” Wilson, 6'3, 225.   TAPE: <a href="https://access.qwikcut.com/highlights/69378c73932782de70318fe7">https://access.qwikcut.com/highlights/69378c73932782de70318fe7</a>   WILSON WAS NOT THE ONLY LINEBACKER STANDOUT ON SUNDAY   While Wilson did his thing – and did it well – there were others in the rising senior (2027) class that will continue to turn heads this off-season and into the 2026 season.   Players such as Elijah Floyd (Rockledge), Jaeden Jackson (Miami Northwestern), Ta'Maj Woodard (Daytona Beach Mainland), Joe Sykes (West Boca Raton), Cory Matthews (Jacksonville Mandarin), Jayden Gummer (Miami Gardens Monsignor Edward Pace), Charles Calhoun III (Auburndale), Nathaniel Bennett (Jacksonville Trinity Christian Academy), Florida's top-rated linebacker Kaden Henderson (Tampa Jesuit), Jelani Bentley (Tavares) and Malachi Moore (Auburndale).   The Class of 2028 (rising juniors) had a good group as well – with Gabriel Player (Melbourne Eau Gallie), Ethan Hook (Delray Beach Atlantic), Chris Morillo (Hudson), Troy Turner (Lake Mary), Zakhari Johnson (Miami Carol City), Jaison Brown (Yulee), Jordan Olds (Sebring), Brett Bearden (Jacksonville The Bolles School), Steven Moore (Miami Central) and Tampa Bay Tech's Messiah Rushing.   UNDER ARMOUR NEXT ORLANDO   UA Next Orlando: Defensive Linemen Rise To The Top. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/ua-next-orlando-defensive-linemen-shine/">https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/ua-next-orlando-defensive-linemen-shine/</a>   UA Next Orlando: Offensive Linemen Were Impressive. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/ua-next-orlando-o-linemen-stood-tall/">https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/ua-next-orlando-o-linemen-stood-tall/</a>   UA Next Orlando: Davidson Leads Quarterbacks. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/ua-orlando-davidson-leads-quarterbacks/">https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/ua-orlando-davidson-leads-quarterbacks/</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>Floridakids1@aol.com</a>.

ORLANDO – When rising senior football players Ninaud “Nino” Joseph and Theodis Wilson arrived at Bishop Moore High School on Sunday, both standouts were out to show that they both were among the best football prospects in the state.