Spring Tour: Lakeland Christian Trending Up

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>HC Danny Williams has Lakeland Christian moving in the right direction after an 8-3 season, with returning production and impact pieces around a rising 2027 quarterback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brody Brenneman | 2027 | Lakeland Christian | @brody_brenneman</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brenneman continues to separate himself with efficiency and control. Accurate, poised, and decisive under pressure, he's elevated the offense while adding Division I offers this offseason. With weapons around him, a deep postseason push feels realistic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>AJ Truedell | RB | 2027 | Lakeland Christian | @clapz_aj</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A talented back who brings balance and versatility. Truedell impacts the run game and passing game equally, running clean routes and creating mismatches out of the backfield. Reliable production with next-level utility.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Messiah Borders | WR | 2027 | Lakeland Christian | @Messiah2borders</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dynamic playmaker with strong run-after-catch ability and natural confidence. Borders has become a go-to option offensively while also showing value in coverage defensively. High-upside two-way prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Marcus Bankston | ATH | 2027 | Lakeland Christian | @MarcusBankston_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bankston's development is showing. Improved route consistency, reliable hands, and growing confidence make him a key offensive piece. Also brings value defensively with his movement skills in coverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jayden Wall | 2029 | Lakeland Christian | @JaydenW__14</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the more intriguing young receivers in the county. Wins vertically with strong tracking ability and a large catch radius. Consistently makes plays downfield and continues trending up early.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jayden Freeman | DB | 2029 | Lakeland Christian | @_getlikej2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Freeman continues to develop into a dependable young defensive back. Comfortable in coverage, willing to tackle, and showing steady growth with each outing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Joseph Bustos | EDGE | 2028 | Lakeland Christian | @bustos_football</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bustos put together one of the more productive defensive seasons among Polk's young prospects, finishing with 79 tackles and 13.5 TFLs. He plays with a quick first step off the edge and shows a natural feel for tracking the football. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1895256' first='Cael' last='Straub'] | WR | 2027 | Lakeland Christian | @Cael_Straub</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Straub built momentum last season and looks sharper this offseason. Cleaner routes, growing confidence, and the ability to contribute on both sides give him added value heading into spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>JD McCoy | ATH | Lakeland Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Calm, controlled athlete with versatility. Shows a smooth release at QB but projects as a dynamic playmaker capable of impacting the game at multiple positions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2075122' first='Payton' last='Riley'] | DB/LB | 2028 | Lakeland Christian | @PaytonRilekz</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Instinctive defender with a good feel for the game. Reads routes well, attacks downhill, and shows early signs of strong defensive awareness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->