Stock Watch: 2028 Central Florida Prospects Building Buzz

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the offseason moves toward spring, a number of 2028 prospects across Central Florida are stacking development and production. These are the types of players who may not have the full spotlight yet, but their body of work, combined with offseason growth, points toward bigger roles and rising attention heading into the fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Julian White | South Lake | @Juju__White</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>White proved he could be trusted in a secondary that experienced one of the best runs in program history. He shows the ability to stay in phase in coverage, competes at the catch point, and consistently finds ways to impact the football. What stands out most is his reliability — he doesn't bust assignments and makes quarterbacks work when targeting his side. With continued offseason reps, he's a name that could start generating more traction.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Vario McBride | ATH | Winter Haven | @hbk_dmarrr</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McBride brings a physical, downhill presence that translates on both sides of the ball. He plays with natural instincts, especially when triggering toward the run, and shows comfort finishing through contact. His versatility remains one of his biggest strengths — he can line up in multiple roles and produce. This offseason will be important in refining his position long term, but the foundation is there for a productive junior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2124095' first='Cale' last='Britt'] | LB | Bishop Moore | @Cale_britt6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a highly productive sophomore campaign, Britt has already shown he can handle volume at linebacker. At 6-3, 190 pounds, he has a frame that projects well as he continues adding strength. He plays with effort, moves well laterally, and isn't afraid to take on blocks. The next step is continued physical development and refining play recognition, which could elevate him into a more complete defensive presence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2075125' first='Evan' last='Sorkness'] | ATH | Oviedo | @Evan_S_11</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sorkness made a smooth transition into the secondary and showed encouraging signs as a safety. He plays with good awareness, takes clean angles to the football, and finishes tackles in space. His ability to stay disciplined in coverage adds value, and he continues to develop into a dependable piece on the back end. Another offseason of growth should help him take the next step.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaden Irons | St. Cloud | @JadenIrons_7</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Irons was a key contributor on a playoff defense and showed he can impact games in multiple ways. Whether lining up in coverage, coming downhill as a tackler, or contributing on special teams, he brings a steady presence. Coaches trust him because of his consistency and willingness to do the dirty work. With more offseason development, he has the potential to expand his role even further.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Deshaun Smalls | ATH | Winter Haven | @7_smalls38505</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smalls is an explosive athlete with real two-way value. He shows physicality and awareness in the secondary on defense, and offensively he's dangerous with the ball in his hands, consistently creating chunk plays after the catch or on designed touches. Already holding a D1 offer, he's one of the more complete athletes in the 2028 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Derryek Gillis | RB | 2028 | Hawthorne | @derryek_1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gillis already brings proven production with a 1,000-yard season on a championship-caliber team. Built low to the ground with a strong frame, he runs with power and purpose between the tackles. He handles contact well and shows the durability to carry a heavy workload. As he continues to develop burst and top-end speed, his profile as a reliable, downhill back only gets stronger.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaylen Lowman | Winter Springs | @soulflyjaso</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lowman's production jumps off the page, but it's his instincts and effort that separate him. He consistently finds himself around the football, whether in coverage or attacking downhill. The interception numbers reflect his awareness, but his overall motor shows up on every snap. If he continues stacking development this offseason, he could take another noticeable leap heading into the fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Josh Shaw | ATH | 2028 | Trinity Prep | @josh_shaw09</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Few players bring the all-around production Shaw does. Contributing heavily on both sides of the ball, he impacts the game as a runner, defender, and overall playmaker. The stat line speaks for itself, but it's his consistency and versatility that stand out. He's the type of prospect who may fly under the radar now but continues to produce at a high level. Expect more attention as his role expands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2171422' first='Maverick' last='Jones'] | DB | 2028 | Hawthorne | @JonesMaverick9&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jones is trending toward a bigger impact season in the secondary. He has a solid frame to build on and is continuing to improve technically with added reps this offseason. Shows flashes as a playmaker and has the tools to develop into a more complete defensive back. With continued refinement, he's positioned to take a step forward this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->