Ball Hawks Take Flight in 4A

Florida remains the undisputed powerhouse of high school football talent in America. Year after year, the Sunshine State delivers some of the most explosive, dynamic prospects in the country — athletes blessed with elite speed, breathtaking agility, and raw, game-changing athleticism. On Friday nights, Florida sets the standard, and college coaches nationwide are watching.   As the 2025 season fades in the rearview mirror, all eyes now turn to the Class of 2028 and the rising standouts poised to dominate the 2026 campaign. This list highlights players whose stock is climbing rapidly. Every athlete featured possesses the talent and tools to succeed at the collegiate level. Some are already collecting multiple scholarship offers, while others are emerging sleepers just starting to draw serious interest — but all are capable of making an immediate impact in the right program.   From nationally ranked difference-makers to under-the-radar gems, this group is stacked with future college playmakers. Prep Redzone Florida will continue to spotlight and support these athletes as they pursue their dreams of playing at the next level.         [player_tooltip player_id='1879580' first='Tyson' last='McCullough'] – SS/Nickel, Zephyrhills High Height/Weight: 6'1", 183 lbs Season Stats: 50 tackles, 6 TFL, 8 pass breakups, 5 interceptions over 11 games. Offers: USF, Liberty   Scouting Report: McCullough is a big, physical safety who plays with excellent range and toughness. He's comfortable in the box making tackles, but also shows good instincts in coverage, consistently breaking up passes and coming away with 5 interceptions.   Analysis: McCullough projects as a versatile, physical safety with strong playmaking ability. His well-rounded production and existing offers from USF and Liberty show he's a legitimate college prospect.   John Pericles – CB/K, St. Petersburg High Height/Weight: 5'10", 150 lbs Season Stats: 20 tackles, 2 pass breakups, 4 interceptions over 9 games. 3.8 GPA   Scouting Report: Pericles is a quick, confident corner with natural ball skills. He reads routes well and has a nose for the football, already securing 4 interceptions while also contributing as a kicker.   Analysis: Pericles projects as a smooth, instinctive defensive back with versatility. His ball production and strong academics make him an attractive multi-purpose athlete.   Roycen Jones – FS/SS, Escambia High Height/Weight: 6'0", 205 lbs Season Stats: 53 tackles, 3 pass breakups, 4 interceptions over 10 games. Offers: 3 official Division I scholarship offers   Scouting Report: Jones is a well-built, physical safety who excels in run support. He plays with good speed for his size, flows to the ball effectively, and shows good ability in coverage with 4 interceptions.   Analysis: Jones projects as a sturdy, hard-hitting safety who can play multiple spots in the secondary. His tackle production and early D1 interest highlight his physical upside.   Marlin Johnson – DB, Plantation High Height/Weight: 5'10", 165 lbs Season Stats: 46 tackles, 11 pass breakups, 4 interceptions over 11 games. Offers: 9 official Division I scholarship offers   Scouting Report: Johnson is a quick, feisty defensive back who excels at disrupting receivers. He's extremely active with his hands, consistently breaking up passes, and shows the ability to create turnovers while supporting the run.   Analysis: Johnson projects as a high-energy, playmaking defensive back. His strong production and 9 D1 offers reflect his competitiveness and ability to impact games.   Gage Wilson – SS/WR, Jensen Beach High Height/Weight: 6'3", 180 lbs Season Stats: 11 pass breakups, 3 interceptions over 7 games. 3.2 GPA Offers: 2 Division 1 offers   Scouting Report: Wilson is a tall, lengthy safety with great coverage skills. He uses his size to contest passes at the highest point and shows promising ball skills with a ton of pass breakups and interceptions.   Analysis: Wilson projects as a long, athletic safety with mismatch potential. His size and early college offers give him strong developmental upside.   Tre Larry – FS/WR, Fivay High Height/Weight: 6'3", 165 lbs Season Stats: 22 tackles, 2 pass breakups, 3 interceptions over 10 games. 4.6 40yd, 3.3 GPA Offer: Gardner Webb University   Scouting Report: Larry is a long, speedy defensive back who covers a lot of ground. He uses his elite height and 4.6 speed to stay on top of receivers and shows the ability to make plays on the ball with 3 interceptions.   Analysis: Larry projects as a tall, rangy free safety with good athleticism. His size/speed combination and existing offer make him an intriguing prospect in the secondary.   Tres Walton – FS/WR, New Smyrna Beach High Height/Weight: 6'1", 190 lbs Season Stats: 41 tackles, 4 pass breakups, 3 interceptions over 11 games. 315lb bench   Scouting Report: Walton is a physical, well-built safety who plays with toughness and strength. He supports the run effectively and shows solid coverage instincts, backed by impressive strength numbers in the weight room.   Analysis: Walton projects as a physical, reliable safety who can handle multiple responsibilities. His production and strength give him a solid base for continued development.   [player_tooltip player_id='2204762' first='Justin' last='Antenor'] – CB, Archbishop McCarthy High Height/Weight: 6'2", 185 lbs Season Stats: 46 tackles, 10 pass breakups, 3 interceptions over 13 games. Offers: 18 Division 1 scholarship offers   Scouting Report: Antenor is a tall, physical corner with excellent length and coverage ability. He challenges receivers at the line and at the catch point, consistently disrupting passes and showing strong ball skills over a full season.   Analysis: Antenor projects as a big, competitive corner with high-level traits. His production and impressive 18 D1 offers already mark him as one of the top corners in the class of 2028.

Florida remains the undisputed powerhouse of high school football talent in America. Year after year, the Sunshine State delivers some of the most explosive, dynamic prospects in the country — athletes blessed with elite speed, breathtaking agility, and raw, game-changing athleticism. On Friday nights, Florida sets the standard, and college coaches nationwide are watching.