C/O 2029 Defensive Leaders Return in 1A

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.         Jacory Mills – LB, Melbourne Central Catholic Height/Weight: 5'11", 190 lbs Season Stats: 81 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 INT, 2 pass breakups, 3 forced fumbles, 2 sacks over 10 games   Scouting Report: Mills is a high-motor linebacker who flies around the field and makes plays all over. He shows good pursuit, sheds blockers well, and has a nose for the football, creating turnovers with forced fumbles and an interception.   Analysis: Mills projects as an active, productive linebacker with a great motor. His high tackle total as a freshman shows he's always around the action and should only get better with more experience.   [player_tooltip player_id='1866283' first='Na'im' last='Jefferson'] – DE, Clearwater Central Catholic Height/Weight: 6'3", 240 lbs Season Stats: 68 tackles, 29 solo, 39 assists, 8 TFL, 5 sacks over 12 games. Offers: 9 Division 1 offers   Scouting Report: Jefferson is a big, strong defensive end who plays with good leverage, quickness, and power. He sets a solid edge in the run game and shows the ability to get after the quarterback, finishing with 5 sacks and 8 TFL.   Analysis: Jefferson has the size and production scouts like to see early. With 9 D1 offers already, he looks like a physical edge player with a bright future.   Keylan Henry – ILB, Crescent City High Height/Weight: 5'10", 200 lbs Season Stats: 59 tackles, 1 fumble recovery over 10 games. 4.0 GPA   Scouting Report: Henry is a physical inside linebacker who fills gaps well and plays with solid toughness. He's a reliable tackler who shows good instincts in the middle of the defense.   Analysis: Henry is a dependable presence in the middle of the defense who consistently finds his way to the football. His production and 4.0 GPA highlight both his on-field consistency and discipline away from the game.   Amarion Keenon – DE, Crescent City High Height/Weight: 6'1", 226 lbs Season Stats: 59 tackles, 6 TFL, 4 sacks over 10 games. 3.5 GPA   Scouting Report: Keenon is a strong, active defensive end who uses his hands well and plays with good effort. He consistently creates pressure and shows the ability to make plays in the backfield.   Analysis: Keenon brings good size and production off the edge. He's a physical player who should continue to develop into a solid defensive end.   Nate Rosier – DE/Edge, North Florida Christian Height/Weight: 5'10", 180 lbs Season Stats: 55 tackles, 32 solo, 23 assists, 7 TFL over 10 games   Scouting Report: Rosier is a quick, fast edge player who plays with a ton of motor. He shows good burst off the line and the ability to make plays from sideline to sideline.   Analysis: Rosier's burst and relentless motor show up throughout his film. Despite being undersized for a traditional edge player, he consistently creates problems with his quickness and pursuit.   Paul Ostrander – NG, Melbourne Central Catholic Height/Weight: 6'1", 290 lbs Season Stats: 49 tackles, 20 solo, 29 assists, 4 TFL, 1.5 sacks over 11 games. Squats 455lbs x 4   Scouting Report: Ostrander is a thick, powerful nose guard who anchors the middle of the line. He holds up well against double teams and shows surprising strength, backed by impressive squat numbers.   Analysis: Ostrander projects as a stout interior lineman with good power. His size and strength give him a solid foundation as a run-stuffer.   Geedarious "Gee" Thomas – DT/DE, University Christian High Height/Weight: 6'1", 260 lbs Season Stats: 48 tackles, 31 solo, 17 assists, 21 TFL, 8.5 sacks over 12 games. Offers: 9 Division 1 offers   Scouting Report: Thomas is an active, disruptive defensive lineman who penetrates gaps and creates havoc. He shows quickness for his size and a strong motor, racking up 21 TFL and 8.5 sacks.   Analysis: Thomas has the production and disruption ability that get college coaches excited. With 9 D1 offers already, he looks like a high-upside front seven player.   LJ James – MLB, Saint Andrew's High Height/Weight: 6'0", 180 lbs Season Stats: 47 tackles, 2 INT, 6.5 TFL, 4 sacks over 12 games   Scouting Report: James is a fast-flowing middle linebacker who shows good instincts and range. He can make plays in the backfield and also shows the ability to drop and cover.   Analysis: James projects as an athletic, productive linebacker with versatility. His tackle-for-loss and sack numbers show on film he can be disruptive from the second level.   AJ Fenelus – WR/FS, St John Paul II Academy Height/Weight: 5'11", 170 lbs Season Stats: 41 tackles, 3 INT over 8 games. Offers: 4 Division 1 offers, 5 total offers   Scouting Report: Fenelus is a smooth, athletic two-way player who contributes at receiver and free safety. He shows good speed and ball skills on both sides of the ball.   Analysis: Fenelus projects as a versatile athlete with playmaking ability. His early Division 1 offers show he's already on the recruiting radar.   Stacey Bartley Jr. – FS, KIPP Bold City Height/Weight: 6'0", 175 lbs Season Stats: 40 tackles, 2 INT, 2 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, 1 TFL over 9 games.   Scouting Report: Bartley is a rangy free safety who flies to the ball and creates turnovers. He shows good range and the ability to force fumbles while supporting the run.   Analysis: Bartley has been productive in multiple areas, whether it's creating turnovers, supporting the run, or making tackles in space. His combination of size and production gives him plenty to build on moving into the season.   Mason Bennett – ILB, The Benjamin School Height/Weight: 6'0", 205 lbs Season Stats: 60 tackles, 1 INT, 10 TFL, 2 sacks over 7 games. 3.4 GPA, 275lb bench Offers: Warner University, Fort Lauderdale University   Scouting Report: Bennett is a physical inside linebacker who plays with good leverage and aggression. He shows the ability to get into the backfield and create negative plays.   Analysis: Bennett brings toughness and production at the position. His strength numbers and early offers give him a solid momentum to build on.

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.