4A’s C/O 2027 Hidden Gems Ready to Emerge

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>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.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>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.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>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.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Durell Preston – RB, St. Augustine High</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 5'10", 180 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>Season Stats: 837 rushing yards on 117 carries (7.15 avg), 16 TDs; 13 receptions for 215 yards and 2 TDs over 12 games. 4.0 GPA</em></strong><br><strong><em>Offers: UNC-Pembroke, Keiser, Edward Waters University</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Scouting Report:</em></strong><br>Preston is a strong, physical running back who runs with good vision and power. He consistently falls forward for extra yards and shows reliable hands as a receiver, making him a complete back who can carry the load.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Analysis:</em></strong><br>Preston projects as a productive, well-rounded running back with scoring ability. His high touchdown total, strong academics, and early college offers show he has the tools to contribute at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2195587' first='James' last='Simpson'] – RB, Escambia High</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 5'10", 205 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>Season Stats: 825 rushing yards on 127 carries (6.5 avg), 5 TDs; 25 receptions for 254 yards and 2 TDs over 8 games.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Scouting Report:</em></strong><br>Simpson is a tough, physical runner who works hard between the tackles and shows good receiving skills out of the backfield. He can also line up in the slot and create mismatches with his versatility.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Analysis:</em></strong><br>Simpson projects as a strong, multi-purpose back who can handle a heavy workload. His production and ability to contribute in multiple ways give him nice value in an offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2194475' first='Ke'Mariae' last='Bullard'] – RB, Clearwater High</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 5'9", 175 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>Season Stats: 802 rushing yards on 113 carries (7.1 avg), 2 TDs; 2 receptions for 9 yards and 1 TD over 11 games. 4.43 40yd dash</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Scouting Report:</em></strong><br>Bullard is a quick, elusive runner with good speed and vision. He makes defenders miss in the open field and shows the ability to turn small gains into bigger plays with his acceleration and burst.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Analysis:</em></strong><br>Bullard projects as a speedy, shifty back with big-play potential. His vision and track speed give him the traits to be a dangerous runner in space.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Tyson Drummond – RB, Lakewood High</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 5'9", 184 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>Season Stats: 605 rushing yards on 120 carries (5.04 avg), 6 TDs; 2 receptions for 76 yards and 1 TD over 10 games. 4.49 GPA</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Scouting Report:</em></strong><br>Drummond is a tough, hard-nosed runner who consistently works for extra yards and shows good balance through contact. He's a reliable back who can handle a heavy workload and contribute in the passing game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Analysis:</em></strong><br>Drummond projects as a gritty, dependable running back. His production over a full season and strong academics make him a high-character prospect with upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Jovaughn Dock – HB, Middleton High</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 5'8", 195 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>Season Stats: 561 rushing yards on 127 carries (4.42 avg), 5 TDs; 3 receptions for 8 yards over 9 games</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Scouting Report:</em></strong><br>Dock is a compact, powerful runner who lowers his shoulder and fights for every yard. He shows good vision and the toughness to run between the tackles while also contributing on defense at linebacker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Analysis:</em></strong><br>Dock projects as a tough, physical back with two-way potential. His ability to handle a heavy workload and play hard on both sides of the ball gives him nice versatility.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->