Offseason Risers I’m Excited to Watch This Fall

Every offseason, a handful of prospects separate themselves through consistent development, camp performances, and noticeable growth. Whether it was refining their skill set, gaining confidence, or proving they could compete against quality talent, these are a few players whose stock rose over the past several months and who I'm excited to watch when the lights come on this fall.   Jackson Conte | WR | 2028 | Plant | @contewr1   Conte has quietly become one of the more intriguing young receivers in the Tampa area. The rising sophomore brings a good blend of size, speed, and route-running ability, allowing him to create separation at every level of the field. What also stood out was his willingness to block and compete every snap, something coaches always appreciate. With another offseason under his belt, Conte looks poised to become a reliable offensive weapon for Plant.   [player_tooltip player_id='2152254' first='Blake' last='Marinko'] | WR | 2028 | Wiregrass Ranch | @blake_marinko   Marinko has simply been one of the most productive receivers throughout the offseason. Started in the 7v7 circuit season where his route running and confidence were noticeable. Followed that up by consistently creating separation with polished route running and giving quarterbacks a dependable target every stop along the college bus tour which featured a number of D1 schools. His understanding of leverage, body control, and ability to uncover made him one of the biggest receiver winners of the summer. Expect that momentum to carry into the fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1578303' first='Joey' last='Cassidy'] | ATH | 2028 | Carrollwood Day | @JCassidy_10   Few athletes improved their stock more than Cassidy this offseason. His reliable hands, polished routes, and overall athleticism allowed him to make plays from multiple positions throughout the offseason. As the weeks went on, his confidence continued growing, and it showed in his performance. Cassidy is a versatile athlete whose upside continues to trend upward heading into his sophomore season.   Jayden Rivers | WR | 2027 | Sarasota | @RiversJayd51820   Rivers consistently proved why he's one of the more dependable slot receivers in the class. He won underneath with sharp routes, quick feet, and reliable hands while consistently moving the chains. His ability to separate in short areas and compete every rep makes him a valuable piece of Sarasota's offense entering a pivotal junior season.   Kaiden Moss | DB | 2027 | Zephyrhills Christian Academy | @Kj_Kev13   Moss established himself as one of the top defensive backs I evaluated this offseason. He competed with confidence, challenged receivers throughout the tour, and consistently made plays on the football. Whether playing tight man coverage or driving downhill on routes, Moss backed up his reputation with performance. He's entering the fall with plenty of momentum.   [player_tooltip player_id='2132994' first='Mark' last='Jones Jr']. | ATH | 2028 | Carrollwood Day | @mark_jonesjr813   Jones is a fast-rising sophomore who should be on many more recruiting radars this season. His speed immediately stands out, making him difficult to stay in front of both in 7-on-7 competition and on Friday nights. After gaining valuable varsity experience as a freshman, Jones looks ready to take another step as a dynamic slot weapon with big-play ability.   [player_tooltip player_id='2237271' first='Jonas' last='Metelus'] | RB | 2028 | Bartow | @jon92959   Metelus runs with an edge. He attacks downhill, embraces contact, and has enough burst to bounce runs outside when defenses overcommit. The rising sophomore continues showing the physical running style and explosiveness coaches look for in a feature back. His spring performance only reinforced the upside he brings into the fall.   Malachi Hairston | ATH | 2027 | Zephyrhills Christian Academy | @Malihairston   Hairston was one of the most complete athletes I saw throughout the offseason. He impacted the game on both sides of the football, competed with physicality, and consistently made plays when opportunities presented themselves. His versatility, toughness, and effort stood out from the first stop to the last. This season presents a major opportunity to elevate his recruitment.   Aidan DiPaolo | WR | 2028 | Mitchell | @ADipaola15   DiPaolo enters the fall looking to build on the valuable varsity experience he gained as a sophomore. He possesses a solid frame, good speed, and polished route-running ability that allows him to create separation consistently. With continued development and increased opportunities this season, DiPaolo has all the tools to emerge as another rising receiver to watch in Florida's 2028 class.

Every offseason, a handful of prospects separate themselves through consistent development, camp performances, and noticeable growth. Whether it was refining their skill set, gaining confidence, or proving they could compete against quality talent, these are a few players whose stock rose over the past several months and who I'm excited to watch when the lights come on this fall.