Tampa Bay’s Rising Defensive Stars — Class of 2028

<!-- 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>[player_tooltip player_id='2140988' first='Messiah' last='Rushing'] – LB, Tampa Bay Tech</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 6'2", 225 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>Season Stats: 86 tackles, 12.5 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 INT</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Scouting Report:</em></strong><br>Rushing is a physical, disruptive linebacker who plays with excellent size and strength. He shows the ability to shed blockers and create negative plays, finishing with strong TFL and sack numbers while also contributing in coverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Analysis:</em></strong><br>Rushing projects as a powerful, productive linebacker who can impact the run game and generate pressure. His size and disruption ability make him a strong presence in the front seven.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Demonti Wilson – ILB, Plant City High</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 5'11", 210 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>Season Stats: 84 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 1 sack, 1 INT</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Scouting Report:</em></strong><br>Wilson is a tough, physical inside linebacker who fills gaps well and shows good instincts. He's a reliable tackler who can get into the backfield and also contributes with ball skills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Analysis:</em></strong><br>Wilson projects as a gritty, dependable middle linebacker. His high tackle total and ability to create turnovers give him solid production and upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2140984' first='Andrew' last='Paschal Jr.'] – SS/OLB, Largo High</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 6'1", 185 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>Season Stats: 84 tackles, 5 TFL, 2 INT</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Scouting Report:</em></strong><br>Paschal is a rangy, athletic defender who covers a lot of ground from the secondary or linebacker spot. He shows good pursuit, solid tackling, and the ability to create turnovers with his ball skills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Analysis:</em></strong><br>Paschal projects as a versatile, high-motor defender who can play multiple roles. His production and range make him a valuable piece on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Jacob Blough – ILB, St. Petersburg High</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 5'11", 185 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>Season Stats: 75 tackles, 3 TFL, 2 sacks</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Scouting Report:</em></strong><br>Blough is an active, high-effort inside linebacker who flies to the ball and makes plays. He shows good pursuit and the ability to get into the backfield while maintaining solid tackling numbers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Analysis:</em></strong><br>Blough projects as a tough, productive linebacker with a strong motor. His consistency and ability to create negative plays give him a solid foundation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->