5 State Playoff Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While we head toward this week's state semifinal round, lets keep in mind that the talent that takes the field throughout Florida on Friday are not only highly regarded here, but colleges and universities nationally are watching them as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Each week, our team here at Prep Redzone Florida brings you so much talent to keep an eye on – from Pensacola to Key West and everywhere in between.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>During the off-season, we keep an eye on emerging talent from attending more events live than any other source.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With all that in mind, we look at five prospects who made a lasting impression during the Region Final round.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These young men continue to make an impact and propel their respective programs to the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 - [player_tooltip player_id='827359' first='Bryce' last='Fitzgerald'], Athlete, 6-1, 170, Miami Christopher Columbus. </strong>One of the most complete athletes in the state of Florida and will be regarded in the future as one of the most sought-after talents that you will find. Not only was he a catalyst for Miami Belen Jesuit's football team the past two years but was also instrumental in leading the Wolverines to a first ever basketball state title. He plans to do the same with one of the best hoop teams in the country with the Explorers. Had 3 interceptions and 1 fumble recovery in a Region Final win against Davie Western.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19673313/Bryce-Fitzgerald" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/19673313/Bryce-Fitzgerald</a><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 - [player_tooltip player_id='826642' first='Tramell' last='Jones Jr.'], QB, 6-1, 190, Jacksonville Mandarin. </strong>There are several reasons why the Mustangs are in the 4M state semifinals, and this is one of them. An athletic prospect who continues to turn heads of colleges across the country as he ends his junior season. What he has been asked to do all season, and this week at Coconut Creek Monarch, is to add balance and leadership to a gifted offensive attack. In last week's huge win against Sanford Seminole, he was 13 of 25 for 266 yards and three touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/2920463/63751c562aa6240bf8d8b9ac" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/2920463/63751c562aa6240bf8d8b9ac</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 – [player_tooltip player_id='826450' first='Byron' last='Louis'], RB, 6-0, 204, Plantation American Heritage. </strong>From the first time he ran the ball as a freshman, you could tell right away that this was not your average 15-year-old back. His speed, vision and athleticism quickly separated him from anyone else in the class and college coaches found that out fast. His 303 yards and 5 touchdowns last week against Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons gave more coaches and analysts a chance to see what he is all about. He leads his team to another state semifinal appearance at home against a competitive Tampa Berkeley Prep squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15887512/Byron-Louis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/15887512/Byron-Louis</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 – [player_tooltip player_id='404583' first='J.P.' last='Pickles'], QB, 6-1, 201, Tallahassee North Florida Christian. </strong>How about a career that has included 8,751 yards, 92 passing touchdowns and 22 rushing scores! This is indeed one of the most productive offensive players in the state – and as he leads his Eagles to a state semifinal round, all eyes will be on this impressive talent. Leadingthe Eagles' offense to over 3,400 yards and 39 touchdowns this season, he stepped up in the Region Finals, scoring a late rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter, and throwing a 60-yard touchdown. He also gets it done in the classroom where he holds down a 4.08 grade point average.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11985275/JP-Pickles" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/11985275/JP-Pickles</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 – Alex Tate, LB, 6-0, 185, Tampa Plant. </strong>If you followed the Panthers this season, you already know how successful they have been as this team is starting to bring back the successful past. Here is a gifted underclassman who has stepped up in a major way as the road to Tallahassee goes through defending 4M state champion Miami Christopher Columbus on the road. In a huge win over Riverview Sumner in the Region Finals, he registered18 tackles (8 solo, 6 assists, 4 sacks, 3 quarterback pressures, 4 quarterback hits, 1 pass breakup).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16189178/Alex-Tate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16189178/Alex-Tate</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PHOTO COURTESY OF JOE FRISARO, SB LIVE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Statewide Coverage Daily.</strong> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/florida/">https://prepredzone.com/florida/</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: <strong><a href="mailto:Floridakids1@aol.com">Floridakids1@aol.com</a>.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->