Polk Edition: Week 3 Notable Defensive Standouts

Every Sunday and throughout the week following Friday HS Football Game Day, Prep Redzone scout Drew Johnson will be highlighting some of the standouts and notable performances from the weekend. Teams around the state kicked off week one and there were certainly some "Game Changers" and Notable Prospects to make note of.   Note: If you feel we missed a prospect or have a notable athlete worth mentioning, DM me @RealNews102.   The Entire Bartow Yellow Jackets Defense - Start the season 4-0   Jaydon Williams DB, DJ Galva DB, [player_tooltip player_id='292088' first='Quavion' last='Bird'] DT, Tavares Murray DB, [player_tooltip player_id='1132412' first='Jashod' last='Hampton'] DB, Ladarrius Davis DE, De'coryian Stanley LB, Mikeyon Bruce DT, Rodrick Clark LB   [player_tooltip player_id='1035186' first='Quinton' last='Moore Jr'] | LB | Class of 2024 | Lake Gibson | @QuintonMooreJr2   Moore finished week 3 as my top defensive standout in Polk because of how productive he was in multiple categories. Just check the stat line: 11 tackles, 1 TFL, 3 sacks, and a blocked punt. That's an impact player the Braves needed to step up.   Film:   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14974995/64fcf6980c54fe0abc581a50">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14974995/64fcf6980c54fe0abc581a50</a>   Johnquae Richardson | LB | Class of 2024 | Lake Wales | @StayHumble_Quay   Messiah Marlow | LB | Class of 2024 | Lake Wales | @MarlowMessiah   Richardson and Marlow complete a tough linebacker unit Lake Wales has put together. Reliable tackler with a consistent motor.    Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15102596/64fb88d45b3d5d159468c518">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15102596/64fb88d45b3d5d159468c518</a>   Ashton White | LB | Class of 2024 | Fort Meade | @ashtontofye23   White is the leader and head hunter of the Miners' linebacker core and he showed that against LCS. Made some big-time tackles.    Film: <a href="https://x.com/h2_recruiting/status/1700311384716726675?s=46&t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ">https://x.com/h2_recruiting/status/1700311384716726675?s=46&t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ</a>   [player_tooltip player_id='1628903' first='Omari' last='Russell'] | DB | Class of 2026 | Fort Meade | @omari_russell   One of the top-rising defensive backs in Polk recorded an interception against Lakeland Christian.    Film: <a href="https://x.com/h2_recruiting/status/1700332106251939904?s=46&t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ">https://x.com/h2_recruiting/status/1700332106251939904?s=46&t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ</a>   Gary Love | DB | Class of 2024 | Lake Wales | @g_love_2   Love had the game-sealing interception against Sebring to close out a defensive chess match at 7-0. Check the interception below.    Film: <a href="https://x.com/andy_villamarzo/status/1699961689402229079?s=46&t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ">https://x.com/andy_villamarzo/status/1699961689402229079?s=46&t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ</a>   [player_tooltip player_id='283732' first='Elijah' last='Dias'] | LB | Class of 2026 | Auburndale | @twin_frmpolk   Dias is one of the top linebacker prospects in the 2026 class, no doubt. The rising sophomore finished with 15 total tackles and 4 tackles for loss. He is a guy that flies all over the field to make an impact.    [player_tooltip player_id='743077' first='Nate' last='Gabriel'] | DT | Class of 2024 | Auburndale | @nathangabriel7_   The top defensive lineman in Polk County was dominant on Friday night against the Red Devils. He totaled 8 tackles but caused havoc at the line of scrimmage throughout the game.    Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16034037/64fcf37fff0cd80fb8ec69d0">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16034037/64fcf37fff0cd80fb8ec69d0</a>   [player_tooltip player_id='1123185' first='Jameson' last='Young'] | DB | Class of 2024 | Lakeland | @jamesonyoung12   This has been like the second consecutive week that no one has targeted Young who has established Jamo Island early this season. Still shows up in the tackling department which is key to not getting bored out there and working on your game.    Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15947090/64fbf3bf7bd41b07d86dbe09">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15947090/64fbf3bf7bd41b07d86dbe09</a>   Malik Morris | LB | Class of 2026 | Lakeland | @MalikMoriss43_   Talk about being a game-changer on both sides of the ball. Despite a tough loss to a nationally ranked school in St. Joseph's Prep, Morris was all over the field in defense and even threw for a touchdown pass! One of the better linebacker prospects in the state.    [player_tooltip player_id='1827607' first='Joshua' last='Smith'] | LB | Class of 2024 | Lakeland | @joshua9smiths   Smith has made his presence known at the backer position and it was good to see him get his against a top team in the country. Smith forced and recovered a fumble in the red zone on Friday night.  Film: <a href="https://x.com/polk_way/status/1700290565001085017?s=46&t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ">https://x.com/polk_way/status/1700290565001085017?s=46&t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ</a>

Every Sunday and throughout the week following Friday HS Football Game Day, Prep Redzone scout Drew Johnson will be highlighting some of the standouts and notable performances from the weekend. Teams around the state kicked off week one and there were certainly some "Game Changers" and Notable Prospects to make note of.