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Rising Stars in Florida High School Football: Emerging 11
Every recruiting cycle there emerges talented prospects that bubble under the radar and then suddenly take their games to the next level. This emergence usually starts in the offseason and carries over into the regular season.
Here’s a list of 11 prospects at each position that will emerge to the top of recruiting boards when it’s all said and done.
Quarterback
2021 QB Kiael Kelly (Jesuit) – The Kelly name is synonymous with high school and college football lore in the state of Florida. Following his father’s dual threat footsteps is Kiael Kelly. The 6’2” rising sophomore recently transferred from his father’s alma mater, Tampa Catholic to Jesuit where he will soon be lighting up the scoreboard under the Friday night lights.
Running Back
2020 RB Frank Gore Jr. (Killian) – The son of another Cane legend enters the list at the running back position. The 2020 version of Frank Gore is overlooked because of his current size, but he has elite running back written all over him. It’s in his DNA and that makes the Junior’s skill set undeniable. Like father, like son.
Wide Receiver
2021 WR Tommi Hill (Edgewater) – Tommi Hill is the real deal. He has the speed to go the distance and the sure hands to make every grab. That combination makes him a sure bet as a top recruit in the Class of 2021. The scariest part about Hill’s game is that he’ll continue to improve and that’s bad news for future defenders.
Tight End
2021 TE Gage Wilcox (Jefferson) – Gage Wilcox has emerged as a premiere TE recruit, impressing evaluators with strong showings during camp season. The athletic TE with a wide catch radius has been a thorn in the side of smaller DBs and LBs who lack speed in coverage. There’s no reason his dominance won’t carry over into the 2018 regular season.
Athlete
2020 ATH Xavier Restrepo (St. Thomas Aquinas) – Xavier Restrepo blew up on the 7v7 club circuit playing with the Florida Fire. He now arrives at perennial power St. Thomas Aquinas as a slot receiver and safety. The versatile athlete is looking to put together a solid junior campaign and continue his rise to the top of the ATH category.
Offensive Line
2021 OG Laurence Seymore (Miami Central) – Big Baby Seymore is more like a man amongst boys when it comes to hand to hand combat in the trenches. Many defensive linemen have fallen victim to his strong punch in run blocking or pass protection. He’s already gone viral this summer so expect more highlights to come from the 2021 phenom.
Defensive Line
2020 DT Henry Bryant III (Atlantic) – The three-star prospect from Atlantic can do it all. He can stop the run, he can drop into coverage, and he even excels on offense with the ball in his hand. Bryant is not only a defensive lineman, he is also a very good all around athlete.
Defensive End
2021 DE Dedrick Smith (Robert E. Lee) – It doesn’t take long for Dedrick Smith to show up on film. The Jacksonville product sniffs out ball carriers and arrives like a heat seeking missile. He currently holds two offers, but will soon approach double digits after he puts in work this fall. Remember the name.
Linebacker
2020 LB Andy Garcia (American Heritage) – Andy Garcia has natural linebacker instincts. He sheds blockers well and is a sure tackler. Garcia also does the little things like show up on film running down ball carriers. His motor and understanding of the game as a rising junior will begin to separate him from the pack at linebacker.
Cornerback
2021 CB Markevious Brown (Pahokee) – The state of Florida churns out top defensive backs each recruiting class. Markevious Brown is earning his stripes to be considered next in line. It’s only a matter of time before he catches fire on the recruiting trail and more FBS programs start pulling the trigger.
Safety
2021 S Marquvion Jeter (Clearwater) – Marquvion Jeter is a top recruit from the deep Class of 2021. He is active around the football and finishes tackles coming up from his safety position. The way he gets in the mix and throws his body around separates him from most prospects in his recruiting class. Jeter also has a good set of hands when interceptions are up for grabs. He’ll finish his high school career with numerous offers.
Join Football Hotbed at the National High School Exposure Showcase on July 13-14, 2018 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Nominate a player here.
