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For most high school football programs, the spring is about getting better and seeing how your team looks in pads.
For college recruiters and media outlets, spring football mostly revolves around one thing — hitting the road.
USA TODAY's Florida Network is no different, and recruiting reporters Nick Wilson and Jon Santucci spent the month of May travelling up and down the Sunshine State to learn more about the top players in the state for the class of 2026 and beyond.
Here is a look at our busy spring and what we have learned about the future stars of high school and college football:
Community School of Naples hosted Gadsden County for a spring game that, without an officials present, devolved into a practice where both squads worked on situational sets.
Daylen Green, the No. 8 LB in the state, looked phenomenal in the middle, at safety, and even at wide receiver. He's poised to shoot up the state's Top 100 and confirmed he's only locked in visits to Arkansas and Florida Atlantic so far. He says trips to Ole Miss and Louisville are in the works as well.
The Razorbacks were early on Green, and FAU was on the sidelines of the spring scrimmage to check in. Green also says his hometown Seminoles are in contact, and want him to come camp in Tallahassee. He plans on committing before the season begins.
Jakobe Green, a Mississippi State IOL commit, is a high-priority for coach Herb Hand and the staff at Florida State. The Tallahassee native says he's locked in with the Bulldogs, but is going to take an official visit to Doak-Campbell on May 30. Keep an eye on the Seminoles' effort to flip Green away from Mississippi State. He says his final decision will be made by the first game of the regular season.
Community School of Naples is also rich with talent, starting up front with IOL George Haseotes. Hasetoes confirmed with USA TODAY's Florida Network that he was committing to Vanderbilt on the first day of spring practice, and said after the spring game against the Jaguars that he's shut down his recruitment and isn't taking anymore official visits.
Florida football recruiting 2026: 5 recruits we think will shoot up rankings this year
Recruiting: Westwood ATH Jordan Crutchfield impresses at safety in Gardens spring jamboree
Recruiting: Mandarin 2026 DL Brian Harris' mom predicted major college offers for her son
Rising junior tight end Landon Wolny (6-foot-4, 205 pounds) transferred in from Fort Myers and has seen his recruitment break containment. He took spring trips to Miami, Tennessee, Colorado, and Florida.
The Colorado trip left a huge impression on Wolny, and he says the staff's pedigree combined with the type of talent they recruit has put the Buffalo in a good light. The trip to Gainesville was similar, and Wolny plans on getting back up to The Swamp, along with Clemson, Alabama, Vanderbilt, and FSU this summer.
UCF and USF are battling hard for Seahawk running back Jayvan Tanelus, and both have set up official visits this summer. The Bulls were one of Tanelus' first offers and have pushing for him longer than most other programs. Scott Frost's takeover as head coach is appealing to Green, who says UCF's staff is starting to build something special in Orlando.
Duke and Georgia Tech have also locked in official visits with Green. Rutgers and Wake Forest are two schools that are pushing for Green but have not been able to lock in an official visit.
Rising junior IOL Colin Urrea has impressed on the camp circuit this offseason, and his recruiting has picked up as a result.
Urrea took a spring visit to Pitt and has built a strong relationship with the Panthers this spring. He says the trip moved Pitt up to No. 1 on his list for now. He also took a trip out to Louisville, and was impressed by how welcoming the Cards' were from top to bottom.
Virginia Tech is also in the hunt early on for Urrea. He reports camp invites from Ohio State, Michigan, Alabama, and Notre Dame as well.
Pickett (No. 6 IOL) is a major target for the Hurricanes, and offensive line coach Alex Mirabal visited Pickett the day after landing a commitment from Jackson Cantwell (5-star OT from Nixa, Missouri).
Pickett is a major target for the in-state powers. The Hurricanes will get the last swing at Pickett when they host him at the end of June. Florida has been applying pressure and will host Pickett for an official visit in mid-June. Clemson will host Pickett at the end of May.
Running back Javari Barnett, an Illinois commit, has picked up steam this spring. He says he's locked in official visits with Alabama, Penn State, and Tennessee. You can read more about Barnett, and other recruits we believe will rise in the rankings this year, by clicking the link below.
Lakeland linebacker Malik Morris, who did not suit up in Lakeland's 30-17 loss to Tampa Jesuit, released a top six on May 13 that consisted of Miami, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Texas A&M, and Missouri.
The No. 3 linebacker in the state confirmed with USA TODAY's Florida Network that he's locked in five official visits. Miami, Texas A&M, Florida, and Missouri will all host Morris for an official visit.
Colorado has also worked hard on the Polk County native and has locked in an official visit despite not making his Top-6. A sixth visit to Florida State may come to fruition as well, so keep an eye on the Seminoles' push for Morris.
The Indians proved that they are more than prepared for a title defense after coming back from down 20-0 in a spring game against Naples, all without edge-rusher Asharri Charles (No. 3 EDGE).
Florida and Miami are both battling hard for Charles, and both will get a pass during summertime official visits.
Rising junior running back Dorien Irving-Jones has looked solid at camps all offseason, and didn't skip a beat against a rugged Naples defense. Irving-Jones has earned offers from Florida State, Kansas, Tulane, and Sacramento State this spring alone.
Much has been made about Florida's current recruiting class (or lack thereof), but Gator fans have found solace in the fact their lone commit is truly special and seems to improve with every outing.
Quarterback Will Griffin (No. 50 overall player in the state) was invited to the prestigious Elite 11 Finals in California, and his work this offseason has shown why. Griffin threw for 300 yards, two touchdowns, and two picks in a 30-17 win over Lakeland. His ability to work off-platform has improved greatly, coupled with already impressive arm strength and IQ.
Q&A: 10 critical football recruiting questions on 2026 class in state: Gators still rule?
"That was a big thing I've been working on, moving my feet, working on mobility, and making a lot of off-balance throws," Griffin said. "Because I know at the next level I'm not going to have a perfect pocket every time. It was good to watch those things come to life. I'm proud of my receiver's and my line did a fantastic job."
While a senior signal caller leads the offense, rising junior Kaden Henderson is primed to fight for the No. 1 overall spot in the class of 2027's rankings.
VISITING FOOTBALL FACTORIES: Two Cardinal Mooney prospects chased by Alabama, other top programs
BIG MEN ON CAMPUS: IMG Academy top football recruits update visits, decisions for 2026 recruiting cycle
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Florida football recruiting: Where top prospects stand after spring
Continue reading...
For college recruiters and media outlets, spring football mostly revolves around one thing — hitting the road.
USA TODAY's Florida Network is no different, and recruiting reporters Nick Wilson and Jon Santucci spent the month of May travelling up and down the Sunshine State to learn more about the top players in the state for the class of 2026 and beyond.
Here is a look at our busy spring and what we have learned about the future stars of high school and college football:
Community School of Naples hosts Gadsden County for star-studded spring practice
Community School of Naples hosted Gadsden County for a spring game that, without an officials present, devolved into a practice where both squads worked on situational sets.
Daylen Green, the No. 8 LB in the state, looked phenomenal in the middle, at safety, and even at wide receiver. He's poised to shoot up the state's Top 100 and confirmed he's only locked in visits to Arkansas and Florida Atlantic so far. He says trips to Ole Miss and Louisville are in the works as well.
The Razorbacks were early on Green, and FAU was on the sidelines of the spring scrimmage to check in. Green also says his hometown Seminoles are in contact, and want him to come camp in Tallahassee. He plans on committing before the season begins.
Jakobe Green, a Mississippi State IOL commit, is a high-priority for coach Herb Hand and the staff at Florida State. The Tallahassee native says he's locked in with the Bulldogs, but is going to take an official visit to Doak-Campbell on May 30. Keep an eye on the Seminoles' effort to flip Green away from Mississippi State. He says his final decision will be made by the first game of the regular season.
Community School of Naples is also rich with talent, starting up front with IOL George Haseotes. Hasetoes confirmed with USA TODAY's Florida Network that he was committing to Vanderbilt on the first day of spring practice, and said after the spring game against the Jaguars that he's shut down his recruitment and isn't taking anymore official visits.
Florida football recruiting 2026: 5 recruits we think will shoot up rankings this year
Recruiting: Westwood ATH Jordan Crutchfield impresses at safety in Gardens spring jamboree
Recruiting: Mandarin 2026 DL Brian Harris' mom predicted major college offers for her son
Rising junior tight end Landon Wolny (6-foot-4, 205 pounds) transferred in from Fort Myers and has seen his recruitment break containment. He took spring trips to Miami, Tennessee, Colorado, and Florida.
The Colorado trip left a huge impression on Wolny, and he says the staff's pedigree combined with the type of talent they recruit has put the Buffalo in a good light. The trip to Gainesville was similar, and Wolny plans on getting back up to The Swamp, along with Clemson, Alabama, Vanderbilt, and FSU this summer.
UCF and USF are battling hard for Seahawk running back Jayvan Tanelus, and both have set up official visits this summer. The Bulls were one of Tanelus' first offers and have pushing for him longer than most other programs. Scott Frost's takeover as head coach is appealing to Green, who says UCF's staff is starting to build something special in Orlando.
Duke and Georgia Tech have also locked in official visits with Green. Rutgers and Wake Forest are two schools that are pushing for Green but have not been able to lock in an official visit.
Rising junior IOL Colin Urrea has impressed on the camp circuit this offseason, and his recruiting has picked up as a result.
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Urrea took a spring visit to Pitt and has built a strong relationship with the Panthers this spring. He says the trip moved Pitt up to No. 1 on his list for now. He also took a trip out to Louisville, and was impressed by how welcoming the Cards' were from top to bottom.
Virginia Tech is also in the hunt early on for Urrea. He reports camp invites from Ohio State, Michigan, Alabama, and Notre Dame as well.
Miami visits Tampa Bay Tech IOL Canon Pickett, RB Javari Barnett to visit elite programs
Pickett (No. 6 IOL) is a major target for the Hurricanes, and offensive line coach Alex Mirabal visited Pickett the day after landing a commitment from Jackson Cantwell (5-star OT from Nixa, Missouri).
Pickett is a major target for the in-state powers. The Hurricanes will get the last swing at Pickett when they host him at the end of June. Florida has been applying pressure and will host Pickett for an official visit in mid-June. Clemson will host Pickett at the end of May.
Running back Javari Barnett, an Illinois commit, has picked up steam this spring. He says he's locked in official visits with Alabama, Penn State, and Tennessee. You can read more about Barnett, and other recruits we believe will rise in the rankings this year, by clicking the link below.
Elite Lakeland LB Malik Morris shakes up official visit schedule
Lakeland linebacker Malik Morris, who did not suit up in Lakeland's 30-17 loss to Tampa Jesuit, released a top six on May 13 that consisted of Miami, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Texas A&M, and Missouri.
The No. 3 linebacker in the state confirmed with USA TODAY's Florida Network that he's locked in five official visits. Miami, Texas A&M, Florida, and Missouri will all host Morris for an official visit.
Colorado has also worked hard on the Polk County native and has locked in an official visit despite not making his Top-6. A sixth visit to Florida State may come to fruition as well, so keep an eye on the Seminoles' push for Morris.
Venice mounts furious comeback over Naples in spring game
The Indians proved that they are more than prepared for a title defense after coming back from down 20-0 in a spring game against Naples, all without edge-rusher Asharri Charles (No. 3 EDGE).
Florida and Miami are both battling hard for Charles, and both will get a pass during summertime official visits.
Rising junior running back Dorien Irving-Jones has looked solid at camps all offseason, and didn't skip a beat against a rugged Naples defense. Irving-Jones has earned offers from Florida State, Kansas, Tulane, and Sacramento State this spring alone.
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Florida QB commit Will Griffin earns Elite 11 Finals invite
Much has been made about Florida's current recruiting class (or lack thereof), but Gator fans have found solace in the fact their lone commit is truly special and seems to improve with every outing.
Quarterback Will Griffin (No. 50 overall player in the state) was invited to the prestigious Elite 11 Finals in California, and his work this offseason has shown why. Griffin threw for 300 yards, two touchdowns, and two picks in a 30-17 win over Lakeland. His ability to work off-platform has improved greatly, coupled with already impressive arm strength and IQ.
Q&A: 10 critical football recruiting questions on 2026 class in state: Gators still rule?
"That was a big thing I've been working on, moving my feet, working on mobility, and making a lot of off-balance throws," Griffin said. "Because I know at the next level I'm not going to have a perfect pocket every time. It was good to watch those things come to life. I'm proud of my receiver's and my line did a fantastic job."
While a senior signal caller leads the offense, rising junior Kaden Henderson is primed to fight for the No. 1 overall spot in the class of 2027's rankings.
Miami QB commit Dereon Coleman among nation's best, and other notes
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- USA TODAY's Florida Network has seen Jones quarterback Dereon Coleman (No. 13 in Top 100) at the Elite 11 Tampa Regional, Battle Miami, Under Armour Miami, spring practices and in a spring game. The Miami Hurricanes commit has impressed each and every time. His dominant offseason culminated in an invite to the Elite 11 Finals.
- Bronaugh, a Nebraska commit, has shot up most major services' ranking all offseason. Windemere’s standout cornerback, ranked No. 29 on the USA TODAY Florida Network top 100, has official visits scheduled to Nebraska, Florida, Florida State and Penn State. He also took unofficial visits to Florida and Florida State during the spring.
- Freddie Wilson was a wrecking ball for Spruce Creek's two scrimmages at Bryant Stadium. Minnesota, Georgia Tech, Miami, and Houston will all host Wilson for official visits this summer. He says FAU and Louisville have been pushing hard, and among other schools, could get an official visit as well.
- Southridge and rising junior quarterback Perrone has reeled in offers from Maryland, App State, and FIU this offseason — joining Virginia Tech, USF, Colorado State, and others as suitors. Perrone continues to establish himself as one of the state's premier quarterbacks in the 2027 class. Its not just the arm talent, which is there, but it's the whole package. Perrone's ability to extend plays, makes good decisions and see the field set him apart.
VISITING FOOTBALL FACTORIES: Two Cardinal Mooney prospects chased by Alabama, other top programs
BIG MEN ON CAMPUS: IMG Academy top football recruits update visits, decisions for 2026 recruiting cycle
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Florida football recruiting: Where top prospects stand after spring
Continue reading...
