It’s that time of year again when we start looking at the Sentinel’s Super60 recruiting rankings to see how many blanks spots still remain in the “commitment” column, designating where athletes are going to college.
After a Super60-record 34 players committed to colleges before the season started, a dry spell ensued. There are still 27 prospects in the rankings list who have yet to make their college commitment, and for many of them, it’s not because they can’t make up their mind. There are usually specific reasons why they are lacking recruiting attention.
Let’s take a look at some of these overlooked college football prospects.
Senior defensive tackle Jesse Barker of South Lake is one of the most overlooked college football prospects in the Orlando area. He leads the region in sacks this season with 16. (Chris Hays/Orlando Sentinel)
Jesse Barker Jr., DT, South Lake, 6-foot-1, 240
Barker is a guy who stands out on almost every defensive play. Despite what is considered to be undersized, Barker is a menace at the defensive tackle spot. He’s aggressive, active, strong, extremely quick off the jump, and he gets to the quarterback. Barker leads the area in sacks with 16 and has 68 tackles, including 24 for loss. So who is recruiting a major player like Barker? Well, he has some interest from West Florida, but that’s it. He’ll play for whoever wants him, and he remains patient, but Barker is definitely one of the most overlooked players. His size make him more suitable for linebacker, but although he’s quick off the line of scrimmage he lacks the linebacker speed coaches are looking for.
DeLand senior Marceles Carey is having a great senior season at DeLand, but could use more recruiting attention.. (Chris Hays/Orlando Sentinel)
Marceles Carey, ATH, DeLand, 5-foot-11, 170
How this kid only has FBC scholarship offers is baffling. He was hampered much of last season with injuries, but as good as he was as a sophomore, the shifty, speedy, versatile Carey should have been on the radar. The two-way player has 776 yards and 9 touchdowns rushing (10.3-yard average), 15 catches for 252 yards and 2 touchdowns receiving. Defensively he has 47 tackles and an interception. Carey is an absolute steal.
Edgewater defensive end Aiden Anderson has had a great senior season, but he’s not exactly rolling in scholarship offers. He could use some more recruiting attention. (Chris Hays/Orlando Sentinel)
Aiden Anderson, DE, Edgewater, 6-foot-1, 240
Anderson’s problem getting attention might be because of the stars on each side of him. Defensive ends/linebackers JJ Jefferson, a Miami commit, and Damian Moore (Duquesne) are overshadowing what Anderson has accomplished for the undefeated (9-0) Eagles. Moore has not played as a full-time linebacker this season, after moving to running back, thus allowing Anderson a bit more room to shine. He’s had an outstanding season, and he looks even better than he did a year ago, slimming down to a more muscular physique. He’s fast off the edge. Another player likely more suited for linebacker at the next level.
Ryan Duvall, in his first full season of action at Jones High, is have a great senior season for the Tigers, but like many Orlando-area players, he could use some more recruiting attention. (Chris Hays/Orlando Sentinel)
Ryan Duval, LB, Jones, 6-foot-1, 230
Duval didn’t get a lot of playing time last season during Jones’ run to the state title game. He waited his turn and is taking advantage of the playing time as a senior. Duval has shown his knack for getting to the football. He is second on the team in tackles to another step-up senior linebacker, Bertrand Derose, with 58 tackles and he is tied junior Fred Ards for the team lead in sacks with 5. Senior linebacker Quinton Evans, Jones’ leading tackler last year, and Derose, are two more Tigers’ standouts who deserve attention.
Evans running back Li’Darious Pryor has had a terrific career for the Trojans, but for some reason has been overlooked by college coaches. (Chris Hays/Orlando Sentinel)
Li’Darious Pryor, RB, Evans, 5-foot-11, 205
Pryor is a beast of a runner who powers through defenses. He lacks the breakaway speed recruiters are looking for, but he’s not slow. He’s certainly tough and can carry the ball 30 times a game if asked. Pryor put 233 yards and two touchdowns on Lake Mary last week. He’s not the only Evans senior lacking recruiting attention.
The 7-1 Trojans are stocked with talented seniors, but college recruiters can’t seem to find their way to the corner of Silver Star and Pine Hills roads. Crafty receiver Carl Jean-Bart leads a long list of stars that includes linebacker Jiah Walls, linebacker Zi’rieck Roberts, cornerback Emari Peterson, defensive tackle Mujahid Jefferson and safety Otis Hardy.
After leading Boone in rushing as a sophomore, Aaron Hardy Jr, changed positions to defense last year. He’s back at running back this season and is the second-leading rusher in Orlando. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)
Aaron Hardy Jr., RB, Boone, 5-foot-7, 170
Hardy is a huge reason why the Braves are 8-0 and 7A District 4 champions. He was the first running back to eclipse 1,000 yards in the Orlando area and currently sits third in the area with 1,134 yards and 16 touchdowns on 151 carries, an average of 7.51 yards per tote. The problem is his size. He’s little, but plays bigger than his 5-7 frame. Once he gets to the second level, watch out. He’s fast. Hardy played defense out of necessity for Boone last year, after leading the Braves in rushing as a sophomore. He’s back home this year at RB and loving the moment, although he would definitely love college coaches to notice.
Bishop Moore running back Amare’ Johnson is one of the Orlando area’s leading rushers in his second season with the Hornets after moving from West Virginia. (Chris Hays/Orlando Sentinel)
Amare’ Johnson, RB, Bishop Moore, 5-foot-10, 190
Johnson is another runner who could use a little more size. But he’s shown his abilities in two seasons after moving in from West Virginia in 2024. Johnson is the second-leading rusher in the area with 1,220 yards for the 8-0 3A-6 champions. Johnson leads in touchdowns with 20 after scoring four times against Tavares on Friday. He shows great patience behind his blockers and vision to find the holes.
Senior running back Tymir Gaines has found the going a bit more rough this season at Mount Dora after running for 1,700 yards a year ago. (Chris Hays/Orlando Sentinel)
Tymir Gaines, RB, Mount Dora, 5-foot-10, 188
Gaines is another diminutive back who is beyond worthy of recruiting attention. He’s fast, shifty and tough and despite a less experienced offensive line than what he had last year, when he ran for 1,779 yards and scored 19 TDs, he’s managed to put up 788 yards and 6 scores this year. It’s traditionally difficult for players to get attention in Lake County.
Oviedo receiver DaShon Febres is having a great senior year after struggling through a broken wrist a year ago. (Chris Hays/Orlando Sentinel)
DaShon Febres, WR, Oviedo, 6-0, 190
Febres broke his wrist and never really got going last season, But he’s back, and in a big way. He’s come on strong in his past few games and will be a huge steal for whoever takes a shot. Febres has 26 catches for 664 yards and 9 touchdowns, and his ability to run with the ball after the catch is fun to watch. He averages 28 yards per catch. His hands are terrific and he’s great in traffic. A quarterback’s dream.
Chris Hays can be found on X.com @OS_ChrisHays.
