Northeast Fl- Duval Sports takes our annual look back at the top performers on the high school gridiron from the 2025-2026 high school football season. Highlighting their accomplishments and previewing their upcoming seasons in high school or first year in college. This prestigious list highlights the player’s stats at each position, and factors in strength of schedule, and overall impact on the game.
There are only 120 players that made the Prime Time Players list. The list consists of a First Team (offense and defense) Top 40!
Second Team (offense and defense) Next 40, and Third Team Offense and Defense (40 players). There is no Honorable Mention.
Check out who made the third team list as some of the best players in Northeast Florida is recognized!
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Third Team
Nashawn Jacobs | RB | Baldwin
Nashawn Jacobs powered Baldwin’s offense with a dominant senior season, rushing for 1,182 yards and 15 touchdowns on just 153 carries. He also proved to be a dangerous receiving threat, hauling in eight catches for 197 yards and two more scores as he helped lead the Indians back to the playoffs.
Enrique Ordonez | RB | Nease
Enrique Ordonez emerged as one of Northeast Florida’s top running backs, surpassing the 1,000-yard mark while facing one of the toughest schedules in the state. His consistency and toughness made him the focal point of the Panthers’ offense.
Chase Phifer | TE | Nease
A reliable big-play target, Chase Phifer developed into one of the area’s premier tight ends. The junior caught 32 passes for 500 yards and seven touchdowns, creating matchup problems for opposing defenses throughout the season.
Roy Farrow | OL | Fletcher
Roy Farrow capped off an outstanding high school career as the anchor of Fletcher’s offensive line. His dominance in the trenches earned him the opportunity to continue his football career after signing with Benedict College.
Eddie Jordan IV | QB | Beachside
One of the most accomplished athletes in Beachside history, Eddie Jordan IV threw 22 touchdown passes while leading the Barracudas to their first district championship. He finished his career with program records of 8,147 passing yards and 107 total touchdowns before signing with Lafayette College.
Sam Smedley | OL | Mandarin
Sam Smedley was the steady force up front for Mandarin’s offense. The 6-foot-2, 265-pound tackle earned All-Gateway honors and was recognized as the Mustangs’ Offensive Lineman of the Week in seven of 13 games.
Bryce Daniels | OL | Bradford
At 6-foot-4 and 313 pounds, Bryce Daniels brings size and versatility to the offensive line. Capable of playing both center and guard, he helped lead Bradford to an 11-2 record and a Class 2A regional finals appearance.
Kayden Pinder | DL | North Florida Educational Institute
Kayden Pinder emerged as one of the brightest spots on the NFEI defense, recording nine sacks while consistently disrupting opposing offenses. He had a six sack performance in 2025, that earned him player of the week.
Xavier Collins | QB | Columbia/Camden County
Xavier Collins is a dynamic dual-threat quarterback who eclipsed 2,000 passing yards at Columbia High School. Following the season, he transferred to Camden County High School in Georgia, where he’ll begin his senior campaign.
Durell Preston | RB | St. Augustine
Durell Preston became one of the Yellow Jackets’ most dependable offensive weapons, scoring 16 touchdowns while helping power one of Northeast Florida’s most explosive offenses.
Xavier Williams | LB | Impact Christian
Xavier Williams established himself as one of Florida’s top defensive playmakers after recording 117 tackles. His relentless motor and tackling ability made him one of the state’s leading defenders.
Tisean Haynes | RB | Raines
Known as the “thunder” in Raines’ championship backfield, Tisean Haynes provided a physical downhill rushing attack that wore down defenses. He signed to continue his football career at San Bernardino Valley College.
Trendell Anderson | WR/RB | St. Augustine
Trendell Anderson showcased elite versatility by starring as both a running back and receiver. He rushed for 650 yards and 10 touchdowns, added 449 receiving yards with six scores, and returned two kickoffs for touchdowns. Signed with West Florida.
Christian Bond | OL | St. Augustine
Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 315 pounds, Christian Bond anchored the offensive front for St. Augustine’s explosive offense. His size, strength, and physical play made him one of the area’s premier linemen.
Aiden Phifer | QB | Nease
Aiden Phifer enjoyed a breakout sophomore season, throwing for 2,003 yards and 20 touchdowns while adding nine rushing scores. His dual-threat ability gives Nease a rising star under center.
KJ Palmer | RB | Paxon
KJ Palmer put together one of the area’s best rushing seasons, piling up 2,262 yards and 19 touchdowns while carrying the Eagles’ offense.
Cody Ott | QB | St. Joseph Academy
Cody Ott developed into one of Northeast Florida’s most productive dual-threat quarterbacks, passing for 1,764 yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for another 770 yards and nine scores.
Ty Street | LB | Fleming Island
Ty Street delivered an outstanding defensive season with 91 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 17 quarterback hurries, and two interceptions, establishing himself as one of the area’s top linebackers.
Cory Matthews | LB | Mandarin
Cory Matthews led Mandarin’s defense with 93 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. His instincts and physical play made him one of the Mustangs’ defensive leaders.
DJ Alderman | RB | Hilliard
DJ Alderman put together a remarkable season by rushing for 1,790 yards and 21 touchdowns, cementing himself as one of the top running backs in Northeast Florida.
Jah’myri Jennings | RB | Fletcher
Jah’myri Jennings provided Fletcher with a dependable rushing attack, totaling 659 yards and eight touchdowns while consistently moving the chains.
Terry Henry | DL | Columbia
Terry Henry dominated the line of scrimmage for Columbia, recording 50 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, and 13 sacks while serving as the heart of the Tigers’ defensive front.
Tristian Mitchell | ATH | Parker
Tristian Mitchell enjoyed a sensational freshman campaign by contributing all over the field. He rushed for 837 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding six sacks, an interception, and 36 tackles on defense.
Brayden Wessinger | WR | Episcopal
Brayden Wessinger enjoyed a breakout season by recording 887 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, becoming one of Episcopal’s top offensive weapons.
Matthew Hammett | LB | University Christian
Matthew Hammett anchored the University Christian defense with nearly 100 tackles during his senior season. The standout middle linebacker is committed to continue his career at The Citadel.
Tyson Callum | LB | Eagle’s View (Click to view player profile)
Tyson Callum is an all-around athlete whose versatility and leadership have made him a key contributor for Eagle’s View on both sides of the ball with 96 tackles, 5 sacks, an interception and punt block.
Diondre Smith | WR | Fletcher
Diondre Smith became Fletcher’s top receiving threat, totaling 489 receiving yards and 10 touchdown catches with his big-play ability.
Tyler Sapp | K | Bradford
One of the area’s most accurate kickers, Tyler Sapp connected on 47 of 48 extra points and seven of eight field goals, including a long of 45 yards.
Brayden Felder | WR | Nease
Brayden Felder emerged as the top receiving weapon in Nease’s explosive offense before signing to continue his football career at St. Thomas University.
Terel Dallas | ATH/QB | Trinity Christian
Terel Dallas enters his junior season as one of the area’s most highly regarded dual-threat quarterbacks. His athleticism and playmaking ability have made him one of Northeast Florida’s rising stars.
Gabe Taylor | QB | Orange Park
Gabe Taylor served as Orange Park’s offensive leader throughout his career, finishing as the Raiders’ leader in total touchdowns while providing stability at quarterback for four seasons.
Davitt Doherty | WR | Ponte Vedra
Davitt Doherty emerged as one of the area’s top receivers, hauling in 849 receiving yards and nine touchdowns with his dependable hands and big-play ability.
Kyree Wilson | ATH | Mandarin
Kyree Wilson was one of Mandarin’s most versatile athletes, capable of making game-changing plays in multiple roles while continuing to develop into one of the Mustangs’ top playmakers. An interception, 2 sacks, with 788yds rushing and 6 TDs. He is committed to Toledo and will play ball at University Christian in 2026.
Smo Green | RB | West Nassau
Smo Green powered the Warriors’ rushing attack with 1,236 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns, consistently finding the end zone throughout the season.
Beckham Rohe | WR | Fernandina Beach
Beckham Rohe proved to be a dangerous weapon in the passing game, totaling 839 receiving yards and nine touchdowns while adding another score on a punt return.
Gavin Beck | S/WR | Bishop Snyder
Gavin Beck showcased his versatility by starring on both sides of the ball. The 6-foot-3 athlete recorded six interceptions on defense while catching passes for 359 yards and six touchdowns. He also excels on the basketball court.
Trace Little | WR | YKIM
Standing 6-foot-3, Trace Little established himself as one of the area’s premier receivers after totaling 1,255 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns with his ability to stretch the field.
James Gibbs | OLB | Bolles
A disruptive force off the edge for Bolles, finishing with eight sacks and 12 tackles for loss while creating constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Signed to play football at Sewanee the University of the South.
Alexander Lee | WR/DB | Impact Christian
Alexander Lee made plays in every phase of the game. He intercepted seven passes, including a pick-six, while also returning a kickoff for a touchdown and contributing as a receiver.
Desmond Malpress | DE | Atlantic Coast
Desmond Malpress is an elite four-star edge rusher committed to Clemson. After posting 10 tackles for loss, six sacks, and two forced fumbles, he enters his senior season as one of Florida’s top defensive prospects with the potential for an even bigger year.
