Florida High School Football Week 1 Recruiting Roundup: Which top state recruits shined?

Week 1 is in the books for Florida High School football, and plenty of recruits shined in their regular season debut.

Lakeland made the imposing trip to Traz Powell stadium, and walked away with a 16-8 win powered by a staunch defensive effort led by Malik Morris. Venice came out on top of a shootout with Tampa Bay Tech that saw Winston Watkins Jr. shine, and Florida State commit Tramell Jones Jr. tallied nearly 300 yards in the air in Mandarin’s win over Creekside.

Here are some of the top performances from the top recruits in the state.

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Malik Morris, Lakeland 2026 LB

Offers include: Florida, Florida State, Miami, Georgia, Kentucky, UCF

The linebacker was foundational in the Dreadnaughts’ 16-8 win over Miami Central at Traz. Morris made a key fourth down stop in the third quarter, blocked a Rocket punt on the following drive, and capped off the series with a two-yard touchdown carry (Lakeland’s only touchdown of the night).

Tramell Jones Jr., Mandarin 2025 QB

Commitment: Florida State

It was a weekend to forget for Florida State fans, but not for Seminole commit Jones Jr., who tallied 297 yards and three touchdowns on 15-of-17 passing in Jones’ 57-13 win over Creekside

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Julius Jones, St. Thomas Aquinas 2027 WR

St. Thomas Aquinas wide receiver Julius Jones.

Jones tallied 110 yards in the air on 11 receptions in the Raiders’ 29-21 loss to Bishop Gorman, including a 52-yard touchdown that gave St. Thomas Aquinas the lead in the third quarter.

More from Nick Wilson: Northwestern WR Calvin Russell keeping close with blue chip schools.

Florida Preps: Are you in? FHSAA Playoff brackets based on preseason rankings.

USA Today 2025 Top 100: Top senior football recruits in the state.

Carter Smith, Bishop Verot 2025 QB

Commitment:…