Welcome to the 12th edition of The Big 15, the annual list of the top Southwest Florida college football recruits selected by The News-Press and Naples Daily News.
It’s almost an entirely new crop of prospects this year with just one recruit returning from last year’s list. All of them are poised to play at college football’s highest level as 12 of the 15 are already committed to Division I programs.
The players selected are from Lee and Collier counties and are ranked based on hard scholarship offers, the level of the schools making the offers, and those who possess the potential to receive attention from Power Four programs. Additionally, the eye test matters; how well they have already performed on Friday nights is also a factor in our ranking.
This week, we’ll unveil three players per day, counting down from No. 15 to No. 1, with our top three prospects appearing on Friday, July 31. We’ll begin with players 15, 14, and 13 on Monday, July 27.
No. 15 Mack Mitchell V
Position: Linebacker
School: Evangelical Christian
Rating: NR (247Sports, ESPN, Rivals)
Commitment: Buffalo
Best offers: Air Force, Army, Coastal Carolina, Liberty
Measurables: 6-foot, 215 pounds
Grade: Senior
Mitchell has been a mainstay for the Sentinels on both sides of the ball, first suiting up as an eighth-grader and contributing to the program’s run of three consecutive district championships from 2022-24.
But as he matured, Mitchell found his niche as the quarterback of the ECS defense from his linebacker position. As a junior last season, he led the Sentinels in total tackles (81), tackles for loss (16), quarterback hurries (8) and sacks (7). Mitchell also was ECS’ leading rusher (666 yards) and scored a team-high 10 touchdowns.
The rising senior’s play on defense caught the eye of a handful of Division I colleges, including Buffalo. The Mid-American program has developed a reputation as a linebacker factory ever since former Bulls star Khalil Mack entered the league a dozen years ago.
What makes you one of the best prospects in Southwest Florida?
I truly believe that it’s just my determination and my hunger for the game of football. But not just that; also the love that I have for the game. I’m willing to do all the extra stuff. I’m willing to sacrifice. I’m willing to be one of the best and that’s just my mindset.
What was the recruiting process like for you and why was Buffalo the right choice?
The recruiting process was honestly a long process, longer than I thought it would be … Buffalo was ultimately the pick because of how much love they showed. They showed that they were truly genuine, that they really cared for me. I prayed a lot about it, and I felt like God was leading me to pick Buffalo.
What has your football journey been like to this point?
It started when I was a young kid, 9 years old. I’ve been with my dad playing football for I think about 8 years now … It’s been nothing but fun, and I’ve loved it.
What part of your game has improved the most since last season?
I would just say my physicality, being more explosive coming to the ball as a linebacker. The game is all about being head high, and that’s what I’m focusing on.
Do you have any goals that you’ve set for yourself this season?
Yes, to bring the team up as one. Be a unit and strive towards our motto, which is TPW: Tough People Win.
What’s it been like to have the opportunity to play your entire high school career for your dad (ECS head coach Mack Mitchell IV)?
It’s been great. He’s been my biggest mentor when it comes to the game of football. I mean, he knows the ins and outs. He’s been there since 9U days, 10U days, playing for the Cape Coral Hawks. The car rides, just telling me what I can do better. He’s just been there by my side. Honestly, it’s a blessing from God to have my dad as my coach.
No. 14 Robenson Duclona
Position: Defensive back
School: Bishop Verot
Rating: 3-star (247Sports, Rivals), NR (ESPN)
Commitment: Coastal Carolina
Best offers: North Dakota State, FIU, Toledo
Measurables: 6-foot-1, 185 pounds
Grade: Senior
The Vikings have been known for their hard-hitting safeties, and Duclona is no exception.
He made a splash last season, totaling 57 tackles, 10 tackles-for-loss, seven pass breakups, a sack, an interception, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble.
Duclona is the younger brother of former Naples High standout Jonas Duclona (Georgia Tech) and Estero’s Jason Duclona (FAMU), who have both offered their sibling key guidance during the recruiting process. Robenson will join his brothers in the Division I ranks when he heads off to play at Coastal Carolina next year.
What makes you one of the best prospects in Southwest Florida?
I feel like I’m very physical, and I know what I’m doing on the field, and I play just relentless, and I always have that energy. Most athletes don’t got that, and they just always think it’s about going there and doing whatever. I pay attention to the details when my coaches give it to me. I study film every day, and I go on from there. And I know what the opponents are doing every play.
What was the recruiting process like for you and why was Coastal Carolina the right choice?
The recruiting process, it was slow at first and then it started to pick toward the end, but Coastal Carolina, they got a whole new coaching staff that believes in me, and I feel like that’s where I can get developed and just do me.
What has been the highlight of your high school career so far?
Playing Aquinas last year, that was definitely a crazy game. Just playing in that atmosphere, it was just great.
What aspect of your game has improved the most since last season?
I would say everything. I got way bigger, faster, strong. I think it will definitely show this season.
What is it like having older brothers in Jason and Jonas to help you in your football journey?
I tell them everything. I go through them for everything, and they’re like my big brothers and they’re also like my agents.
When you’re on the field, you can feel butterflies and stuff before the game, but, at the end of the day, it’s just football and you’re doing what you love. Jonas would always tell me just go out there and play fast and relentless and things are going to come to you.
No. 13 Tyrone Howard Jr.
Position: Defensive back
School: St. John Neumann
Rating: 3-star (247Sports, Rivals, ESPN)
Commitment: Illinois
Best offers: USF, North Dakota State, Wake Forest
Measurables: 6-foot-2, 175 pounds
Grade: Senior
The Fighting Illini continue to collect Southwest Florida defensive backs.
The Illinois roster includes former Riverdale safety Jaheim “Juice” Clarke and Cape Coral’s Almirian Thomas — the Southwest Florida Defensive Player of the Year for the 2025 season.
Howard will be the latest local prospect making his way to Champaign, and he said those players were important to his commitment.
Last season at Neumann, Howard recorded 29 tackles, broke up five passes, picked off three and forced a fumble.
Howard started playing football at the age of 3 years old and looks forward to contributing on both sides of the ball for the Celtics. He said that Chris Maragos, a former NFL defensive back and head coach at Neumann, has been key in his growth as a player.
What makes you one of the best prospects in Southwest Florida?
I feel like my versatility and my ability to play both ways. For the past four years, I’ve been playing safety and wide receiver and I just feel like my versatility could be a big role in why I’m one of the best college prospects in Naples.
What was the recruiting process like for you and why was Illinois the right choice?
The recruiting process was a bit slow for me. I didn’t pick up my first offer until early March this year. It was from FAU, and from there it just blew up. I went on an unofficial (visit) to North Dakota State – they offered me and then my recruiting started to pick up with Wake Forest and then UConn. Illinois was actually my most recent offer. I feel like that was the right place for me because as soon as I got there they just made me feel like a priority for sure. When I got there, I felt like it was home.
What has Coach Maragos meant to your development?
He’s meant a lot. I think I was 135 pounds when he first got there. I currently weigh 175 pounds, so the development part is really there. My footwork and my technique – it’s all because of him for sure.
What aspect of your game has improved the most since last season?
Definitely my ability at safety. I’ve been working a lot this offseason to maintain and improve my abilities.
What goals have you set for yourself this season?
For my defense, I want to have at least 10 interceptions at safety and over 50 tackles. And then on offense, just score as much as I can because I don’t get to play often.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: The Big 15 college football recruits from SWFL ranked No. 15-13
Reporting by Dan DeLuca and Dustin B Levy, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Fort Myers News-Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Dan DeLuca and Dustin B Levy, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News | USA TODAY Network
