Florida's 2027 football recruiting class features several second- and third-generation players with elite athletic bloodlines. This includes sons of Pro Football Hall of Famers, Heisman Trophy winners, and NFL All-Pro athletes.
Key points
Florida produces elite football players
2027 class features second- and third-generation talents
Dia Bell is the son of former NBA player Raja Bell
Minkah Fitzpatrick's brother is in the 2027 class
Includes sons of Pro Football Hall of Famers and Heisman Trophy winners
Not only does the state of Florida produce elite football players, but several second- or third-generation talents or players with talent-rich bloodlines.
Last year, No. 1 player on the USA TODAY Florida Network top 100 was Dia Bell, the son of former NBA guard Raja Bell, and Justice Fitzpatrick's older brother, Minkah, is an NFL All-Pro safety.
This year's class includes many players with notable lineage.
The list includes the sons of a Pro Football Hall of Famer and Heisman Trophy winner, multiple Pro Bowlers, multiple first-round draft picks and a third-generation athlete.
Harvey is the son of former Florida Gators standout and NFL defensive end Derrick Harvey. A two-time All-SEC second-team selection and MVP of the 2007 BCS National Championship Game, Derrick Harvey was the eighth overall pick in the 2008 draft and played four seasons in the NFL. Santana Harvey (6-foot-6, 220 pounds) has scheduled official visits to Clemson and Florida State. His other offers include Georgia, Indiana, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oregon and Texas A&M.
Q&A
Who are the top second-generation football recruits in Florida for 2027?
The 2027 class includes players like Dia Bell, son of former NBA player Raja Bell, and Minkah Fitzpatrick's brother, Justice.
What notable achievements do the 2027 Florida football recruits' family members have?
Many family members include Pro Football Hall of Famers, Heisman Trophy winners, and multiple first-round NFL draft picks.
How does Florida's 2027 football recruiting class compare to previous years?
This year's class is particularly notable for its lineage, featuring many players with elite athletic backgrounds, similar to last year's top recruits.
What impact do second-generation athletes have on football recruiting in Florida?
Second-generation athletes often bring a legacy of talent and experience, which can enhance their recruiting appeal and performance potential.
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Lakeland's Santana Harvey rushes the quarterback against Miami Northwestern on Saturday night in the Kickoff Classic at Vero Beach High School.
Lakeland's Santana Harvey rushes the quarterback against Miami Northwestern on Saturday night in the Kickoff Classic at Vero Beach High School.
Julius Jones
St. Thomas Aquinas WR
USA TODAY Florida Network top 100 rank: 8
The 5-11, 175-pound Jones comes from a family of running backs. His father, Julius Jones, played seven years in the NFL, rushed for 5,068 yards and 22 touchdowns. His uncle, Thomas Jones, was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft, played 12 years in the NFL and was an All-Pro in 2008. Julius Jones has been one of the state's top receivers the past two seasons. He caught 58 passes for 876 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2025. Jones' offers include Notre Dame (his father's alma mater), Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Ohio State and Oregon.
Champ Monds (1) of Vero Beach looks to pass in the FHSAA Class 7A state championship, Dec. 13, 2025, at Pitbull Stadium in Miami.
Champ Monds (1) of Vero Beach looks to pass in the FHSAA Class 7A state championship, Dec. 13, 2025, at Pitbull Stadium in Miami.
The Monds family is well known for their athletic ability. Monds' grandfather, Wonder Monds, was a first-team All-American defensive back at Nebraska in 1974 and played in both the NFL and CFL. Champ Monds' father, Wonderful Terrific Monds III, was a minor league baseball player for seven years and was the Eastern League All-Star Game MVP in 1998. His uncle, Mario Monds, was a defensive tackle in the NFL. The 6-2, 224-pound Champ Monds, who reclassified to the 2027 class, has offers from Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon and many others.
Smith, Aquinas' leading tackler in 2025, is the son of former NFL defensive lineman Justin Smith. A 14-year pro, Smith was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals with the fourth overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft. He went on to be a five-time Pro Bowler who recorded 887 tackles and 87 sacks in his career. The 6-6, 235-pound Wyatt Smith has seen his recruiting profile take off after an outstanding junior year and a strong offseason. He had 115 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, 33 quarterback pressures and two forced fumbles. Missouri (his father's alma mater), Notre Dame, Ohio State, Pitt and West Virginia are among the schools that have offered Smith.
St. Thomas Aquinas DE Wyatt Smith in the class 5A State Championship, Dec. 11, 2025
St. Thomas Aquinas DE Wyatt Smith in the class 5A State Championship, Dec. 11, 2025
This one shouldn't need much (any?) explanation for football fans. Woodson is the son of 1997 Heisman Trophy winner and Pro Football Hall of Famer Charles Woodson. An eight-time All-Pro, Woodson had 65 interceptions and 13 defensive touchdowns in his 18-year NFL career. The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Woodson Jr. had a breakout season in 2025 with 73 tackles, two interceptions, eight passes defended and a forced fumble. He also scored two touchdowns — one interception return and one kickoff return for a score. Woodson's offers include Michigan (his father's alma mater), Florida State, Kentucky, Ole Miss and Oregon.
