Florida HS football recruiting: We saw a few elite prospects up close

Week 7 in Florida delivered several high-end recruiting moments, including a matchup between South Florida powers St. Thomas Aquinas and Chaminade-Madonna on Friday, Oct. 3, and IMG Academy hosting The St. James Performance Academy. USA TODAY’s Florida network was at both games to capture standout performances from players viewed as talent factories. Osani Gayles, despite IMG missing key players, produced 185 yards on nine catches with two touchdowns, plus a 73-yard kick return that helped set up a game-winning field goal. Censere Gaylord recorded two interceptions—one including a 97-yard pick-six—and confirmed his commitment to Washington. Wyatt Smith (St. Thomas Aquinas) added 13 tackles and four pass breakups and blocked a potential go-ahead field goal.