The Big 15: Laser Focused
About the Series: The Big 15 is the annual list of top Southwest Florida college football recruits selected by The News-Press and Naples Daily News. 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.
This year’s theme of “Laser Focused” represents The Big 15 athletes’ play on the field, as well as on achieving their goal to play in college and of course their work in front of our cameras. To capture their portraits, we posed each athlete in front of a laser projector, with small speed lights on tripods on both sides and a smoke machine. We’d like to thank Fort Myers High and Community School of Naples for providing us with space in their facilities to take the photos.
See the No. 6-10 ranked SWFL college football recruits on the 2024 The Big 15
No. 5 Bradley Martino
Position: Athlete
School: First Baptist
Rating: 4-star (On3), 3-star (247Sports, ESPN, Rivals). Ranked as the 12th best athlete in the 2025 class by On3.
Commitment: Minnesota
Best Offers: Michigan State, North Carolina State, Pitt, Minnesota
Measurables: 6-4, 175 pounds
Grade: Senior
Martino made history last year as Golden Gate’s first Broxson Award winner, presented to the best all-around player in Collier County, in school history, and helped the Titans to their first district championship, first CCAC championship, first playoff win, and most wins in a season in school history.
Now at First Baptist, Martino will show why he was named Collier County’s best overall player on one of the area’s best teams. Martino caught 21 passes for 455 yards, adding 3 rushes for 15 yards on offense, while nearly half of his touches (24) went for touchdowns. On defense, Martino picked off three passes, and forced and recovered a fumble, while adding 35 tackles in the secondary as a junior.
What was it like to receive the Broxson Award?
That was one in the making. It was something very special to me, and I really hope I can run it back and make a bigger resume for myself before I leave.
What makes you one of the best prospects in Southwest Florida?
My heart, to begin with. My heart is very spectacular, in a way that I can excel and never back down from competition. I always want to be the best and to be the best you’ve got to play the best.
How did you land on Minnesota?
To begin with, Coach (P.J.) Fleck, the head coach ― that guy is amazing. He’s one of the best coaches that I’ve ever talked to and one of the realest guys you’ll meet. He will tell you what you’re bad at, even if you don’t want to hear it, and he’ll get you better at it. That guy right there was one of the biggest points in my decision.
What was the recruiting process like for you?
It was a long process. It wasn’t what I expected it to be at first, I thought it was going to be easier. But at the end of the day I chose Minnesota and that was the right choice for me. And I’m just going to go with that choice and do the best with that.
How would you describe your journey in football?
I would say it was very patient. In my freshman and sophomore years, other people were getting offers but I didn’t really worry about that. I just put my head down and kept grinding, not worried about anyone around me. Just worried about myself and what I have going on for my future. And the more I did that, the more I kept working, it started to roll in and that’s pretty much it.
What do you think got recruiters’ attention?Â
It was my ability to play both sides of the ball. Recruiters would say that I’m able to do most things that people can’t do on the field, and that’s what makes me special.
What’s been the highlight of your high school career?
I would say beating Naples (last season). That was a very big accomplishment for me, and that feeling was just amazing.
What part of your game has improved the most since last year?
I want to say my route-running. My route-running has been jumping to the next level since I made that change and I plan to keep going and working because I can always improve on everything I do.
Do you have any goals set for this upcoming season?
I just want to go and win a state championship. That’s what I want to do before I leave.
Is there a game you have circled on the schedule this year?
Honestly, it would probably be every single game in the season, because that prepares me for the next level. And that next level is a state championship and college after that.
No. 4 Taren Hedrick
Position: Offensive tackle
School: Community School of Naples
Rating: 3-star (247Sports, ESPN, On3, Rivals). Ranked as the 43rd-best offensive tackle in the 2025 class by On3.
Commitment: Ole Miss
Best Offers: Florida, Missouri, Nebraska, Ole Miss
Measurables: 6-5, 305 pounds
Grade: Senior
Hedrick made the jump to this year’s The Big 15 after an appearance on last year’s Next 15 list. He was foundational for a Seahawks team that went 8-2 last year with an average margin of victory of 29.3 points and produced four different ball carriers that averaged over 6 yards per carry.
The Ole Miss commit’s size and strength made him a standout, but his footwork and hands on the line last year proved he has what it takes to succeed in the most physical league in college football.
What makes you one of the best prospects in Southwest Florida?
Really just my attitude, my willingness to push through the hard things and do things that normal players don’t do.
What…
The News-Press
