ST. PETERSBURG, FL: Mike Broxton, a 6-foot-10 basketball standout at Gibbs High School, has ignited national recruiting buzz with his rapid transition to football, securing his first collegiate offer from Sacramento State while drawing interest from Power 4 programs.
Prospects in the Spotlight
Broxton’s athletic pivot from the hardwood to the gridiron became a viral storyline this spring. After averaging 4.4 points and 2.7 rebounds during Gibbs’ Class 4A state basketball tournament run, the junior joined football workouts, immediately showcasing rare traits for a tight end. His dominance in 7v7 leagues—highlighted by jaw-dropping red-zone touchdowns and a catch radius unmatched in high school football—has turned social media clips into scouting reels. Original story via SI.com.
Inside the Recruitment
Sacramento State became the first program to formally offer Broxton, but interest stretches coast to coast. Wake Forest, UCF, USF, and multiple Florida-based schools have already inquired about the towering prospect. “He’s already a football player,” said Gibbs head coach Herbans Paul. “He doesn’t drop passes, and colleges are super interested.” While raw in technique, Broxton’s 99th-percentile height for tight ends—drawing comparisons to NFL outliers like Morris Stroud and Dan Skipper—positions him as a high-upside project.
Scouting Report
- Position: Tight End
- Height: 6-foot-10
- Key Traits: Elite vertical leap, red-zone efficiency, basketball-derived body control
- Development Focus: Route precision, physicality at the line
Broxton’s spring finale against Sarasota on May 23 (7:30 p.m. ET) will serve as a critical evaluation opportunity for scouts. Programs want to see how his basketball fluidity translates against structured defensive schemes.
Future Forecast
Broxton’s rise underscores the growing role of 7v7 circuits and social media in amplifying under-the-radar talent. With just one offer but surging visibility, his recruitment could accelerate rapidly this summer. Should he refine his technical skills, Power 4 programs may join the race for the nation’s most unique tight end prospect.
