ORLANDO, Fla. — Hidden gems in college football are hard to find.

Freedom High School rising senior Noah Lospinoso, an under-the-radar prospect, is now catching the eyes of recruiters across the state.

He is pretty new to the sport of football, only starting to play when he was in the 9th grade. Before that, Lospinoso grew up playing soccer and basketball, but two years ago, he put all his focus into football.

“Loved those sports, but they are not the same as football,” he said. “(In) football, you can’t lack in anything, you have to be on your A-game.”

He started out as a wide receiver and cornerback in his 1st year, but in his second year, he switched positions.

“My sophomore year, we started developing tight ends to our system, and that is when I started playing tight end,” he said. “Tight end is just a fun position all around. One play: go catch a ball and next play: go block somebody. I think it’s the most adverse position.”

Lospinoso is standing at six feet and five inches tall, making it easy for quarterbacks to look his way. His height also helps in getting looks from colleges as well.

“I’ve been blessed to have a few offers already,” said Lospinoso.

He keeps a collection of bands around his wrist. Some are from schools that he has visited, including Weber International, Bethune Cookman and Keiser Universities.

“I want to be a threat in college,” he said. “I want to go into freshman year and be a threat right away, and I believe I can do that.”

This summer will be busy for Lospinoso. He plans on attending 5 different football camps, including ones at UCF, USF and FAMU.

Even though the school year just ended, Lospinoso and his Patriot teammates are already preparing for the 2024 season. They haven’t made the playoffs since Lospinoso’s freshman year, but are optimistic going into this year.

“This is the best it’s been — mentally, physically — in the last 4 years I have been here,” said Lospinoso. “So, I’m looking forward to it and we are going to have a great season this year.”