On a Saturday when there were 7-on-7 tournaments, various camps and visits to college campuses, Archbishop McCarthy High School was the place to be for offensive and defensive linemen.
Thanks to Patrick Cooney and many others, the spotlight is finally shining on a position that wins games – the line of scrimmage.
With “5ive on 5ive” events being held, the importance of line play had come into focus, and prospects who have long shared the stage with position players at events, now have their own competition and forum to promote themselves to colleges.
On Saturday, teams from West Boca Raton, Pompano Beach Blanche, host Archbishop McCarthy and dozens of other schools in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach all showed up to compete for three hours. Even the Western Warriors youth program had a number of players compete and learn.
“This is the wave of the future,” said Cooney, who has been a line coach for several years. “While the line is not the glory position on the field, it is without a doubt the place where games are won and lost.”
By having these events, it gives the linemen – on both sides of the ball – an opportunity to share that much-needed spotlight and provides colleges and universities with videos and testing information.
Unlike many combines who treat the line position as an afterthought, only rewarding the “elite” prospects, the ”5ive on 5ive” competition recognizes every player who attends. The objective is learning technique and competing, and on Saturday, Homestead offensive lineman James Johnson and West Boca Raton defensive lineman Xavier Reid took home MVP honors.
STARS MP COME OUT ON TOP
Coach Oye Jr. and a talented group worked hard throughout the day and came out on top with line prospects from all over.
The Stars MP team had some impressive battles all day.
Here are those young men who stepped up their game:
2025
Jaymin Blake, OT/OG, 6-5 330, Palm Beach Central
Adrian Farrow, DE, 6-4, 245, Miami Norland
Bryan Hall, OLB, 6-4, 220, Palm Beach Central
Mcowens Innocent, DE, 6-4, 255, Palm Beach Central
Donavan Randle, LB, 6-2, 215, Miami Central
Anthony Scribloue, RG, 6-3, 270, Palm Beach Central
Brian Simon, DT, 6-3, 260, Palm Beach Central
Nasarius Ware, DT/OG, 6-2, 304, Palm Beach Central
2026
DeCarlo Alvarez, OG/C, 6-2, 297, Palm Beach Central
Elias Sturman, OC, 6-1, 310, Hollywood Chaminade Madonna
Kerby Vital Jr., DL, 6-2, 275, West Boca
Darrell Williams II, DT, 6-1, 247, Coconut Creek Monarch
2027
Angel Irizarry, DT, 6-0, 265, Miami Palmetto
Among the players representing Miami’s Eat Face group included:
2025
Jeremiah Holston, OG, Archbishop McCarthy
James Johnson, OL/DL, Homestead
Johannes Mager, DL, Homestead
Wilnerson Telemaque, DL/OL, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace
Scott Whyte, OC, Archbishop McCarthy
2026
Julian Garcia, DL/TE, Archbishop McCarthy
Kevin Jackson, DL, Archbishop McCarthy
Liam Marley, DL, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian
2027
Samuel Boatright, DL, Archbishop McCarthy
Logan Clason, OL, Archbishop McCarthy
2028
Ronald Riley, OL, Miami True North Academy
POMPANO BEACH BLANCHE ELY
Cameron Davis, OLB
Nawab Dawkins, OLB
Ander Farrow, OLB
Jerry Italien, OL
Javery McCutcheon, DL
Devon Peeples, DT
Jahane Rowe, OL
Aiden Smith, OL/DL
Deric Smith, OL
Trevor Wellington, Jr. DL
Denim Williams, DE
Jamari Hutchison, OL
WEST BOCA RATON
2025
Luan Freitas, DL
Vasyl Hlynskyy, OL
Marc Lordes, Edge
Alex Overfelt, OL
2026
Malique Joseph, OL/DL
Chris Medina, DL
Xavier Reid, DL
2027
Gerren Bray, OL
Gavin Cigale, OL
Rahjon Dorcin, OL
Max Reid, LB
WESTON WARRIORS 14U
The youth league also got involved in the camp, learning a lot from the coaches and high school players on hand. Former Davie Western and University of Miami standout Joe Fantigrassi brought the players along with other coaches from the team:
Rocco Fantigrassi
Diego Fuenmayor
Jet Gonzalez
Tristin Gonzalez
Xavian Hartmann
Jaquin Lopez
Sebastian Perez
Santana Smith
Demario White
Are You Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers? https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 54 years, we have spent more time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
What the 2023 football season came down to for South Plantation was inconsistency.
Head Coach Colby Erskin and the Paladins started the year out 3-0, but would win only one more time during the season.
While the impressive start added plenty of enthusiasm and optimism, huge losses to rival Plantation and Piper sent the season spinning downward.
When the team lost the final four games of the year, this program took a step back and looked toward the off-season.
With spring a little over a month away, the objective has been to put in work that will pay off in the summer.
With some key returners coming back along with new faces, there is reason to believe that the prospects – especially the rising seniors (2025) – are tired of losing and are willing to do something about it.
Here is a look at some of those rising seniors they will look to:
Nathan Conyers, RB, 5-8, 180. 2.9 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17486482/Nathan-Conyers
Judah Edwards, LB, 6-2, 224 – 2.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16823961/Juddah-Edwards?_gl=1*1e9m62v*_ga*MjE0MTk3NjUxMC4xNjIwNjc0NjY0*_ga_29LPHS2HWC*MTcxMTY2OTA3My43NDAuMS4xNzExNjY5NzA5LjAuMC4w
Gavin Katz, P/K, 5-11, 150 – 3.7 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17534414/Gavin-Katz
Derby Lambert, DE, 6-3, 210.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19404779/Derby-Lambert
Sakib Muhammad, QB, 5-11, 160.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17534409/Sakib-Muhammad
Johnathan Paul, WR.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17489766/johnathan-paul
Demaree Petitblance, CB, 6-1, 173.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16885462/Demaree-Petitblanc
Tyler Seraphin, DB, 5-11, 160.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17486467/Tyler-Seraphin
THE UNDERCLASSMEN ARE KEY TO THE FUTURE
If this program is to turn the corner and start to compete for post season action, things will need to fall into place with the underclassmen. Here are some of the rising juniors (2026) that will be counted on along with the rising sophomores in the 2027 Class.
Kaleb DeClaire, DB.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18156101/Kaleb-DeClaire
Brian Perez, OL, 5-11, 230Elias Rivera IV, DT, 5-10, 230.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17883417/Elias-Rivera-IV
Brian Stewart, WR.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19275736/Brian-Stewart
Dorwen Vedrine, WR, 6-0, 180 – 3.2 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19401160/Dorwen-Vedrine
Dylan Zaldumbide, WR, 5-10, 155 – 3.3 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17888115/dylan-zaldumbide
CLASS OF 2027
Odari Gervais, DT, 5-7, 179.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20409858/odari-gervais
Jeth McKinnis, S, 5-9, 141.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19686216/Jeth-McKinnis
Are You Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers? https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 54 years, we have spent more time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
While Terrence McFadden takes over Pompano Beach Blanche Ely with plenty of excitement, he knows that there is still some work to do before he looks into the future.
With spring getting ready to start in the next month – and his attention will be directly on the 2025, 2026 and 2027 prospects, the Tigers still have several student/athletes from the Class of 2024 still searching for a home.
With a tremendous program the past few seasons, this is a team that was loaded with quality football talent. As many have moved on and will attend college next season, there are five major contributors to the success still without a college to attend.
Gab Almonord Jr., CB, 6-0, 180. One of the prospects who has been on the radar the past two years. He brings plenty to the table as an athletic secondary performer, who has plenty to offer. While colleges have shown interest, nobody has taken a chance, and that is surprising. Watch his film and you will see what everyone has been missing.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15280410/6503d2463df5c709043e4990
Quincey Classeus, DE/OLB, 6-3, 215. Here is one of those impressive football players that then head coach Mike Bailey and his staff all bragged about before the start of the 2023 season. His size and ability to make plays has separated him from so many who play the same position. His work ethic in the weightroom and on the football field has certainly paid off.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16348478/655b85e602bc3812a00fa58d
Marquis Harry, CB, 5-10, 175. Talk about an instinctive player who is always around the ball – whether on passing downs or in pass coverage. It is indeed surprising, after watching him perform, that all schools would want this impressive talent on campus. The one thing that must impress you is the way he can blow plays up from the start.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2M3nVq
Deon Wiggins II, CB/S, 5-10, 175. When you talk about a versatile football player, here is certainly the definition. Not only does he can lineup anywhere in the defensive secondary, but he is lethal on special teams as a returner, who can take one back at any time. His speed is way underrated!
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15357731/655b745c2ab0e70a00dc114e
Edward Macintosh III, RB/LB, 6-0, 180. It’s a shame when college coaches watch a student/athlete like this play, and they don’t come away impressed. This is a quality football player who runs the ball out very well, has tremendous vision and the quickness to get those tough yards. He is physical and versatile enough to also play linebacker. While he’s getting it done on the football field, he is also making positives happen in the classroom – where he carries a 3.5 GPA.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2MbwJU
MCFADDEN JOINS A GROUP OF NEW COACHES
When the Tigers start spring practice, McFadden will join a group of coaches who will guide their new teams in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.
Here is a look at those coaches:
Fort Lauderdale Stranahan – Jacky Candy
Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy – Jase Stewart
Homestead Everglades Prep – Jermain Kelson Sr.
Miami Belen Jesuit - Nicholas Oyarzun
Miami Carol City – George Stubbs
Miami Dr. Krop – Vernon Wilder III
Miami Jackson – Max Edwards
Miami Killian – Rudy Trevino
Miami Northwestern – Teddy Bridgewater
Parkland Douglas – Christian Baldwin
Pembroke Pines Somerset – Nitro Baker
Plantation – Daryl Strong
Are You Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers? https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 54 years, we have spent more time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
If you follow high school football in south Florida, you already know that many of the same names continue to surface throughout the year.
Are You Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers? https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 54 years, we have spent more time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
For the past five plus years while many students take cruises or vacations, there are groups of high school football players that use that week to plan their future.
With high school coaches and parents helping to organize college bus tours, athletes have a unique opportunity to visit colleges and universities throughout the Southeast, Midwest and all over the state of Florida.
These trips not only provide an opportunity for these young men to see schools, meet coaches and watch spring practices, but experience the opportunity to be on the road, sleep in motels and eat together as a group. Things that at the age of 16 and 17, many have never had the chance to do before.
That week on the road takes many student/athletes to places they have never been before. Seeing states and historical places they only read about in textbooks.
The experience is something that many 7-on-7 programs have been doing for a better part of a decade – seeing places such as Houston, Atlanta, Dallas, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles to name a few destinations as well as visiting major colleges and universities along the way.
6th ANNUAL FOOTBALL HOTBED SPRING BREAK TOUR
One of the groups that has been able to make use of the week is Brandon Odoi and his Football Hotbed organization that covers high school and college football throughout south Florida and in the state of Florida.
Odoi also helps promote high school football players – with a pre-season media day and photos that capture many big games and events throughout the year.
This spring, Football Hotbed once again took off on another tour that brought several area high school football players to such places as Miami, FAU, FSU, Florida, Alabama, Georgia State University of Georgia, Troy State University, Clark University (Atlanta) and the University of Central Florida.
While at those schools, the group toured the campus, watched practice, and met college coaches as well as reaching out to players who are at those schools that many know.
In addition, the tour also included seeing many historical landmarks that these young men read about in class throughout the years, providing an educational part of the spring journey.
MONARCH GETS THEIR PROSPECTS EXPOSURE.
As Football Hotbed and other groups took advantage of spring break over two weeks, Coconut Creek Monarch and coaches Calvin Davis and Roberto Montanez also provided their players with an experience that will last a lifetime.
The Knights had the opportunity to visit Mississippi, Mississippi State and Syracuse.
PLAYERS AND COACHES MAKE THE MOST OF THEIR TIME OFF
While we already know that high school coaches – in all sports – are vastly underpaid – giving up their spring break to expose their athletes is yet another thing that many have no clue about.
In addition to the schools mentioned, high school coaches and players from south Florida also went to FIU, St. Thomas University, Keiser University, Stetson, University of West Florida as well as make stops at places such as Warner, Webber International, Ave Maria, Florida Memorial, University of Fort Lauderdale, FAMU, Bethune Cookman and Southeastern University in Lakeland.
Having so many colleges in the state of Florida provides a huge opportunity for these young men who are searching for an education and opportunity to continue playing the sport they fell in love with at a very early age.
PHOTO COURTESY OF FOOTBALL HOTBED
If you had a group that visited colleges this spring, please let us know and send the information and photos to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Are You Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers? https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 54 years, we have spent more time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..