By now we all understand the football recruiting game.
It has come down to not whether you have watched a player perform, but what you see at combines, and six month old videos – since not one prospect has played a real game in full gear since December.
As an old school guy, I prefer to watch football talent from five feet away, not only seeing what they bring to the game from an athletic standpoint, but off the field as well.
While watching film has always been a nice enhancement, you never a see a dropped pass, over or under thrown ball, fumbles, holding, pass interference for being beaten repeatedly on the line of scrimmage.
Every Hudl video you see is the “best of an athlete” and not so much showing what their negatives are, and those negatives that are never shown often times complete the recruiting process.
When it comes to recruiting, college coaches have dozens of people they rely on to help completely judge talent. From recruiting services to media, high school coaches and fans, they want the input that will help them to form an opinion.
Keep in mind, anyone can watch a film and judge the positives that an athlete brings to the table, but what about the balance of the overall athlete? Are they good teammates? Do they get in coaches’ faces when things are going wrong? Do they continue to make mental mistakes? Are they cancer in the locker room or on the sideline when things are not going their way? Do they spend more time communicating with friends and family in the stands than they do their own coaches and teammates? That is ALL part of the recruiting process, and why so many completely miss out on prospects.
While everyone believes they have an “EYE FOR TALENT” – it is NOT the only thing that matters in this recruiting process. Not even close.
With that said, the new national rankings for the Class of 2026 (rising juniors) are starting to be released by all the networks, who mostly evaluate off of film and in shorts and a T-shirt at a combine.
WHERE DOES SOUTH FLORIDA STAND?
I always have an open mind when these first lists are released, and if it includes south Florida prospects, I am all ears. For all my negative energy and about stars and rankings, I love to see our own at least get some love.
Among the early rankings this class, prospects such as Plantation American Heritage quarterback Dia Bell, Miami Northwestern standout receiver Calvin Russell, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna recent transfer receiver Jabari Brady, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas impressive defensive back Justice Fitzpatrick and Plantation American Heritage speedy receiver Brandon Bennett are easily among the country’s best.
Also, Plantation American Heritage receiver Malachi Toney, and Miami Carol City linebacker Jordan Campbell – both early University of Miami commitments, and Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman gifted athlete Darryl Bell, an early FSU commitment, are also being regarded.
The talent in Miami-Dade for Broward Counties continue to run deep and getting some national attention with prospects such as Naijah Arnasalam (Athlete, Plantation), Kaj Baker (Athlete, Pembroke Pines Somerset), Jemel Bonica (DE, Miami Northwestern), Anthony Brown (OL, Miami Palmetto), fast emerging Derrek Cooper (Athlete, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), gifted J’Vari Flowers (CB, Miami Northwestern), speedy Jayden Ford (RB, Miami Central), versatile Elijah Hardy (WR, Miami Northwestern), Tedarius Hughes (S, Homestead South Dade), Jaffar Jean-Louis (WR, Plantation American Heritage), and cornerback Aldarius Johnson Jr. (Plantation American Heritage).
The 2026 class also boasts Wynton Jones (DB, Miami Palmetto), Bryant Junius (Athlete, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Tedrick Lee (S, Homestead South Dade), Liam Marley (DL, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian), Karon Maycock (S, Miami Central), Jaborree Riggins (WR, Coconut Creek Monarch), Dominic Turnbull (CB, Miami True North Classical Academy), and recent transfer Tyre Vieux (DB, Miami Edison).
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If you follow high school football in south Florida, nobody must tell you how quickly a program can turn things around.
With more transfers than any other area in the country, these two counties – with enormous talent – can see average teams become contenders with the addition of a few pieces.
Last week we spoke about the rising sophomore (2027) class and the impact they will make in the 2024 season. Those young men, many who have already made an impact, will be the future for several football teams.
During the course of an off-season (January to early August), the movement of student/athletes is mind boggling with the pipeline wide open and looking at that next huge group of transfers coming up right after spring – June 1, with several new faces joining teams for the summer and the preparation of the season ahead.
Today, we focus on the Class of 2026 (rising juniors), which is a group that has been nationally recognized already and is poised to make a major difference.
Among those elite players include speedy Kaj “Nitro” Baker, Athlete, who leaves Miami Central to return to Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy, state rated Dylan Bennett, MLB, who played at West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman last season and will move to Plantation American Heritage, Booker T. Washington DE transfers Jamel Bonica, (MIAMI NORTHWESTERN), and the state’s No. 1 receiver Jabari Brady (HOLLYWOOD CHAMINADE-MADONNA), who came in from Coconut Creek Monarch.
Other players from the class that already on the radar includes University of Miami commitment Jordan Campbell (MIAMI CAROL CITY), a defensive end who comes in from Miami Norland via Hialeah American, the suddenly popular versatile athlete Derrek Cooper (CHAMINADE-MADONNA), who makes the move from Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, speedy and gifted defensive back J’Vari Flowers (MIAMI NORTHWESTERN), a Miami Central transfers, potential star offensive lineman Ben Gula, who makes the move to Chaminade-Madonna after being discovered last spring at Weston Cypress Bay.
The 2026 group will also shine the spotlight on emerging quarterback Florentino Lopez, who heads to Miami Northwestern from Hollywood McArthur, fast-rising Chaminade-Madonna defensive back Leonzay Merzius, who starred for Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, national defensive back Herlin Perry Jr., who heads south to Miami Central from Providence LaSalle Academy, Rhode Island, receiver Jaborree Riggins, a one-time Fort Lauderdale standout , who is looking to play a big role with state-rated Monarch, and kicker Noah Sidan, who already showed why he is easily one of the best with two game-winners last season at Miami Norland. He has moved on to Chaminade.
WAIT, THERE ARE MORE
After a look at that amazing wave of talent, the 2026 class also has some more game-changers who are changing schools.
Among those are R.J. Alphonse, DE, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (HOLLYWOOD CHAMINADE-MADONNA), Jonathan Bredy, DL/OL, Oakland Park Northeast (COCONUT CREEK), Jayden Chico, QB, Fort Lauderdale (PLANTATION), Justin Compere, RB, Immokalee (MIAMI NORLAND), Jamall Cooper, WR, Miami Booker T. Washington (PEMBROKE PINES FLANAGAN), Kymani Corbett, QB, Homestead South Dade (MIAMI KILLIAN), Jaden Curry, OL, Miami Northwestern (HIALEAH MIAMI-LAKES), Christopher Damis, CB, Coral Springs (PLANTATION), Amari Deer, Athlete, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (COCONUT CREEK MONARCH), Damian Dickenson, RB, North Lauderdale Somerset Prep (COCONUT CREEK), Joshua Houston, RB/DB, Fort Lauderdale NSU University School (FORT LAUDERDALE ST. THOMAS AQUINAS), Marlow “M.J.” Hiddo, DE/OLB, Homestead (Goulds Palm Glades), and linebacker Duane Johnson, who leaves Miami Killian for Homestead.
Others to watch are Jayden Loving, OC, Coral Springs (PLANTATION), Da’Sean Miller, LB, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (FORT LAUDERDALE ST. THOMAS AQUINAS), Trayvon Mitchell, SS, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (COCONUT CREEK), Jaden Page, WR, Miami Dr. Krop (MIAMI NORLAND), Javarius Robinson, Athlete, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (COCONUT CREEK), Alejandro RoMay, DL, Coral Springs Charter (FORT LAUDERDALE CARDINAL GIBBONS), Gerald Thomas, DE/OLB, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (COCONUT CREEK MONARCH), Teddy Welch, OL, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (PLANTATION AMERICAN HERITAGE), Caleb Williams, DB/Athlete, Pembroke Pines Somerset (DAVIE WESTERN), and recent athlete Jordan Wooden, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (MIAMI MONSIGNOR PACE).
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For the past 54 years, we have spent plenty of 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..
When it comes to transferring schools – for athletics – it would be tough to match the numbers that Miami-Dade and Broward counties annually put up.
With nearly 100 already changing schools from the first of the year until now, it may be a sampling size of what the final numbers will be when the season kicks off in the last two weeks in August.
No matter what class it may be, student/athletes are departing one school to attend another, and while there is always going to be friction between coaches and fan bases, the beat goes on.
While the busy time for many comes after spring – when the prospects have had the chance to see what a program is all about and what direction they are headed – there are some marquee football players who have already switched programs.
One of the groups that has been stealing the thunder is the rising sophomores in the Class of 2027
Already several marquee prospects have already made their move – led by major talent such as Jayden Dean (OL, Miami Norland to FORT LAUDERDALE ST. THOMAS AQUINAS) and quarterback Zac Katz (Miami True North Classical Academy to HOLLYWOOD CHAMINADE-MADONNA). Both are elite performers who have already made an impact at the varsity level and will be catalysts this coming season.
Jaeden Phillips (QB, Coconut Creek Monarch to PEMBROKE PINES SOMERSET ACADEMY), Cole Rodriguez (P/K, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace FORT LAUDERDALE CARDINAL GIBBONS), Champ Smith (QB, Jupiter Christian to MIAMI CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS), and Sean Thompson (WR/OLB, Hollywood South Boward to MIAMI CENTRAL) are also in line to immediately make an impact with their new schools.
SOPHOMORE TALENT IS TRULY ADVANCED
Back in the day, the thought of a sophomore seeing extensive playing time at the varsity level was absurd – at best – especially in this area of the country, but times have really changed, and underclassmen are playing a key role for some of the best teams in the country.
Some of the other 2027 prospects include Tyler Chance, (QB, Fort Lauderdale Dillard to PLANTATION), Amari Cherenfant (OL, Miami Northwestern to MIAMI NORLAND), Chris Cortinas (WR, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons to COCONUT CREEK MONARCH), Jaeden Jackson (S, Miami St. Brendan to MIAMI NORTHWESTERN), Daylen Morgan (OL, Goulds Palm Glades to MIAMI IMMACULATA LASALLE), and running back Kemmai Morris (Miami Northwestern to HIALEAH MIAMI LAKES).
In addition, there are Aiden Prywitowski (QB, Coconut Creek North Broward Prep to FORT LAUDERDALE PINE CREST), Jaylen Thanis (DT, Miami Booker T. Washington to MIAMI NORTHWESTERN), Pierre Thomas (LB, 5-10, 175, Goulds Palm Glades to MIAMI SOUTHRIDGE), Bryce Williams (DB/Athlete, Pembroke Pines Somerset to DAVIE WESTERN), and Amir Wright, WR/RB, Goulds Palm Glades to HOMESTEAD SOUTH DADE).
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
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For the past 54 years, we have spent plenty of 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 skill players are off competing this off-season at 7-on-7 events across the country, offensive and defensive linemen are not sitting home waiting on spring practice to start.
One of the best things to happen for the “Big Men” in recent years is the 5-on-5-line competition.
No longer are these young men just waiting for spring and summer to come along, this winter has belonged to some national competition, and some of the best in the country had the chance to showcase their skills this past weekend in Atlanta.
Some of the top line prospects in the nation headed to Central Gwinnett High School for a full showcase that included 40-yard run, L Drill, linemen techniques, agility drills, and of course competition.
Like the event last month at Boyd Anderson High School, some of the top offensive and defensive linemen showed up for the National 5v5 Showcase with the top lineman being invited to the Lineman Championship Retreat in May.
With elite linemen from all over coming to the Giant Skills Athletics event, it was one of several competitions that will be held in Dallas, Nevada, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Tennessee, Ohio and Arizona.
When the event ended several south Florida standouts were among many others who turned heads.
“There was a lot of talent in Atlanta,” said coach Pat Cooney. “This 5v5 competition is really growing and we are seeing more and more prospects get recognition.”
2026 - Dequan Bradley, OC, 6-1, 290, West Boca Raton – 3.01 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/v/2MVVWr
2026 - Anthony Brown, OL, 6-5, 315, Miami Palmetto – 3.5 GPA.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2MhNZS
2025 - Woody Celucien, OL, 6-6, 325, Naples Lely – 2.92 GPA.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2M1AUh
2026 - Christ Charles, OL/DL, 6-2, 315, Boca Raton St. Andrew’s Academy – 2.9 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18063504/650619b16899990b6442703e
2026 - Grant Edmond, DL, 6-1, 225, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons -3.1 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/v/2Lr7BL
2025 - Jamy Eme, OL/DL, 6-4, 265, Miami Killian – 2.8 GPA.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2MWjmB
2025 - James Johnson, OL/DL, 6-2, 290, Homestead – 3.1 GPA.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/video/3/16186425/6563f9af02b1a70b6812b776
2025 - Johannes Mager, DE, 6-4, 220, Homestead.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18769000/650c5e666e8c480914f83905
2025 - Bernard Oliva, OL/DL, 6-3, 230, Miami St. Brendan – 3.2 GPA.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2LmjxF
2025 - Luis Pruneda, OL, 6-3, 295, Miami Killian – 3.6 GPA.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2M8USi
2026 - Xavier Reid, DL, 6-0, 265, West Boca Raton.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/v/2Mbjxc
2027 - Ronald Riley, OL, 6-3, 282, Miami True North Classical Academy.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17569464/654c48c94bb2c40190bb5dd3
2025 - Jeremy Smith, OL/DL, 6-6, 255, Miami Central – 2.9 GPA.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2MdV25
2028 - Shawn Smith, LB, 6-1 228 – 3.0 GPA.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2MfxHC
2025 - Wilnerson Telemaque, DL, 6-6, 242, Miami Monsignor Pace – 3.1 GPA.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2MLtxV
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For the past 54 years, we have spent plenty of 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..
Over the years, the Fort Lauderdale Stranahan Dragons have had some quality coaches to lead the football program.
On Tuesday, this program continued that tradition with the hiring of one of their own.
Jacky Candy, who played for the Dragons before going on to college at Robert Morris, Coffeyville Community College and the University of Houston.
Candy takes over for longtime coach Travis Harden who stepped down at the beginning of the year after a successful run.
Candy, who was a two-sport (basketball) standout at Stranahan is excited about coming home to take over a program that has long attracted quality athletes.
He was recently hired at Cardinal Gibbons as a defensive assistant, but when the opportunity to come home presented itself, it was simply a no brainer.
“For the past five years I learned so much being on the staff at Monarch with Coach (Calvin) Davis and his assistant coaches,” Candy explained. “When Coach (Matt) Dubuc brought me over at the start of the year to coach at Cardinal Gibbons, it was another step in the process of becoming a head football coach.”
Leaving Cardinal Gibbons was not an easy decision, but the chance to be a head coach at his alma mater was tough to pass up.
Playing for Coach Kevin Sumlin at Houston also prepared him as a safety for the Cougars.
“I’m just anxious to get going and learn what we have on our roster this spring,” Candy said. “I know the Stranahan community well and will reach out to those who helped me become the person I am today.”
The Dragons will hit the ground running as Candy is looking for a spring game to get his team ready for a competitive summer.
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
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
For the past 54 years, we have spent plenty of 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..