FORT LAUDERDALE – With over 30 high school football programs on hand – from Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and even southwest Florida, the media on hand at the Fifth Annual Football Hotbed Media Day wanted to see the seven-time defending state champion Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders.
Right in the middle of a Saturday practice day as this national powerhouse continued to prepare for the 2026 season, a number of players flocked to the XPE Sports Performance Center to greet the media and fan websites who set up cameras and were waiting to ask the important questions that every football fan wanted answers to.
As head coach Roger Harriott had prior plans, his more than capable assistant coaches escorted dozens of players to get their time in the spotlight.
As individual players were asked several questions about the upcoming season, there was the main interview room where only four players took center stage and had thousands watching live on Facebook.
As seniors walked around the facility to enjoy their time in the spotlight, it was Notre Dame commits Julius Jones Jr. (receiver) and Zayden Gamble (defensive back), Texas A&M-bound offensive lineman Mark Matthews and Edge Rusher Wyatt Smith, who will be headed to Ohio State next year, that had an opportunity to sit down and answer some questions about this season and the future.
Jones Jr., who has played since his freshman season, and is considered one of the best in the country, had the opportunity – along with Gamble and Matthews – to play in the Under Armour National All-Star Game last January as juniors.
That event certainly gave all three a running start on the national exposure needed, heading into their final season, and all three will start the 2026 season among the top 15 in the state of Florida and rated as the best in the country.
Remember, it was Jones Jr., who caught a key touchdown as a freshman in the state title game against Homestead and he has never slowed down.
Gamble and Matthews also used that appearance in the all-star event, competing against seniors, to vault themselves into the national spotlight.
As the focus was on those three, Smith has truly been talked about perhaps more than any other defensive end in the state as well as throughout the country. The 6’6, 245-pouder was easily one of the best in Florida a year ago, despite being hobbled with an injury.
Coming into the season as a huge favorite to win an amazing eighth straight state title, the focus is going beyond Florida.
“This year it’s all about bringing home a national title,” the players agreed. “We know that all of us worked extremely hard – and anything less than winning all the games on our schedule will not be considered a successful year!”
As the Raiders were indeed the team everyone wanted to see, they were not the only elite program that came out on this day.
A pair of two-time defending state champions – West Boca Raton (Coach Dylan Potts) and Plantation American Heritage (Coach Mike Smith) were joined by powers Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (Coach Dameon Jones) and Miami Central (Coach Derrick Gibson) were joined by a very impressive group of teams.
“Our objective was to bring in some elite programs,” said Football Hotbed Founder and CEO Brandon Odoi. “The media and recruiting services that came out were treated to as good an event as you can possibly have. The players, coaches, parents and fans will talk about this day for a long time.”
Also attending on Saturday were Community School of Naples, 4A state runner up Miami Northwestern, Hialeah American, southwest Florida power Fort Myers Dunbar, Coconut Creek Monarch, legendary head coach Tim “Ice” Harris and Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy, powerhouse Miami Christopher Columbus and veteran head coach Dave Dunn, Miramar, Final 4 7A program Miami Palmetto (Coach Mike Manasco), 1A state power Miami True North Classical Academy, Miami Killian, Miami Southridge, Coconut Creek, Davie Western, Fort Lauderdale University School, Royal Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons and rising power Hollywood McArthur.
In addition to those teams, 2A power Miami Carol City, Miami Norland, North Miami, Weston Cypress Bay, Doral Academy, Sunrise Piper, defending 6A state runner up Pembroke Pines West Broward, Delray Beach Atlantic, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, Miami Jackson, rising power Fort Lauderdale Dillard and Plantation.
PROSPECTS WERE INDEED IN THE SPOTLIGHT
While the St. Thomas Aquinas standouts were on display, there were others who attended on Saturday.
Among those who found a camera and microphone were recent Christopher Columbus University of Miami commitment A’mir Sears, as well as other Top 100 seniors such as UM commitment Nick Lennear (WR, Miami Carol City), Demarcus Deroche (TE, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, Miami commitment), Jaylyn Jones (DB, Hollywood McArthur, Miami commitment) and Anthony Jennings (WR, Fort Lauderdale Dillard, Florida commitment).
Others who also joined their teams were are expected to be at media say with their teams were Bryce Williams (DB, Davie Western, Nebraska commitment), Amare Nugent (DB, Plantation American Heritage, Florida commitment), Loia Valade (DB, West Boca Raton, Texas A&M commitment)and Trae “Tank” Proctor (TE, Plantation American Heritage).
Many reporters also had the chance to interview James Perrone (QB, Miami Central, Pittsburgh commitment), Jahnard Young (RB, Fort Lauderdale Dillard), Angelo Smith (DB, Hollywood Chaminade Madonna, Ohio State commitment), Davon Dericho (DB, Miami Killian, Colorado commit), Lee Prince (RB, Miami Carol City) and FIU commitment Zac Katz (QB, Miami True North Classical Academy) to name a few.
There were also Top 100 Class of 2028 prospects like Tromon Isaac (WR) and Brady Quinn (QB) from Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Desmond Christian (WR, Weston Cypress Bay), Nijal Thigpen (OL, Miramar), Edwin Augustin, Antron Branch (WR, Hollywood McArthur) and Khavon Gipson (LB, Miami Northwestern).
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 56 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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
For the past four years, Brandon Odio and his impressive staff at Football Hotbed has been promoting young players and following them to high school and college.
Part of the promotion has been hosting events along the way – and nothing that this organization does is more popular than hosting Media Day.
Every year since the beginning of this kickoff to the season, things have gotten bigger and better – and this year will top all the pre-season events that they have held.
On Saturday, Year 5 will take place at XPE Sports Performance, operating in conjunction with Xtreme Action Park at 5300 Powerline Road in Fort Lauderdale.
“When we started this event, it was with the idea of giving these young athletes maximum exposure with media and fan websites on hand to make the experience special,” Odoi said. “While there are other media days being held throughout south Florida, the one we host brings together a smaller group of teams and players, so the experience is special and not an assembly line.”
While teams will have the opportunity to interact with area media, there are also statewide websites that will be on hand to host interviews, take photos and shoot videos, making this a truly memorable experience.
TOP PROSPECTS, TEAMS WILL TAKE CENTER STAGE
With veteran head coach Roger Harriott and his seven-time defending state champion Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders on hand along with two-time defending state champion Plantation American Heritage (Coach Mike Smith) and West Boca Raton (Coach Dylan Potts) along with Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna and head coach Dameon Jones on hand, it is indeed a star-studded.
Remember, the Lions of Chaminmade-Madonna have appeared in the state title game 10 straight years.
In addition to those programs, state powers such as Miami Northwestern, Miami Christopher Columbus, Miami Palmetto, Miami Southridge, Miami Central and West Broward are expected to be on hand.
Besides West Boca Raton, other out of area programs coming to Fort Lauderdale includes The Community School of Naples, Fort Myers Dunbar, Royal Palm Beach and Delray Beach Atlantic will be on hand.
PROSPECTS WILL SHINE ON SATURDAY
With the outstanding teams that will be on hand, look for some of the top prospects to be there as well.
One of the prospects that everyone will want to hear from is Miami Christopher Columbus standout Am’ir Sears, who recently re-classified to 2027.
Other Top 100 seniors expected to be on hand includes Nick Lennear (WR, Miami Carol City), Mark Matthews (OL, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Julius Jones Jr. (WR, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Wyatt Smith (EDGE, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Zayden Gamble (DB, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Za’Kari Johnson (DB/Athlete, Miami Carol City), Demarcus Deroche (TE, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons), Jamar Thompson (DL, West Boca Raton), Jaylyn Jones (DB, Hollywood McArthur) and Anthony Jennings (WR, Fort Lauderdale Dillard).
Others who are expected to be at media say with their teams – with Ah’Mari Stevens (WR Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Bryce Williams (DB, Davie Western), Amare Nugent (DB, Plantation American Heritage), Jaîlen Hiłł (DB, Miami Carol City), Loia Valade (DB, West Boca Raton), Jaden Carey (DB, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Jemari Foreman (DB, West Boca Raton), T’ari Miller (DB, Miami Central), Sherrod Gourdine (Athlete, Hollywood McArthur), Trezavant Boyd (DB, Miami Central), Alan Blackshere (DB, Miami Carol City) and Trae “Tank” Proctor (TE, Plantation American Heritage).
Many reporters will want to talk with James Perrone (QB, Miami Central), John Gay III (DB, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Austin Coles (WR, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Samauri Howard (DB, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Jahnard Young (RB, Fort Lauderdale Dillard), Tyler Reid (RB, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Temorris Campbell Jr. (LB, Miami Carol City), Angelo Smith (DB, Hollywood Chaminade Madonna), Damari Jerry (DB, West Boca Raton), Davon Dericho (DB, Miami Killian), Ajavion Willis (DB, Miami Christopher Columbus), Jamal Robinson Jr. (WR, Miami Central), Lee Prince (RB, Miami Carol City), Arwin Jackson (RB, Miami Carol City), Zac Katz (QB, Miami True North Classical Academy) and Amos Bradford (RB, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna) to mention some of those seniors who will be at media day.
There will also be Top 100 Class of 2028 prospects at media day – like Neimann Lawrence (QB, Plantation American Heritage), Tromon Isaac (WR, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Aden Johnson (Athlete, Miami Carol City), Alexander Beltran (EDGE, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Quinton Rolle (DB, Miami Central), Peter Pierrre (WR, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Armani Strong (WR, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Meshi Dobson (EDGE, Weston Cypress Bay), Antonio Wilcher (DL, Miami Southridge) and Brady Quinn (QB, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna).
The juniors also have Desmond Christian (WR, Weston Cypress Bay), Micah Price (DL, Plantation American Heritage), Damien Harvey (DL, Miami Christopher Columbus), Nijal Thigpen (OL, Miramar), Andre Jones (DB, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Carlton “C.J.” Jackson III (Athlete, West Boca Raton), Edwin Augustin (DB, Davie Western), Justin Antenor (DB, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy), Steven Moore (LB, Miami Central), Antron Branch (WR, Hollywood McArthur), Khavon Gipson (LB, Miami Northwestern), Marlin Johnson (DB, Weston Cypress Bay), Silas Allen (DB, Davie Western), Demetrius Ingram (DB, Miami Central) and Tremaine Mullen (RB, Plantation American Heritage).
THE SCHEDULE FOR SATURDAY
8:00 AM – Community School of Naples
8:05 AM – Miami Northwestern
8:15 – Hialeah American
8:20 – Fort Myers Dunbar
8:30 – Coconut Creek Monarch
8:45 – Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy
9:00 – Miami Christopher Columbus
9:15 – Miramar
9:30 – Miami Palmetto
9:45 – Miami True North Classical Academy
10:00 – Miami Killian
10:10 – Miami Immaculata LaSalle
10:15 – Miami Southridge
10:30 – Coconut Creek
10:45 – Davie Western
11:00 – Miami Central
11:10 – Fort Lauderdale University School
11:15 – Royal Palm Beach
11:30 – Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons
11:45 – Hollywood McArthur
12:00 Noon – Miami Carol City
12:15 PM – Miami Norland
12:30 – West Boca Raton
12:45 – North Miami
12:50 – Weston Cypress Bay
1:00 – Plantation American Heritage
1:15 – Doral Academy
1:30 – Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas
1:45 – Sunrise Piper
1:50 – Pembroke Pines West Broward
2:00 – Delray Beach Atlantic
2:15 – Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy
2:20 – Miami Jackson
2:30 – Miami Springs
2:45 – Fort Lauderdale Dillard
3:00 – Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy
3:05 - Plantation
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 56 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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
One of the most popular radio shows of its kind was on Wednesday night this week as football practice opened on high school football fields across the state of Florida from 6-8 p.m. on 104.3 FM – WQAM.
Each week, the FM 104.3 WQAM radio program attracts the newsmakers in high school sports, recruiting college sports – not only locally, but throughout the country.
The show gives listeners an opportunity to hear about college football programs statewide from the media that cover them. It also focuses on the coaches who use the state of Florida – Miami-Dade and Broward Counties in particular.
The program, which has been run for nearly two decades and has been recognized nationally as one of the best of its kind, has become a popular listen for recruiting fans as well as high school sports purists, focusing on high sports and the newsmakers.
Here is a look at the way Wednesday night went:
This Saturday at XPE Sports Performance in Fort Lauderdale, Football Hotbed will help to kickoff the 2026 high school football season with their fifth annual media day. Brandon Odoi and his staff will welcome defending state champions Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, West Boca Raton and Plantation American Heritage as well as powers Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, Miami Palmetto, Miami Christopher Columbus, Miami Central, Miami Northwestern, Pembroke Pines West Broward as well as out-of-area schools Community School of Naples, Fort Myers Dunbar, Delray Beach Atlantic and numerous Miami-Dade and Broward schools from 8 a.m. until after 3 p.m.
BRANDON ODOI ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/brandon-odo-of-football-hotbed-on-media-days-8c094
There are very few reporters who have been busier than Andy Villamarzo from Rivals.com this spring and summer. From attending games, practices, camps, combines and media days, he not only covers the state of Florida, but is also a national high school writer – coming up with breaking news and state rankings all over the country.
ANDY VILLAMARZO ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/andy-villamarzo-of-rivals-dot-com-cf9ac
When it comes to following high school football nationally, Zack Poff from Max Preps simply has no rival. At the pulse of every program in the nation, he sees every program and elite prospects and continues to produce national rankings. He recently authored the pre-season national football rankings and stopped by to talk about the reasons why teams were rated high or low.
ZACK POFF ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/zack-poff-of-max-preps-focuses-on-national-recruiting-16b00
His teams have won the past two state titles and have been in the mix since taking over Plantation American Heritage. Coach Mike Smith has helped numerous prospects step into the spotlight locally, regionally, statewide and nationally – and has kept the Patriots in the spotlight. As his team gets ready for another season, he has put together another elite schedule.
COACH MIKE SMITH ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-football-coach-mike-smith-of-plantation-american-heritage-a2c5a
For over 30 years, Coach Jeff Bertani has been the head coach at North Miami Beach High. In that time, he has helped to develop talent that has gone on to play in college and at the professional level. In this day and age of transfers and student/athletes who are not loyal, his players have stayed around and helped the Chargers compete. With former players coming back all the time to coach and mentor, he has established something that is rare in public schools today.
COACH JEFF BERTANI ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-football-coach-jeff-bertani-of-north-miami-beach-begins-30th-season-2721c
With the start of summer practice on Monday and the official beginning of the 2026 high school football season, the next few months will certainly uncover more talent.
As athletes had the opportunity – over the past seven plus months to showcase their skills and jump on the radar screen for colleges and universities, the senior class are the prospects who are on the clock at this point.
With so much talent at every level, the senior class is battling for recognition and an opportunity to jump into the spotlight.
If you follow us for any length of time, you already know that are main reason for evaluating and promoting prospects for six decades is to give these young men an opportunity to continue to playing this game at the next level.
For the second straight day, we bring you some Class of 2027 football players. Some have already found their way on the radar – while others continue to make an impact.
Among those players to keep an eye on this season include Michael Millar (6'1, 160, DB, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Micheler Dumervil-Jean (6'3, 280, DL/OL, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Mylo-Elijah Tshinkola (6'4, 280, OL/EDGE, Coral Gables), Nathan Miller (6'6, 280, OL, Hollywood McArthur), Nicholas Motosko (6'2, 195, DB/LB, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons), Nick Dyer (5'11, 190, QB, Cooper City), Nolex St. Victor (5'11, 195, Athlete, Coconut Creek), Owen Conway (6'0, 205, LB, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy), Quintero Frierson (5'10, 165, WR/Athlete, Miami Killian) and Rafael Salvatierra IV (5'9, 155, WR/Athlete, Miami Palmer Trinity).
The class also has Rah’Saan Williams (6'1, 245, DL, Miami Norland), Raphael Leite (5'10, 275, DL/OL, Davie Western), Rayvon Marcellus (5'11, 252, OL/DL, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons), Robert Randolph (6'2, 160, DB, Coral Gables), Ronald Riley (6'4, 315, OL, Miami True North Classical Academy), Rubin Ceasar III (6'4, 220, EDGE/TE, Plantation American Heritage), Santana Blount (5'9, 155, WR, Miami Carol City), Sawyer Fuchs (6'5, 275, OL/DL, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian Academy), Shane Martinez (6'0, 265, OL, American Heritage-Plantation) and Stephan Jean-Louis II (5'10, 170, Athlete, Davie Western).
Class of 2027 prospects continue to make a statement – like Symari Milner (5'9, 225, DL, Fort Lauderdale), Tah “Jirr” Sam (5'8, 155, WR, Hollywood South Broward), Tarri Cochran (6'0, 165, DB/WR, Miramar), Terrance Williams III (5'9, 165, RB/WR, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons), Tommy Neloms (6'2, 203 Athlete, Hollywood McArthur), Tramell Harris (5'9, 150, DB, Miami Central), Trent Gamble (5'8, 163, WR/DB, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian), Tuwan Grant (6'0, 185, WR, Miramar), Tyler Smith (5'11, 150 DB/Athlete, Davie Western) and Vamounyeh “Vamso” Keita (6'3, 220, TE, Miami Central).
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 56 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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
As football started across the state on Monday, there are several football prospects who have already found their way on to the radar screen.
With so many exposure events there are opportunities for athletes in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties to get noticed.
For this senior (2027) class that began the final year at the high school level, attracting college attention has been the objective since their started to play as freshmen.
As we have had the pleasure to see thousands of athletes and hundreds of teams live over the past seven months, it only enhances the chances to get these football players in front of college decision makers.
While we cover everyone and not just the star-rated athletes, it gives prospects at every level to get some much-needed recognition.
As the season draws closer, we will continue to promote and showcase the talent right here in south Florida.
Today, we will focus in on the Class of 2027 and bring you some talented young men that you may have heard of – and also some that are being exposed for the first time.
Among those players include Adrian Gilbert Jr. (5'10, 195, LB, Miami Springs), Aidan Bryant (6'1, 250, OL, Homestead), Aiden Leone (5'9, 160, QB/K, Coral Gables), Albert Stevenson (6'2, 215, LB/EDGE, Miami Southridge), Alexandar Pinder Jr. (5'8, 170, RB/WR, Fort Lauderdale Dillard), Amarion Ray (5'9, 170, RB/DB, Fort Lauderdale Dillard), Amir Jones (5'11, 250, Athlete, Hollywood McArthur), Andrew Davis Jr. (6'0, 190, DB, Miami Carol City), Angel Orozco (6'1, 285, OL/DL, Miami Christopher Columbus), Anthony Bacon (6'2, 220, TE/EDGE, Hialeah American) and Anthony Diaz (5'7, 160, WR, Parkland Douglas).
The Class of 2027 also features Bergen Birkeland (6'0, 170, WR/DB, Miami Westminster Christian), Brandon “Big Baby” Adams (6'6, 320, OL/DL, American Heritage-Plantation), Brandon Tammara (5'9, 225, OL, Cooper City), Brendan Beery (6'3, 206, QB, Miami Gulliver Prep), Brenner Krohn (5'11, 190, LB, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons), C.J. Dauphin Jr. (5'9, 190, RB, Miami Carol City), Cannon Gulla (6'2, 220, LB/EDGE, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Canyon Henry (6'2, 220, TE/LB, Miami Westminster Christian), Christian Lois (5'11, 185, QB, Miami Braddock) and Cody Conness (6'1, 200, QB, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas).
Other prospects looking to raise the bar in their career includes Cuttino Cooper (5'8, 165, RB/DB, Miami Palmer Trinity), Deandre Leonard (6'0, 175, Athlete, Miami Gulliver Prep), Edwardo Thompson (6'2, 225, EDGE, Miami Central), Jahni Smith (5'8, 175, RB/DB, Miami Palmetto), Jaiden Sheard (6'0, 190, DB, Plantation American Heritage), Kohl Thomas (6'0, 190, LB/EDGE, Miramar) Liam Vazquez (5'10, 170, DL/LB, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace), Malik Denson (5'10, 175, WR/DB, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy) and Meikhi “Tank” Desolomme (5'8, 180, RB/LB, Deerfield Beach).
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 56 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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..