Someone once said that things slow in the off-season in south Florida when it comes to high school football. That person never experienced the nearly eight months between December and late July.
The very fact that camps, combines, 7-on-7 events, and spring and summer football occupy so much of the months in between the actual season, it is something that very few fans – or event recruiting analysts understand.
It has come to the point that those once vacant times during the off-season have been filled with something that takes place every weekend in June and July, which is after a month-long spring.
High school coaches never get the credit for developing and teaching away from the season, and that is one thing that we are proud to follow – 12 months a year.
We bring you football talent that we have the chance to see live – several times – and bring those young men to you after watching them perform and NOT on some outdated video.
Today, we bring you a look at some prospects who have been making some noise in the off-season – with their video link to check out what they bring to the table.
Sitting home and watching film or listening to what someone else has to say about these athletes is the easy part. Actually, getting out to watch them perform is what college coaches across the nation rely on!
CLASS OF 2026
John Allen, K/P, 6’4, 175, Miami Christopher Columbus – 4.81 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17705076/John-Allen
Khameron Baker, LB/DE, 6’0, 205, Coconut Creek. Wrestler.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18667304/673be1a52f77541d74b77499
Harold Baldizon, K/P, 5’9, 140, Miami Varela – 2.9 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/24536197/Harold-Baldizon
Lorvens Barthelemy, OT, 6’6, 310, Coconut Creek Monarch. Pompano Beach Blanche Ely transfer.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23643010/Lorvens-barthelemy
Joshua Carmichael, Athlete, 5’8, 165, Miami St. Brendan – 3.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15932505/677f2fcbd855bc12107d9852
Leondrez Leonard, DB/WR, 5’11, 160, Miami Gulliver Prep – 3.51 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18059949/Leondrez-Leonard
Errol Marsh Jr., OL, 6’4, 320, Coral Springs Taravella – 3.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20234596/674a5ce7625776be6d65e23f
Valinteno Mathieu, WR/Athlete, 6’4,170, Coral Springs – 3.8 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20820786/67ac4a57a15ed7a9835c3bf1
Peter McLaughlin, S/LB, 6’1, 195, Coconut Creek North Broward Prep.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22518934/6718f36cc81556a6d419a7ff
Humberto Serrano, QB, 5’10, 170, Homestead Somerset Silver Palms – 3.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17556288/Humberto-Serrano
Jonas Taylor, DL, 6’0, 240, Miami Archbishop Carroll – 3.21 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20135472/6814374abf53850cd1f1e279
Latevien Tharpe, WR/FS, 6’2, 170, Fort Lauderdale – 3.1 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22503709/Latevien-Tharpe
CLASS OF 2027
Israel Gonzalez, RB/OLB, 5’10, 170, Marathon – 3.0 GPA. Track & Field.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19472264/65a6d868b3c83606f47f205b
Jaeden Jackson, DB, 6’1, 205, Miami Central – 4.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19690136/672fdf8af464532f032bde52
Aiden Leone, QB/K, 5’9, 155, Coral Gables – 3.8 GPA. Southwest Miami transfer.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20394797/670ef88ae91e1f998e15cf4a
Symari Milner, DT, 5’9, 225, Fort Lauderdale.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22518012/Symari-Milner
Angel Orozco, OL/DL, 6’1, 285, Miami Christopher Columbus.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19524739/675b02759b076e3478a6ba04
Rafael Salvatierra IV, WR/Athlete, 5’8, 155, Miami Palmer Trinity – 4.2 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19350683/Rafael-Salvatierra/highlights
Elite Miami-Dade/Broward Teams To Watch. https://larryblustein.com/news/there-are-elite-teams-in-miami-dade-broward-this-summer
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward
For the past 55 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..
When we last left you yesterday, we were shining a spotlight on some of the defensive prospects in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.
Today, as we continue to promote players at EVERY level in the talented two counties, it’s time to uncover some of the offensive prospects who may not be receiving the attention that others have this off-season.
The chance to see these young men live is a huge advantage. Something that very few have the opportunity to do – especially when it’s not at high profile events that all the national recruiting websites are attending.
Because we fully understand that for every star-rated football player there are dozens and dozens who rarely get any attention but work as hard and are looking for a college scholarship as well.
As we start with the offensive linemen, the Class of 2026 has players such as Jhayce Johnson (Pembroke Pines Flanagan) and Ken Prosper (North Miami Beach), fast-rising Pembroke Pines West Broward standout Alejandro Schmitt.
The Class of 2028 has Laulelei Deuce Sualevai (Miami Christopher Columbus).
South Florida also produces quarterbacks who remain under-the -radar such as 2026 players Joseph Roberto and Mason Lewis (Pompano Beach), Cortland Brownfield and Dylan Celada (Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy) and William Martinez (Deerfield Beach).
The Class of 2027 also has some top-flight prospects such as emerging Kai Moore (Miami Norland) and Chammbrayy Campbell (North Miami).
The running position will be under the microscope this coming season with Class of 2026 prospect Adon Hollingshead (Pembroke Pines Charter), Class of 2027 players Izaiah Lopez (Pembroke Pines West Broward and Vero Beach transfer Jahnard Young (Sunrise Piper) and Miami Christopher Columbus 2028 rising talent Fred Fauatea.
The tight end position is also getting some love with Class of 2027 players Trenton Vardaman and Jayne Vincent (Pompano Beach), and their teammate James LeFrancois, who is a sophomore (2028) this coming season.
When it comes to the #305 and #954, the receiver position is always in demand, and some of the players to keep an eye on include Class of 2026 players Duane Manor (Miami Central), Gian Baldovino (Pompano Beach), Dennis Obsaint WR FL Gulliver Preparatory), Angel Dumervil (Miami Edison), Robert Donald III and Drew Barbar (Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy), and Ayden Jaouhar (Pompano Beach).
The position is also deep with 2027 prospects Lavant Gill (Pompano Beach), JaVian Francois (Hollywood McArthur), and Fort Lauderdale Stranahan’s Tyler Lind.
The future needs to be addressed with the position and Class of 2028 players such as Djouvens Jean Mary (Hollywood McArthur), Britton Bayag (Miami Westminster Christian), and Dontavious Kinchens and King Leite (Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy).
Elite Miami-Dade/Broward Teams To Watch. https://larryblustein.com/news/there-are-elite-teams-in-miami-dade-broward-this-summer
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward
For the past 55 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..
During the course of an off-season, there are so many events that spotlight so many football prospects in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.
Because there are so many quality athletes in the two counties that are being watched by college coaches and fans throughout the nation, so many of these young men skip below the radar and often do not receive the attention they deserve.
With the national combines often leaving so many talented prospects out of the mix, there are so many football players who use other avenues – not considered to be elite camps or combines – to jump on that radar screen.
Because we have the opportunity to attend more events live than any other source throughout the off-season, we are fortunate to watch several players that may not be considered star-rated and may not be worth the attention that many national, regional and even state recruiters want to give them.
With July under way and now the focus on conditioning, upcoming media days in preparing for the 2025 season, we have the opportunity to shine that spotlight on many players who may not get that chance to be recognized.
Today, we will look at some defensive players that have enjoyed a productive off-season.
Among those are 2026 defensive backs Lagarious Tyler (Fort Lauderdale), Anthony Casseus (Coral Springs Coral Glades), Alex Gammage (Sunrise Piper), Jaiden Sheard (Plantation American Heritage), Malik Miller (Pembroke Pines Flanagan), Remmao Brown (Davie Nova), Mikael Gachelin (Miami Edison), and Maurice Dorsey (Coconut Creek Monarch).
There are Class of 2028 players talent with Gavin Meeks (Rise Prep) and Macho Walker (Pembroke Pines Flanagan).
Class of 2026 defensive linemen who grabbed some of the spotlight included Nyreeke Brown (Coconut Creek Monarch).
Also, Class of 2027 standout Edwardo Thompson and Quintin Ferguson (Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy).
The Class of 2028 also showed their group of talent with Jeff Wright (Sunrise Piper).
The spotlight also shined on linebackers – such as Class of 2026 players Julius Telefoni-Purcell (Miami Christopher Columbus), and Jack Scott (Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy).
Another player to keep an eye on will be Class of 2027 standout Nicco Humes (Pompano Beach).
Elite Miami-Dade/Broward Teams To Watch. https://larryblustein.com/news/there-are-elite-teams-in-miami-dade-broward-this-summer
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward
For the past 55 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..
If you follow high school football in south Florida, you already know all about the landscape, and which programs have the talent to make a serious run at a state title.
For those who understand this game and what the objective and goals are, you are the ones who benefit each season.
While not everyone can be district champions and put themselves in a position to bring home a state title, the coaches who love the game and relish teaching and developing are the big winners.
With a talent pool that is different than any other region of the country, every program will have prospects that develop, make an impact and head off to the next level to get an education and continue playing a sport they have been around most of their young lives.
Take Coral Gables High School for a prime example. The Cavaliers have enjoyed plenty of success through the years on the football field, turning out elite players and having competitive programs.
Under Frank Welsh, the late Roger Pollard and Joe Montoya, the Cavaliers have put together some quality teams in the 2000’s, competing against some quality opponents.
When Welsh stepped down after last season, Derick Murdock was hired to continue to build and develop talent. Along with one-time standout Buddy Howell, they took over this team with the idea of working year-round and trying to make up ground in one of the toughest 7A districts in south Florida with Miami Christopher Columbus, Miami Palmetto, Homestead South Dade and longtime rival Miami High.
With a solid spring and a busy summer, the Cavaliers have indeed set down a foundation to work with, and as the 2025 season draws closer, it’s been about making a commitment to getting better.
Here is a look at a growing roster that will continue to gain experience and add film for colleges and universities to check out:
CLASS OF 2026
Israel Candia, DE, 5’6, 189 – 2.8 GPA.
TAPE: https://access.qwikcut.com/highlights/67bb051c9050d794e73af6ca
Luke Francis, DL, 6’5, 335.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19660453/Luke-Francis
Lazaro Mora, RB/LB, 5’8, 215 – 2.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://d2htis0rx2m2xo.cloudfront.net/highlights/67bb045c7ff06ca57eff28d7.mp4
Alexander Nunez, DE/OL, 6’5, 240 – 2.7 GPA.
TAPE: https://access.qwikcut.com/highlights/67acbe8761a151b5b176c988
Andy Sosa, DE, 6’3, 250 – 3.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://access.qwikcut.com/highlights/67b8b488f43223f6c232bda7
In addition, prospects on the rise in this class also include Rubin Diaz (DB, 6’1, 155 – 2.6 GPA) and Julian Valdez (DE, 6’1, 198 – 3.3 GPA).
CLASS OF 2027
James Stor, WR/DB, 5’9, 155 – 2.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://d2htis0rx2m2xo.cloudfront.net/highlights/67bb03bf2634fd5a79537a13.mp4
As Stor continues to mature and grow as a player, there are other prospects as well in the class – such as NyRell Lowe (RB/DB, 6’0, 175 – 2.6 GPA), Robert Randolph (WR/DB, 6’0, 140 – 2.5 GPA), Jake Segovia (QB, 5’11, 164 – 2.5 GPA) and Demondre Williams (WR/DB, 6’0, 170 – 2.9 GPA).
CLASS OF 2028
The future is also loading for the Cavaliers with some younger prospects like Miami High transfer Darius Bogan (WR/DB, 6’1, 160 – 3.5 GPA), Estaban Botero (OL, 6’3, 266 – 2.6 GPA) and Ricardo Villarroel (WR/DB, 5’10, 165 – 3.55 GPA).
Elite Miami-Dade/Broward Teams To Watch. https://larryblustein.com/news/there-are-elite-teams-in-miami-dade-broward-this-summer
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward
For the past 55 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..
When Willie Simmons was announced as the new head football coach at Florida International University, there was a feeling that things could be different.
With his many ties to the state of Florida and the fact that he loaded his coaching staff with names that many players, coaches and fans were familiar with, it was a given that recruiting would certainly pick up - and it has.
With an emphasis on blanketing south Florida – Miami-Dade and Broward in particular, the 2026 recruiting class has certainly turned heads throughout Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.
While recruiting is the entire lifeline to any football programs, FIU and Coach Simmons made sure that the people he had out in the field watching prospects were coaches that were highly respected by football fans throughout the community.
With locals Frank Ponce, Anthony Gaitor, Jelani Berassa, Benedick Hyppolite, Edwin Pata and longtime assistant Jovan Dewitt, the Panthers had a core of assistant coaches that have made a huge impact.
With a solid camp season, it opened some eyes to those players and their coaches that had not shown interest in the program before.
Taking nothing away from the previous regimes who carved out their own path, this group has been non-stop since taking over and it has shown with the 2026 recruiting class locally.
Among the local players who have made their commitment in this class include Miami Central running back Jayden Ford (5’6, 160), who is regarded as one of the best in the state.
Ford, who will be coached by Derrick Gibson in 2025, is quick and explosive, and when healthy he is as good as you get.
In Miami True North Classical Academy receiver Malik Penson (5’10, 176), the Panthers are getting a big-time prospect with plenty of high-level experience, playing against some of the best prospects in the nation.
He will be coached by Greg Laffere with the Titans.
In big Jordan Davis (OL, 6’4, 330) from Hollywood McArthur, this program is getting a standout prospect that has improved so much over the past two years as he heads into his final year.
He is strong, agile and continues to get better technically. He has a chance to be special.
Miami Carol City running back Justin Compere (5’11, 180) was recruited by a number of Group of Five schools over the past year.
He is quick, instinctive and elusive and will be special for head coach George Stubbs and the Chiefs this coming season. Along with Ford, it gives this program a huge 1,2 punch at the position.
Safety Jakari Johnson (6’0, 190) is another quality talent who comes in from Plantation and will play for first year head coach Robert Ortega this coming season for the Mustangs.
Perhaps the best kept secret so far in this class is Pembroke Pines Flanagan Edge prospects Michael Smarts. The 6’5, 230-pounder was looked at in the spring by a number of Power 4 programs because he is long, quick and has a huge upside.
Smart is playing his first season for head coach Benjamin Rolle and the Falcons after competing for former NFL standout Tyrus McCloud at Davie Nova the past two seasons.
He is someone that before this year very few people had watched play – and it turned out to be a plus for FIU.
Another elite prospect who has been on the radar for over a year is Sunrise Piper cornerback Jahmani Chin-Suer (5’10,160).
A catalyst for head coach Quentin Short and the district champion Bengals in 2025.
Playing for his father at Fort Lauderdale Dillard, gifted Dimitris Mincey Jr. became the latest commitment for this program over this past weekend.
This is another way under-the-radar talent, who can play multiple positions at 6’1, 205. He is also an exceptional student (3.6 GPA) in the classroom.
With all the talent that is aboard so far, perhaps the biggest commitment didn’t come from an offensive or defensive difference maker.
With dozens of major college programs keeping their eye on Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna kicker Noah Sidan, he pulled the ultimate surprise when he committed to FIU.
This is a proven kicker with a strong and accurate leg and was rated as one of the best in the country.
With several other commits in this class from Florida and around the country, there is a strong feeling that the Panthers and Coach Simmons are not finished filling out this class with game-changers!
Elite Miami-Dade/Broward Teams To Watch. https://larryblustein.com/news/there-are-elite-teams-in-miami-dade-broward-this-summer
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward
For the past 55 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..