As college coaches left south Florida this spring, they had the same feeling they’ve experienced for decades.
While some experts continue to talk about how the talent level is declining in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, colleges and universities somehow continue to stock their rosters with elite talent from the #305 and #954.
As the season is now six weeks away, the spotlight is not only shining on the current 2027 seniors, but it has trickled down to the juniors (2028) and even the sophomores, where there are some impressive 2029 talent that continues to impress here this summer.
Today, we shine that spotlight on five Class of 2029 players who are expected to continue to impact their respective teams.
Evans Branch, WR/DE/Athlete, 6’5, 200. Miami Westminster Christian. After a stellar freshman season at Miami Ransom Everglades, this versatile talent makes the move over to a Westminster Christian program that is starting to rebuild with a new coaching staff. Last season, he finished a big year on defense with 74 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, nine sacks, one fumble recovery touchdown and one forced fumble.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23318095/691a38611e12c59908cdb648
Robert “Bobby” Doctor Jr., DE, 6’4, 240, Miami Southridge – 4.0 GPA. Basketball. When he decided to move from the basketball court as a freshman at Miami Westminster Christian to the football field for the Spartans this past season, this impressive athlete opened up a new world for himself as major colleges started to immediately watch this impressive talent as he started to learn the game and pick things up quickly. Coming from a basketball family, there is also football in those bloodlines and expect him to continue to watch his stock rise – higher and higher.
TAPE:
Gabriel “Gabe” Ellis, DL, 6’4, 250, Miami Gulliver Prep – 3.74 GPA. Here is one of the fast-rising stars in the class at a program that is know for producing elite talent on both sides of the ball. This is a quick, athletic and someone who has the chance to be special in the coming years. Not only a solid pass rusher but also has shown that he can stop the run as well. One of those football players that you will want to keep an eye on.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22474478/Gabe-Ellis
Derrick Jones Jr., 6’1, 170, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. As they say – the next man up, and this is someone that opponents and coaches believe is someone that has the chance to be a solid cornerback. Watch him play and you will see a prospect that has the size, instincts and ability to make plays against even the best. Remember, every day in practice he is paired against perhaps the best receiving corps in the state of Florida, so expect him to get better by playing against the best. He has already lined up against some of the top players in Florida.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26781994/Derrick-Jones-JR
Kenneth Rowell, CB, 5’11, 170, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy. Track & Field. Over the past few years, here is a program that continues to add talent and develop young prospects, and this gifted player is certainly the next one up. His ability to make key plays in coverage has already earned him a reputation of being right where the action is on every play. He will be fun to watch as he matures and picks up experience.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26831067/Kenneth-Rowell
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..
No matter if it was at a camp, combine or a 7-on-7, this summer has been busy with enough events that standing out and being noticed was not difficult at all.
With so many eyes on talent throughout Miami-Dade and Broward Counties over the past two months, there are several prospects who have had the opportunity to continue to make a name for themselves.
With the season right around the corner, we bring you a look at some of the players who have a chance to be special when play begins in the third week of August.
Many of these young men who were receivers turned heads at the 7-on-7 events.
2027 - Santana Blount, Slot, 5’9, 158, Miami Carol City – 2.9 GPA. University of West Georgia commit.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22468691/Santana-Blount
2028 - Russell Britton, QB, 6’2, 180, Miami Norland – 3.9 GPA. Miami Carol City transfer.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21706742/Russell-Britton
2028 - Marquel Brooks Jr., WR, 6’0, 195, Miami Carol City – 3.0 GPA. Gainesville Buchholz transfer.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23605991/Marquel-Brooks
2027 - Marquise Burch, Athlete, 5’11, 170, Miami Southridge – 3.0 GPA.
2027 - Kareem Brown, WR, 6’0, 180, Miami Central – 4.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16930405/Kareem-Brown
2027 - Davarious Dean, WR, Miami True North Classical Academy – 3.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26917870/Davarious-Dean
2028 - Khavon Gipson, LB, 6’1, 205, Miami Northwestern – 4.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22891327/69437b4c667ffd62d43b7fec
2028 – Cameron Goodwin Jr., DB, 6’2, 180, Hollywood McArthur – 4.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video
2027 – Damien Grant, RB, 5’8, 185, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy – 3.4 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20312279/691cc189502a4bd69c34e670
2027 - Deandre Leonard, Athlete, 6’0, 165, Miami Gulliver Prep – 3.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19594334/Deandre-Leonard
2029 - Victor Latimore, LB, 6’0, 190, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26644678/Victor-Latimore
2027 - Victwon “Spider” Miller Jr., Athlete, 5’9, 160, Miami Springs.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19899241/Victwon-Miller
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 is back on Monday night this week for two hours and we talked football, World Cup soccer and the Major League Baseball Draft 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 Monday night went:
As a sophomore at Naples Lely High School, Brady Quinn set records and got his team into the state playoffs. Fast forward this spring and this quality quarterback makes the move to Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, giving the Lions one of the best in the class at a position of need.
CHAMINADE-MADONNA’S BRADY QUINN ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/hollywood-chaminade-madonna-new-qb-brady-quinn-77589
This Saturday at St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, the 305Sportss 7-on-7 will be held and Michael and Anthony Yero have worked hard to make it the event of the summer.
ANTHONY YERO ON MONDAY NIGHT.
https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/anthony-yero-of-305sportss-7-on-7-5ca65
With the World Cup being played in North America, there is plenty of spillover to the youth and high school soccer players all over. In south Florida, the event has spiked the interest and head coach Kam Clark from start champion Miami Christopher Columbus gave his thoughts.
COACH KAM CLARK ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/christopher-columbus-boys-soccer-head-coach-kameron-clark-a9847
Over the past few years, Coach Dave Montiel from Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons has used two weeks during the summer to take players to academic colleges and universities on a caravan to see what these schools had to offer. He is currently on the road.
COACH DAVE MONTIEL ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/cardinal-gibbons-coach-dave-montiel-74c2b
No matter where Coach Doug Sochia has been, he is developed, organized and won. At Keiser University in West Palm Beach, he built a national power from scratch. Now, in his second year at Lenoir Rhyne in North Carolina he is doing the same thing.
COACH DOUG SOCHIA ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/lenoir-rhyne-university-head-coach-doug-soch-e3a23
When Gio Rojas was selected by the Texas Rangers in the first round of the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft, he continued the success of Parkland Douglas High School. While many felt he would go earlier, this left-hander landed in the perfect spot.
GIO ROJAS ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/stoneman-douglas-1st-round-draft-pick-pitcher-gio-rojas-of-the-texas-rangers-95dbd
Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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).
BRADENTON – Led by University of Miami Class of 2029 quarterback commitment C.J. Cypher, Carrollton High School of Georgia captured the inaugural Under Armour Next S7VNS championship Sunday, defeating Wunna Warriors, 26-25, in a thrilling title game to conclude a weekend of elite 7-on-7 competition at IMG Academy.
The 6’1, 195-pound Cypher completed 39 of 64 passes (60.9%) with a tournament-best 10 touchdown passes. In the championship game, he completed 18 of 26 attempts and threw four touchdowns, leading Carrollton to a thrilling 26-25 victory over Wunna Warriors.
Four athletes were recognized as tournament MVP’s for their performances throughout the weekend. Besides Cypher, Colton Nussmeier (Wunna Warriors) earned Offensive MVP honors, while Tyler Boyd (Carrollton High School) and Christian Alexander (UA Next Icon) were named Defensive MVPs.
The six-team tournament brought together Carrollton High School, St. Frances Academy, Wunna Warriors, UA Next Blur, UA Next Icon and UA Next Spotlight. The field featured 39 ESPN-ranked prospects, including 11 ESPN SCNext 300 prospects and 28 ESPN SCNext Jr. 300 prospects.
In the championship game, Darrell McFadden caught seven passes while Rontre Welch added three touchdown receptions. For Wunna Warriors, Nussmeier completed 6-of-9 passes with three touchdowns and Carter Morgan completed 6-of-9 with one touchdown. Brendyn Jackson led the Warriors with three receptions while Marcus McCoy, Malahn Green and Jaiden Kelly each caught touchdown passes.
UA Next Icon defeated St. Frances Academy, 32-12 in the fifth-place contest. University of Miami 2028 commitment Knox Annis (Jacksonville Mandarin) and Chandler Dyson combined for five touchdown passes. Christian Alexander starred with two touchdown receptions and two interceptions.
MVP Highlights
Offensive MVP
Colton Nussmeier (Wunna Warriors)
Nussmeier helped lead Wunna Warriors to a runner-up finish after completing 18 of 29 passes (62.1%) with seven touchdown passes during the tournament. He was especially effective in the championship game, completing 6 of 9 passes while throwing three touchdowns to keep Wunna Warriors within one point of the title.
Defensive MVP’s
Tyler Boyd (Carrollton High School)
Boyd anchored a Carrollton High School defense that helped deliver the inaugural S7VNS championship. The standout defensive back consistently matched up against many of the nation's top receivers throughout the weekend, providing a steady presence in the secondary as Carrollton navigated a field featuring 39 ESPN-ranked prospects en route to the title.
Christian Alexander (UA Next Icon)
Alexander showcased his versatility throughout the tournament, recording eight receptions, four receiving touchdowns, and two interceptions while helping UA Next Icon secure a fifth-place finish. Alexander capped his weekend with one of the event's top all-around performances in the fifth-place game, catching two touchdown passes and recording two interceptions, earning Defensive MVP honors.
PHOTO BY BILLY TUCKER/TheUCReport
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..
MIAMI GARDENS – They came from Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade Counties to compete for the final spots in Sunday’s Crib Classic 7-on-7 $10,000 Invitational championship at Miami Christopher Columbus, and by the end of the day on Thursday, head coach Pierre Senatus and his Miami Southridge football team stood alone at Monsignor Pace High School.
In beating first year Miami Springs head coach T.Y. Hilton and his Miami Springs Golden Hawks in the finals, the Spartans finished the day with the win and a $5,000 check, heading into Sunday’s final.
Because Miami Christopher Columbus, the host team on Sunday had to drop out because personal reasons, Coach Hilton and his team will join a field that includes Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, Plantation American Heritage, Hollywood McArthur, Miami Central, Miami Northwestern, Weston Cypress Bay, Fort Lauderdale Dillard, Miami True North Classical Academy, Miami Carol City, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy, Coconut Creek, Coconut Creek Monarch, Miami Norland and defending state champion West Boca Raton.
THE SPARTANS CAME TO PLAY ON THURSDAY
With a solid spring and summer Southridge earned their way to the final with some quality play. Led by the MVP of the event Class of 2029 sophomore Cameron Green (WR/FS, 5’10, 152 – 3.2 GPA), the Spartans had some impressive performers.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/27094173/6907c5be0c02cc788e71d435
Here are some more offensive stars:
2028 - Darius Bogan, WR, 6’3, 180 – 3.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23527525/Darius-Bogan
2027 - Marquise Burch, WR, 5’11, 170 – 3.0 GPA.
2028 - Jason Hernandez, WR, 5’8, 170 – 3.67 GPA. Wrestling.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22354230/Jason-Hernandez
2028 – Lamech Rucker Jr., QB, 6’2, 180 – 4.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22074278/Lamech-Rucker
2027 - Javarius Wright, WR, 5’10, 170 – 3.9 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22314081/Javarius-Wright
DEFENSE COMES UP BIG AS WELL
While the offense put up the points, it was the defense that also made an impact:
2029 - Vankino Bethea, 6’1, 160.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23407651/Vankino-Bethea
Marquaan Burch, RB/DB, 5’10, 175. Track & Field – 3.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23470216/Marquaan-Burch
King Gage, DB, 5’11, 165 – 3.2 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/27431719/King-Gage
2029 - Phillip Intagliata, Athlete/DB/WR.
2030 - James Phillips, S.
2027 - Albert Smith, LB, 6’2, 220 – 3.3 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20931961/Albert-Smith
2028 - Champ “Taylor” Tucker, DB, 6’3, 175.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22874866/Taylor-Tucker
Besides Southridge and Miami Springs, other schools on hand Thursday were Coral Gables, host Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, Miami Beach, Miami Westminster Christian, Miami Florida Christian, Southwest Miami, Doral Academy, Miami High, Homestead Somerset Academy Sliver Palms, Miami Gulliver Prep, Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer, Homestead South Dade, Pembroke Pines Flanagan, Coral Springs, Miramar, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, Deerfield Beach, Davie Nova, Pembroke Pines West Broward, Boca Raton Spanish River, Sunrise Piper, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, Miami Killian and Hialeah American.
Want to check out Sunday’s event? Here is how you can come and watch: https://cribclassic.com/tickets
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..