As we countdown to the start of the 2026 high school football season, more and more Miami-Dade and Broward County prospects have found their way to showcase the skills that have helped to elevate their status.
Having the opportunity to attend several area showcase events that give many of the rising prospects a forum to attract some positive attention, we start another year doing what we have done for over six decades – promote athletes to colleges and universities across the country.
While we have continued to tell you how the star-rated athletes do not need the help of recruiting services and the media for exposure, many believe that getting a 5-star or prospect with numerous offers is a major accomplishment. It isn’t. Take it to the bank that long before many of these reporters “discovered” these standouts, they have long been on the radar.
The student/athletes that certainly need the held are those under-the-radar players who have continued to work hard and turn heads in front of a small group of coaches and fellow players.
Today, we have the pleasure of further getting some of those prospects out there for fans, media and college coaches to see what Miami-Dade and Broward will have to offer – away from the spotlight.
2027 - Alan Blackshere, DB/Athlete, 6’3.5, 195, Miami Carol City – 4.0 GPA. Yet another impressive talent that we had the pleasure of watching throughout his junior season at Miami Norland and knew right away that this was going to be someone that had a chance to be special with his size and athleticism. It wasn’t until the combine season that many of the recruiting websites found out about him and saw exactly what he brought to the table as a defensive secondary standout. His commitment to the University of Connecticut will turn out to be a steal for a program that has started many careers out. Keep an eye on his progress this coming season.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22887356/Alan-Blackshere
2027 - Tyler Chance, QB, 6’1, 185, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons – 3.92 GPA. With a state title already in hand, this impressive student athletes will play his final season at the high school level with the Chiefs, who have embraced his arrival with a solid spring and summer. This is someone who has the skill to play at a high level with arm strength, athleticism and a solid work ethic in the classroom. In addition to making an impact on the football field this off season, his recent visit to some high academic colleges will set the table for his future – beyond the gridiron.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16934524/Tyler-Chance
2027 - Davon Dericho, DB, 5’10, 170, Miami Killian. Even though he committed to the University of Colorado, a majority of those in south Florida really hadn’t watched him perform. This is a gifted football player who continued to impress this off season after everyone started to find out about his commitment to a Power 4 school. Watching him a number of times this spring and into the summer, you can tell why he is going to be special in his final season at the high school level and when he enters college next January. He is physical, athletic and skilled. As he continues to get stronger and builds up more confidence, you will see how impressive he will be. Another of the many Cougars who will be in the spotlight this season.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19947094/Davon-Dericho
2028 - John Rhoden II, WR, 6’1, 170, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy – 3.85 GPA. Here is one of the prospects that will have an opportunity this coming season to truly explode. Watched him for the first time during his sophomore season at Pembroke Pines Charter and came away impressed. Recruiting services who watched him perform were totally sold on what he brought to the table. His ability to get open and make key catches will give him a chance to turn many heads in 2026. Finished his sophomore year with 23 receptions on 26 targets for 353 yards and a team-high six touchdowns. He ended with 405 all-purpose yards. On defense, in the secondary, he had some big plays which included an interception.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23108362/John-Rhoden
2027 - Khamarian Young, WR, 6’0, 175, Hollywood McArthur. With numerous offers and a very productive off season, this quality talent will certainly define the Mustangs on the offensive side of the ball. If you watched him a year ago and continued to check his progress throughout the spring and summer, there is a reason why colleges have been making some valid offers. He is fast, talented and will get open against some of the best secondary performers. Keep in mind, when he practices against his own defensive backs every day, there are few better than what his elite teammates bring against him.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20363038/Khamarian-Young
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..
With just about a week left before football camp opens for high school teams across the state and the long off season has indeed uncovered some quality talent.
As the senior (2027) class is now fully on the recruiting clock, we have certainly found some prospects that everyone will want to keep an eye on.
With so many exposure events available for prospects to showcase their skills, under-the-radar is something that is being used less and less in 2026.
As college coaches have the spring and summer to find those hidden gems, there are less surprises when the season begins.
Today, we unleash five Miami-Dade/Broward County seniors who are not total surprises, but not yet household names that they have a chance to become over the next four months:
Levi Champion, LB, 5’11, 200, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. Florida’s leading tackler from 2025 makes the move south to play for the seven-time defending state champions from West Palm Beach The King’s Academy and he brings with him plenty of football skill and leadership. Headed to Liberty University, this is someone who may not have flown under-the-radar, but he is still a prospect that many have not watched perform. While veteran head coach Roger Harriott and the Raiders are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, this is a true playmaker who will greatly enhance one of the nation’s best teams.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18043861/Levi-Champion
Sanjae Fisher, WR, 6’3, 180, Coconut Creek Monarch. Talk about making the most of an off season. No matter where this team went or what they participated in, this quality talent showcased some major skills. Headed to the University of Charlotte, this impressive pass catcher has proven that he has the skill and talent to lead the way this season for head coach Calvin Davis and the Knights as they look for another run in the state playoffs.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19485298/68cdbd44e46dc73a688b3549
George Harris, DB, 6’0, 185, Miami True North Classical Academy. This soon to be four-year varsity performer has more than proven what he can do all over the field for head coach Greg Laferre and the Titans. He is one of a few who helped to put this program on the map on both sides of the ball, and while he had his chances to move to another school, his loyalty, along with his game-changing football abilities, that have colleges holding him in such high esteem. Headed to Middle Tennessee State University, there is no doubt that he will be the same impact player that he has been in high school.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17631972/George-Harris
Cecil Smith, RB, 5’7, 165, Miami Christopher Columbus. We have already broken down this young man since watching him play as a freshman at Homestead, where he was to be the next Isaac Brown. This is a true game changer, who is fast, powerful, versatile and can catch the ball out of the backfield with the best of them. After a stellar junior season at Miami True North Classical Academy where he ran for over 1,500 yards, he will add a dimension that head coach Dave Dunn and the Explorers will certainly benefit from as they look to get back in the championship mix. One of the top backs in south Florida for the upcoming season, he committed to Northern Illinois University earlier this summer.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20496279/Cecil-Smith
Michael Stringer, WR, 6’0, 190, Plantation American Heritage. In a season where the two-time defending state champions are looking for that big play receiver, this quality talent more than showed this off season that he is ready to become the “go-to” player that will keep the Patriots and head coach Mike Smith in the state championship conversation. Headed to Western Kentucky University, this is a quality player that continues to get better at everything he does.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19663605/Michael-Stringer
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 a shorter show as a lead in to the Miami Marlins and Houston Astros from 6-7:30 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:
Last week at ACC Media Days in Charlotte, the University of Miami was certainly center stage on Day 1 as media members looked at the Hurricanes as a team that could end up in the national championship game for the second straight year. Jordan McPherson was on hand and had his opinions on how things went.
JORDAN MCPHERSON ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/hurricanes-football-beat-reporter-jordan-mcpherson-of-the-miami-herald-d3ec3
One of the best high school football programs over the past few years has been West Boca Raton. The Bulls are the two-time defending state champions with perhaps another one this coming season. With practice starting next week, head coach Dylan Potts talked why this team is so special.
COACH DYLAN POTTS ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-football-coach-dylan-potts-of-west-boca-raton-a72e8
When it comes to being a student/athlete, very few in south Florida have accomplished more than Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons senior quarterback Tyler Chance. This impressive prospect not only gets it done on the football field but is also a target for many colleges and universities in the classroom.
TYLER CHANCE ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/cardinal-gibbons-of-fort-lauderdale-qb-tyler-chance-af33d
During the recent Major League Baseball Draft, three Miami-Dade and Broward prospects were selected in the first round, putting this area back in a favorable spotlight. Baseball expert Joe Frisaro stopped by to break down what happened as these young men start their professional career.
JOE FRISARO ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/man-on-2nd-baseball-host-joe-frisaro-caaeb
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).
The great thing about the off season is attending many events that features prospects who are looking to share some of the spotlight.
Because the spring summer offer so many exposure avenues for athletes in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, attending showcases, camps, combines or 7-on-7 events are filled with talented young men who stand out.
In a world where you have to sell yourself, meeting several of these up-and-coming personally is what this has always been about – and that is why we continue to do what we do to promote the kids.
We have never taken the lazy way out when it comes to evaluating and promoting these football prospects, and that’s why we have been able to do what we’ve done for 56 years!
While the new breed of talent evaluators believe that all you have to do is watch film or see many of these hopefuls in a pair of shorts and a T-shirt, the college coaches who are successful reach out to those who actually see these gifted players compete when the game is on the line.
Anyone can watch film and come up with an opinion, but seeing what kind of character a student/athletes has and what kind of teammate they are often completes the total evaluation. Highlight film doesn’t show everything – and that is why it is important to see prospects up close.
As we continue to do – giving you thousands of prospects to watch since the end of the 2025 season, we give you five more rising athletes who have made an impact in the spring and into the summer:
2028 - Silas Allen, DB, 6’1, 180, Davie Western. The first two things you notice about this quality talent when seeing him perform are his ball skills and his physicality. Has the skill and speed to cover and make plays from the secondary. That quickness also lends itself to being able to read the flow of plays and getting there in time to break up a pass of come up with an interception. The ceiling is something that hasn’t been reached, and over the next two years, he has the skill and toughness to elevate his talent – even further.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22954727/Silas-Allen
2028 - Damien Darling, WR/TE, 6’3, 200, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. After leaving a mark as a pass-catcher at Deerfield Beach as a sophomore, this quality talent makes his way over to play for the Chiefs and you can guarantee, as he grows and matures, his future will start to take shape. Will be a huge plus for a program that has a chance to make the state playoffs with some elite talent. Keep your eye on his progress because he has had a solid off season and should play a role this coming season.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22977018/Damien-Darling
2029 - Cortlandt Florence, DB, 6’1, 185, Miami Norland – 3.4 GPA. As he makes his way into Miami-Dade County after a tremendous season at Hallandale High, here is one of those “sleepers”, who can play multiple secondary positions because of his skill level and a passion to play this game at a high level. In addition to what he does in the secondary, here is a football talent that will perform on special teams as well. It will be fun to continue watching him mature and become one of the best in south Florida.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26958963/Cortlandt-Florence
2028 - Gabriele Scarsini, LB/DE, 6’3, 215, Coconut Creek Monarch – 3.3 GPA. This is a program that has a knack of producing prospects like this. His athleticism and skill level on the football field has made this impressive talent someone to keep an eye on. He is a pass rusher. No matter how you slice it, he is someone who will continue to get bigger and stronger and coming off the edge is where he will help the Knights make an impact this coming year – and beyond. Solid team player who fits the scheme very well.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23332867/6a0b4dad14206deee214b5d9
2027 - Christopher Spikes, DB, 5’9, 165, Miami Immaculata LaSalle. This is someone we talked about last year, showcasing his ability to take over the secondary with his speed and aggressive play. In an area known for outstanding defensive back play, this impressive talent has emerged as one of the top tacklers and aggressive secondary performers. As he puts on weight and gets stronger, this young man needs to be watched during his final season at the high school level. His ball skills are underrated!
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20664756/Christopher-Spikes
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 – When Anthony and Michael Yero sat down and thought about a great way to cap off the summer on the football field, the idea of bringing some of the best teams in south Florida and beyond together for a 7-on-7 tournament.
With state championship pedigree and elite nationally-rated prospects, the “305 Sports brothers” will bring 16 top football programs together on Saturday at St. Thomas University for the Inaugural 305 Sports 7v7 Invitational event, starting at 9 a.m.
The field is loaded as fast-rising Miami Carol City (Coach Toro Wallace), two-time defending state champion Plantation American Heritage (Coach Mike Smith), Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (Coach Matt Dubuc), Miami Killian (Coach Rudy Trevino), Miami Northwestern (Coach Jerome Thomas Jr.), two-time defending state champion West Boca Raton (Coach Dylan Potts), Hollywood McArthur (Coach Robert Ortega) and state power Orlando The First Academy (Coach Jeff Conaway) will battle eight teams for an event that will define football in Florida as we are less than two weeks away from the start of the 2026 season.
“We wanted to bring some of the most talked about programs in Florida together for a true championship battle as the summer is winding down,” said Anthony Yero, who appeared on WQAM Radio’s South Florida High School Sports Report. “The players who will be competing on Saturday represent some of the best in Florida.”
In addition, southwest Florida’s Fort Myers Dunbar (Coach Sammy Brown), Miami Norland (Coach Bam Brown), Miami Southridge (Coach Pierre Senatus), Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (Coach Jake Pew), Weston Cypress Bay (Coach Darrell Strong), Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy (Coach Tim “Ice” Harris Sr.), first-year head coach T.Y. Hilton and the Miami Springs Golden Hawks and budding Palm Beach County power Boca Raton Spanish River (Coach Nick LaSala) will spend the day showcasing plenty of talent.
THE STARS WILL BE OUT – ALL DAY
As fans and media members from all over the state head to STU for the first time to see how this NAIA program is growing under first-year head coach Drew Davis, they will have opportunity to see some of the top talent, heading into the new season.
Here is a look at some of the prospects expected to turn heads:
BOCA RATON SPANISH RIVER SHARKS
Jayden Elder (3 star WR)
Derek Goulbourne (WR; Army commit)
FORT LAUDERDALE CARDINAL GIBBONS CHIEFS
Chris Augustin (DB)
Tyler Chance (QB)
Donte Findeson (RB)
Damien Darling (WR)
Javian Norwood (RB
Sean Nowlan (WR)
Jaylen Watkins (Athlete)
Mi’kye Watkins (WR)
FORT MYERS DUNBAR TIGERS
Tihiem Hutchins (WR; Miami offer)
Frederick Jackson Jr. (WR; Jax State commit)
HIALEAH GARDENS MATER ACADEMY LIONS
Othniel Rhoden Jr. (QB)
John Rhoden II (WR)
Victor Latimore (LB)
HOLLYWOOD MCARTHUR MUSTANGS
Jaylyn Jones (Miami commit)
Sherrod Gourdine (Miami commit)
Antron Branch (WR; 40+ offers)
Zion Davis (Appalachian State commit)
Cameron Goodwin Jr. (18+ offers)
Khamarian Young (3 star WR)
MIAMI CAROL CITY CHIEFS
Nick Lennear (Miami commit)
Zakari Johnson (4 star)
Aden Johnson (4 star)
Arwin Jackson (Appalachian State commit)
Jailen Hill (Nebraska commit)
Alan Blackshere (UConn commit)
Temorris Campbell Jr. (Georgia commit)
Malik Leonard (QB)
Joshua Sylvain (Tulane commit)
Santana Blount (WR, West Georgia commit)
Marquel Brooks Jr. (WR)
MIAMI KILLIAN COUGARS
Kayden Bryant (DB)
Kayron Bryant (RB)
Davon Dericho (DB)
Prince Howell Jr. (Athlete)
Jeramiah Lee (QB)
Andrew Simmons (RB)
Antonio Simmons (WR)
Jaden Smoak (TE/DE)
Artell Vance (LB)
Robert White (DB)
MIAMI NORLAND VIKINGS
Russell Britton (QB)
MIAMI NORTHWESTERN BULLS
Adrian Cox (RB)
Aviyon Darien (WR; 17+ offers)
Donte Anderson (8+ offers)
MIAMI SOUTHRIDGE SPARTANS
Vankino Bethea (DB; 30+ offers)
Marquise Burch (WR)
Cameron Green (WR/FS)
Lamech Rucker Jr. (QB)
Taylor Tucker (Athlete, Georgia transfer)
MIAMI SPRING GOLDEN HAWKS
Victwon “Spider” Miller Jr (WR)
T.Y. Hilton Jr. (Miami & FIU offers)
Deon Higgs (WR)
Marcus “Boobie” Smith (QB)
ORLANDO THE FIRST ACADEMY ROYALS
Kamauri Whitfield (Florida commit)
Brian Dillard (USF commit)
Julian White (4+ offers)
David Coleman Jr. (Bowling Green commit)
Deuce Woods Jr. (2030 QB; Miami offer)
PLANTATION AMERICAN HERITAGE PATRIOTS
Neimann Lawrence (Texas commit)
Amare Nugent (Florida commit)
Michael Stringer (Western Kentucky commit)
Trae Proctor (Kentucky commit)
Jeffrey ONeal Jr. (20+ offers)
Robert Outler (5+ offers)
Courtney Gilliard II (DB; Miami & LSU offer)
SOUTHWEST RANCHES ARCHBIOSHOP MCCARTHY MAVERICKS
Justin Antenor (DB; 20+ offers)
Malik Denson (WR; 15+ offers)
Damien Grant (RB)
Hudson Kamp (QB)
Nate Merrell (QB; 5+ offers)
Kenneth Rowell (DB)
WEST BOCA RATON BULLS
Trey Moran (QB)
Loia Valade (Texas A&M commit)
Terriel Harmon (RB; 20+ offers)
Jemari Foreman (Florida State commit)
Larry Morgan III (USF commit)
WESTON CYPRESS BAY LIGHTNING
Desmond Christian (3 star WR; 25+ offers)
Play starts at 9 a.m.
FOR TICKET INFORMATION: Go to @305sportss (Instagram) or https://gofan.co/event/6709450?schoolId=FL101786
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..