Well, we have finally reached another season – with the kickoff classics starting this week across the state of Florida.
As we have had the pleasure again to travel across the state of Florida, we have watched hundreds of football prospects do their thing during the spring and into the summer in games, practices, camps and combines.
While everyone knows that Florida is the epicenter for some of the best talent in the country, you have to understand that these difference makers are not only seniors (2027) and juniors (2028), who are already on the recruiting clock.
The focus in places such as Pensacola, Tallahassee, Gainesville, Orlando, Jacksonville, Tampa/St. Petersburg and here in south Florida and everywhere in between are the younger players.
So many Class of 2029 sophomores, who had the chance to impress last season, have already turned heads – here in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.
Whether it was during the spring or at several summer events statewide, the south Florida talent truly stood out – and we were fortunate to be on hand as those rising sophomores made an impact – in front of college coaches.
There were so many impressive young players doing their thing, we have already gotten them plenty of exposure, often before anyone had the chance to watch them perform live in game conditions.
Among the players you will want to keep an eye on this season includes Xavier Baker (DB, Homestead South Dade), Vankino Bethea (DB, Miami Southridge), Evans Branch (Athletes, Miami Westminster Christian), Jamar Brinson (Athlete, Miami Carol City), Javian “Deebo” Butler (Edge, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons), Aviyon Darien (Athlete, Miami Northwestern), Bobby Doctor (Edge, Miami Southridge), Gabriel “Gabe” Ellis (DT, Miami Gulliver Prep) and Noah Finkelstein (LB, Coconut Creek North Broward Prep).
There are also Richard Guilbaud (RB, Miami Central), Uriah Gomez (Edge, Homestead South Dade), Cameron Green (Athlete, Miami Southridge), Aydin Hall (LB/Athlete, Miami Gulliver Prep), legacy standout Deandre Jasper Jr. (Athlete, Miami Jackson), Tyrell Johnson Jr. (WR, Miami Springs), Antwan Jones (DB, Miami Immaculate LaSalle), Derrick Jones Jr. (DB, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), nationally-rated Victor Latimore (LB, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy) and fast-rising Jeramiah Lee (QB, Miami Killian).
The deep 2029 talent goes further with impressive Malik Leonard (QB, Miami Carol City), Darius Little (OL, Davie Western), Jovani Louis (DB, Miami Northwestern), Mason Maduro (OL, Miami Gulliver Prep), Trey’Von Martinez (OL, Miami Central), Ben “BJ” McFadden Jr. (Edge, Miami Carol City), Sidney Milcent (DB, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Vincent Mosley Jr. (QB, Fort Lauderdale Dillard), Javian Norwood (WR, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons) and elite Jeffrey O’Neal Jr. (Plantation American Heritage).
Rounding out this Monday watch list are Kedarius Rhaney (WR, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Kenneth Rowell (DB, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy), Lamech Rucker Jr. (QB, Miami Southridge), Chadwic Small (OL, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Maksim Steuber (QB, Sunrise Piper) and Khalil Thomas (DB, Doral Academy) to mention a few.
Remember, we post dozens of prospects daily with film, accurate schools and grade information that goes directly to college coaches nationally, so if there 2029 players that we didn’t list, don’t worry, we will!
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..
It began after a 6-5 season ended with a first-round state playoff loss to Miami Killian.
A 6-5 record for the Miami Carol City football team on top of a number of less than average years, which did not sit well with this longtime successful fanbase.
Years of losing to rivals and early exits in the state playoffs was not something that this program had been used to over the years.
The supporters were quickly growing old of watching programs around them – like Miami Norland, Miami Central and Miami Northwestern reach the state finals, so something had to be done.
Enter head coach Toro Wallace, who had enjoyed state championship success at Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, and the dominoes would start to fall. Longtime supporters and graduates were no longer willing to sit around season-after-season and watch this program underachieve and fail to keep up with programs in the area. It left a bad taste in everyone’s mouth.
Piece by piece, the Chiefs started to put things back together – and by the end of spring, elite prospects were added along with coaches – many with ties to the program.
By the end of summer when they lost a four overtime 7-on-7 event to two-time defending state champion West Boca Raton, the word had spread.
While many of the experts had not watched this team play – in full uniform – they were buying in to the names on the roster and the hype that had been generated.
When Max Preps came out with their pre-season national rankings a few weeks back, the school that had struggled to win games over the past six seasons had been elevated to No. 11 in the nation.
While there are those who are still skeptical that this program could be that good, are playing the waiting game.
No matter what anyone feels, Carol City still has to get it done on the field, and with a challenging schedule, they will get their opportunity.
If you look at the roster on paper, there is no getting around that this is as talented a roster as you will find, and playing in Class 2A, those on this team believe in miracles.
Starting with the senior class (2027), there are some elite names that everyone knows – like Miami Norland transfer Alan Blackshere (CB), two-year Chiefs starter and University of West Georgia commit Santana Blount (Slot), Chaminade-Madonna transfers University of Georgia commit Temorris Campbell Jr. (LB), Appalachian State commit Arwin Jackson (RB), West Virginia commit Lee Prince Jr. (RB) and West Virginia commit Trevoris “T.J.” Finley (DE); UCF commit Debonaire Johnson (LB), elite FSU-bound Zakari Johnson (DB/Athlete), Fort Lauderdale Dillard transfer and Tulane commit Joshua Sylvain (WR), FIU commitment Jaylen Thanis (DL), FAU commitment Danard Frazier (DT), rising standout Andrew Davis Jr. (S), and the center piece five-star University of Miami commit Nicholas Lennear (WR) from Miami Northwestern.
In addition, the Chiefs’ rosters also includes Jakell Brown (OL), Jashon Chaneton (DB), C.J. Dauphin (RB), Tramaine Holland (DE), D’Aniko Hunt (LB), Jerryson Jean-Baptiste (DB), U’Darius Jenkins (DB), Tha’kari Smith (DB), Willie Walker III (OL), former Miami Northwestern kicker/punter Alex Lima and legacy Robert Sanford (LB), who’s father was a star running back for this program.
LOADED FOR THE FUTURE AS WELL
While those who follow this game continue to talk about the seniors, there are also some elite underclassmen who will also impact this team in 2026 and beyond.
Prospects in 2028 such as California defensive secondary transfer Jaîlen Hiłł, Gainesville Buchholz transfer Marquel Brooks Jr. (WR) as well as nationally-rated Aden Johnson (Edge) and one-time Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace prospect Zakhari Johnson (LB).
The junior class will also include Kevin Alexander (OL/DL), Achilles Black (DB) Jimmy Gonzalez (DB), Yakes Jones Jr. (DT), Samir Mobley (DE), Cartier Morrell (DB), Semaj Robinson (OL) and Rashard Vangates (WR).
As good as the 2028 class will be, keep an eye on the 2029 sophomores like elite prospects Ben McFadden Jr. (DE/TE), Michael Williams Jr. (DL), Jamar Brinson (DB), newcomer Jerry Joseph (OL) and quarterback Malik Leonard, who helped lead Chaminade-Madonna to the 1A state title game last year.
The sophomore class will also have Victor Aguilar (OL), Jaelin Coach (DT), Kobe Hinton (OL/DL), Jamell Johnson (WR), Darrell McDonald (WR), Marvin McDonald III (WR), Roshard Williams (OL) and Maurice Wright Jr. (DB).
2026 MIAMI CAROL CITY CHIEFS SCHEDULE
8/21 - @Daytona Beach Mainland
8/28 - @Lee County, Georgia
9/4 – Miami Norland
9/17 – Miami Edison
9/24 – Miami Booker T. Washington
10/2 - @Grayson, Georgia
10/9 – Miami Northwestern
10/16 – GMAC WEEK
10/23 - @Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy
10/30 – 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 we traveled the state of Florida this spring and summer and saw hundreds of teams and thousands of prospects, there was no getting around that south Florida isn’t the only place where top-flight football is being played.
From Pensacola to Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa/Sr. Petersburg and everywhere in between, there are some impressive players who will make a statement this coming season.
But as gifted as many are throughout the Sunshine State, it is always tough to equal what Miami-Dade and Broward Counties produce every year. That talent is not only recognized locally, regionally and statewide, but those who follow high school football across the country are aware of the game-changers in these two counties.
As the 2027 seniors are already firmly in place and many have their college plans, it’s the junior class (2028) that is starting to turn heads and being recognized statewide.
Among those juniors who have already found their way on to lists include University of Texas quarterback commit Neimann Lawrence (Plantation American Heritage), Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna standout receiver Tromon Isaac, Aden Johnson (Edge, Miami Carol City), Miami Norland transfer receiver Armani Strong, emerging Chaminade-Madonna tight end Peter Pierre, Alexander Beltran (Edge, Chaminade-Madonna) and Naples Lely highly-regarded transfer quarterback Brady Quinn.
The 2028 class also boasts Justin Antenor (DB, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy), Quinton Rolle Jr. (CB, Miami Central), Desmond Christian (WR, Weston Cypress Bay), Notre Dame-bound Andre Jones (DB, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), way under-the-radar American Heritage defensive tackle Micah Price, one of the best offensive linemen in the country Nijal Thigpen (Miramar) and Miami Southridge dominating defensive tackle Antonio Wilcher.
This deep south Florida class also features Hollywood McArthur standout athlete Antron Branch, Steven Moore (LB, Miami Central), Edwin Augustin (DB, Davie Western), Miami Edison Edge Jaidyn Holston, Khavon Gipson (LB, Miami Northwestern), Demetrius Ingram (DB, Miami Central), Silas Allen (DB, Western), Marlin Johnson Jr. (DB, Plantation) and Miami Carol City defensive back Cartier Morrell.
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 the season starting over the next two weeks, we have been fortunate to bring you more prospects – in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties than any other source.
This off-season, we have traced athletes all over the two counties as they put their best foot forward to put themselves on the radar so colleges and universities would take notice.
While the star-rated athletes have enjoyed their time in the spotlight, with several recruiting services and fan websites covering their every move, we have been busy watching these young men live.
We pride ourselves on going and watching the talent live and not relying on what our home computer furnishes us.
Today, we bring you 10 more Class of 2028 juniors that you will want to keep an eye on as they progress this coming season.
We always provide a video link and social media contact, so the colleges – and you the fan – can follow these prospects and help promote them.
Santuan Dixon, DB/WR/RB, 5’10, 154, Coral Springs Charter – 3.5 GPA. Track & Field.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23184120/santuan-dixon
Jeremy Douglas Jr., RB, 5’10, 170, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna – 4.0 GPA. Track & Field.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22920702/Jeremy-Douglas
Ricky Martin, LB, 5’10, 210, Cooper City – 3.2 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26866411/Ricky-Martin
Ratavion McCreed, WR, 5’11, 165, Hollywood McArthur.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26716917/Ratavion-Mcreed
Gabriele Scarsini, LB/DE, 6’3, 215, Coconut Creek Monarch – 3.3 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23332867/6a0b4dad14206deee214b5d9
Deshawn Thompson, Athlete/WR/DB, 6’1, 180, Davie Nova – 3.9 GPA. @Dameon8 @stlighting @CSCSFootball @Coach_Haire10
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/28097537/Deshawn-Thompson
Tyler Tindal, LB, 5’10, 180, Miami Christopher Columbus.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22653141/Tyler-Tindal
Jeremiah Valcourt, OL, 6’0, 256, Davie Nova – 4.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/24087049/Jeremiah-Valcourt
Mykei Wade, WR, 5’9, 170, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20690607/Mykei-Wade
Kendrick Williams, DB, 6’1, 165, Coconut Creek – 3.8 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26997914/Kendrick-Williams
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 back on Monday night this week as football is definitely in the air with practice opening at colleges across south Florida and we talked about it all 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 Monday night went:
Willie Simmons will begin his second season as head coach at Florida International University when camps opens on Friday and the expectations are high for the Panthers who will have some impressive talent. Brandyn Pokrass broke down the season and schedule.
BRENDYN POKRASS ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/fiu-football-reporter-brandyn-pokrass-4c14c
Is University of Central Florida head football coach Scott Frost on the hot seat? The Knights will need to win at least six games this season and get to a post season bowl game for the temperature to cool off in Orlando. Matt Murschel from the Orlando Sentinel talked about the players and schedules in the competitive Big 12 Conference.
MATT MURSCHEL ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/ucf-football-reporter-from-orlando-sentinel-matt-murschel-89879
On Tuesday, the University of Miami opens camp as the defending national runner up after losing to Indiana this past January. The ‘Canes will most likely be a favorite in every game but Notre Dame on the road – as they will have a very talented team. Adam Lichtenstein from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel talked about the season and schedule.
ADAM LICHTENSTEIN ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/south-florida-sun-sentinel-miami-hurricanes-football-reporter-adam-lichtenstein-4d163
This past Saturday, Football Hotbed hosted a south Florida high school media day and Andre Fernandez from the Miami Herald was right in the middle of all the action as top teams from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach – as well as southwest Florida were on hand. Is St. Thomas Aquinas going to be the team to beat again as the Raiders look for an eighth straight state title?
ANDRE FERNANDEZ ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/andre-fernandez-of-the-miami-herald-fae8f
After a four-win season a year ago, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace is back and reloaded this season with a challenging, but competitive. This will be a season where the Spartans and head coach Anthony Walker Sr. are loaded with quality playmakers and aiming for a winning season.
COACH ANTHONY WALKER ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/miami-monsignor-pace-head-football-coach-anthony-walker-e80b2
When the 2025 high school football season and Coral Glades lost a first-round state playoff game to Miami Palmetto, there was a sense that Coral Glades would be back stronger in 2026. As this year is only a week away from starting, head coach Rocco Casullo and his staff are ready to head back to the state playoffs with a district title.
COACH ROCCO CASULLO ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/coral-glades-head-football-coach-rocco-casullo-4702a
@1043wqam @UHealthSports @FIUFootball @BPok24 @osmattmurschel @orlandosentinel @ABLichtenstein @FernandezAndreC @MiamiHerald @Coach_Walker20 @PaceSpartansFB @Coralgladesfb @CasulloRocco @coralgladesjags
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..