Over the past two weeks, several football players in all classes have had the opportunity to showcase their many talents in front of some national evaluators and media members.

With the Rivals.com event at Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas and the Under Armour Next event at Orlando Bishop Moore Catholic High School, it was a chance for many under-the-radar prospects to finally get the attention they deserve.

While Miami-Dade and Broward Counties have long been a place where colleges and universities flock to year-round, sometimes there is so much talent that it’s tough to make a statement and get on that important radar.

One of the positions that is always loaded is linebacker, and over the past two weeks, several talented young men had the opportunity to put themselves on the map – nationally – as college coaches followed the events that took place and saw video clips and read evaluations by so many.

Because there is a reputation in the #305 and #954 for churning out so many gifted prospects, it was no surprise that several linebackers were singled out for their performances in the camp/combine setting.

We are fortunate to have watched just about every student/athlete in the region, so it was easy to pick out five prospects to keep an eye on.

2027 - Jayden Gummer, 6’0, 210, Miami Gardens Monsignor Edward Pace – 3.86 GPA. Over the past two years when head coach Anthony Walker spoke about this talented prospect, he spoke about his quickness and ability to make plays, getting to the action quickly. Whether it’s getting to the quarterback, making tackles on running plays or dropping back in pass coverage, this is indeed someone who was always around the ball. Is primed to have another banner season in 2026.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20266966/Jayden-Gummer

2028 - Khavon Gipson, 6’1, 206, Miami Northwestern. Being part of one of the best defensive units in the state of Florida, here is a prospect that learned something new in every game. As the Bulls advanced to the state title game for the second straight year, this impressive talent showed that he could stop the run, get after the passer and fly to the ball as well as anyone. Even in the state title game, he came up with several key plays to keep this program in the contest until the end.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22891327/69437b4c667ffd62d43b7fec

2028 - Zakhari Johnson, 6’0, 210, Miami Carol City. After two years at Monsignor Pace, he makes his way down the street to play for the Chiefs and he brings something special with him. Whether it’s in the middle or on the outside, the one thing that he has shown is athleticism and plenty of speed. He has a motor that never stops, and for that reason, offenses need to account for him on every play. As he continues to learn the game and the position, this is definitely a prospect who will be a problem. This is going to be a very important spring as he matures and settles into a new scheme and defense.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22794216/6781f2289070611cabcf9b75

2028 - Steven Moore, 6’1, 215, Miami Central. From a very young age, here is a prospect that everyone has been waiting to see. Comes from some dynamic bloodlines where family members have played the game and have done quite well. First made his mark as a middle school wrestler that combines strength and physicality that translated to the football field. Another of those prospects that will continue to learn more about the position by seeing more playing time on a defense that will once again be among the best. Having coaches who are known for teaching will also be huge for this talent. Watch him perform and you will see a talented player who is relentless and does not stop until the whistle blows.

TAPE:  https://www.hudl.com/profile/19498770/Steven-Moore

2027 - Albert Smith, 6’2, 210, Miami Southridge. Talk about a playmaker. Ask any teammate or coach about this impressive talent and all will tell you that if you want to watch him play, just follow the ball. He is always around plays because he is instinctive, quick and very athletic. Tremendous vision, anticipation and a passion for the game. You can see so much at a camp or combine, but the true measure of any football player is the way they perform in games – and that’s when these analysts or recruiting gurus need to be there evaluating and not just in a pair of shorts and a T-shirt, where you can only tell so little about a tackle football prospect!

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20931961/Albert-Smith

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

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..

MIAMI GARDENS – When it comes to recruiting at the high school level – in every sport – nobody has to tell you how challenging things have become.

With the portal, NIL deals and other obstacles, high school athletes are finding it tougher than ever to attain the dream of becoming a college student/athlete.

While small college recruiting fairs are still being held across the country to assist in the process, it has become a task for high school coaches to sell their athletes.

That’s where the Orange Bowl comes in and has been making an impact over the past decade to help make those many dreams come true.

This Saturday, Feb. 28 (8 a.m.) the Orange Bowl is hosting its 10th annual Orange Bowl Florida High School Football Showcase presented by Baptist Health at St. Thomas University.

The free event will provide hundreds of local high school junior and senior student athletes an opportunity to meet college coaches from across the country for a chance to receive aid or scholarships as they aspire to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level.

Each participant will compete in a series of tests, drills and scrimmages that best display each player’s various talents at their respective positions, followed by a meet and greet opportunity with coaches from approximately 30 NCAA Division II, III, NAIA and JUCO programs.

Since 2017, more than $8 million in scholarships and financial aid has been awarded to more than 500 high school student-athletes participating in this event.

The Orange Bowl Committee continues to take great pride in its ability to once again present this unparalleled opportunity to local high school student-athletes. The consistent objective is to provide these students with increased exposure, thereby enhancing their prospects for securing financial assistance for college and ultimately attaining a college degree. The event's significant success over the past nine years underscores its effectiveness in pursuing this aim.

To be eligible to participate in the football showcase, student-athletes must be a high school senior or junior who has not accepted a scholarship offer from a Division I football program. In addition, it is recommended that participants have a 2.5 GPA or higher in 16 Core Courses AND have an SAT score of at least 920 (math and verbal only), OR have a composite ACT Score of 18 or higher or a sum score of 68 or higher.

Baptist Health is once again a sponsor proud to support this incredible program that celebrates the athleticism, determination, and sportsmanship of young athletes. Their commitment to the health and well-being of the community extends beyond the walls of their facilities, and by partnering with the Orange Bowl, they empower these student-athletes to reach their full potential.

Attention Parents

An information session will take place during the showcase to educate parents on financial aid, NCAA and NAIA eligibility requirements and much more. We encourage you to attend this session to learn more about putting your student-athlete in the best position to be successful and college-ready.

For more information about the Orange Bowl Florida High School Football Showcase presented by Baptist Health and to register, please visit www.orangebowl.org/showcase/.

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

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..

By Dave Brousseau

POMPANO BEACH – The Blanche Ely girls basketball team has had its ups and downs in seeking a third state championship in school history.

This year’s journey took a step closer on Friday following a convincing 64-38 victory over McArthur in a Class 5A Regional Semifinal.

Led by senior guard Teriyah McFadden, who scored 11 of her 13 points, in the second quarter, the Tigers rallied from a first quarter deficit.

Ely (19-5) advances to a regional final game at home against Sebastian River (21-3) on Friday at 7 p.m. The winner will advance to a state semifinal on March 11 at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville.

Once the Tigers outscored the Mustangs 26-11 in the second quarter for a 35-23 halftime lead, the game was all but decided.

“We came out and dominated and out bench came through, and I can’t ask for more,” said McFadden.

Joining McFadden were juniors Maiyah Sandifer with 13 points and Janiyah Dennis with 12 points and Sariyah Sabb with 11 points.

“McFadden and Isyss Mims both got in foul trouble as both went out of the game as we were making a run and slowed the game down,” said Ely coach James Green. “When they sit, we have to go younger.”

Christie Chicoye led the Mustangs (15-10) with 15 points, while Jasmine Horne added 12 points.

Blanche Ely girls are seeking 4th state title 1984,1992, and 2020.

FRIDAY’S REGIONAL SCORES

Class 7A: South Dade 59, Western 46

Class 6A: St. Thomas Aquinas 78, Mater Academy 30

Nova 59, Martin County 53

Class 5A: Blanche Ely 64, McArthur 38

Sebastian River 56, Dillard 54

FRIDAY’S REGIONAL FINALS
Class 6A: Nova (23-4) at St. Thomas Aquinas (19-8), 7
Class 5A: Sebastian River (21-3) at Blanche Ely (19-5), 7.<

PHOTO COURTESY OF Gary Curreri - https://www.newpelican.com/

Dave Brousseau is a veteran journalist who worked at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and is a longtime BCAA Correspondent. Need to reach out to him? Contact him at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

By Dave Brousseau

FORT LAUDERDALE – The Class 6A regional semifinals boys’ basketball game between Boyd Anderson and St, Thomas Aquinas was well decided before the first quarter was completed.

Led by the 24 points from Clarence Westbrook Jr., the Raiders took another step closer in defending their state championship with a 63-37 victory over the Cobras on Saturday.

The Raiders (25-4) advance to a regional final on Saturday at 7 p.m. where they will host Miramar, a team they defeated for the BCAA Big Championship several weeks back.

The series is tied 5-5 dating back to 2008, with Aquinas winning the last two meetings.

“We had to adjust to what the referees were calling,” said Aquinas coach Julius Sandi. “We had a couple of guys that picked up early fouls, and I had to make an adjustment based on how they were calling the game.

We went to the zone, though I didn’t care to go to it.”

The defense held the Cobras to six points in the second quarter, while scoring 22 points themselves for a 42-15 lead at the half.

Game over.

The pounding was assisted with 11 points each from Nate Accius and Zane Elliott. KJ Sandi added 10 points. 

BOYS

SATURDAY’S REGIONAL SCORES

Class 7A: Columbus 68, Western 53

Coral Glades 71, Palmetto 64

Class 6A: St. Thomas Aquinas 64, Boyd Anderson 37

Miramar 76, South Plantation 60

Class 5A: Pembroke Pines Charter 84, Atlantic 45

Belen Jesuit 65, Plantation 60

Class 4A: Stranahan 62, Miami Northeastern 48

Class 3A: Cardinal Gibbons 58, Pine Crest 56

SATURDAY’S REGIONAL FINALS

Class 7A: Coral Glades (21-7) at Columbus (23-6) at FIU Arena, 7.

Class 6A: Miramar (21-8) at St. Thomas Aquinas (25-4), 7.

Class 5A: Belen Jesuit (24-5) at Pembroke Pines Charter (19-6), 7

Class 4A: Stranahan (14-13) at Suncoast (22-5),  7

Class 3A: University School (22-5) at Cardinal Gibbons (22-6), 7

Dave Brousseau is a veteran journalist who worked at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and is a longtime BCAA Correspondent. Need to reach out to him? Contact him at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.