As the winter has now yielded to the warmer weather in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, college football coaches are making their daily stops at high schools.

There to watch spring practice and gain an edge on recruiting, this is certainly the time when may athletes will have the opportunity to jump on the radar – and impress those coaches who come from everywhere in the country to see the talent that is always impressive.

While spring may not be as important in every state, the month between late April and late May means just about everything to the football prospects and the coaches who are trying to sell their players.

The process is in the middle of playing out for these student/athletes who spend most of March and early April visiting these colleges to watch them practice and see for themselves what to expect if they make the decision to attend.

The second part of that process is now – when the college coaches come to see the players do their things – in scrimmages and end of spring games that will shine a spotlight on what they do in game situations and not in a pair of shorts and a t-shirt.

The final part comes in the month of June when once again these athletes head out to colleges to attend their camps, 7-on-7 competition, talk with coaches and see the campus when it’s warmer and not so crowded.

RISING SENIORS ARE ON THE CLOCK

Spring is the time when rising seniors (2027) put on their final audition before a decision is made on both sides. There is a sense of reality that comes into play on these visits when coaches and players are further evaluated and validated for their athletic ability.

Today, we bring you five rising seniors who are on the clock and will have the opportunity this spring and into the summer to showcase their many talents.

Gardi Jean-Baptiste, LB/DE, 6’1, 215, Miami Central. Coming over from North Miami Beach, this is someone who has the opportunity to be special. Whether as an outside linebacker or as a defensive end, coming off the edge, his strength is definitely chasing down the quarterback and using his speed, strength and overall athleticism to make plays. Will fit in with what the Rockets do on defense, using plenty of speed.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19673413/Gardi-JeanBaptiste

Nixon Kalish, QB, 6'4 175, South Plantation – 4.5 GPA. Was a huge part of the Paladins success last season – with 2,369 yards through the air with 20 touchdowns. Has the size and football skills to be a force once again. While he isn’t known for his running skills, he will use his legs to help move the chains. He had over 200 yards on the ground in 2025.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23180605/Nixon-Kalish 

Albert Smith, LB, 6’2, 210, Miami Southridge – 3.3 GPA. On a defense that was one of the best in south Florida a year ago, and will have the opportunity to be special once again, this versatile football talent will be someone that you will need to keep an eye on. He is quick, athletic and instinctive. Has matured and grown with this program and is coming of a season where his skills as an outside linebacker or in the middle were instrumental in getting this team deep in the playoffs once again. Because of his ability to make plays, colleges have already started to offer this All-County performer.

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

Jahni Smith, RB/SS, 5’8, 175, Miami Palmetto. Makes his way over from Miami’s Florida Christian where he was a two-way player for a very talented team. Joins a program that returns several key member of last year’s regional championship team. What offers the Panthers is someone who can run the ball and make plays on the offensive side of the ball – while being able to play in the secondary and use his speed and skill to make an impact. Will be a player that college coaches will notice this spring and will have the chance to make a major contribution.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26168813/JaHni-Smith

Jaylen “Thanos” Thanis, DL, 6’2, 280, Miami Carol City. As many are just finding out about this gifted football player, he was actually one of the elite defensive linemen in south Florida a year ago, playing for 3A state final Miami Northwestern, where he was dominant – with 1 touchdown, 2 fumbles recoveries, 5 forced fumbles 7 sacks, 20 tackles for loss and 59 tackles (20 assists). This is a player who has the chance to really blow up with the Chiefs this coming season.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19538967/Jaylen-Thanis

FLORIDA EXPOSURE EVENT COMING MAY 23RD. Right after spring and a week before summer. This is a cannot miss exposure camp/combine. Sign Up Early!!! https://prepredzone.com/2026/04/why-should-i-attend-the-prep-redzone-florida-exposure-event/

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..

When the 2025 high school football season came to an end after Miami Christopher Columbus lost to Miami Palmetto in the first-round of the state playoffs, it was a feeling that this program had not experienced in a long time.

Not the fact that the Explorers had lost for the second time in one season to the Panthers, but the very fact that they were not among the best teams in the state.

A 4-8 record at this school is truly unacceptable, and under current head coach Dave Dunn during his two different stints at the school, and many others who have brought championship-caliber teams, it is something that rarely happens.

While the Explorers have set standards in and out of the classroom through the years, producing winning football programs is something that many alumni have come to expect, and for good reason. District, region and state titles have become part of this school.

There is no doubting the fact that the landscape of high school athletics nationally has changed, attracting top student/athletes has become a priority, and as spring began across Miami-Dade and Broward Counties on Monday, this program has taken on a new look – with several new faces making their debut as preparation starts to the new season.

With talent all over the field, Columbus is once again a team that everyone will be watching over the next four months – with solid coaching still a cornerstone with highly-regarded prospects in every class.

Here is a look at some of the talent that fans and opponents will be watching during spring and summer:

CLASS OF 2027

Christopher Barrow, QB, 6’1, 165.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19410789/Christopher-Barrow

Bernard Canon Jr., WR,  5’10, 195.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19342036/Bernard-Cannon

Chanavis Chance Jr., Athlete, 5’8, 185.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22769095/Chanavis-Chance-Jr

Christian Essix, DE/LB, 6’1, 200.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22926784/Christian-Essix

Parker Gervais, TE, 6’6, 205.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22606644/Parker-Gervais

Roosevelt Getter, OL, 5’11, 270.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/24334394/Roosevelt-Getter

Walter Hall Jr., OLB, 6’1, 190.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19466804/Walter-Hall

Cristian Martinez, OL, 5’10, 235.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19358624/Cristian-Martinez

Fabio Miyares, DE, 5’10, 203.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19419823/Fabio-Miyares

Kai Moore, QB, 6’0, 185.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20299699/Kai-Moore

Angel Orozco, OL, 6’1, 290.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19524739/Angel-Orozco

Amari Reams, DL, 6’0, 215.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19337818/Amari-Reams

Jax Rojas, QB, 6’0, 175.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21635856/Jax-Rojas

Cecil Smith, RB, 5’10, 185.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20496279/Cecil-Smith

Dylan Thompson, Athlete, 6’3, 175.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19538991/Dylan-Thompson

Brody Villa, OL, 6’0, 265.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19354203/Brody-Villa

Ajavion Willis, Athlete/FS/WR, 6’1, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21666344/Ajavion-Willis

AWAITING SPRING VIDEO

Jayden Arbide, DB, 5’9, 160

Alexander Cambo, WR, 5’10, 185

Andrew Carreras, OL, 6’0, 230

Dreigh Degregory, DB, 6’0, 160

Adam GottliebWR, 5’10, 140

Lucas Gutierrez, LB, 5’10, 170

Ryan Johnson, LB, 5’9, 175

Jason Jova, WR, 5’11, 175

Zamarion Lawson, RB, 5’11, 205

Nicholas Londono, OL, 6’1, 280

Daniel Meyers, LB, 5’9, 200      

Aidan Prellezo, OL, 6’3, 290

Javier Reich, OL, 6’2, 250

Kenneth Thompson, DB, 5’8, 160

Willie Tindal, DL, 5’10, 250

Remarus Turnier, OL, 6’3, 270

CLASS OF 2028

Matteo Barreiro, RB, 5’9, 160.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22330678/Matteo-Barreiro

Gabriel Barroso, OL, 6’0, 250.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22328899/Gabriel-Barroso

K.J. Belamour Jr., Athlete, 5’11, 190.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22655926/KJ-Belamour-Jr

Tony “Dook” Brown III, WR/Athlete, 5’10, 175.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/25762057/Tony-Dook-Brown-III

Damien Harvey, DL, 6’2, 280.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22980313/Damien-Harvey

Amir Sears, Athlete, 6’2, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18445689/Amir-Sears

Fernando Suarez-Solis, LB, 6’1, 190.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22399181/Fernando-SuarezSolis

Laulelei Deuce Sualevai, OL, 6’4, 260.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22794729/Laulelei-Deuce-SualevaiTyler Tindal, Athlete, 5’9, 190.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22653141/Tyler-Tindal

Travares Vicks, DL, 6’0, 245.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23056394/Tavares-Vicks

AWAITING SPRING/SUMMER VIDEO

Jordan Lewis, DE, 5’11, 190

Matteo Miller, PK, 6’0, 170

CLASS OF 2029

Zacarri Isaac, Athlete, 5’9, 165.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26036063/Zacari-Isaac

Ahmad Summerall, WR, 5’9, 150.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22581757/Ahmad-Summerall

Brian Wilson Jr., RB, 5’11, 175.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26614035/Brian-Wilson-Jr

2025 Miami Christopher Columbus Explorers

Miami Southridge, L 28-21

Our Lady of Good Counsel, Maryland, L 14-7

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, L 42-7

Miami Palmetto, L 24-21

Miami Northwestern, L 41-6

Homestead South Dade, W 42-34

Miami High, W 50-0

Coral Gables, W 45-7

Miami Norland, L 30-14

Miami True North Classical Academy, L 34-15

STATE PLAYOFFS

Lantana Santaluces, W 28-3

Miami Palmetto, L 27-10

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 for two hours this week, leading into the Marlins and Dodgers on the west coast.

Six guests talked the opening of high school spring and the NFL Draft as the South Florida High School Sports Show once again presented some interesting information.

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 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 high school freshman, Travis Burke was 5’10 and 180 pounds as a potential prospect at Hollywood South Broward. With stops at Gardner Webb, FIU and most recently, Memphis University, this now 6’9, 340-pounder found himself in the NFL Draft as a fourth-round selection by the Los Angele Chargers.

TRAVIS BURKE ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/los-angeles-chargers-4th-round-pick-travis-burke-e6f04

This past weekend, while hundreds of football prospects were being drafted across the country, the state of Florida was once again showcasing talent with numerous players being selected in the NFL Draft. Josh Wilson from Florida High School Football, who follows the former players from the Sunshine State, shined a spotlight on those prospects that were selected.

JOSH WILSON ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/josh-wilson-of-florida-high-school-football-2db1b

Over the past two seasons, very few high school football programs have accomplished what West Boca Raton has been able to do. With head coach Dylan Potts and his staff leading the way, the Bulls have won two consecutive titles, and as the 2026 spring football season is now under way, this is a team that may have its best program in school history.                                                    

COACH DYLAN POTTS ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/west-boca-raton-head-coach-dylan-potts-a5d3a

If you follow high school football in south Florida, the name Roland Smith is more than familiar. Coaching Miami Central to several state titles, he left the position to join the staff at his alma mater, University of Miami, a few years ago. Before he left for Coral Gables, Smith had the pleasure of developing Rueben Bain & Wesley Bissainthe at the start of their careers, and over the past three seasons, has been able to keep a close eye on them as Hurricanes before heading to the NFL.

COACH ROLAND SMITH ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/miami-hurricanes-coach-roland-smith-427e3

Nine players drafted and four more signing on as free agents. That is the aftermath of a season at the University of Miami that has once again kick-started this programs under head coach Mario Cristobal. Geo Millian, who covers this team year-round, looked at the players who will have the chance to play at the professional level from the national runner ups.

GEO MILLIAN ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/geo-millian-university-of-miami-reporter-7639b

Eight years ago, in the state championship game in Orlando, Jacksonville Mandarin, a program that had never experienced success on the football field, stunned Miami Christopher Columbus and took home the state title. At the center of then head coach Bobby Ramsey’s team was a quarterback who was starting to make a name for himself as he got ready to head to the University of Georgia. After some successful years with the Bulldogs, Carson Beck made his way to Miami this past season and led the Hurricanes to the national championship game. On Friday, that QB who led the Mustangs to that school’s first ever title, was selected by the Arizona Cardinals.

COACH BOBBY RAMSEY ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/former-mandarin-high-school-football-head-cocah-bobby-ramsey-5d143

Over the years, Fort Lauderdale’s Cardinal Gibbons High School has been fortunate to win state football titles while developing quality student/athletes. On Friday, the program was once again recognized when University of Oklahoma standout and former Gibbons prospect R. Mason Thomas was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs. Veteran head coach Matt Dubuc stopped by to talk about Thomas and others who will start their professional career.

COACH MATT DUBUC ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/cardinal-gibbons-head-coach-matt-dubuc-17a48

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..

At a time when every football fan in south Florida knows all about the powerhouses and the star-rated players, there are plenty of programs throughout Miami-Dade and Broward Counties that even the most knowledgeable fans have no clue about.

In the sport of football, like other sports, there are levels of play – and while everyone would love to play at the University of Miami and so many other highly-promoted programs, the reality is it doesn’t happen, and the many athletes who opt attend other smaller colleges and universities end up winning in the end.

Miami Sunset’s football program will never put the fear into any player or coach in south Florida, but what the Knights have in veteran head coach Joseph Petisco is someone who gets it – and despite posting a 3-6 record a year ago, he continues to teach the sport and develop student/athletes. He always has and that’s why he is respected by so many for doing what he does – every year without the fanfare that the state-rated teams receive.

What Petisco and his football program do as an independent team is compete and offer his football players the opportunity to play this sport at the next level while receiving a stellar education that will set them up with degrees and the chance to make a huge impact on society.

Sunset and several other independent programs in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties represent old school values on the football field and in the classroom, and while they may not be mentioned with some of the elite programs, track where their student/athletes end up over a four-year period and you will be surprised at what many of them have achieved.

PLENTY OF GIFTED PROSPECTS ON THIS YEAR’S ROSTER’

As this team is now in spring and looking forward toward the summer – with camps and college visits scheduled – there are quite a few players to keep an eye on:

CLASS OF 2027

Michael Barrow, Athlete, 5/7, 165.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19937882/Michael-Barrow

Tristan Carr, WR/DB, 5'9, 150 - 2.9 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22442623/Tristan-Carr

Joshua Fertil, TE/DE, 6'2, 215 - 2.9 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/27958943/Joshua-Fertil

Savion Moss Savion, WR/DB, 5'10, 155.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19466265/Savion-Moss

Jacob Regalado, DE/OLB, 6'3, 185 – 2.5 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26784937/Jacob-Regalado

CLASS OF 2028

Nicholas De Bari, OL/DL, 5'8, 225 - 3.8 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23256020/Nicholas-De-Bari

David Ortuno, WR/DB, 5'10, 160 -3.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/27436752/David-Ortuno

Brayan Padron, RB, 5'8, 150.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26777194/Brayan-Padron

AWAITING SPRING VIDEO

Isaac Caceras, WR/TE/LB, 6'1, 165 - 3.7 GPA

2025 Miami Sunset Knights

Miami Coral Reef, L 23-0

Hialeah Miami Lakes, L 6-0 (Forfeit)

Miami Varela, L 23-6

Hollywood Hills, L 56-0

Miami Coral Reef, W 14-12

Miami Ferguson, L 43-0

Hialeah Miami Lakes, W 6-0, (Forfeit)

Miami Braddock, L 38-0

Miami Coral Park, W 14-0

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..