Every weekend, somewhere in the country, there are 7-on-7 football events.

These tournaments feature some of the best high school football quarterbacks, receivers, running backs, tight ends, linebackers and defensive backs in the country, competing to be called the best teams in the country.

As these events are held from coast-to-coast, the emphasis is on those athletes who will be seniors (2026) high school all the way down to elementary school athletes.

With trophies being awarded along with MVP hardware, very little attention has been paid to how this off-season craze began.

Over two decades ago, before there was Battle, Pylon or any other brand name sponsorship, there was south Florida. The epicenter for 7-on-7 football – with some of the top prospects in the state, and of course the nation, getting together for local game and tournaments.

While California, Texas and other hotbeds have long had the elite football talent, very few would take part in organized competition.

At the very beginning, with teams such as the South Florida Express, Strong Arm and a few other Miami-Dade and Broward teams was the Florida Fire.

Started by Coach Dennis Marroquin, this organization began small in Miami-Dade County with one team, and then over a few years, started to attract players and local coaches to build what is today one of the most recognized 7-on-7 brands in the country.

Throughout much of the past two decades, the Fire has grown into an organization that has produced NFL and collegiate stars and added Palm Beach County to the mix of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

With national championships won throughout the nation, the Florida Fire continues to make a statement as a group of dedicated coaches, sponsors and prospects who go beyond January, February, March and April. The brand is something that carries weight year-round – with Marroquin and his many coaches giving back to the community throughout the year.

With the No. 1 youth team (14 and under) in the country, this is a program that is in this for the long run.

With some of the top 9^th, 10^th and 11^th graders ready to impact high school programs in 2025, the rosters are packed with the many players they put on the fields each weekend – from south Florida to California, Nevada, Tennessee and everywhere in between.

“We have been blessed to have some quality young men who have worn this Florida Fire jersey through the years,” Marroquin said. “Turn on the television any Saturday and Sunday and you will see many gifted young men who began their careers with us. It is a tribute to the coaches that have taught them from the start.

Here is a look at some of the Class of 2026 prospects who represent this organization this off-season.

Among those prospects include Ahmad Adams (DB, 6-0, 175, Pembroke Pines Flanagan – 3.6 GPA), Shmar Akande (DB, 6-2, 180, Miami International Academy – Pembroke Pines West Broward – 3.6 GPA), Jemarcus Askew III (WR/DB, 5-10, 150, Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer), Raoul Brown (WR/S, 6-3, 170, Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer), Tyler Brown (DB, 5-11, 165, Miami Southridge), Rory Butler (Athlete, 6-0, 170, Palm Beach Gardens – 3.0 GPA), Jordan Campbell (LB/Athlete, 6-2, 210, Carol City – 3.0 GPA), Santana Carlos (WR, 5-11, 180, Pembroke Pines Flanagan – 3.1 GPA), Wilfred Coicou (RB/CB, 6-1, 165, Palm Beach Gardens – 3.0 GPA), and William Favors (S/LB,  6-0, 165, Miami Southridge – 3.43 GPA).

This rising senior group of standouts also includes Kayden Feaman (Athlete, 6-2, 190, Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer), Braylen Green (Athlete, 6-0, 180, Miami Palmetto), Robert Green III (QB, 6-2, 180, Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer – 3.9 GPA), Jhakari Johnson (WR, 5-11, 160, Miami Southridge), Wynton Jones (DB, 5-11, 165, Miami Palmetto), Leslie Mosley Jr. (WR, 5-10, 175, West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman – 3.5 GPA), Malik Penson (WR, 5-11, 160, Miami True North Classical Academy), Antoine Perry (WR/RB/DB, 5-6, 160, Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer), Jahkari Reynolds (DB, 6-0, 175, Miramar),  and Derrick Simmons III (RB, 5-8, 175, Pembroke Pines West Broward – 3.5 GPA).

The varsity squads also boast players such as Ladarious Smith (WR, 5-10, 175, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Kamari St. Vil (DB, 5-10, 161, Davie Nova), Corey Swint (WR, 6-0, 175, Miami Palmetto), Varían Terry (RB, 5-7, 165, Miami Palmetto – 3.0 GPA), Dominic Turnbull (DB, 6-2, 180, Miami True North Classical Academy  - 3.4 GPA), Kevin White (DB, 6-1, 170, Miami Palmetto), Marquis Williams (WR/DB, 6-0, 175, Miami True North Classical Academy. Track & Field), and Willie Wilson (WR, 6-2, 175, Homestead Somerset Silver Palms).

UNDERCLASSMEN ARE ALSO MAKING SOME NOISE

As gifted as the rising senior class has been, there are also a solid group of Class of 2027 athletes who have also stepped up and started to gain recognition.

Prospects such as Bernard Cannon (WR, 5-10, 165, Miami Christopher Columbus), Jordan Dale (Athlete, 5-10,165, Jupiter), Lorontae’ “Nomo” Davis (WR, 6-0, 180, Palm Beach Gardens – 3.0 GPA), Malik Denson (WR/Athlete, 5-10, 175, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy), Kenton Dopson III (DB, 6-1, 185, Miami Norland), Kaden Howard (Athlete, 5-11, 160, Goulds Palm Glades), Arthur Lambright (WR, 5-10  140, Miami Carol City), Tari Miller (DB, 6-4, 180, Miami Southridge), Cedric Mitchell (WR/FS, 6-1, 170, Pembroke Pines West Broward), and Kai Moore (QB, 6-1, 190, Miami Norland – 3.8 GPA).

Other underclassmen performing each week includes Turmarian Moreland Jr. (CB, 6-2, 185, Palm Beach Lakes), James Perrone (QB, 6-2, 185, Miami Southridge – 3.8 GPA), Trae Proctor (TE, 6-6, 213, Miami Norland), Immanuel Simmons (WR/DB, 6-0, 175, Miami Northwestern – 3.7 GPA), Cecil Smith (RB, 5-8, 160, Miami True North Classical Academy), Jack Spaeder (QB, 6-3, 185, Pembroke Pines West Broward – 3.7 GPA), and Deandre Young (DB, 6-0, 160, Palm Beach Gardens). There is also Class of 2028 rising sophomore Justin Antenor (Athlete, 6-2, 165, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy).

IF YOU HAVE A 7-ON-7 PROGRAM AND WANT EXPOSURE FOR YOUR ATHLETES, PLEASE LET US KNOW. WE PROMOTE EVERYONE!

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

Keeping An Eye On Football Transfers In Miami-Dade & Broward Counties. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

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..

While it would be easy to reflect on the 0-4 start and dwell on the negatives from the 2024 season, Coconut Creek North Broward Prep veteran head coach Rex Nottage and his football team would much rather play on the 4-1 finish for the Eagles.

Competing in the two-team (Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Calvary Christian) District 12-2A, the Eagles fell short of their pre-season goal to make the state playoffs. But that wasn’t the entire story of the season.

While they did finish below .500 and didn’t do what they set out to accomplish, it was that strong finish and the experience that the Class of 2026 prospects received.

It will be that group of rising seniors that will be the center of the 2025 season, and as the off-season is under way, those returning players will have the experience, talent and leadership to put things together when the season begins in late August.

Here is a look at some of those 2026 players to keep an eye on over the next six months:

Peter McLaughlin, DB, 6-0, 190 – 2.7 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22518934/6718f36cc81556a6d419a7ff

Josh Nieves, OL/DL, 6-3, 240 – 4.1 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17761741/Joshua-Nieves

Felix Ostamendy, CB/WR, 6-0, 175 – 3.85 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22995273/Felix-Ostamendy

Ethan Phillips, LB, 6-1, 200 – 4.3 GPA. 2 Sport Athlete.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17761738/Ethan-Phillips

AWAITING VIDEO

Ben Ferber, LS, 6-2, 225 – 4.7 GPA.

CAN THE CLASS OF 2027 STEP UP?

As the rising seniors figure to be the place where this team will grow, there are some underclassmen – in the 2027 class that are ready to make an impact.

Along with several newcomers, this young and talented group will help get this program over the hump and into the playoffs this coming season.

Zephaniah Brammer, DB, 5-10, 175 – 2.8 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19814306/Zephaniah-Brammer

Matthew Condon, QB, 5-10, 175 4.35 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19484777/Matthew-Condon

Tanner Gilman, WR/DB, 5-10, 170 – 3.93 GPA. Baseball.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19444281/Tanner-Gilman

Mateo Sanchez, PK. 6-0, 150 – 4.2 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19754577/Mateo-Sanchez

PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTH BROWARD PREP FOOTBALL

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

MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

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..

Once again on Monday night the South Florida High School Sports Radio Show took center stage with seven impressive guests.

Each and every week, the AM 560 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 show, which has run for nearly two decades has become a popular listen for recruiting fans as well as high school sports purists, focusing in on coaches and players in all sports.

Here is a look at the way Monday went:

West Broward senior running back Elijah DeWoskin has talent and grades, but no firm college offer. He talked about it.

ELIJAH DEWOSKIN ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/elijah-dewoskin-west-broward-high-school-with-larry-blustein-2-17-25-90d45

There are football players in Miami Dade without a college to attend. On Tuesday, there will be a recruiting fair to assist. Coach Marc Berman talked about it.

MARC BERMAN ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/marc-berman-dade-county-recruiting-fair-with-larry-blustein-2-17-25-8702e

A new feeling around Florida Atlantic University Football this spring with a new coaching staff. Cameron Priester from @Owls247 dropped by.

CAMERON PRIESTER ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/cameron-priester-fau-football-with-larry-blustein-2-17-25-3a838

The news never ends at the University of Miami – with spring around the corner, Izubee Charles from Canesport.com talked Hurricanes. IZUBEE CHARLES ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/cameron-priester-fau-football-with-larry-blustein-2-17-25-3a838

Derrick Gibson is back. After 10 years as an assistant coach at Miami Central, he takes over as head coach and talked Rockets.

DERRICK GIBSON ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/cameron-priester-fau-football-with-larry-blustein-2-17-25-3a838

A familiar face moves in as head coach at Florida Memorial University as Miami Norland product Mike Jones stopped by.

MIKE JONES ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/coach-mike-jones-florida-memorial-university-with-larry-blustein-2-17-25-8a986

The Florida Fire 7-on-7 program is back and founder & CEO Dennis Marroquin looked back at nearly two decades.

DENNIS MARROQUIN ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/coach-dennis-marroquin-florida-fire-with-larry-blustein-2-17-25-8934f

THIS OFF SEASON GET THE JUMP ON EVERYONE. Check Out The South Florida High School Sports Radio Show Every Week. @UHealthSports @560WQAM https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98

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

MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

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..

Monday South Florida High School Sports Rewind – February 17th.

There was a time when the 7-on-7 “all-star” football season began, rising stars in each community across the country would attend a tryout and form a team.

Local prospects that were either on the radar – or using the exposure of competing against some of the best in the state to enhance their ranking – were those who took part.

There is no getting around that the landscape of 7-on-7 football has changed – from its infancy over two decades ago with the South Florida Express, Florida Fire, Strong Arm and other teams who would attempt to stack their roster with the best quarterbacks, receivers, running backs, defensive backs and linebackers within in their own area.

With so much competition, high level events and the opportunity to travel across the nation to compete, the 7-on-7 that many knew in the early 2000’s had changed – in a major way. It was no longer in just a few states, but the entire country had gotten involved.

Many recruiting fan websites are now using these shorts and t-shirt events to figure in their class rankings – much like AAU basketball has done for decades, although basketball and football are so much different when it comes to evaluation – with basketball offering more to what the game assimilates. Football without pads and linemen can only tell so much, but never-the-less, these weekly events have swayed many who put out lists and use a star ranking.

Still, every weekend from coast to coast, recruiting analysts flock to tournaments, writing stories on top prospects and promoting these events more than ever – in the name of selling subscriptions, which is essential.

In addition to the level of talent, more and more national sponsors are seeing the exposure these tournaments provide and have become a lifeline for programs who take airplanes, stay in hotels, have quality meals, are provided with ground transportation and pay high entry fees to events in hopes to expose their product.

THE RAW ARE AMONG THE BEST 

One of the programs that has jumped on the national radar – bringing home several titles over the past two years is Raw Miami, which is a locally run team that is loaded with local prospects as well as statewide and even national talent that has already found their way onto the recruiting radar.

From rising seniors (2026) to Class of 2028 rising sophomores, the Raw team is stacked with elite talent.

With several businesspeople who have an interest in football and the 7-on-7 events involved, along with some key sponsors, this is one of the most successful program in the nation, already bringing home titles.

“The 7-on-7 season has become huge and the opportunity for elite prospects to compete against one another every week between January and April is something that thousands look forward to,” said Raw General Manager Jose Duasso. “We have been fortunate to bring some of the best football talent in the country together and the results have been very positive.”

Here is a look at many of the athletes who compete for the 2025 Raw program:

CLASS OF 2026

Darryl “Tre” Bell III, Athlete, 6-0, 190, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman – 3.2 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17750834/Darryl-Tre-Bell-III

Helaman Casuga, QB, 6-1, 210, Draper Corner Canyon, Utah.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/11686242/Helaman-Casuga

Jordan Clay, WR, 6-4, 200, San Antonio Madison, Texas – 3.7 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17957673/6526eeafa677310c88341f9f

Ty Crethers, DB/WR, 6-0, 185, Dallas Skyline, Texas.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19031063/651cf6d04df5fa16106f88ef

Joshua Joseph, WR, 6-0, 190, Miami Central.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21019965/Joshua-Joseph

Nicsaint Joseph, WR, 6-2, 170, Miami Northwestern.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17890598/Nicsaint-Joseph-jr

Brandon Kinsey, WR/DB, 6-2, 190, Miami Central. 

TAPE:  https://www.hudl.com/profile/17807080/Brandon-Kinsey

Karon Maycock, Athlete, 6-2, 210, Miami Central – 3.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18939858/Karon-Maycock

Kai Meza, WR, 6-1, 185, Draper Corner Canyon, Utah.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17680243/674242e108227b3a76790ad3

Calvin Russell, Jr., WR/Athlete, 6-5, 190, Miami Northwestern.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17878157/6546e139066ba406b4cdeb25

D’montae “Chico” Tims, S/Athlete, 6-1, 195, Seffner Armwood.

TAPE: https://access.qwikcut.com/hub/detail/6279cef514540c6598db8cd0/Chico-Tims

Jaelen Waters, CB, 6-2, 180, Seffner Armwood.

TAPE: https://access.qwikcut.com/hub/detail/64dcd50e64765c1d096507db/Jaelen-Waters

CLASS OF 2027

Trezvant Boyd, DB, 5-10, 155, Miami Booker T. Washington.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20189717/Trezavant-Boyd

Aiden “A3” Evans, Athlete, 5-11, 170, Lewisville, Texas.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20109064/Aiden-Evans

Samari Howard, DB, 6-0, 155, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – 3.0 GPA. Transferred from Hollywood South Broward.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20309945/672a9c90ff35398cdbafef05

Amarri Irvin, RB/LB, 6-0, 208, Bradenton IMG Academy -4.2 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18140454/6515bf7d19a6a80b3ca43cd8

Zachary “Zac” Katz, QB, 6-1, 200, Miami True North Classical Academy.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17908883/Zachary-Katz

Nicholas Lennear, WR, 6-0, 165, Miami Northwestern.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19539314/Nicholas-Lennear

Taelyn Mayo, DB, 6-4, 184, Lewisville, Texas – 3.5 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19548294/Taelyn-Mayo

CLASS OF 2028

Quartavius Lyons Jr., DB, 6-1, 180, Homestead South Dade – 3.6 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19062829/Quartavius-Lyons-Jr

Amir Sears, Athlete, 6-1, 175, Pembroke Pines West Broward – 3.93 GPA.

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

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

Keeping An Eye On Football Transfers In Miami-Dade & Broward Counties. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

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..