It should come as no surprise when talking about some of the best football prospects every year, Miami-Dade and Broward are always in the conversation.
For as long as anyone can remember, when it came to talking about elite talent, south Florida boasts talent that can stand toe-to-toe with anyone.
With the Class of 2025 getting ready to be in the spotlight, the rising group of juniors in the Class of 2026 are enjoying an off season that is giving them national recognition, and that only adds to what this region has enjoyed for decades.
Today, we bring you five Class of 2026 football players in the two counties to continue to keep watching:
Kaj Baker, RB/CB, 5-7, 165, Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy. Comes back to play for his father after a year at Miami Central. This is easily one of the fastest (10.38 100m) players in the state. A quality talent that can play on either side of the ball as well as on special teams. His ability to make plays happen is what every opponent needs to prepare for. Look for him to have a huge junior season – in and out of the classroom, where he holds down a 3.5 grade points average.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15144891/Kaj-Nitro-Baker
Jemel Bonica, DE, 6-4, 220, Miami Northwestern. Came to Liberty City at the end of his sophomore season from Miami Booker T. Washington where he established himself as a prospect that is getting plenty of attention. Has an opportunity – with his skill level and size – to have huge off-season and will continue to get college offers and plenty of attention.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18032971/Jemel-Bonica
Derrek Cooper, WR/RB/S, 6-1, 200, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. Make no mistake, this is going to be one of the players who blows up the most – as he makes his move over to a national power. While he can run the ball from scrimmage, keep an eye on him catching the ball and playing defense. Got bigger over the past year and will continue to raise the bar. He is a major Power 5 prospect that some have just found out about.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19057210/Derrek-Cooper
Liam Marley, DL, 6-3, 230, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian Academy. Here is a school that has produced more than their share of talent over the years, and you can add this impressive defensive lineman to that list. He is quick off the ball, strong and very athletic. This coming season, college offers will start to pour in as coaches watch this young man perform. His work in the classroom (4.44 GPA) is also something that will open doors as well.
TAPE: Mid-Season Highlights-Liam Marley - Liam Marley highlights - Hudl
Dominic Turnbull, CB, 6-2, 175, Miami True North. Ever since he began playing this sport, he has been compared to his father, who was a high school, college and NFL standout and is now coaching. Watch this young man play and you will be impressed at his skill level, ability to play the position, his size and athleticism. Has everything you are looking for in a big-time football player. Played a challenging schedule this past season and more than held his own. In addition, happens to be an Honor Student.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16260330/Dominic-Turnbull
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For the past 54 years, we have spent plenty of 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..