FORT LAUDERDALE – When the recent Rivals Miami Elite Camp came to St. Thomas Aquinas High School, several local, regional, statewide and national recruiting experts made their way south to look at the talent that was on display.
One of the positions that has certainly gained in popularity in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties over the past decade is quarterback.
With so many prospects learning their craft from a young age, quarterbacks are now a hot property in south Florida – and no more was that evident than at the Sunday event.
As quarterbacks are learning the position from the start of their careers, by the time they reach high school, college coaches are already familiar with these talented prospects.
While many players stepped up at the recent event, and for the most part put themselves on the radar screen, Miami-Dade and Broward passers left a lasting impression that will carry over throughout the off-season and into 2026.
Today, we take a look at some of those from the #305 and #954 who turned heads, starting with the rising senior (2027) class:
Cody Conness, 6’1, 200, Fort Lauderdale Saint Thomas Aquinas - 3.81 GPA. Whether it was at St. Thomas Aquinas, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons or back to play for the Raiders, this left-hander has worked hard, did everything asked of him and produced when called upon. While it’s extremely tough to judge any player from a camp or combine setting, making an assessment positive or negative - having watched this quality young man perform in game conditions, he is a competitor who throws a nice ball and continues to pick things up. Great attitude and when given the opportunity he will produce!
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/26286016/69498fd7e371a29ddc9e2079-
Zac Katz, 6’1, 200, Miami True North Classical Academy – 3.8 GPA. When you have the opportunity to watch prospects perform more than one time and judge their potential, you tend to see things that make them special, and this Florida International University commitment is as close to an old school prospect as you will find. Accurate, versatile and has leadership qualities that wins you games. A total team player who put up big numbers (2,448 yards, 25 touchdowns) in leading his team to a regional final. Took time away from the 7-on-7 season to work on his body and has worked hard with the weights to become more physical.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17908883/Zachary-Katz
Kai Moore, 6’1, 199, Miami Christopher Columbus – 3.7 GPA. Ever since he was in the ninth grade, this is someone that had college coaches watching and his teammates talking about his potential. Makes the move over from Miami Norland, where he threw for 2,528 yards and 23 touchdowns - and with a solid work ethic, this is one of those prospects who brings so much to the table – on and off the field. An accurate passer who is smart, athletic and demands respect from the opposition because he’s a winner. College coaches know that their team thrives with a player like this.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20299699/6929d2bb84423567d9906b53
James Perrone, 6’2, 190, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. From the first time anyone had the chance to watch this impressive and versatile prospect, they were blown away with his decision making, ability to make plays and his leadership. While he will always do well at camps and combines, his game is all about what he does on the football field as he showed the past two seasons leading Miami Southridge. As this USF commitment makes his move to Broward County, he will have the opportunity to continue to grow and compete. He is not afraid to use his legs to add to his arsenal and move the chains. During a deep playoff run, he threw for 3,231 yards and 33 touchdowns and added 636 yards and nine scores on the ground.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19687356/66fcb1a2fc56e166ea364e68
Jack Spaeder, 6’3, 195, Davie Western – 3.75 GPA. Starts his final season in high school as a three-year varsity starter who played at Hialeah American and Coconut Creek Monarch before moving over to play for the Wildcats this past year. Has a strong arm (1,600 yards), will run if needed and is a competitor. Works as hard as anyone in this class to improve and get better. Had a solid Rivals event and will use that as a springboard to the off-season, where spring will be vital to his future. Was named as one of the top quarterbacks in Broward County this past season.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18342160/Jack-Spaeder
Jackson Stroud, 6’5, 195, Hollywood McArthur. Comes over from Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian where he had the opportunity to learn and play. His ability pass and run made this talented athlete someone to keep an eye on – and you can guarantee that he will have the opportunity to play this game at a high level. Threw for 11 touchdowns last season while get some quality starts. This off-season will be all about getting more reps and competing in as many events as possible. Watching him at the Rivals event you can tell that his footwork and release will certainly be an asset.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18998620/691a3fad4a50c91c2d7d8e1f
CLASS 2028 PROSPECTS DREW PRAISE FROM COACHES AND FELLOW PLAYERS
As the local 2027 prospects were being watched closely by the instructors and coaches on Sunday, you can almost guarantee that they were all looking into the future – and there were some quality prospects to watch.
Here is a look at a few rising juniors (2028):
Blake Calixte, 6’1, 160, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – 4.25 GPA. Only at a powerhouse like this program can you have a young player already showcase enough skills and ability that colleges are starting to extend interest. This run/pass prospect is certainly someone that this program is banking on for the future. This spring and throughout the off-season you can expect him to continue learning and maturing. Just watching some of his scrimmage clips you can see exactly what he brings to the table.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23043531/676d6946a232c3c8c26a77fa
Logan Escobedo, 6’3, 185, Plantation – 5.17 GPA. Here is someone that we have been waiting to see for the past two seasons. Injuries have sidetracked his career, but when you watch him make plays during 7-on-7 events and the Rivals event last Sunday, you can see what he brings to the table as a prospect. He is the definition of a student/athlete, who does extremely well in the classroom, which will open doors. Anxious to see him play this coming season and continue to establish himself as a prospect.
Dontavious Kinchens, 5’10, 165, Miami Northwestern. Making the move from Mater Academy, here is a prospect that is very much under the radar, and will have the opportunity to continue maturing this off-season. Threw for over 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. The younger brother of former University of Miami All-American and Los Angeles Rams star safety Kam Kinchens had a productive day at Rivals. He tested well, did some impressive drills and showcased an accurate arm during competition. While he still has a lot to learn, you can bet that he is willing to do what it takes.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23167037/Dontavious-Kinchens
Nate Merrell Jr., 6’4, 175, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – 3.4 GPA. After a season where he led his Miami Immaculata LaSalle program to the region finals and 11 wins by throwing for 1,800 yards and 24 touchdowns, this impressive student athlete makes the move north to compete for playing time with the seven-time defending state champions. This is a prospect who is not only on the rise on the football field but is also a quality baseball (pitcher/shortstop) prospect. Showcased some of skills at the Rivals event as several recruiting “gurus” were impressed at what he brings to the table.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18015085/Nate-Merrell-Jr
Brady Quinn, 6’1, 195, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. When you throw for nearly 3,000 yards and 37 touchdowns and happen to lead your team (Naples Lely) into the state playoffs, you become major news when you transfer to a school that has reached the state finals nine consecutive years. No matter where this quality prospects goes, everyone knows exactly who he is. One of the top performers in the nation is a gifted talent who has played at a high level since youth league. Will be in the spotlight in the spring as college coaches continue to evaluate right through until the start of the 2026 season. Big time prospect! He also holds down a 4.0 grade point average in the classroom.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19487425/68b58f396671c4f59536c7b9
LEONARD ANXIOUS TO LEAD THE WAY AGAIN IN THE CLASS OF 2029
There is no getting around the fact that Malik Leonard was the talk of high school football in the state of Florida. A 14/15-year-old freshman that led his team to the state title game, throwing for an amazing 2,935 yards and 31 touchdowns for the Lions. This left-hander, who has a 3.8 GPA in the classroom, is still learning the game as he makes the move from Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna to play for the Chiefs this coming season. In 255 attempts, the 6’1, 170-pounder threw just six interceptions!
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/25428037/Malik-Jeremiah-Leonard
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..