Moments after this year’s thrilling overtime 4M state title game against Apopka, talk began about the 2023 season.

Many who follow this game have already started to pencil in head coach Dave Dunn and Miami Christopher Columbus and Apopka as two teams that have to go in as favorites to get back to the state championship game.

One of the reasons why the Explorers will be a team that everyone will need not only to watch locally and statewide, but nationally as well, is the players coming back.

While a few seniors will depart, this team will be loaded – especially if more talent finds its way into southwest Miami – which is very possible.

But while you always speculate who may be headed there, the reality is the Class of 2024 will be one of the best in south Florida – with Edward Bandy (RB, 5-6, 155), Jeff Bandy (CB, 5-10, 155), Benjamin Blackburn (TE, 6-5, 230), T. J. Capers (OLB/DE, 6-3, 230), Jose Leon (WR, 5-10, 170), Alberto Mendoza (QB, 6-2, 190), Daylen Russell (DT, 6-2, 230), Dylan Stephenson (DE, 6-4, 220), Jancent Wallace (CB, 5-10, 150) and Jonathan Zarut (LS, 5-10, 195).

In addition the rising senior class will also boast prospects such as Fadrelle Andrus (WR, 6-2, 170), Rocco Bradley (WR, 6-3, 180), Blake Brewer (OL, 6-1, 265), Sebastian Broche (DT, 6-2, 200), Alejandro Calderin (WR, 5-11, 181), Alexzander Cano (LB, 5-10, 185), Samuel Davidson (WR, 6-0, 190), Jah’rian Deloach (WR, 5-5, 140), Jason Ibarra (DB/OLB, 5-10, 170) and linebacker Adrian Leonard (5-11, 180).

Also keep an eye on Nicholas McCormick (K/P, 6-2, 185), Ryan Parente (S, 5-9, 170), Cameron Pineda (DB, 5-11, 165), Tristan Pineda (WR, 6-2, 175), Sebastian Polo (LB, 5-11, 185), Sebastian Rodriguez (LB, 5-11, 218), Gabriel Saustegui (OLB, 5-10, 165), Martin Seals (DT, 5-10, 240), Jose Valdes (DE, 6-1, 210) and defensive lineman Robert Williams (6-3, 242).

FUTURE IS LOOKING REALLY GOOD

As impressive as the rising senior class will be, those prospects in the rising junior (2025) group will also be worth keeping sn eye on with Agyeman Addae (RB/FS, 5-7, 155), Cayan Lamothe-Arice (DB, 5-10, 155), Matteo Arrango (PK), Shaddai Carter (S, 5-10, 175), Hector Chavez (LB, 5-9, 211), Robert Czeremcha (K/P), Fernando De Izaguirre (OT, 6-2, 230), Hezekiah Downs (DT, 6-0, 220), Remington Goins (TE, 6-2, 205), J.J. Gomez (WR, 5-8, 155), Darriel Harper (WR, 5-9, 145), and Alex Jorge (OT, 6-6, 265), Joey Mirabal (OL, 6-2, 270).

Also keep an eye on James Orange (DB, 6-0, 150), Armando Pardey (DB, 5-10, 165), Jorge Portocarrero (S), Jalani Reams (DB, 6-0, 175), Victor Rodriguez (LB, 6-0, 175), Justin Weaver (DB, 5-8, 140) and Class of 2026 standout Ruben Hernandez (OT, 6-2, 270)

For the past 52 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..