Nobody has to remind anyone about what this past year and a half has been about.

The pandemic has affected everyone – in every walk of life, and with Covid starting to spread once again, things are not back to normal as of yet.

When it comes to recruiting, there is no secret that the Class of 2022 has certainly held the short end of the stick – with no spring in 2020 and this year – no college coaches watching during the spring.

The Class of 2022 – outside of the marquee prospects – have had to truly work hard to gain exposure, and it has not come easy.

There are several south Florida prospects who are being coveted by colleges and universities nationally. As many have already committed, there are those who are on the fence, still taking their time to see what the best fit is.

Among the top prospects for the Class of 2022 in Miami-Dade and Broward includes Miami Monsignor defensive lineman Shemar Stewart, Plantation American Heritage defensive end standout Marvin Jones Jr., Chaminade-Madonna edge rusher Kenyatta Jackson and Dillard’s defensive end Nyjalik Kelly.

In addition, Plantation American Heritage defensive back Earl Little Jr., St. Thomas Aquinas offensive lineman Julian Armella, linebacker Wesley Bissainthe from Miami Central, and St. Thomas Aquinas running back Anthony Hankerson and quarterback Zion Turner have the offers, but have not finalized a school.

Also, Homestead edge rusher Dante Anderson, Western receiver Jullian Lewis and Deerfield running back Jaziun Patterson has Iowa on his mind as he is set to commit tonight with three other teammates, including Alton Tarber (DL). JoJo Kennerly (WR) and OT David Conner. There is also Miami Edison defensive back Elijah McCantos and linebacker Leon Hart Jr., Miami Palmetto standout receiver/kick returner Mike Jackson, Miami International Academy RB Yann Ulrich Lomga.

Other south Floridians who have the talent and are waiting for a fit include talented Miami Central WR Zaylan Reese, Cornelius Wright (CB, Miami Christopher Columbus), OT Shomari Seymour from Plantation, St. Thomas Aquinas OL Tellek Lockette, Monarch edge rusher Shannard Lo-Ray, receiver Bobby Golden and quarterback Kevin Smith from Palmetto, Monsignor Pace running back D’Shawn Trowers, Cardinal Gibbons DB Isaiah Farris, Champagnat WR Jaylin Terzado and Miami Carol City QB Dominiq Ponder.

GETTING THE COMMITMENT OUT OF THE WAY

There are a number of local prospects who have already - or are getting set to commit. Among those local prospects so far include Coconut Creek defensive back standout Trevell Mullen, Plantation American Heritage defensive end Richard Thomas, and North Miami Beach receiver Phillip Dunnam, who are all headed to Indiana. There is Plantation American Heritage cornerback Jacolby Spells (West Virginia), Miami Central defensive backs Alfonzo Allen (Arizona State) and Jaylin Marshall (Georgia Tech), and Miami Gulliver Prep linebacker Travious Lathan (West Virgina). Speaking of Georgia Tech, Miami Edison OL Jeffrey Bonica is ready to carve out a future with the Yellow Jackets.

Chaminade-Madonna corner Ryan Turner made his commitment to Ohio State, Miami Central safety Anthony Rose (South Carolina), tight end Mason Taylor (St. Thomas Aquinas) to LSU and Dillard receiver Devaughn Mortimer let FSU know that he was headed to Tallahassee before the summer.

The Seminoles also received a commitment from Miami Central OL Daughtry Richardson, Stranahan linebacker Omar Graham Jr. and Homestead defensive lineman Daniel Lyons. Miami Edison edge rusher Francois Nolton told the Florida Gators he would be headed to Gainesville next season.

Standout Broward County performers Camden Brown (WR, St. Thomas Aquinas) is headed to Pitt – while Cardinal Gibbons way under-the-radar edge rusher Mason Thomas is going to Iowa State. Miami Florida Christian defensive lineman Jamaal Whyce will be going to the University of South Carolina. Monsignor Pace linebacker Mekhi Mason and Plantation American Heritage defensive lineman Belizaire Bassette (Syracuse),

Miami Killian running back Maurice Jones (Marshall), Tulane commitments DeCarlo Donaldson (TE) and Carson Haggard (QB) from Miami Gulliver Prep – and receiver Jalen Rogers (St. Thomas Aquinas) have also planned out their respective future. Jamaal Johnson (DL, Chaminade-Madonna) chose UCF as part of Gus Malzahn’s first class. Miami Gulliver Prep kicker Will Bettridge, who is No. 1 in the nation, committed to attend Virginia.

Arkansas State landed Champagnat Catholic receiver Benson Prosper and Miami Northwestern’s Daverrick Jenkins, Coastal Carolina stole Cardinal Gibbons LB Tray Brown and St. Thomas Aquinas cornerback Jerrod Cameron, Western safety Websley Etienne (Buffalo), Chaminade-Madonna safety Jeremiah McGill (UConn), Miami Christopher Columbus cornerback Ken Moore Jr. and Cahlede Jackson (Chaminade-Madonna) defensive lineman to Utah State.

South Florida prospects D’Mon Brinson (CB, Dillard) will be headed to UConn, Miramar running back Desmond Reid (Western Carolina), St. Thomas Aquinas RB Corey Reddick (Naval Academy), Christopher Columbus quarterback Fernando Mendoza (Yale) and Miramar edge rusher Claudel Bazile (Liberty University).

TRACKING POSITIONS: Keeping An Eye On The Football Talent In Miami-Dade & Broward Counties Year Round. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects

For the past 51 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..