Travis Thomas has been covering youth football for several decades, focusing on the prospects who will become that next wave of elite talent.
Along with so many others who promote and uncover the youth football programs in south Florida, Thomas has long been the coach, organizer and an energy behind putting south Florida youngsters on the map – as the nation watches.
Considered one of the best places in the country that plays youth football, south Florida has long offered high schools, colleges and the NFL some of the best football talent in the nation.
The youth programs and the coaches have always been a cut above. They are passionate about the kid and the sport of football – and they will do anything it takes.
As many of the Class of 2025 are ready to make the switch from youth football fields to the talented high school programs of this region, we bring you a sneak peak into the future.
While there are so many football players to keep an eye on – Thomas, who is also one of the major talent scouts for the popular FBU experience, believes that there are more on the way.
“Every year, you have a few really impressive football players that all the scouts agree on – and rate high,” Thomas said. “But through maturity and experience, more and more young athletes emerge, and that’s the best thing about watching these young men grow and become game changers.”
2025 PROSPECTS ON THE WAY
With several teams needing an infusion of young talent, here are just a few to keep an eye on as the 2021 season begins. We will indeed add more as they start to emerge:
Among the gifted athletes to keep an eye on includes high school-ready quarterback Davi Belfort (West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman), defensive back Kari Bendolph (Ft. Lauderdale Dillard/West Pembroke Pines) and Armando Blount, an amazing talent, who already turned heads this past season and into the summer. He was as product of the Fort Lauderdale Hurricanes youth program.
The Class of 2025 will also unveil prospects such as Tywan Cox (DB, Chaminade Madonna/Miami Gardens Ravens), who has been around the game all of his young life – offensive lineman Ben Diaz (American Heritage Plant/ West Pembroke Pines), high school tested defensive back Chris Ewald (Hollywood Chaminade Madonna/West Pembroke Pines), Tyrell Greene (LB, Ft. Lauderdale Dillard/West Pembroke Pines), promising linebacker Sam Griffin (Miami International Academy/ Miami Gardens Chiefs) and Darius Johnson, who gives Miami Edison yet another receiving prospect.
The freshman class will also showcase talent like Brandon Joseph (DL, St. Thomas Aquinas/Miami Gardens Ravens), versatile “Trigg” Lewis (Athlete, Deerfield Beach), rising running back standout Byron Louis (Plantation American Heritage - Miramar Optimist), receiver Adreus Madison (Ft. Lauderdale Dillard/Miramar Optimist), impressive and talented linebacker Ezekiel Marcellin (Miami Central/Miami Gardens), Miami Booker T. Washington rising quarterback Sean Ponder and Jordan Rich (DB, Plantation American Heritage/Miramar Optimist).
This coming season will also see gifted Jack Sawyer (DE, Hollywood Avant Garde Academy/Miramar Optimist), Anthony Smith (DL, Ft. Lauderdale Dillard/Ft Lauderdale Hurricanes), Jahmari Smith (WR, Miami International Prep), skilled and quick Sekou Smith (WR, Miami Central/Gwen Cherry), Gregory Thomas (WR, Plantation American Heritage/CCD Optimist), Jayden Toussant (RB, Tru Prep/ Miami Gardens Ravens) and Miami Central defensive back Amari Wallace, who played at Miramar Optimist.
Perhaps the biggest name in the class is quarterback Ennio Yapoor, who has already shown – as an 8th grader – that he is more than ready for this level, helping to lead head coach Hector Clavijo and the Lions to a state title. He also played at Miramar Optimist.
Don’t forget that we will continue to add to the 2025 list just like we add to the 2024, 2023 and 2022 group as well.
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. 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..