You get the feeling that no matter what Miami-Dade and Broward County football prospects take part in, they will compete hard and want to win.
While all over the country, they continue to proclaim how great their football is – and there are some area teams that have elite talent – the one thing that separates south Florida from anywhere in the country is their attitude.
While summer 7-on-7 is fun for about every high school team in American, the 954 and 305 go beyond that, and it starts with how these young men were raised.
Because they are thrown into competition from the first time they put on pads and a helmet, it’s all about winning, developing and being competitive.
Athletes who are friends, talk and text with each other every day become mortal enemies when they compete against one another.
SOCIAL MEDIA FUELS THE FIRE
Because south Florida has long been a hotbed of talent, alumni remain a huge part of the culture for these programs, and with the success of teams such as Chaminade-Madonna, Miami Central, St. Thomas Aquinas, Miami Northwestern, Plantation American Heritage, Miami Christopher Columbus, Cardinal Gibbons and so many others, bragging has been paramount – no matter where you go.
Fuel is added to the fire – and it all starts in the off-season with talk about matchups coming up. That makes 7-on-7 events very interesting.
Look at Facebook, Instagram or Twitter after weekend tournaments and championship photos are splashed for everyone to see and boast about.
TUTU ATWELL EVENT BRINGS OUT THE HEAVY HITTERS
Last weekend – for the second straight year, the Tutu Atwell Foundation hosted a 7-on-7 tournament at Charles Hadley Park, and over two days, elite players and teams competed for a $5,000 prize.
In the heart of Liberty City, you had easily more talent competing on the two fields than in any other place in the country – and it wasn’t even close.
Besides Chaminade-Madonna, which won the event, you had national powerhouse Miami Central as well as Northwestern, Miami Norland, last year’s 3M runner up Homestead and Miami Booker T. Washington among others.
The event saw prospects do their thing in front of Atwell and his NFL supporters, former area stars and current coaches.
Players such as nationally rated receivers Jeremiah Smith and Joshisa Trader, Class of 2025 standout receiver Kyle Washington and 2026 difference maker Denairius Gray, who just arrived from Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons.
North Carolina State quarterback commit Cedrick Bailey Jr. was also impressive.
Defending national champion Miami Central was also on hand and they looked very athletic with three quarterbacks and Florida State wide receiver commit LaWayne McCoy, who is easily as good as anyone in the state – and will be huge for the Rockets.
On defense, 2025 safety Sekou Smith Jr. showed why he will be a prospect to keep an eye on.
Coach Tim “Ice” Harris has already gotten the Tornadoes back into the mix – after a nine-win season Miami Booker T. Washington is stacked with seniors, such as Andre Brown Jr., but also underclassmen receivers Gerard Modest, the younger brother of three-star versatile running back Gerald Modest, and speedy Anton Smith.
On defense, this team may have the best young secondary in Florida – with 2025 prospects Antonio Branch and Ben Hanks Jr.
Miami Northwestern flexed some of their muscle with youth, but also with gifted receiver Darius 'Boobie' Johnson, who came over from Miami Edison. 2027 future star Nick Lennear also is going to be amazing.
Homestead showed off their 2025 receiver Cortez Mills along with 2024 Daytona Beach Mainland transfer James Randle.
The one team that has been the talk of the off-season is the Miami Norland, who had 17 transfers and were looking to build around their talented returners.
One of those talents that got some much-needed help is state-rated 2025 quarterback Ennio Yapoor, who has worked harder than anyone to improve his standing.
One of Yapoor’s newcomers is versatile receiver Jade Card, a 2025 prospect who has the chance to be among the best after coming over from South Broward.
The Vikings also have plenty of speed on the outside with 2024 receiver Ivory Aikens.
There were so many gifted football players over the two days and throughout the off-season, and Class of 2026 future stars Jordan Campbell from Hialeah American and versatile Darryl Bell III from Goleman were also impressive this past weekend.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHUCK BETHEL
TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: July 12, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Transfer Season Heats Up In Miami-Dade & Broward. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-heats-up-in-miami-dade-broward
For the past 53 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. 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..