When Miami Coral Reef beat Miami Ferguson, 14-7, back on Nov. 11, the Barracudas captured the GMAC Independent League football title.
With the 9-1 finish and the title, which had been won the year before by Ferguson, this program had an opportunity to grab some of that spotlight.
With veteran head coach Tim Wood leading the way, this is a team that has continued to grow and compete over the past few years, building toward this team title.
Along the way this season, the team lost just one time (Miami High), but rebounded to outscore the other nine opponents, 267-77, and in the process created some memories for this team and school to look back on.
With success came the attention that prospects needed for college coaches to check out.
SOLID SENIOR (2025) CLASS EMERGES
While this was a total team effort, the seniors were responsible for stepping up in 2024 – with several players leading the way on and off of the playing field.
Here is a look at some of those seniors:
Antonio Siplin
OLB
6’1” 190
WHAT TO LIKE ABOUT ANTONIO: Great instincts; incredibly smart; really knows how to play the game; very good student. HBCU/D2 player.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17649306/Antonio-Siplin
Ethan Gottardi
ILB
6’0” 210
WHAT TO LIKE ABOUT ETHAN:
Has shown all year that he is a well-rounded prospect with plenty of skills. Easily one of the hardest workers on a talented team. He also gets it done in the classroom extremely hard worker who could make an impact at the D3 level.
TAPE:
https://www.hudl.com/profile/19973820/Ethan-Gottardi?
Joshua Steele
DT
6’1” 275
WHAT TO LIKE ABOUT JOSHUA:
Here is a player who is a prototype lineman with who is a worker. He is very quick and agile for a big man. Does well in the classroom.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19973367/Joshua-Steele?
CLASS OF 2026
Richel Gercilus
OT
6’3” 235
WHAT TO LIKE ABOUT RICHEL: One of the most promising players this team had this past season. With a full year left to grow and mature on and off the field, he has a very high ceiling. Has an opportunity to perhaps become an FCS prospect.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22501995/674e5522352362e4628db507
Roger Rodriguez
WR
5’9” 160
WHAT TO LIKE ABOUT ROGER: A future D3 prospect that has the work ethic to become a good football player. Is athletic and has tremendous instincts.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19973380/Roger-Rodriguez?
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 54 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..