If you were one of those who felt the talent at this year’s Under Armour Combine in Miami was not as good as usual, maybe you need to look further.
As we have broken down each and every position that attended the annual evaluation of talent, today we check out the defensive linemen. Whether they were 2022 or 2023 – or played interior or defensive end, there was simply no denying the talent that came out to compete on the defensive line.
In respect to all the areas in the nation that will host these combines, it would be very hard to match the talent that Florida rolled out on March 7th at Ives Park in North Miami-Dade.
Not to mention the impressive athletes who came from outside the area, the talent from south Florida was simply mind-boggling.
Among those on hand from Miami-Dade and Broward included one of the nation’s elite prospects in Shemar Stewart (Miami Monsignor Pace – DE). This is a player who was rated among the best in the country for the class – and as he continues to grow and mature – living up to that billing will never be easy.
Homestead has quite a rising junior class – especially on the line with defensive end Dante Anderson and interior lineman Daniel Lyons. Both of these young men are being pursued by a number of schools nationally.
Like Homestead, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna also boasts some amazing talent – and with Class of 2022 standouts Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and Jamaal Johnson, the Lions are looking good as they try to get back to the state finals for the sixth straight year.
Make no mistake – all eyes were on defensive ends Nyjalik Kelly (Fort Lauderdale Dillard), Francois Nolton (Miami Edison) and Richard Thomas (American Heritage). All three are major recruits and as good as you will find anywhere in the country.
Kelly, who is scheduled to play in next January’s Florida-Georgia Game, committed to FSU early in the process, Nolton committed to the University of Florida and Thomas is getting offers daily – as he looks to continue to showcase his many skills.
For Charlot Candy (Miami Monsingor Pace) and Jamaal Wyche (Miami Florida Christian), the event was a perfect way for both rising standouts to showcase their many skills – and they did.
Just when you thought there was enough talent to choose from on the defensive line, along comes nationally-rated 2023 prospects Rueben Bain (Miami Central – DE) and Lamont Green Jr. (Miami Gulliver Prep – DE). Both are highly-regarded as Green followed his heart and dad as he committed to attend FSU.
THE STATE IS LOADED
If you watched any of the event, you saw some of the best talent in the nation on display.
The state of Florida showed off some of their young and emerging talent. Here are some players that many have heard about – while others are jumping onto the radar for the first time:
2023 – Kaven Call, Apopka
2022 – Nicholas Campbell, Lake Minneola
2023 – Wilky Denaud, Fort Pierce John Carroll
2022 – Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy, Lakeland
2022 – Mario Eugenio, Tampa Gaither
2022 – Segree Graham, St. John’s Bartram Trail
2023 – Derrick Lablanc, Kissimmee Osceola (DE)
2022 – Jamari Lyons, Viera
2022 – Venson Sneed, Winter Park
2024 – Terrell Spruill, Rockledge
2022 – Tawfiq Thomas, Tampa Gaither
2022 – Keahnist Thompson, Lakeland
2022 – Jeremy West, Flagler Palm Coast
2023 – Devin Williams, Brooksville Hernando
2023 – Damon Wilson, Venice
For the past 51 years, we have spent time going from games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events. We will remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein- SFHSports) and Twitter (@SFHSSports - @larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..