MIAMI – No matter what sports program any college has in this country, having a local flavor is usually a plus.
While many sports – such as basketball, softball and baseball do not have a large roster – football is indeed the exception. Nearly 100 student/athletes occupy a roster, and when it comes to fan support, it is always nice, in many ways, to have that local touch.
As the Willie Simmons era officially had its curtain call last Saturday during the annual spring game, that local and regional touch was present, and while this program continues to make positive changes, it is indeed a work in progress.
With several fans, families and recruits on hand for the Blue vs. White event, the changes that many have watched over the decades continued to take place.
What Simmons and this staff bring to the table is community, regional and statewide knowledge, from the first day – with the recruiting and the coaches that were added who know the landscape of an area that is truly like no other.
What FIU has always been about is a steppingstone for college coaches, which is nothing new – here or at many places in the country. But to be successful over the long haul, the head coach needs to build the program, promote from within and keep a winning attitude and positive recruiting going.
It all starts with local coaches such as Jelani Berassa, Edwin Pata, Benedick Hyppolite, Anthony Gaitor, Frank Ponce, and while defensive coordinator Jovan Dewitt is not a south Floridian, he has been in this region – on and off – for over a decade.
IT’S ALL ABOUT SUPPORT
On Saturday, you saw families, former high school teammates and friends come to see area players who are on the roster.
While junior standout quarterback Keyone Jenkins (Miami Central) is certainly the most recognizable with his many accomplishments, but he is not alone.
Other locals include defensive back Brian Blades II (Plantation American Heritage), defensive back Demetrius Hill (Miami Springs), running back Kejon Owens (Miami Central), defensive lineman Steven Shannon (Miami Killian), defensive back Jai-Ayviauynn Celestine (Miami Palmetto), receiver C'Quan Jnopierre (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), linebacker Percy Courtney Jr., (Davie Western), defensive back Websley Etienne (Davie Western), defensive lineman Dante Anderson (Homestead), and receiver JuJu Lewis (Davie Western).
There are also defensive lineman Claude Larkins (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), kicker Alejandro Padro (Miami Christopher Columbus), defensive back Jamari Holliman (Miami Norland), receiver Nicholas Smith (Fort Lauderdale Stranahan), defensive back Victor Evans III (Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace), receiver Eric Nelson (Miramar), defensive back Mister Clark (Miami Carol City), running back Jordan Clemons (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), defensive back Sadonnie Gay (Miami Northwestern), and running back Jose Corbo (Miami Palmer Trinity).
The Miami-Dade/Broward representation also features defensive back Jaden Williams (Plantation), running back Nate Henry (Miramar), defensive back Reech Daniels (North Miami), defensive lineman Robert Williams (Miami Christopher Columbus), outside linebacker Toddrick Brewton (Miami Northwestern), kicker Robert Czeremcha (Miami Christopher Columbus), outside linebacker Richard Nwaukoni (Coconut Creek), defensive lineman Jamarrion Solomon (Miami Palmetto), linebacker Dylan Calero (Miami Gulliver Prep), offensive lineman Daniel Michel (Fort Lauderdale Dillard), and offensive lineman Noah Fernandez (Coral Springs Charter).
The local Panthers to keep an eye on also include offensive lineman Jon Rodriguez (Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons), lineman Mykeal Rabess (Miami Norland), defensive lineman Kyrie Samuel (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), receiver Andre Brown (Miami Booker T. Washington), tight end Sean Burke (Hollywood South Broward), defensive lineman Nick Watson (Davie Western) and defensive lineman Germaine Carter (Miami Norland).
There is also former University of Miami running back Ajay Allen, who may not be from here, but has plenty of eyes on him at all times.
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For the past 55 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..