When the college football national championship game kicks off this evening at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, the world will be watching a number of interesting stories unfold.
While unbeaten and No. 1 Indiana will be the home team in a stadium that the 13-2 Miami Hurricanes have played all their games this season, the contest will shine a spotlight on the entire state of Florida.
We all know that when it comes to producing high school football teams and talent, the Sunshine State takes a backseat to nobody, and that’s why when these two teams get together, it will be all about the prospects who started their careers on youth and high school football fields around the state.
This evening’s contest is so important on many levels – for both teams – it brings Hurricane fans back 42 years when they played in what would be their first national title game when they were huge underdogs on their then home field – the fabled Orange Bowl against Nebraska.
While many are hoping for the same exciting outcome of that game, they will be able to see plenty of homegrown talent.
Between the two schools, there are 55 players who began their careers in Florida – and will appear in the biggest game on the largest stage.
HOO HOO HOOSIERS LOVE THE SUNSHINE
As we all know by now, Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza our of Miami Christopher Columbus is indeed the biggest name on the Indiana roster that began his career in Florida. But the stellar quarterback is NOT alone.
There is also Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna junior defensive back product D’Angelo Ponds, who began his career at James Madison before becoming a Hoosier, following Coach Curt Cignetti to Bloomington.
In addition to Mendoza and Ponds, here are some other Floridians who will be getting the opportunity to come home this evening for the 7:40 kickoff:
Among those are Sean Cuono (RB, Fr., Clearwater Central Catholic), Amare Ferrell (Jr., DB, Lake City Columbia), Rolijah Hardy (LB, So., Lakeland), Myles Kendrick (WR, Fr., Jacksonville Riverside), Alberto Mendoza (QB, Fr., Miami Christopher Columbus) and former Miami Northwestern junior defensive back Jamari Sharpe.
WE’VE GOT PLENTY OF ‘CANES OVER HERE
Back in the day, while the University of Miami used a number of players from the state of Florida to fill their roster, it’s nothing like it is today – with numerous players who honed their skills on football fields from way underpaid coaches in Florida are joining head coach Mario Cristobal (Miami Christopher Columbus) and the Hurricanes.
While we know the marquee offensive talent such as junior running back Mark Fletcher (Plantation American Heritage) and freshman All-American receiver Malachi Toney (Plantation American Heritage) – there are others.
Defensively, Miami Central defensive line prospect Rueben Bain is one of the country’s best. But there are also players like Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons’ senior product Ahmad Moten and senior linebacker Wesley Bissainthe (Miami Central), who have made a huge impact this season.
Among the prospects who fill out this impressive roster during an amazing season include freshmen Max Buchanan (OL, Sanford Seminole), Demetrius Campbell (OL, Orlando Christian Prep), Chris Ewald (DB, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Bryce Fitzgerald (DB, Miami Christopher Columbus), Ryan Mack (DB, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Ezekiel Marcelin Jr. (LB, Miami Central), Joshua Moore (WR, Pembroke Pines West Broward), Mykah Newton (DL, Newberry), Girard Pringle Jr. (RB, Seffner Armwood), Amari Wallace (DB, Miami Central), Kellen Wiley Jr. (LB, Seffner Armwood), Jaden Wilkerson (OL, Orlando Edgewater) and Andres Williams (DB, Miami Palmer Trinity).
There are quality sophomores such as Yerovi Valdes-Alfonso (OL, Cape Coral Mariner), Armondo Blount Jr. (DL, Miami Central), Damari Brown (DB, Plantation American Heritage), Adarius Hayes (LB, Largo), Chris Wheatley-Humphrey (RB, Hollywood South Broward), Artavius Jones (DL, Blountstown), Xavier Lucas (DB, Plantation American Heritage), Jordan Lyle (RB, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Booker Pickett Jr. (DL, Tampa Wharton), Deryc Plazz (OL, Jacksonville Mandarin), Zechariah Poyser (DB, Wildwood), Dylan Reiman (TE, Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer), Daylen Russell (DL, Miami Christopher Columbus), Joshisa Trader (WR, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna) and Jack Whitehouse (RB, Miami Gulliver Prep).
The junior class is also stacked with talent like Malik Bryant (LB, Orlando Jones), Tommy Kinsler IV (OL, Ocala Trinity Catholic), Matthew McCoy (OL, St. Johns Creekside), Bobby Washington Jr. (LB, Miami Killian), Emory Williams (QB, Milton) and Orlando Evans defensive back Markeith Williams.
How about the seniors who were part of the success this season. Players such as Carson Beck (QB, Jacksonville Mandarin), Charles Brantley (DB, Venice), Carter Davis (PK, Davie Western), Tony Johnson (WR, Ocala Vanguard), Ryan Rodriguez (OL, Miami Christopher Columbus), Chase Smith (LB, Palm Bay Heritage) and Terrell Walden II (RB, Winter Garden West Orange).
There is also graduate student Briton Allen (DB, Bradenton IMG Academy).
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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..