After one of the worst seasons in recent history, when the Florida State University football program finished 2-10, fingers were being pointed, and coaches were starting to feel uncomfortable about their future in Tallahassee.

In a time when the transfer portal and NIL deals can turn your program around in a year, there was no getting around the fact that the Seminoles, which had so much success with the portal in the first few years of the Mike Norvell regime, saw that way of building a program start go south.

The truth, especially in Florida is you can use the portal and strike up NIL deals, but you better be able to recruit – and that means going into hotbeds and coming away several program changers.

With several coaching changes being made, the one that may have been the key to turning this program back around was bringing in Tim Harris Jr. from the University of Central Florida.

If you have followed his career in coaching, you already know that no matter where he has gone – Miami Booker T. Washington High School to Florida International University, University of Central Florida, University of Miami and back to UCF – he has made an impact as a running back, receiver coach, offensive coordinator as well as being an amazing recruiter.

Harris joined FSU this off-season with the idea that if he could spark the recruiting in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, there was a chance that this program would start the upward climb. They have so far!

Harris Jr., who has followed in the footsteps of his father, Tim “Ice” Harris Sr., has become one of the best at what he does and has put himself in a position where a head college coaching job is just a matter of time.

Harris and one-time Plantation American Heritage head coach and Miami Dolphins’ standout Pat Surtain have certainly helped to increase he spotlight in the two-county area.

With the commitment of one of Florida’s elite football players and athletes – Jasen Lopez on Thursday – he added to what this team is doing to get back into an area that over the years has been more than instrumental in the Seminoles’ success.

Lopez, from Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna is perhaps the best two-sport (basketball) athlete in Florida after a tremendous season in 2024, helping to lead the Lions to another 1A state title.

Playing his first season with Chaminade-Madonna, he had more than laid the groundwork for his future for previous three seasons at Miami True North Classical Academy, and while there was plenty of hype, it was this past year when everything became a reality as he more than held his own against some of the top competition in Florida and nationally.

While Lopez made news with his commitment, it was not the first prospect that announced they would be heading to the state capitol from the loaded #305 and #954.

Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman standout athlete Darryl Bell III (6’0, 192, S) was the first to come aboard – before Harris arrived on the scene. He fell in love with the school in Oct. 2023 during a banner year, and even though they had a bad season in ‘24, remained loyal and will be very much a part of this 2026 class.

When speedy Brandon Bennett (6’1, 180, Plantation American Heritage) made his commitment back in early June, the Seminole landed a top-flight football talent, who had made major strides on the football field.

Once known for his blazing track speed, he had shown last year for the Patriots that he was also an impressive football talent, helping to lead the team to a 4A state championship.

With a need to make the defensive secondary stronger, safety Tedarius Hughes also jumped aboard in the summer of 2024, before the rough season, when he was at Homestead South Dade.

The 6’2, 180-pound safety made his move to attend defending 3A state champion Miami Northwestern in the off-season, and even though his stock as a player soared over the past four months, he also remained loyal and has stayed true to his original commitment.

The Seminoles also received commitments here in 2025 for the future from two players that many had not heard much about.

Miami Central linebacker Karon Maycock (6’1, 200) was a rising star that had plenty to prove, and even though he committed before the spring, it was during the months of April and May that college coaches from all over the nation watched him mature and showcase skills that many had never watched before.

Part of his growth can be attributed to one-time Seminole standout Derrick Gibson, who took over as Central’s head coach this spring and helped to influence a number of players the Rockets have.

If Maycock was an unknown, the commitment from Coral Gables 6’4.5, 335-pound offensive lineman Luke Francis came way out of right field.

The London, England native spent the 2024 season at the NFL Academy where he worked primarily on the defensive side of the ball before transferring to Coral Gables for his final high school season.

The Seminoles have done well with European talent over the years.

Elite Miami-Dade/Broward Teams To Watch. https://larryblustein.com/news/there-are-elite-teams-in-miami-dade-broward-this-summer

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

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..