One of the most bizarre stories of this entire pandemic will take center stage this evening at Dade Christian when Tru Prep Academy plays Akelynn’s Angels Christian Prep (1-1) from Winter Haven at 6:00.
As private schools across south Florida have searched their options to open the season safely, NSU University School in Davie was met with the news that there would be no fall contact sports – including football.
That is something that we brought you a few weeks back – and a lot has transpired since then.
With no spring or summer because of the Coronavirus, the last time many of these athletes were watched – in any form – was last November after the season came to an end.
With the help of Tru Foundation head coach & athletic Mario Smith, St. Thomas University, Dade Christian and so many other, the season will get under way this kickoff classic and then next week at Palm Glades Prep.
A one-time Miami Monsignor Pace head coach, Smith, who had always been about the student/athlete, and started the highly successful TRU Prep Academy, offered to step up to let this University School football program play this year as an independent – under the TRU Prep Academy Saints – while still attending and receiving the quality education that NSU University School has long provided.
Smith, who is the head coach of the team, still has former Dolphins Chris Chambers (Offensive Coordinator) and Channing Crowder (Defensive Coordinator) running this impressive team.
This is NOT an expansion team. These young men are established winners already – such as: Marcus Tate (Clemson commit), Ricardo Hallman (Wisconsin commit), Max Balthazar (Coast Carolina commit), Nick Vattiato (Middle Tennessee State) and John Cannon (USF commit).
This is a team that has 10 players who are students at Tru Prep Academy mixed in with amazing talent such as the No. 1 player in the Class of 2023 in two-year starter Brandon Inniss and Class of 2024 phenom WR J.T. Madison.
Plenty of freshmen will get their first taste of varsity football tonight – and that’s a great thing for all these young men who are playing this game safely, but also showcasing their many skills to college coaches.
TRU Foundation Saints
2021 – Jeremy Acosta, NG
2021 – Emile Aime, LB
2021 – Donte Alexander, WR
2022 – Dawson Alters, C
2021 – Nygel Ashley, CB
2024 – Chris Balhtazar, S
2021 – Max Balthazar, RB
2021 – Fredrick Cage, WR
2021 – John Cannon, PK
2023 – Lucas Castro, OL
2024 – Marlon Cochran, RB
2024 – Andrew Crowley, OL
2021 – Tamari Jones-Cummings, FS
2024 – Carlos Dales, LB
2023 – Connor Donahue, DB
2024 – Ian Donahue, WR
2024 – Kaleb Duncan
2022 – David Espinso Jr., OT
2024 – Chris Ewald, DB
2022 – Justin Fevrier, OL/DL
2021 – Ricardo Hallman, CB
2021 – Jacques Holloway
2023 – Brandon Inniss, WR/S
2022 – Cahlede Jackson, NG
2024 – Semaj Jackson, RB/S
2024 – Kaden Jacques
2022 – Jeremiah Jasper, OL
2024 – Jarvis Juste
2024 – Alon Kochav, K
2021 – Shai Kochev, LS
2024 – J.T. Madison, WR
2022 – Dominic Mathis, OLB
2024 – Jhamari Hall, OLB
2021 – Hayward McQueen, LB
2022 – Knight Nakanishi, OLB
2021 – Taj Nashid, OL
2021 – Vincent Pagano, WR/RB
2024 – Zayquan Patterson, Athlete
2021 – Dylan Robinson, WR
2023 – Dominic Stephens, Athlete
2023 – Ben Sherota, WR
2024 – Roderick Stewart
2024 – Cecil Stone, QB
2024 – Bryce Stringer, DE
2021 – Marcus Tate, OT
2023 – Alex Thomas, LB
2024 – Duane Thurman
2021 – Nick Vattiato, QB
2024 – Jimmy Williams, OL
2024 – Ricardo Williams, WR
2024 – Jett Yurgealitis, QB
TRU Prep Saints Schedule
10/2 - at Homestead Palm Gardens Prep
10/9 – CHAMPAGNAT CATHOLIC
10/16 - at Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas
10/23 OPEN
10/30 at Miami Monsignor Pace
11/6 – at Miami Gulliver Prep, 4:00
11/13 – at IMG White, Bradenton
11/20 at Miami Dade Christian
Akelynn’s Angels Christian Prep Wildcats
2021 – Dearvi Allen, Athlete
2022 – Avant Cajuste, OLB/WR
2023 – Anthony Collins, NG/OL
2021 – Michael Collins, DL
2021 – Tyrek Cooper, DT/FB
2025 – Tyh’ye Copper, DB
2022 – Savion Frazier, LB
2021 – Zyterian Harris, DB/WR
2022 – Christopher Henry, DB/WR
2023 – Taron Hogan, OL
2022 – Damon Hutchins, DT/FB
2025 – Jamarion James, Athlete
2021 – Liangelo Johnson, S/WR
2021 – Nathaniel Johnson, LB/OG
2024 – Roddrick Johnson, DE/TE
2021 – Jakarious Knight, DB/WR
2024 – Lequient Knight Jr., OL/DL
2021 – Brandon Lovelace, DB/WR
2024 – Javaurious McClendon, Athlete
2024 – Jontreus McClendon, DE
2024 – Dyvonique McWilliams, QB
2021 – Dyzontae McWilliams, Athlete
2024 – Tyshawn Reece, DB
2022 – Chris Ware, OG
PHOTO COURTESY OF FANIT
For the past 50 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, nobody has evaluated more football talent than we have – and as we are in the midst of a pandemic like no other time before – 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..