Moments after Miami Northwestern wrapped up the 3A state title last December at Pitbull Stadium in Miami, junior quarterback Leon Strawder reflected on a season that put the Bulls back in the spotlight nationally.
When he arrived from Miami Central after his sophomore season, there were questions surrounding his ability to lead a team - by many who had never watched him play. That was answered in the first game of the season when he threw for over 400 yards in a convincing 45-0 win against Coconut Creek in the Broward County National Showcase.
That win only propelled this 6’1, 205-pounder to a season that was one of the best in school history.
In 14 games, he led Northwestern to a 12-2 record as he would complete 174 passes for 3,073 yards and 42 touchdowns. Under the direction of his head coach Teddy Bridgewater, his confidence level soared, and by the end of the year – when this team totally dominated previously unbeaten Raines, 41-0, is was Strawder that took center stage.
No matter what game it was in, he rose to the top with a strong arm and the ability to run the ball. The Bulls finished with 587 points, which included outscoring their five playoff opponents, 262-12 with four shutouts.
As spring winds down, Strawder, the rising senior, has been joined by nationally rated rising sophomore Neimann Lawrence, who is loaded with college offers and plenty of accolades as he comes over from Miami Ransom Everglades.
As Strawder continues to attract college attention, there have been no official offers, but that will certainly change once the 2025 season begins and the Bulls, who have a chance to run the table and become one of the nation’s elite programs, light up the scoreboard once again.
THE BULLS ARE INDEED LOADED
While Strawder and the offense will be explosive, this team is stacked and should be the No. 1 team in the state when play begins in late August.
Here are some of those 2026 prospects to keep an eye on – starting with Citrus Baker (OLB, 6’0, 205), Xavier Baker (SS, 5’9, 155), Anthony Bell (OL, 6’5, 285), Mark Clarkson (LB, 6’0, 185), Amir Days (OC, 5’9, 255), Matthew Diaz (OL, 6’4, 285), Marcus Dumont (WR, 5’10, 175), Homestead South Dade mega star transfer Tedarius Hughes (DB, 6’3, 180), Miami Booker T. Washington transfer Irwin James (RB, 5’8, 195), state rated Desmond Johnson (LB, 6’1, 195), nationally rated North Fort Myers transfer James “J.J.” Johnson (DT, 6’4, 280), Demetrius Jones (OL, 6’0), elite prospect Nicsaint Joseph Jr. (WR, 6’2, 165), Tarvail Mathis Jr. (RB, 5’8, 175), and Roderick “Bojay” McFadden (DT, 6’1, 310).
The 2026 class also boasts Odonis Pierre (OL, 6’4, 285), fast rising star linebacker Shane Rochelle (6’2, 205), national standout Calvin Russell III (Athlete, 6’5, 190), Percy Santos (DB, 5’11, 160), Royce Santos (RB, 5’9, 165), and Kenyan Thompkins (WR, 5’11, 165).
THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT FOR THE BULLS
In addition to what this rising senior class brings to the table there are some impressive youngsters to keep an eye on as well. Class of 2027 rising juniors such as James Briggs (DB, 5’11, 160), Amaud “Ali” Eddie (DB, 5’9, 175), Christian Essix (OLB, 6’0, 190)
Marquez Fleming (RB, 5’9, 175), Jeremiah Gibson (DE, 6’3, 220), nationally rated and heavily recruited Nicholas Lennear (Athlete, 6’1, 165), Ryan Mathis (Athlete, 5’9, 165)
Amari Oquendo (DB, 5’11, 165), Khalid Oliver (OL, 6’3, 280), Immanuel Simmons (DB, 6’0, 180), Leondre Strawder (DB, 6’2, 185), and Jaylen Thanis (DT, 6’1, 270).
With Lawrence grabbing plenty of attention, this 2028 rising sophomore class is stacked with promising stars for the future. Keep an eye on national talent like Semaj Flowers (S, 5’10, 185) and Eli Rauls (DL, 6’3, 240). But also rising standouts Tyler Crittenden (LB, 6’1, 180), Khavon Gipson (LB, 6’1, 180), and Jamere Times (SS, 6’0, 180).
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