Over the past two weeks, several football players in all classes have had the opportunity to showcase their many talents in front of some national evaluators and media members.
With the Rivals.com event at Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas and the Under Armour Next event at Orlando Bishop Moore Catholic High School, it was a chance for many under-the-radar prospects to finally get the attention they deserve.
While Miami-Dade and Broward Counties have long been a place where colleges and universities flock to year-round, sometimes there is so much talent that it’s tough to make a statement and get on that important radar.
One of the positions that is always loaded is linebacker, and over the past two weeks, several talented young men had the opportunity to put themselves on the map – nationally – as college coaches followed the events that took place and saw video clips and read evaluations by so many.
Because there is a reputation in the #305 and #954 for churning out so many gifted prospects, it was no surprise that several linebackers were singled out for their performances in the camp/combine setting.
We are fortunate to have watched just about every student/athlete in the region, so it was easy to pick out five prospects to keep an eye on.
2027 - Jayden Gummer, 6’0, 210, Miami Gardens Monsignor Edward Pace – 3.86 GPA. Over the past two years when head coach Anthony Walker spoke about this talented prospect, he spoke about his quickness and ability to make plays, getting to the action quickly. Whether it’s getting to the quarterback, making tackles on running plays or dropping back in pass coverage, this is indeed someone who was always around the ball. Is primed to have another banner season in 2026.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20266966/Jayden-Gummer
2028 - Khavon Gipson, 6’1, 206, Miami Northwestern. Being part of one of the best defensive units in the state of Florida, here is a prospect that learned something new in every game. As the Bulls advanced to the state title game for the second straight year, this impressive talent showed that he could stop the run, get after the passer and fly to the ball as well as anyone. Even in the state title game, he came up with several key plays to keep this program in the contest until the end.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22891327/69437b4c667ffd62d43b7fec
2028 - Zakhari Johnson, 6’0, 210, Miami Carol City. After two years at Monsignor Pace, he makes his way down the street to play for the Chiefs and he brings something special with him. Whether it’s in the middle or on the outside, the one thing that he has shown is athleticism and plenty of speed. He has a motor that never stops, and for that reason, offenses need to account for him on every play. As he continues to learn the game and the position, this is definitely a prospect who will be a problem. This is going to be a very important spring as he matures and settles into a new scheme and defense.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22794216/6781f2289070611cabcf9b75
2028 - Steven Moore, 6’1, 215, Miami Central. From a very young age, here is a prospect that everyone has been waiting to see. Comes from some dynamic bloodlines where family members have played the game and have done quite well. First made his mark as a middle school wrestler that combines strength and physicality that translated to the football field. Another of those prospects that will continue to learn more about the position by seeing more playing time on a defense that will once again be among the best. Having coaches who are known for teaching will also be huge for this talent. Watch him perform and you will see a talented player who is relentless and does not stop until the whistle blows.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19498770/Steven-Moore
2027 - Albert Smith, 6’2, 210, Miami Southridge. Talk about a playmaker. Ask any teammate or coach about this impressive talent and all will tell you that if you want to watch him play, just follow the ball. He is always around plays because he is instinctive, quick and very athletic. Tremendous vision, anticipation and a passion for the game. You can see so much at a camp or combine, but the true measure of any football player is the way they perform in games – and that’s when these analysts or recruiting gurus need to be there evaluating and not just in a pair of shorts and a T-shirt, where you can only tell so little about a tackle football prospect!
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20931961/Albert-Smith
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
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..