It’s that time of year where the seniors who are headed to college have the opportunity to play in national all-star games.
While there are several of these all-star contests being held, it’s the Under Armour All-Star Game in Orlando (January 3, 2024) and the All-American (formerly the Army All-American contest) on January 7 in San Antonio, Texas that still receive the main TV exposure and much of the national media and fan website coverage.
Each year, the very best football talent from all over the country have the opportunity to head to these games, and this year, once again, Florida is well represented at both events.
Eleven athletes will be departing in the coming days to compete before many leave early for colleges and universities.
Here is a look at the Miami-Dade and Broward student/athletes selected to the games:
2024 Under Armour Game Roster
Cedrick Bailey, QB, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (NORTH CAROLINA STATE). Winner of three straight state titles, this 6-6 standout will play his last game in high school before the home state crowd
Davi Belfort, QB, Davie Western (VIRGINIA TECH). While the future is indeed very bright, a late season injury kept this versatile performer from having the chance to lead the Wildcats to a state title.
Davion Gause, RB, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (NORTH CAROLINA). Since his freshman season, here is someone who has helped to elevate the Lions as he was part of four state championship appearances for one of the nation’s best.
Ryan Mack, DB, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (MIAMI). Make no mistake here is one of the nation’s best who follows in his father’s (Rod) footsteps and heads to Coral Gables to play for the Hurricanes.
Lawayne McCoy, WR, Miami Central (FSU). There are few better than this impressive two-way standout who came to play for the Rockets two years ago from Hollywood Avant Garde Academy. Will be an instant success for the Seminoles. He is that good!
Joshisa Trader, WR, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (MIAMI). While he was in the rather large shadow of his best friend, Jeremiah Smith, through much of his football career, here is easily one of the top recruits the Hurricanes landed. Big time receiver who can perform on defense and on special teams.
All-American Bowl
Jamari Howard, DB, Miami Norland (FSU). No matter where he has played throughout his high school career, here is one of the elite secondary performers that has it all. Headed to Tallahassee, you can guarantee that the Seminoles will be getting one of the best in the nation.
Michael Kern, P, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (TEXAS). Since he was a freshman, this is a special teams performer that had established himself as one of the best in the country. His ability to not only kick for average and height, but his accuracy helped him win several showcases throughout the years.
Zaquan Patterson, S, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (MIAMI). When asked who may be the closest to getting major playing time in this class for the Hurricanes, this is the name that continued to come up. Big time secondary player who has tremendous ball skills as well having the ability to hit like a linebacker. Extremely athletic and skilled.
Jeremiah Smith, WR, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (OHIO STATE). What can you say that hasn’t already been said about the No. 1 player in the country? Fast, skilled, great size, smart and has once in a generation talent that has been on display for all four years, leading the Lions to three consecutive state title games. If he doesn’t hit the field right away for the Buckeyes, they are wasting a valuable year. He's three and done and in the first round of the NFL – if he stays healthy.
Dylan Stephenson, Edge, Miami Christopher Columbus (STANFORD). Since his freshman season at Miami Killian this was a standout who stepped to the front as a playmaker. He continued to make that impact with the Explorers and was a big part of the state title success the past two seasons. He also worked very hard in the classroom.
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For the past 53 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..