As the start spring was taking place on high school football fields across the state of Florida, the focus was on every player, every position and in every class.
What the past six months have done for the prospects – especially in south Florida – is give them major exposure at national 7-on-7 events and line camps – among other events.
While the rising senior class was getting much of the attention – with prospects committing to colleges and putting themselves in a position to make a decision of a lifetime, other classes were also getting a chance to showcase their skills.
One of the classes that many have been pointing to is the rising juniors in the Class of 2026. No matter whether it was at those events or national showcase combines, several Miami-Dade and Broward football players in that class were being noticed – some for the very first time.
Today, as we head toward the second day of spring practices and colleges and universities getting ready to make their way down south, we bring you some of those rising juniors who turned heads this off-season.
Among those are Justice Fitzpatrick (CB, 6-2, 185, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Calvin Russell III (WR, 6-4, 180, Miami Northwestern), Derrek Cooper (Athlete, 6-1, 190, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Jabari Brady (WR, 6-2, 185, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Dia Bell (QB, 6-2, 190, Plantation American Heritage), J’Vari Flowers (CB, 5-11, 170, Miami Northwestern), Malachi Toney (WR, 5-9, 165, Plantation American Heritage), Jordan Campbell (LB, 6-3, 235, Miami Carol City), Tedarius Hughes (DB, 6-3, 175, Homestead South Dade), Darryl Bell III (Athlete, 5-11, 175, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman), Jasen Lopez (WR/Athlete, 6-0, 175, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Terrence Campbell (Athlete, 6-2, 225, Miami Central), and speedy receiver Brandon Bennett (6-0, 170, Plantation American Heritage).
The 2026 class also boasts elite prospects such as Bryant Junius (Athlete, 6-1, 190, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Denairius Gray (WR, 6-1, 170, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Dominic Turnbull (CB, 6-2, 175, Miami True North Classical Academy), Calerbe Hermane (TE, 6-4, 205, Davie Western), two-sport (wrestling) standout Ryan Miret (DL, 6-4, 270, Miami Southridge), Tedrick Lee (S, 6-0, 180, Homestead South Dade), recent South Broward transfer Shmar Akandre (CB, 6-2, 180, Miami Carol City), Phillip Goodrich Jr. (LB, 5-11, 205, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), and versatile defensive back Aldarius Johnson (6-2, 175, Plantation American Heritage).
The deep class also includes out of state transfer Herlin Perry Jr. (CB, 6-0, 160, Miami Central), Karon Maycock (S, 6-0, 180, Miami Central), recent Cardinal Gibbons transfer Leonzay Merzius (CB, 5-8, 175, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), under-the-radar prospect Liam Marley (DL, 6-4, 230, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian), off-season Miami Booker T. Washington transfer Jemel Bonica (DE, 6-4, 225, Miami Northwestern), Tyre Vieux (DB, 6-0, 160, Edison), and Miramar offensive lineman Jordan Davis (6-4, 315) to name a few.
You can guarantee that this class will continue to grow through the spring and into the summer.
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For the past 54 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..