When it comes to football in south Florida it really doesn’t matter what class they represent.

Talent is everywhere – and no longer are we just relying on juniors and seniors to lead the way.

There was a time when underclassmen who have to wait their turn to get serious playing time, but because our area youth programs are so advanced and stacked with talent, by the time they reach high school, many are ready to make an impact at the varsity level.

This past season, we saw impressive Class of 2029 freshmen, who played key roles – even on state playoff teams.

Another class we saw flourish was the Class of 2028 sophomores. They impact teams of every level – and today we look at a few who made a difference this year, but actually started to showcase their talents last year and into the off-season.

Desmond Christian Jr., WR, 6’0, 170, Plantation. One of those future stars that the Colonels have on the roster. Showcased his skills in several games this season as this program adds some pieces to make another run in 2026. Was also instrumental in key games down the stretch.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/28088641/Desmond-Christian-Jr

Khavon Gipson, LB, 6’0, 205, Miami Northwestern. Talk about one of the better young prospects in south Florida, this is certainly someone who figures to be the next stellar linebacker prospect. He just makes plays and that is going to keep him in the spotlight throughout the off-season.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22891327/Khavon-Gipson

Nate Merrell Jr., QB, 6’4, 175, Miami Immaculata LaSalle – 3.4 GPA. Broke onto the scene this year as someone to watch for in the future. Was instrumental in leading the Royal Lions to a district title and also a state playoff win. He is a prospect that this program can continue building with. A physical talent who does more than throw the ball. Threw for 1,779 yards and 24 touchdowns. Added 341 yards on the ground. Baseball prospect as well.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18015085/Nate-Merrell-Jr

Jaden Parker, OL, 6’3, 260, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace – 3.1 GPA. Ever since watching him after his freshman season during spring, you could tell that this was a talented prospects who had a bright future. You could see his athleticism and knew that when he continued to pick up the little things and learn more technique that this was going to be a player to watch. This will be a player to keep an eye on during the off-season.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22973414/Jaden-Parker

Kenan Powell, QB/Athlete, 6’0, 204, Miami Springs – 3.3 GPA. Before the season began, coaches who had been around this quality football player had warned that if he ever put it all together, watch out. This was a tremendous season for someone who fully put himself on the map with over 1,000 yards and 17 touchdowns. Keep an eye on his progress this off-season and into the future as the Golden Hawks have a new regime in place.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23159090/Kenan-Powell

Micah Price, DT, 6’2, 265, Plantation American Heritage. While this year was special for the Patriots as they won the state title for the second straight year, it came down to the surprise players that ended up making a major impact. Here is one of those quality players that last year at this time was wrapping up a tremendous freshman season as a linebacker with Fort Lauderdale Stranahan. Watching him a number of times in his first season, you could tell that this was going to be a major talent when everything came together, and with some weight added, he moved to the defensive line and dominated – as a leader in sacks and tackles, and in the process thrust himself into a spotlight where colleges and universities nationally will take notice!

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23984296/694af2c6e371a29ddc9e63dc

McKendrick Thomas, Athlete, 5’7, 155, Coral Springs. On a team that continues to search for an identity, here is a gifted football player that certainly turned plenty of heads and gained a lot of attention. Receiving, running and special teams, when the Colts needed someone to step up, this young man did more than his part. Heads into the off-season as a player that will get plenty of attention. He has a chance to be very special.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26452849/mckendrick-thomas

Quizon Warner, DT, Athlete, 6’3, 260, Pembroke Pines West Broward – 4.0 GPA. After a dominating freshman season at South Broward, this quality talent made his way across the county and everything came up as a winner. From a team perspective the Bobcats went to their first ever state title game. From a personal view, this impressive and versatile prospect also showed that with a solid off-season and more work on his craft, he will continue to develop and improve on what he already has.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23099464/Quzion-Warner

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..