Over the next eight months, there will be dozens and dozens of high-profile football prospects from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties who will be talked about and compared to many of the elite Class of 2026 rising seniors from all over the country.
Because south Florida has long been the epicenter for amazing talent that stars at the next level and beyond, anytime a name is mentioned as one of the best in the country, people listen.
It is a proven fact that the football talent that is bred in south Florida usually takes center stage in college and in the NFL.
The talk of college football this season has been Ohio State freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith, and it hasn’t been close.
While this gifted young man is surprising to some, in Florida he is simply doing what basically everyone who follows high school football knew would happen.
He dominated competition in Florida over the past three years at Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, so it was a given that he would continue at the next level.
The pipeline from south Florida to anywhere in the country has flowed for decades. Major talent has not only found itself making a major impact in college, but Sundays have long been filled with elite talent that started right here on football fields throughout south Florida.
As the 2026 rising senior class gets ready for the off-season, where analysts, coaches and fans will see many of them for the first time, the questions will be asked: who is the next great high school talent that is ready to crush it at the next level?
Today we bring you five elite Class of 2026 players who have already received national attention and are set to continue making that lasting impression.
Derrek Cooper, Athlete, 6-1, 190, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. There is perhaps no other football talent that many can recall that went from basically nowhere to a deemed “5 star” talent like this young man. Even though he had a promising freshman and sophomore career at Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, it wasn’t until he made the move this past year that his amazing talents – on both sides of the ball – came out for all to see. Cooper is indeed at the top of every list, and while many are looking at his talents as a running back, he is also quite a linebacker who has speed, strength and instincts. He is a lot like former Chaminade-Madonna two-way star Jon Beason.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19057210/6736282f721fc87ae30a017e
Calvin Russell III, WR, 6-4, 180, Miami Northwestern. Here is someone that everybody in Liberty City and beyond has been bragging about for a long time. A major basketball prospect who has more than made a smooth transition to the football field. He is one of those “plug and play” prospects who could lineup at several positions on both sides of the ball and make a major difference. He is indeed a cheat code as a receiver with speed, solid hands, leaping ability, size and overall athleticism. During this coming off-season you will watch his stock go through the roof as he will compete against some of the premier defensive backs on the 7-on-7 tour.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17878157/Calvin-Russell
Dia Bell, QB, 6-2, 190, Plantation American Heritage. While his family background screams basketball – with his father, Raja, starring in the NBA – here is someone who has certainly carved out his own future on the gridiron. While he could still drop 20 points on any given night on the basketball court, this University of Texas commitment showed why he is one of the best run/pass prospects in the nation this year as a record setter who lead his Patriots into the playoffs and eventually win it all. He has all the tools needed to succeed and this coming season will be worth keeping an eye on.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14101835/66d4ad9a512ee2dad8fa2cb4
Justice Fitzpatrick, CB, 6-2, 185, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. From the very first time he put on a uniform and competed for the Raiders, this is a gifted prospect that showcased some amazing skills and playmaking abilities. While his older brother Minkah has been a star in the NFL after a tremendous collegiate career at the University of Alabama. Justice has size, speed, athletic ability and a unique knowledge of performing in the secondary. Has been part of three state championships as he looks to complete a rare four-peat as a player. Continues to get better and better.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17955822/Justice-Fitzpatrick
Jordan Campbell, LB, 6-3, 235, Miami Carol City. While he has been committed to the University of Miami for over a year, and a lot of people have talked about him, his full talent finally came out for all to see last week at the Under Armour All-America week and game in central Florida. What everyone saw was an elite football talent that is a big-time playmaker with instincts and athletic ability that is off the charts. As he heads into the off-season, there is no getting around the fact that this young man is the real deal! He came away from last week with accolades flowing from several organizations who had never watched him – outside of film.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16898420/652afdfd0dc05a0ab4dcc275
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..