There was a time when you were a college football coach and were looking for offensive linemen to recruit, Miami-Dade and Broward would be one of the last places you would be looking.
While the #305 and #954 have always produced amazing receivers, defensive backs, linebackers and running backs, elite offensive linemen were not what you traveled south to find. But that has changed – in a major way.
With more and more events geared toward producing and developing linemen, the landscape is now completely different than ever before.
Over the past decade, many coaches in south Florida have watched the NLF draft and saw how many line prospects were being taken early and were compensated very well, which started instruction and competition.
With the 5-on-5-line events getting more popular throughout the country, Miami-Dade and Broward have jumped aboard and the college coaches have noticed.
When it comes to recruiting this area, there is now a focus on the “big men” – and with combines and camps being held – it is now these linemen who are jumping on the radar and earning MVP awards and national recognition.
Check out some of the elite programs in this region of the country and you will see that the success of these teams have been led by linemen that are being recruited by some of the country’s best teams, and each year, it gets more and more popular.
Fresh off exposure events and spring football for colleges, the spotlight has shined brighter on Miami-Dade and Broward, and today, we bring you five who have already started to make a major impact:
2026 – Ekeem Atehortua, G, 6’4”, 310, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. When it comes to opening holes and protecting the passer, here is a versatile guard who has made a difference for head coach Dameon Jones and his Lions as they pile up state and national recognition. His size, footwork and always improving strength have college coaches continuing to watch his progress. In addition to what he brings to the football field against top-flight competition, his 3.7 GPA in the classroom has been a huge asset in the recruiting process.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18148019/Ekeem-Atehortua
2026 - Anthony Bell, OT, 6’4”, 290, Miami Northwestern. Looking back on the 2024 championship season for head coach Teddy Bridgewater and his Bulls and you will see a talented prospect who improved every time he went out on the field. He is a solid pass blocker and continues to get better when it comes to opening holes for speedy backs in the running game. One of the things you notice about his game is a motor that doesn’t stop until the whistle blows. While he brings plenty to the football field, his 3.1 GPA in the classroom is also something that works in his favor. TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19625745/672c3f00742f7fc52725db8a
2026 - Shermari Bowens, OL, 6’4”, 275, Miami Southridge. When the season begins in late August, the Spartans are expected to be one of the top 6A programs in the state under head coach Pierre Senatus. The talent that this team has assembled brings fans back to the days where this program was easily one of the most dominant. While there is plenty of talent on this team, the offensive line will be among the best – and this quality talent has emerged as a player that continues to improve and showcase his versatility as a guard or tackle, which not only gives the team a boost, but also helps to showcase in the recruiting process. Also, while he continues to improve on the field, using athleticism and technique, his work in the classroom (2.9 GPA) is also a big addition.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20387598/Shermari-Bowens
2027 - Aiden Hartnett, OL, 6’3”, 290, Plantation American Heritage. Coming off a 4A state championship as a sophomore, “Big Country” is a very gifted and athletic talent who combines technique, tremendous footwork and strength as he continues to learn the position under head coach Mike Smith. Playing against some of the top competition in the state a year ago, look at how he more than held his own, protecting one of the top passing games in the nation – as well as opening holes for an elite running attack. Everywhere he goes this off-season, this is certainly a player that has made some major strides and showing why he will be one of the top underclassmen. In addition to his work on the football field, he is an outstanding student (3.8 GPA) in the classroom as well as showcasing his wrestling abilities on the mat.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17994260/Aiden-Hartnett
2027 – Mark Matthews, OL/DL, 6-6, 275, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. When experts talk about some of the elite offensive lines heading into the 2025 season, the Raiders are right at the top as they continue to produce top-flight players who continue to get better and better. One of the prospects who has thrust himself into a major spotlight nationally is this versatile underclassman who has dominated and turned heads at every event he has appeared in – coming off a 5A state title under veteran head coach Roger Harriott. He is a physical talent that combines athletic ability with technique and skill. He is so versatile that he dominates on the defensive side of the ball as well – and as college coaches watch him perform – you can guarantee that over the next two years he will be one of the nation’s best. Remember the name because he will be around for a while!
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19972142/673df9ff0717b4746f651dda
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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: Floridakids1@aol.com.