Lets face it, we are now in 2023 – with technology taking center stage.

The days of making things harder on yourself are coming to an end – and that is something we have learned the past few years in the recruiting game.

Once upon a time – having smaller college recruiting fairs was a tremendous idea. The smaller colleges would head down to Florida and meet with local coaches who would show videos and transcripts of their student/athletes. They would them meet with the athlete and their parents the very next day to talk finances and ways to assist them in cutting costs.

The idea was great, and it was something – without Zoom or any live video platform – that made sense. But times have changed and just coming south to watch film and talking with high school coaches and players is something that can be done without traveling.

ORANGE BOWL FOOTBALL SHOWCASE IS INDEED THE FUTURE

While many areas of the state were hosting the small college recruiting fair this past week, the Orange Bowl Senior Football Showcase was setting up camp for the seventh year.

As 30 plus smaller colleges made their way to St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens on Friday and Saturday, they did so in a way where it all made sense.

Friday night at the meet and greet at the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, college coaches and high school coaches got together to watch some film and talk about their senior prospects in a relaxed setting, setting the table for Saturday.

The scene then shifted to St. Thomas University of Saturday for a combine – which gave the college coaches on hand an opportunity to watch these young men who were bigger and more mature then the tape they had watched the night before.

For six hours – as the college coaches were right on hand to see for themselves – the combine produced athletes from as close as Miami and as far away as Jacksonville and Tallahassee.

From host St. Thomas University to Florida Memorial University, Keiser, Webber International, Warner, Fort Lauderdale University, to schools such as Atlantis, MTI Prep and Daytona Elite Academy, many schools were signed up – with information to help these qualified young men.

From out of state - Saint Vincent College (Pa.), Aurora University, Heidelberg University, Wittenberg University, Ohio Northern, Rockford University, Lincoln University, Northwest Missouri State, Wayland Baptist University, Manchester University, Alderson Broaddus University, Dean College, Livingstone College, Allegheny College, Clarke University, Seton Hill Uuniversity, Lake Forest College and Shaw University.

There were also St. Andrews University, Tusculum University, Adrian College, Beloit College, Cottey College, Johnson C. Smith University, University of Charleston, Dakota State University, Westminster College, Avila University, Hamline University, North American University,

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ORANGE BOWL FOOTBALL SHOWCASE.

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: February 27, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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..