MIAMI GARDENS – They came from Pensacola, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Largo and throughout Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County.
With an opportunity to attract the eye of a college football coach or two, the now annual Orange Bowl Recruiting Showcase was held at St. Thomas University, and with hundreds of seniors and juniors on hand, scholarships were extended and the opportunity to receive a college education became a reality.
With members of the Orange Bowl committee on hand along with former NFL player coach Dave Shula, NFL player and football host Brady Quinn, one time University of Florida and NFL standout Travis Taylor and countless college and high school coaches who not only came to support, but also lend a hand in helping expose many of these young men who still have dreams of extended their football playing along with an opportunity to get a college degree.
For former University of Miami center Ty Wise, the 750 mile ride from the Pensacola area (Pace) was well worth it to give his players an opportunity to have over 45 college coaches from all over the country evaluate and watch them.
“This is a huge opportunity for these young men to have a chance to get their names out there and perform in front of college coaches,” said Wise, who is an assistant coach. “I know what it’s like to go through three and four years of hard work and dedication and not have anything at the end.”
While Wise and his student/athletes did their thing, so did many others – such as local head coaches Pierre Senatus (Miami Southridge), Quentin Short (Sunrise Piper), Brian McCartney (West Broward), Rex Nottage (Coconut Creek North Broward Prep), Gene Chew (Miami Ferguson), John Downs (Alonzo & Tracy Mourning) as well as coaches from Coconut Creek, Homestead, Flanagan, and several other schools, who took advantage of this free exposure event.
St. Thomas University head coach Bill Rychel and his staff were out in full force as hosts and members of the college coaching fraternity that also included Keiser new head coach Myles Russ, Webber International, Fort Lauderdale University, Atlantis University, Palm Beach Elite Academy, MTI Prep and many NAIA, Division 2, Division 3 and Prep Schools who were on hand to stock their rosters with talent from the Sunshine State.
Over five hours brought out receivers, tight ends, quarterbacks, running backs, offensive and defensive linemen, linebackers, defensive backs and kickers & punters, who had the opportunity to test, learn and perform.
“We have found that hosting this event – from the coaches’ social on Friday night to having a combine on Saturday is something that nobody else does,” explained Chief Administrative Officer Mitch Morrall. “We have found that when the college coaches can actually see these seniors and the juniors for the first time, it is a huge recruiting advantage.”
Indeed, while there are several “small college recruiting fairs, the combine element is not included, often leaving high school coaches to show video that could be four and five months old – during a time when a growth period can change the entire recruiting process.
With the full endorsement of CEO Eric Poms and committee, this is an event that will continue to pave the way and give these young men yet another opportunity to sell themselves.
WHO CAUGHT THE EYE OF COLLEGE COACHES
With hundreds of athletes doing their thing, every player did what they could to get noticed.
When the day was over, the college coaches on hand saw many seniors who stepped up their game. In addition to those listed, we will continue to spotlight others who made their way to Miami Gardens.
QB
Jonathan Morillo, Pembroke Pines West Broward
Jett Yurgealitis, Fort Lauderdale NSU University School
RB
Corey Clay Jr., Bradenton Southeast
Manny Rodriguez, Miami Ferguson
Karl Joseph, North Miami Beach
WR
Ryan Ebersberger, Parkland Douglas
Joaquin Edie, Weston Cypress Bay
Josiah Gaynor, Sunrise Piper
Jacob Hovey, Port St. Lucie Centennial
TE
Jordan Alexandre, Miami Dr. Krop
Franklyn Johnson Jr., Pembroke Pines Flanagan
Carter Smith, TE, Pembroke Pines West Broward
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
Giovan Antoine, North Miami Beach
Jeremy Edwards, Davie Nova
Ted Paul, West Palm Beach Forest Hill
Vertis Shelby, Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep
Chasemi Smith, North Miami
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
Kenley Israel, Miramar Everglades
Kane Jones, Davenport
Johannes Mager, Homestead
Hadley Pericles, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas
Ivan Quesada, Miami Archbishop Carroll
Luis Rojas, Pembroke Pines West Broward
LINEBACKERS
Damyeon Casimir, North Miami Beach
Quincy Casseus, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely
James Douse III, Coconut Creek
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Christopher Allen, Coconut Creek
Toby Aurilia, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian
Joel Tavares, North Miami Beach
KICKERS/PUNTERS
Kenneth Augilera, North Miami
Braden Kimmel, Boynton Beach Somerset Academy
Nicholas McCarthy, Davie Western
Guillermo Santiago, Lake Mary
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For the past 54 years, we have spent plenty of 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..