Having covered combines and camps since they began over two decades ago, the excitement is always as new as the first time.
This past weekend the Rivals Camps Series came to south Florida as hundreds of football prospects gathered at St. Thomas Aquinas on Saturday and Sunday to not only get themselves on the recruiting map, but to compete against other prospects with the same dreams.
When these events first began with Nike being the corporate sponsor, the idea of furnishing video, photos and testing information was a selling point to colleges and universities.
While much of it remains the same, the testing has diminished in favor of teaching technique and competing. There are now dozens and dozens of events held to test speed and agility, so the focus on football is what these events are now about.
Rivals.com, which has been around the longest, runs these exposure events across the county, and while they usually host two in Florida, this year they cut it to one location, and while south Florida prospects dominate the landscape, the state of Florida was well represented from across the Sunshine State with elite players who are being recognized as national recruits.
SOUTH FLORIDA CAME OUT
The one thing that Miami-Dade and Broward counties have always been about is competing. The #305 and #954 have been known nationally as an area that produces an amazing amount of talent, but they also are regarded as players who will never back down from competition.
While the numbers over the two days reached nearly 800, Sunday was the day when the elite players were being pursued by schools from all over the country.
While many were getting their first look at these rising standouts, we have been very fortunate to have watched these young men for years – some back to their youth football days.
Among the Miami-Dade and Broward players who stepped up their game in front of the Rivals Scouts and writers included Class of 2025 rising seniors Randy Adrikia (DL, Miami Central), Floyd Dawens-Boucard (DL, Miami Central), Nimari Brantley (DT, Coconut Creek), Travaris Daniels (LB, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Darryll Desir (DE, Miami Norland), Davion Dixon (DL, Miami Palmetto), Elijah D’Oleo (WR, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Koby Howard (Athlete, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), and offensive lineman Dayen Marouf-Araibi (Plantation American Heritage).
Also, Penn State commit Bekkem Kritza (QB, Miami Central), Samuel Mitchell IV (DE, Davie Western), Antwaun Parham (WR/DB, Coconut Creek Monarch), Donte Simpson Jr. (DL, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Wilnerson Telemaque (DE, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace), Jaleel Walters (S, Coconut Creek Monarch), and defensive tackle Alex Yearwood (Miami Norland)
UNDERCLASSMEN ALSO GRAB THE SPOTLIGHT
While the rising seniors received much of the attention, the Class of 2026 rising juniors also were singled out as well – with University of Miami commitment Jordan Campbell (DE, Miami Carol City) fast-rising Derrek Cooper (Athlete, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), top pass catcher Denairius Gray (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), impressive defensive back Leonzay Merzius (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna) and gifted Ryan Miret (OL/DL, Miami Southridge).
Class of 2027 rising sophomores also boasted talent like Jayden Dean (OC, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Julius Jones Jr. (WR, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), and two-year varsity starter Zac Katz (QB, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna). Keep an eye on nationally rated 2028 quarterback Neimann Lawrence from Miami Ransom Everglades.
The event attracted so many standouts that we promote throughout the course of a year.
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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. Folow 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..