While we are finding out how important kickers, punters and special teams performers are at every level of football, there has been a push to put these prospects in a brighter spotlight.
Special teams players are now getting the opportunity to show what they have to offer and events across the country. College coaches, who rarely paid attention in the past are all ears now – seeing what a solid kicker, punter and long snapper can do to change the outcome of games.
Last week, the South Florida Showcase and 4thDownU.com came to St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens for an event that once again put these young men in the spotlight.
With coaches such as former Miami High standout Oscar Castaneda (OKC Kicking and St. Thomas University), Ben Fentress (Fentress Kicking), Jose Carballo, Jeff Garner, Simon Mathieson and event organizer Dan Lundy from 4th Down University running the event, it was certainly a day to make a statement.
“Comin to south Florida is always a priority of us,” Lundy said. “There are so many talented young men in the area and all are anxious to compete. Having some amazing instructors is also a bonus.”
In addition, there were some other recognizable coaches on hand as well – including former University of Miami and FIU Lou Groza Award winner Jose Borregales and current University of Miami kicker Andres Borregales who came out as perfect examples of what hard work and competing can do.
Also, Dominic Barr, Robert Hammond lll and Ale Prado came out.
AMAZING TALENT ADDED TO THE COMPETITION
From the Class of 2023 all the way to prospects on the way to promising careers, the event brought out some impressive talent.
Here is a look at who came to compete:
2023
Jeffrey Hernandez, Kicker, St. Thomas University
2024
Jake Aller, Kicker, Miami Northwestern
Jacob Katz, LS, Miami Ransom Everglades
Jackson Kauppi, Punter, Jupiter
Alex Moscoso, LS, Doral Academy
Gabriel Perez, Kicker/Punter, Miami Southridge
Santiago Pernalete, Kicker/Punter, Southwest Miami
Ryan Rodriguez, Kicker/Punter, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman
2025
Lucas Avino, Kicker, Miami Belen Jesuit
Daniel Gonzalez, Long Snapper, Miami St. Brendan
Luca Guerra, Kicker/Punter, Doral Academy
Gavin Katz, Kicker, Punter, South Plantation
Tyler Mondo, Kicker/Punter, Fort Pierce Central
Adrian Muelle, Kicker/Punter, Miami Belen Jesuit
Nathan Moncada, Kicker/Punter Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy
2026
Leandro De Carvalho, Kicker/Punter. Lithia Newsome
Robert Meis, Kicker, Parkland Stoneman Douglas
Jonathan Nua, Long Snapper, Miami Christopher Columbus
Noah Sidan, Kicker/Punter, Miami Norland
2027
Cole Rodriguez, Kicker/Punter, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace
Alejandro Martinez, Kicker/Punter, Miami St. Brendan
Mason Vogt, Kicker/Punter, Miami Christopher Columbus
2028
Kyle Aller, Kicker, Punter, Fort Lauderdale Dillard
PHOTO COURTESY OF BLEECHR.COM
SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: July 20, 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..
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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..
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