Coach Donald Jackson has been around south Florida high school football long enough to know which prospects make it and those who try and live on their hype and not the overall performance.

As a second-year head coach at Everglades Prep, he fully knows the landscape and what has to be done to build a program that not only wins games, but develops players and gets them ready for college – in and out of the classroom.

Losing six times during the pandemic season in 2020, the Panthers learned to focus on the positives and not negative things that will stand in the way of growing.

Winning just twice last season, Coach Jackson and his staff make sure that the players this summer will continue to look at those moments where every member of the team played at a high level.

With a number of prospects ready in every class, this program, hits the summer knowing what is needed to take this program one step further in the fall.

Among those rising seniors (2022) expected to provide experience and leadership include Ladarius Avant (DE/LB, 5-10, 210), Maleki Duran (OC), Samarri Grisnold (WR/DB, 6-2, 165), Mark Thomas (FB/MLB, 5-8, 200) and versatile Ricardo Urbaez (OLB/TE).

LARGE UNDERCLASS TO WORK WITH

As the seniors will provide that experience that will be needed, the Panthers will rely on a large group of underclassmen.

Class of 2023 (juniors) such as quarterback Thomas Aponte (5-8, 145), Gregory Bryant (DB), Christopher Celin (DE), Travon Donaldson (RB/DB, 5-8, 160), Juan Fernandez (TE), and Silas Hilaire (DB) Douglas Morgado (OT/DE, 5-10, 210).

There is also Elias Paternina (OLB/FB), Marquis Pierre (RB/OLB), Lamari Turner (OG/DT, 6-2, 310) and two- way lineman Ijah Young.

Class of 2024 prospects such as Shlendi Beauvis (FB/LB, 5-9, 200), Gerson Castro (OL/DL), Josue Dejesus (OG), Jason Mikell (WR, 5-7, 140) and standout athlete Jamari Stokes (5-10, 155) will be special for quite some time. So will Class of 2025 offensive line prospects Hardy Chow (5-10, 230), Trenton Donaldson, Ernesto Gonzalez, Ivan Vasquez and Janthony Victoria – as well as athlete Chisnell Francois.

This program also has 2026 offensive lineman Sebastin Schirino.

For the past 51 years, we have spent time going from games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events. We will remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein- SFHSports) and Twitter (@SFHSSports - @larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..