The success of Miami St. Brendan has not come over night, and certainly has not come without a lot of planning and hard work.

What head coach Luis Rodriguez and his talented staff of experienced coaches have done is continue what Rodriguez has long done – develop talent and start the athletes at an early age.

As this program heads toward spring, the secret is no longer a secret. What Rodriguez and this team have carved out the recipe for success, and it is working

Located right next door state 8A power Miami Christopher Columbus, the Sabres have learned to stay in their own lane, and while other south Florida programs do not play by those same rules, this school will continue to develop, teach and get these athletes ready for life.

St. Brendan has been around for a long time, but football kicked up in just the past few years – and has done very well, posting an 8-1 record in a season that was severely cut into by the pandemic.

By moving into district play this year, the Sabres have indeed arrived, and as they continue to add more student/athletes and the student body, administration and athletes to buy into what they are doing, this is a combination that will be tough turn down, especially in these tough times.

YOUTH HAS STEPPED UP

There is no getting around that the Class of 2023 (rising juniors) and 2024 (rising sophomores) are loaded with quality football talent that many are looking at.

Among those are gifted Michael Caldwell (RB/DB, 5-9, 175), quarterback/receiver Damari Charlton (6-2, 185), impressive running back/receiver/defensive back Christian Lowry (5-9, 170), Nicolas Urbina (DE/TE) and nationally-rated receiver/defensive back Richard Dandridge, an explosive 5-10, 170-pounder, who not only gets it done of the football field, but the classroom as well. He has praised Coach Rodriguez and the school for helping him to get ready for high school football.

In addition, the Class of 2023 boasts Joe Bejel (DB, 5-9, 160), Jorge Cascudo Jr (WR/DB, 5-10, 165), Antravian Driver (DB, 5-11,170), Carlos Junco (DE/LB, 5-10 160), Anthony Gray (DT/DE, 5-11, 170) and cornerback Verdieu Guillaume (5-10, 165).

The Class of 2023 also features top players such as Pedro Llanes (OL/DL, 6-0, 290), Olsen Patterson (OL/DL, 6-2, 260), Victor Pino (OL/DL, 6-4, 305) and two-way lineman Jurian Riveria (6-1, 280).

CLASS OF 2024 IS AMAZING, TOO

Just when you thought that the rising junior class had game-changing prospects at every turn, along comes this 2024 group that features nationally-rated prospects Isaac Brown, who showcased his many skills this past season as a running back and as a linebacker at 5-9, 180.

In addition, the Sabres also will have prospects like Luis Cruz (DB, 5-9, 165), Xavier Enriquez (LB, 5-10, 175), Terrell Franklin (LB, 5-10, 190), Santino Gaitian (OG/DT, 6-0, 290) and defensive end Lorenzo Gimenez (6-0, 160).

There is also Nicolas Morales (OL, 5-8, 170), Konner Weichler (DB, 6-0, 180), Nicolas Serrano OL/DL, 5-10, 250) and emerging two-way lineman Ethan Vanzant, a 6-3, 260-pounder.

CLASS OF 2022 WILL BE COUNTED ON THIS YEAR

While the underclassmen are stacked with some big-time prospects, it’s always great to know that you have veteran leadership who have been there through the growing pains.

Prospects like Matthew Barraza (OG/DT, 5-10, 250), Miguel Gimenez (OL/DL, 5-8, 195), Bryan Jacobson (QB/WR, DB, 5-9, 170), Javaris Jones (WR/LB, 5-10, 180), Sean Schieppati (OLB, 6-0, 185) and versatile OL/DE/OLB standout Qhauwnyen Thompson (6-1, 195).

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..

@PeteMonzon @StBrendanHigh @RichardDandri10 @4redzone @MikeCaldwellJr1 @Big_Vic_04 @5BigNick6 @osten1k @SantinoGuitian @isaacbr05057888 @CharltonDamari @ChristianLowry8 @j_cascudo2 @Terrell02142305 @QhauwnyenT @_javarisjones3 @BryanJacobson17 @5BigNick6 @thequanthompson