After decades and decades of watching, promoting and evaluating talent throughout the country, state and in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, we have found that when you watch talent play instead of relying on seeing film only, you have a better grasp of what athletes can do – on and off the playing field.

Throughout the course of a year, we have the pleasure of attending numerous games, practices, camps, combines and seeing athletes in different arenas.

Fresh off the 2025 NFL Draft, spring has started at high schools across the state of Florida, and while the focus is on the rising senior (2026) class, underclassmen are also receiving plenty of attention from the college coaches as well as recruiting services and the media.

We are in different times when it comes to recruiting, and while the actual game of football has not changed, the way colleges and universities evaluate the prospects has certainly taken several twists and turns.

Understanding that the transfer portal is always going to be in play, choosing the student/athlete that fits your program is perhaps the most important thing that college coaches must realize.

Character has always been important, but now when you are looking at talent, you have to go beyond 40 times and how many tackles they make and truly get to know the individual, and that you simply cannot do by sitting in front of a computer.

Talking to prospects and understanding what they are all about – away from football can make a huge difference and often means everything when they get to the next level.

Today, we take a look at five Class of 2027 prospects that have started to make their way on to the radar – and will have the chance for colleges to see many for the first time.

Damian Fisher, DL, 5’10, 225, Homestead. The first thing you notice about this impressive athlete is the way he gets off the ball and has a motor that never stops. While he isn’t the largest player on the field, he is tough and will follow up plays to the end. He plays low and it gives him a chance to be a huge factor as a run stopper. He is versatile enough to play inside, edge and nose tackle in the middle. As soon as the ball is snapped, he focuses on getting a sack, which is part of his game that continues to elevate.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19651335/Damian-Fisher

Ji’Koi Highsmith, OLB/DE, 6’2, 200, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy – 4.8 GPA. 1040 SAT. 23 PACT. Easily one of the fastest-rising prospects in the class. Here is a versatile defensive talent that is quick off the ball and reads plays extremely well. He is a very smart young man who continues to pick up more and more about his position and the game by attending off-season events as well as his leadership for the Mavericks.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20357665/672e9bd1eb3da2ca23324f18

James Klaiss Jr., WR, 6’1, 165, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna – 3.6 GPA. On a program that is loaded at the receiver position, here is someone that continues to use the off-season to get his reps and become more comfortable with getting on the football field more for the nationally-rated Lions over the next two years. Showcased his skills and got plenty of playing time on the junior varsity squad. This is someone to keep an eye on as he matures and continues to learn more about the game and position(s) he plays.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19530847/James-Klaiss-jr

Jayden Miller, QB, 6’0, 195, Fort Lauderdale NSU University School – 3.5 GPA. With so much elite rising talent at the quarterback position throughout Florida and in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, here is someone that is coming off a season in which he made a huge impact for the Sharks, taking them to the Sunshine State Athletic Association title game against Oviedo The Master’s Academy. Named to the first team all-state with huge numbers in his young career (3,145 yards and 26 touchdowns). Has very good arm strength and accuracy and his improvement against some top programs has certainly thrusted him into the spotlight and in the conversation as one of the best in his class. This program is expecting some major things this coming season.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19271336/Jayden-Miller

Edwardo Thompson, DL, 6’1, 240, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy. Makes his way over from Miami Booker T. Washington as one of the top defensive line prospects in the state of Florida. Here is a very talented player that combines strength, quickness and athletic ability, and as he continues to learn the position technically, watch out! While his objective is to get to the passer, do not underestimate his skills as a run stopper. This is one of those players that everyone needs to keep an eye on over the next two seasons as he becomes a leader and a major producer.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19747559/Edwardo-Thompson

SOUTH FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS RADIO SHOW RECOGNIZED. https://www.millionpodcasts.com/high-school-podcasts/

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward