If you have followed high school football for any length of time, you already know what makes powerhouse Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas tick.
The Raiders have won seven straight state titles with plenty of skill talent – as receivers, running back, quarterbacks, defensive linemen, linebackers and defensive backs leading the way.
But when all is said and done and you break down what has been the success of head coach Roger Harriott and his football team through the years is the offensive line.
Perhaps more emphasis – each year – is put on what happens in the trenches, and by the end of the season and this program is playing for a state title, the root of all that winning is a dominating offensive line.
They are always in better shape, technically sound, stronger and ready to compete.
The offensive line coaches have always understood the assignment of how to elevate the level of play – and with coaches Mike Romano and Joel McCloud – this group that heads into spring are ready to continue to the tradition and dominate the competition.
At the Under Armour Game this past January in Orlando, the Raiders sent three juniors to the week-long event. Along with receiver Julius Jones and defensive back Jayden Gamble was 6’6, 305-pounder Mark Matthews.
Before he dominated the older elite prospects at the Under Armour, here is someone who had quite a junior season for the Raiders as one of the best prospects in the country.
Matthew is indeed one of the best this program has produced through the years, and while he is indeed head and shoulders above others, his work ethic is unmatched as every college and university in America is looking to add them to their program in the 2027 recruiting class.
Matthews is big, fast, strong and very athletic.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19972142/673df9ff0717b4746f651dda
MATTHEWS IS NOT ALONE
While Matthews is getting much of the spotlight, and for good reasons, there are other Class of 2027 players to watch as well:
CLASS OF 2027
Gerren Bray, 6’2, 295 – 3.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19783194/68ef0cd612706e67dc57fc61
Jordan Castillo, 6’2, 250.
Jayden Dean, 6’3, 285 – 3.75 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18274620/6944dcebfe3272e54109e373
Michael Digilio, 6’3, 290 – 4.3 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19691131/695dcafb772e594c40e5f323
Gabriel Frossard, 6’0, 250 – 5.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19691096/69718270ba0cdfd2fdd39f61
Ezequiel Nieves, 6’2, 280.
Timothy Walsh, 6’3, 280.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19693002/Timothy-Walsh-Jr
CLASS OF 2028
Thomas Berkhan.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23856544/Thomas-Berkhan
Brian Luya, 6’6, 280 – 4.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26157113/Brian-Luya
Jet Randolph, 6’4, 245 – 3.8 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23059044/Jet-Randolph
Santiago Sanchez, 5’11, 220 – 4.4 GPA.
Connor Urena
CLASS OF 2029
Wilson Vargas IV, 6’0, 290.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/27171015/Wilson-Vargas-IV
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For the past 56 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. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein), Instagram (OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..