As much of the focus on this day was gaining exposure for the media and college coaches to promote, it was also about Terrell Owens.

Invited to the MRE (Major College Recruiting) event by owner and founder Ernesto “Ernie” Munguia to come speak to the area athletes who attended the event at Ives Estates Park, this 16-year NFL standout shared the qualities that put him in the Hall of Fame – despite never getting recruited.

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga product was a third round selection in the NFL – and would go on to play a key role for six teams – including San Francisco, where he followed in the rather large footsteps of iconic receiver Jerry Rice.

What Owens did during his career was to pave his own way – and ended up becoming one of the top players ever to compete at the receiver position.

What Owens did share with the athletes is to never let your dreams die.

“I know people who played this great game to get in the Hall of Fame,”he said. “I never once thought about the Hall of Fame – because that was NOT my objective. Grateful for the opportunity but it was never a priority.”

On Saturday, Owens spent time with the players and those who were responsible for making this this event – the second one that MRE has hosted. Last year, Brian Orakpo was on hand to talk with the athletes.

“It was a great experience to be a part of this for a second straight year,” Miami LaSalle head coach Helder Valle, who brought 10 players. “I thought what Terrell Owens had to say was perfect for many of these young men who have worked very hard.

When the awards were handed out – new Miami Edison receiver British Mitchell was named MVP and took home a Terrell Owens’ signed football. Luis Boden Jr. from Miami LaSalle was also named as n MVP.

In addition, here are some of the other prospects who attended:

2024 – Jordan Adams, WR, Miami LaSalle

2024 - Logan Aungst, DE, Miami LaSalle

2021 – Denar Beaucejour, WR, Miami Dr. Krop

Prep - Darien Bepuy,WR, Jersey Coastal Prep

2022 – Luis Bodden, OL/DL, Miami LaSalle

2022 – Luke Collins, QB, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely

2023 – Nick Garcia, OL, Miami Dr. Krop

2022 – Solomon Dade, DT, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely

2023 – Pedro Gonzalez, DE, Miami Braddock

2022 – Jayden Haynes, LB, Miami Dr. Krop

2022 – Eric Islami, LB, Miami LaSalle

2022 – Daverrick Jenkins, WR, Miami Northwestern

2022 – Donnell Johnson III, DT, Pembroke Pines Flanagan

2021 – Steny Joseph, DE/LB, North Miami Beach

2024 – CharQuez Lee, Athlete, Miami LaSalle

2023 – Dairo Melendez, DT, Miami LaSalle

2023 – British Mitchell, WR, Miami Edison

2021 – Dewrell Murdock, QB, Miami Dr. Krop

2022 – Schneider Pierre, DL, Miami Dr. Krop

2022 – Victor Pino, OL, Miami Braddock

2021 – Nick Polanco, CB, Miami Dr. Krop

2024 – La’Varis Stanford, WR, Miami aSalle

2024 – Brian Suarez, DT, Miami Dr. Krop

2023 – Dylan Tulloch, QB, Miami Central

2022 – Andres Vallejo, DT, Hialeah Barbara Goleman

2024 – Temeco Wallace, Athlete, Miami Dr. Krop

2022 – Bryce White, WR, Miami Dr. Krop

2022 – Vashaud Williams, FS, Miami LaSalle

Prep – Ricardo Young, CB, Jersey Coastal Prep

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..