As receivers, quarterbacks, running backs, defensive backs and linebackers are taking part in 7-on-7 events, like the one hosted by the University of Miami this past Sunday, this summer on colleges campuses, the linemen are also getting the chance to turn some heads as well.

There was a time when the linemen were excluded during the summer, but that has changed over the past five years, and the exposure opportunities are becoming greater.

With 5-on-5 events nationally, linemen are gaining more chances to showcase their skills, and while their teammates are throwing the ball around at 7-on-7 tournaments at colleges and universities, the “big men” are now sharing much of that spotlight.

As the summer started, several offensive and defensive linemen began June with a visit to the University of Miami on Sunday to step up and finally share the spotlight with position players.

SOLID OFFENSIVE LINEMEN TO WATCH

There is no doubt that the offensive linemen are grabbing their place in recruiting circles – as Class of 2026 (seniors) show with Ekeem Atehortua (6’2, 313, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Jahlani Brown (6’2, 278, Plantation), Javon Cherenfant (6’3, 289, Miami Norland), Ben Gula (6’3, 261, Weston Cypress Bay), and Khyze Smith (6’3, 301, Miami Norland).

Class of 2027 (juniors) also showed what they could do in the one day event – Malik Henry-Wright (6’4, 340, Plantation), Sean Tatum (6’5, 315, Fort Pierce John Carroll) and Coby Wallace (6’4, 295, Viera).

The Class of 2028 (juniors) will also have some players to keep an eye on this coming season as well – with players like Jayden Floyd (6’2, 300, Davie Nova), Tavoris Ingram (5’11, 258, Fort Pierce John Carroll), Charlie Pisani (6’4, 290, Fort Pierce John Carroll) and Laulelei Sualevai (6’4, 305, Miami Christopher Columbus).

Also keep your eye on incoming freshmen (2029) Darius Little (6’0, 286, Rise Prep Academy) and Jake Arias (6’3, 280, Plantation American Heritage).

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN ARE EMERGING FAST

As the offensive linemen were watched closely on Sunday and will be looked at all summer as the season draws closer, keep your eye on some of the defensive line prospects as well.

Players such as seniors R.J. Alphonse (6’3, 240, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Nealan Perez (6’4, 210, Miami Central) and Michael Smarts (6’5, 230, Pembroke Pines Flanagan).

Juniors (2027) Danard Frazier (6’1, 290, Miami Carol City), Quintin Ferguson (6’1, 283, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy), Malik Laurent (6’3, 239, Miramar) and Edwardo Thompson (6’3, 240, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy) are all rising talent.

The Class of 2028 (sophomores) will be loaded statewide – with Kyle Andrews Jr. (5’11, 255, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Raymond Andrews (6’2, 194, Miami Carol City), Alexander Beltran (6’2, 212, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Meshi Dobson (DL, 6’4, 225, Plantation), and Shamis Maura (5’10, 255, Davie Nova).

Even the incoming freshmen (2029) are starting to get themselves out for college coaches and fans to see. Prospects such as Marcus Boynton (6’1, 288, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy), Jaelin Coach (6’4, 290, Plantation),  Jamari Meilke (6’1, 250, Plantation), Milton Smith (5’10, 230, Miami Carol City), Derrius Thompkins (6’2, 370, Miami True North Classical Academy) and Michael Williams Jr. (6’0, 280, Miami Carol City).

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

For the past 55 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..