With talk from several “experts” on Sunday about the Under Armour South Florida Combine not being as talented as in the past, the opinions were met with laughter.

On a weekend when several of the top prospects were out of town, competing in a 7-on-7 tournament, the level of talent at Ives Park in North Miami Dade County was still loaded with elite athletes, who every major college in America is looking at – or has offered.

As recruiting fan websites and media watched hundreds of athletes, the idea that elite talent was not on display – was absurd at best.

There has always been a core of recruiting “experts” that likes to punch holes in south Florida talent – and while several gifted athletes had prior engagements, the talent level – especially in the defensive secondary – was indeed gifted.

Defensive backs have always been among the most recruited in this region of the state – and they all make their way to college and on to the next level.

Among the area 2022 prospects on hand included Jerrod Cameron (St. Thomas Aquinas), Brian Dilworth (Chaminade-Madonna), Trevell Mullen (Coconut Creek), impressive Elijah McCantos (Edison) and heavily-recruited Jacolby Spells (Plantation American Heritage).

The 2023 class was equally gifted on Sunday – with nationally-recruited Daemon Fagan and Damari Brown (Plantation American Heritage), Victor Evans III (Miami Northwestern), versatile and gifted Antonio Robinson Jr. (Miami Florida Christian), Zayden Laing-Taylor (Monsignor Pace), Tyrell Thomas (Stranahan). There is also St. Thomas Aquinas rising standout standout King Mack.

TALENT CAME FROM EVERYWHERE

While many spent time looking at the south Florida defensive secondary talent, there were also some gifted football prospects who came in from all Florida.

Here is a look at some of those impressive and highly-recruited prospects:

2023 – Phineas Allen, Rockledge

2022 – Tyreak Allen, Bradenton Manatee

2022 – Kajuan Banks, Tallahassee Godby

2022 – Nasir Bowers, Lakeland

2022 – Sharif Denson, St. John’s Bartram Trail

2022 – Tre Donaldson, Tallahassee Florida High

2024 – Tavoy Feagin, Tampa Catholic

2022 – Izaiah Guy, Ocala Forest

2022 – Roddrick Huntley, Fort Pierce Westwood

2022 - Dangelo Hutchinson, St. Petersburg Northeast

2022 – Marquis Lymon, Delray Beach Atlantic

2022 – Kyeaure Magliore, Lake Minneola

2022 – Virgil Marshall, Rockledge

2022 – Camron Miller, Fernandina Beach

2022 – Shawn Russ, Fort Myers Dunbar

2022 – Azareye’h Thomas, Niceville

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID LAKE, 247SPORTS

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..