You can tell that times have changed when it comes to football recruiting when the offensive and defensive linemen are now being followed as close as the position players.

Remember the days when the quarterbacks, running backs, receivers, defensive backs and linebackers would head out to compete in 7-on-7 events across the state and country - and the “big men” – the offensive and defensive linemen would stay behind? Those days are over for good.

Because there are now events geared to the defensive and offensive linemen, these trench monsters now have a place to go and showcase their talents.

Whether it’s as part of linemen camps at colleges and universities -or the now popular 5 v 5 events that are geared to have the linemen compete for supremacy, the focus and spotlight are now getting brighter and the recruiting has never been better.

In Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, an area that been home to some of the best running backs, receivers and defensive backs for more than half a century, the doors are now wide open for the defensive linemen and edge rushers as well as offensive guards, centers and tackles.

As many seniors (2027) are receiving offers and getting plenty of looks, it’s the amazing talent in the Classes of 2028 and 2029 who are now receiving more attention than ever – and college coaches who came through during spring have recognized those talents.

Today, we will bring you five elite line prospects who are well on their way to the next level in the coming years to make an impact at positions that were never popular to play in the past.

2028 - Alexander Beltran, Edge, 6’4, 215, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. Over the past year, here is a gifted prospect that should be on every college’s wish list. He continues to get bigger and coupled with his ability to come off the edge and make life tough on the opposition, here is the season that the Lions will see how much of an impact he will make at this level and beyond. Another smart and hard working player that has a chance to truly separate himself from the rest this coming season.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23048466/Alexander-Beltran

2029 – Ben McFadden, DE, 6’5, 230, Miami Carol City. Talk about an elite football talent. The Chiefs may have one of the best prospects in this class anywhere. He is athletic, quick and plays this game like he has done it for a long time. No matter where he went to during the off-season, he was an impact and left with everyone talking. College coaches know that as he continues to learn the game and position, the sky is indeed the limit. He is fun to watch. His motor never stops, and while many continue to evaluate him in a pair of shorts or on film, seeing him perform in person makes all the difference.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/26965255/6918b0d9dc5adf429dee81a2

2028 - Shamis Maura Jr., DT, 6’0, 275, Plantation American Heritage – 3.2 GPA. Here is an under-the-radar talent that many have no clue about. Watched him dominate from the beginning at Davie Nova and have continued to make huge strides with the Patriots. This is the kind of lineman who has a chance to continue to enhance his standing as an interior defensive linemen as he competes against some top-flight talent. Love how he works and has a passion to get better.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/5097389/Shamis-Maura-Jr

2029 - Jaheim Pierre-Paul, Edge, 6’3, 190, Weston Cypress Bay – 4.0 GPA. Another of the many who takes his talents from Plantation and moves out west. He is quick, athletic and is willing to work as hard as possible to get better. He knows that this coming summer will be huge in his growth. This is when he sets the table for the next two years – with natural growth and knowledge of the position. Has already set some standards on the playing field as well as in the classroom. It will be fun to watch his progress in the coming years.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26708931/Jaheim-PierrePaul

2028 - Nijal Thigpen, OL, 6’6, 270, Miramar. Would it be going too far on the limb to say that this may be one of the best line prospects in the country? You have like everything that this quality young man brings to the table as he comes over from Miami Carol City. It didn’t take a recent University of Miami offer to convince us or anyone who knows how to evaluate talent that in the next year, he will become a top 20 national player and easily one of the top line prospects in the Sunshine State. He dominates every defensive lineman he goes up against, and the best thing about him is he has so much more to learn and grow!

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/30504052/Nijal-Thigpen

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

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..