When the University of Miami lost out on nationally rated 5-star cornerback recruit D.J. Pickett from Zephyrhills, it hurt. But if you are a fan and take a step back and look at the entire picture, there is simply nothing to be upset about.

Recruiting the past two years with a 13-13 record as a calling card, what head coach Mario Cristobal and his staff have done is nothing short of amazing.

Think about it. Outside of south Florida and throughout the state of Florida, the Hurricanes are truly a non-factor. Since 2014, this program has a 73-53 record, which is not what the fans of the 80’s, 90’s and early 2000’s are used to.

Since 2008, they are 1-10 in bowl games and have finished in the Top 20 just three times.

The negatives could go on, but that points out what has happened in Coral Gables. When Cristobal arrived, he didn’t look back one time. What was done – is something you can never get back. It was all about moving forward.

Any other coach, who had a less than spectacular program to sell would certainly be mired in the same old thing. Fighting for a .500 record and wishing to play in a bowl game.

With a top five recruiting class last year, and so far, a top 10 in this 2025 cycle, the average fans need to pinch themselves that they are winning battles against FSU, Ohio State, Alabama and several other top programs across the country.

No longer are they battling against low-end programs to get prospects that will keep them below .500. The ‘Canes are recruiting with the big boys and add to the fact that they are killing it in the transfer portal and the competitive world of NIL, it only increases the expectations for this year and into the future.

THE 2025 CLASS IS FILLING NEEDS

While the portal and NIL fill immediate needs, there also must be athletes that you are going to develop and mold into your style of football player.

This 2025 class has it all, and they are not finished.

On offense, they have high “star” rankings such as lineman Seuseu Alofaituli (6-3, 280, Las Vegas Bishop Gorman), tight end Brock Schott (6-3, 215, Leo, Indiana), running back Gerard Pringle Jr. (5-10, 182, Seffner Armwood), tight end Luka Gilbert (6-7, 233, West Chester Lakota West, Ohio), quarterback Luke Nickel (QB, 6-2, 215, Alpharetta, Georgia), receiver Daylyn Upshaw (5-11, 180, Phenix City Central, Alabama), linemen Max Buchanan (6-4, 275, Sanford Seminole), Demetrius Campbell (6-6, 300, Orlando Christian Prep), Takaylen Muex (6-3, 340, Neptune Beach Fletcher) and Jaden Wilkerson (6-6, 330, Orlando Edgewater).

Defensively, there are loading up a well with linebacker Gavin Nix (6-0, 225, Bradenton IMG Academy), defensive back Hylton Stubbs (6-1, 190, Jacksonville Mandarin), cornerback Amari Wallace (5-10, 172, Miami Central), cornerback Chris Ewald (6-0, 165, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), linebackers Ezekiel Marcelin (Miami Central) and Elijah Melendez (Kissimmee Osceola), and Edge Herbert Scroggins (6-3, 235, Savannah Benedictine Military).

OWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

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For the past 54 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.

There are so many outstanding football prospects in all classes in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

Impressive prospects who are essential to the success of their teams. Players – if they are not in the lineup – their respective teams – would truly be affected by their absence.

Because there are so many national powers in the two counties, who rely on key individuals to make their teams go, it is tough to list them all.

Today, we bring you five football players who deeply impact their teams.

2026 - Justice Fitzpatrick, B, 6-2, 185, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. Ever since his freshman year, this someone who has impacted the five-time defending state champions. The brother of NFL standout Minkah Fitzpatrick, you can see growth and maturity have caught up with his skill level. While there are certainly other impressive prospects the Raiders have, this is certainly one to keep an eye on.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17955822/Justice-Fitzpatrick

2025 - Cortez Mills, WR, 6-1, 160, Homestead. Since the beginning of his high school career, all eyes have been on this talented pass-catcher. With many huge playmakers gone from last year’s state runner up team, this is the one player that the Broncos will need to make this offense successful. Headed to Oklahoma, he has the chance to be very special this season.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16676483/64e573e14210790698eafb2d

2025 - Joshua Moore, WR, 6-3, 205, Pembroke Pines West Broward. Even though this quality talent is getting exposure and is headed to the University of Florida, the average football fan has no clue how dominating this gifted prospect is and the Bobcats, with new personnel and offensive coordinator will rely on his ability to be a force – with or without the ball. A huge asset.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16678843/Joshua-Moore

2026 - Calvin Russell III, WR, 6-5, 185, Miami Northwestern. When the dust settles there may not be a more impressive football prospect and athlete in any class like this versatile difference maker. Is already receiving huge offers from across the country, and no matter where he lines up for the Bulls, he has the ability to turn games around. An outstanding basketball talent that has the chance to be very special over the next two years. This team will look to him to be that key piece of the puzzle.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17878157/Calvin-Russell

2025 - Ennio Yapoor, QB, 6-0, 225, Miami Norland. Take any program in the state of Florida and try and see if you can find a football talent that the team relies on more than this soon to be five-year varsity starter, who perhaps has more big game experience than anyone. A record setting quarterback who continues to work harder than anyone in his position. He has put up gaudy numbers and is prepared to lead the Vikings back to the state title game.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14792479/638406643448f7089850be1d

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

Miami-Dade/Broward Summer Top 20. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-summer-top-20

Are You Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers? https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers

For the past 54 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..

There was a time when very few coaches and football players paid little attention to kickers and punters.

Back in the day, the position was truly looked at by many as a waste of roster space. Fast forward to 2024 – and it is a fact that if you don’t have a solid kicking and punting game you will most likely not win.

NFL, college and now high school teams thrive on the ability to make the opponents start deep in their territory with a kick or a punt. It is also where huge football games are won with an extra point for a field goal.

Kickers, punters and long snapper have taken the spotlight at every level, and the need to have the best special teams is perhaps one of the most important parts of building a football team.

With national showcases and local competition and training, kicking and hunting has become a year-round commitment. If you are not training and competing, you are falling behind.

Over much of the past decade, we have been fortunate to have attended numerous events that spotlight special teams and have exposed the athletes who work as hard as any other position of the football field.

While many fan websites and local recruiters are just finding out about the devotion put into the craft, we have been there from the start.

Miami-Dade and Broward Counties have been getting better and better and producing elite special teams performers who have gone on to successful collegiate and professional careers.

Today, we bring you some of those area kickers and punters to keep an eye on.

The senior class has taken the lead – with several players making a huge splash at local, regional, statewide and national competition.

Among those include Mike Astrain (K, Westland Hialeah), Lucas Avino (K, Miami Belen Jesuit), Jacob Corredera (P/K, Miami True North Classical Academy – 3.3 GPA), Isaac Cruz (P/K, Somerset Academy Silver Palms), Brent Fardette (K/P, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons – 4.5 GPA), Alexander Fitzgibbons (K/P, Miami Christopher Columbus), Ernesto Gonzalez (K/P, Homestead Everglades Prep), Luca Guerra (P/K, Miami Central – 3.5 GPA), Matthew James (P/K, Deerfield Beach), Matthew Jean-Baptiste (K, Fort Lauderdale University School), Gavin Katz (K/P, South Plantation – 3.7 GPA), Felix Martinez (K, Somerset Academy South Homestead), Carter McCrary (K, Sunrise Piper), Nathan Moncada (K/P, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy), Adrian Muelle (PK, Miami Belen Jesuit – 4.9 GPA) and Chris Murciano (P/K, Miami Gulliver Prep – 4.28 GPA).

The class also features Nick Navarro (PK, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – 4.8 GPA), Antonio Pasquatti (K, Plantation American Heritage – 4.0 GPA), Adam Piniero (K, Miami St. Brendan), Kaleb Rodriguez (P/K, Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy), Nicholas Romero (K/P, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – 4.0 GPA), Jake Rosoff (P, Pompano Beach - GPA: 5.2 SAT: 1390) and Ethan Silva (K, Miami Northwestern).

UNDERCLASSMEN ARE ALREADY STARTING TO SHINE

As impressive as the seniors will be this season, colleges are already looking at several underclassmen. Here are some of those to keep an eye on.

The 2026 class juniors will have John Allen (K, Miami Christopher Columbus), Diego Barrera (K, Coconut Creek Monarch), Matisse Bullrich (K, Miami Gulliver Prep – 3.54 GPA), Dominic Celli (P, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons – 3.91 GPA), Caysen Chevannes (K, Pembroke Pines Charter – 4.5 GPA), Jacob Ferrandiz (K, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman), Pablo Gomez (K/P, Miami Dr. Krop), Jordan Hechler (K/P, Miami Christopher Columbus), Njonte Henry (K/P, Davie Nova), Carlos Iavernia (K, Miami Ransom Everglades), Alan Lopez-Ortiz (K/P, South Miami) and Thomas Lopez (K, Miami Booker T. Washington).

Others in the class are Francisco Mascuso (K, Miami Belen Jesuit), Emilio Mollinedo (K, Homestead South Dade), Brennan Parsons (K/P, Davie Western), Trace Poncev (K, Pembroke Pines West Broward – 4.0 GPA), Stephen Cook Roberts (P/K, Miami Palmer Trinity), Noah Sidan (P/K, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna – 4.0 GPA) and Conrad Tolerico (K, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – 3.6 GPA).

Sophomores are also going to have a say this season – with Julian Dominguez (K/P, Homestead South Dade), Sam Florens (K/P, Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest – 3.96 GPA), Gabriel Gonzalez (K, Doral Academy), Michael Johnson (K, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy), Alec Martinez-Bolivar (K/P, Miami Ransom Everglades), Krystian Nacier (K, Miami Florida Christian), Jonathan Rivera (K/P, Miami High), Cole Rodriguez (K/P, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons – 3.5 GPA) and Coral Gables’ kicker Mykel Sam. Also keep your eye on 2028 prospects Kyle Aller (K/P, Fort Lauderdale Dillard – 3.5 GPA) and Alfonso Arellano (P/K, Somerset Academy Silver Palms).

PHOTO COURTESY OF KORNBLUE KICKING

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

Miami-Dade/Broward Summer Top 20. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-summer-top-20

Are You Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers? https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers

For the past 54 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..

When it comes to rankings – local, regional or state, obviously they are subjective, and while they are made by people who never watch all the teams they are listing, we as fans look at them and relish when our teams are mentioned.

It has become a popularity contest, much like player rankings, if you mention a player or team that people root for your, the list that you compile is popular. If you fail to mention a program or prospect, the ranking that you come out with is terrible, and the author does not know what they are talking about.

We have the opportunity to see all the programs in the state of Florida and use our 54 years of experience as a barometer and never guess at any player or team that we list.

Rankings are NOT an exact science, and while the teams that are mentioned before the season may be perceived – by the author as being among the best, as we have found, the only listing that truly matters is the one that comes at the end of the season.

No matter what you feel about the prospects or teams that are rated, you must respect that the source has taken all steps to make the decision that they arrive at.

As tough a decision as it is to rank local, regional and statewide – today we look at the Miami-Dade and Broward County programs who are being mentioned as some of the elite in the country.

While last year saw Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna continue to dominate, the Lions ended up at No. 2 nationally, and while this program lost several key prospects, veteran head coach Dameon Jones and his program looks for a ninth straight appearance in the state championship game.

For head coach Roger Harriott and his Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders, this is a position this program is in basically every year. Looking for a record sixth straight state title, this team could surprise plenty of people – especially with a Broward County Football Showcase game against defending national champions Las Vegas Bishop Gorman.

After missing out on the state title game last season, head coach Jube Joseph and his Miami Central Rockets are anxious for the season to start as they have loaded up and have that opening-night showdown with two-time defending state champion Lakeland.

After dropping a close state semifinal game last year, head coach Mike Smith and his Plantation American Heritage Patriots will head into the season loaded with talent and experience as the stakes will once again be very high.

When head coach Daryl Heidelberg and his Miami Norland left Tallahassee after losing to Tampa Berkeley Prep in the state title game, there was a feeling that the Vikings had missed a major opportunity to finish off a perfect season. That setback has driven this team in the off-season.

After taking Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas down to the wire in the state title game and losing for the second time in two years, head coach Ronnie Thornton and his Homestead Broncos went into the off-season with a feeling that 2024 was going to be an important season. Keep an eye on this talented team once again.

Winning the state title two straight years, Miami Christopher Columbus and head coach Dave Dunn will look to rebuild after several key losses from last year. Even though they had a rough spring, this is a program that will find a way to get things back on track.

When you look back at last season, Miami Booker T. Washington and veteran head coach Tim “Ice” Harris had their chances to do some serious damage, but key injuries brought the season to an end. Fast forward to this season – do not sleep on the Tornadoes!

Teddy Bridgewater returns to his alma mater, and while last season was a disappointment with the Miami Northwestern Bulls missing the state playoffs, they have reloaded and will be a player in the state playoff race. Too much pride and history to stay down for long.

The good news for veteran head coach Matt Dubuc and his Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons Chiefs is Plantation American Heritage will not be an obstacle. The tough news is this team has numerous holes to fill with graduation and transfers taking an experience bite out of the program. But this team has learned to deal with adversity.

Say what you want about every large school in the state of Florida, but no team has the talent and depth as head coach Adam Ratkevich and his Davie Western Wildcats. Truth be told, if this team doesn’t win it all this year, it would be a total surprise. They are loaded – everywhere!

For head coach Calvin Davis and his Coconut Creek Monarch Knights, the off-season was as active as any football program in the state. This is the deepest and most talented program that this school has ever had. Play them and you had better bring his all – every week.

There is no getting around the amazing job that head coach Johnnie Sloane and his staff have done with the Coconut Creek Cougars. The program has indeed “Restored The Roar” with a stingy defense and a maturing offensive attack. They impressed last season and have a chance to do the same in 2024.

For the past five years, head coach Mike Manasco and his Miami Palmetto Panthers have remained in the mix. With some key players moving in with a solid group of returnees, this will be a very interesting year as they battle their way into the state playoff mix.

Three rounds deep in the state playoffs for the past two years have put the Miramar Patriots and head coach A.J. Scott in a position to show that they do have a program that can get it done. Strong defense and an improving offense will keep this team relevant again.

For Chris Reid and his Homestead South Dade football program, a state playoff win signaled that the Buccaneers are indeed getting back to what they once were. While very few are paying attention this is a team that is more than capable of making some loud noise this season.

There are those who believe that head coach Pierre Senatus and his Miami Southridge Spartans are being slept on this coming season. This team has plenty of talent coming back – along with transfers that have infused this program. They have the chance to prove a lot of people wrong.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MIAMI HERALD

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

Miami-Dade/Broward Summer Top 20. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-summer-top-20

Are You Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers? https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers

For the past 54 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..