When it comes to college recruiting here in 2024, the rules have changed and the need to grab the spotlight is greater than just about any time in the five decades.

With the transfer portal in full swing, college coaches are now leaning toward grabbing a 20, 21-year-old with experience on the football field, classroom and social life at the collegiate level over a 17, 18-year-old high school prospect.

The amount of high school prospects getting scholarship offers is getting to the point that if a prospect is offered by just about any college or university, they need to commit.

While committing can hold your spot, you at least have some room just in case another school offers.

Remember, college scholarships, especially in this recruiting climate, are just one year at a time. By signing, you are only doing it for that one year.

Nothing is given anymore. Colleges have the upper hand and can easily part ways with a student/athlete after one season.

With that in mind, we continue to promote football prospects here in Miami-Dade and Broward counties year round as hundreds of college coaches continue to follow what we post.

This past spring, while colleges and universities were in the area checking out talent, many had told us how important the firsthand information that we post is to them in the recruiting process.

Today, we bring you five seniors (2025) to continue to watch this summer and into the 2024 season:

Terrynce Ellis Jr., LB/SS/WR, 6-0, 172, Fort Lauderdale Stranahan – 4.3 GPA. Here is a versatile talent who can line up at a number of positions for first year head coach Jacky Candy and the Dragons. Watch him perform and you can see that he plays until the whistle blows, which will serve as something positive for the younger players to learn from. His ability to play many positions makes him more valuable.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17587042/6570ac6ad21c970b5068a5cb

James Gatewood, WR, 6-1, 175, Miami Southridge. Coming over from 3M state runner up Homestead, here is someone who gives the Spartans yet another weapon. His ability to not only get open but use his athleticism to create positives. Brings so much to his game as an all-around pass catcher. Will be huge this season for veteran head coach Pierre Senatus and his emerging program.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16469292/James-Gatewood

William Gedeon, OL, 6-4, 270, Coconut Creek Monarch – 4.6 GPA. The Knights added many pieces to their program during the off-season and here is one of those big-time players who has a real chance to be a factor as this team is ready to make a serious run this season with a potent offense that starts with the “big men” up front. Has worked very hard in the off-season. Head Coach Calvin Davis and his staff are impressed at what they have been watching.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16693391/665f3b026a6d5f0d811c711f

Terence “T.J.” Johnson Jr., DB, 5-10, 180, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons – 3.7 GPA. Track & Field. While this program has always produced some quality secondary performers, here is one of those potentially elite talents who has an opportunity to make a major impact in 2024 for head coach Matt Dubuc and his football program. His size, speed, athletic ability and skill is something that college coaches have noticed, but more and more schools will see what the Chiefs have been watching. Comes over for his final year from Monarch.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16914444/6634ee7a020d89f3b1dc38cb

Joel Salien, WR, 6-0, 177, Miami Immaculata LaSalle – 3.7 GPA. Track & Field. There are a lot of impressive receivers in south Florida, but very few have been under-the-radar like this speedy pass catcher. Not only is he quick but watch him run routes and you will understand why head coach Helder Valle and the Royal Knights believe that they have one of the top playmakers who is not getting the attention he deserves. Keep an eye on this young man and you will see what many of been talking about!

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18119574/Joel-Salien

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

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

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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

When it comes to watching, evaluating and seeing prospects and teams throughout the course of a year, there are very few sources who put in the time to come up with accurate information like we do.

Player and team rankings are often subjective, and everyone has their opinion – which is fine – but it’s usually those who see very little that have the loudest voice on who should be higher or lower.

If you follow what we do over the course of a season is each week we adjust the rankings, and while many focus on pre-season and each week during the season, the only ranking that truly counts is the one that comes out in late December.

Our Pre Summer Top 20 is based on a number of things – and with so many transfers taking place – our opinion varies and changes. This is only a starting point and will change several times.

This is in no way a definitive ranking. Just an opinion based on seeing teams throughout the state and having a valid ground to compare.

Here is a look at 20 Miami-Dade Broward teams:

1. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (14-1, 5A). Five-time defending state champions reload with high level talent. They are still among the best in the country and will have a tougher schedule to contend with this coming season.

2. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (14-0, 1A). The loss of seven Power 4 prospects would shake most teams to the core, but this program, second nationally, is prepared for an amazing ninth consecutive state title appearance.

3. Miami Central (8-3, 3A). Missing out on the state finals for the first time in five years only motivated the Rockets to rebuild in the off-season. They have some elite prospects and coaching.

4. Plantation American Heritage (10-2, 4A). Missing out on another state title appearance in 2023 only motivated this talented program to add more pieces. Do not sleep on the Patriots because they are ready for a state championship run.

5. Miami Christopher Columbus (13-2, 7A). The loss of several key pieces from two straight state championship teams would shake most programs, but counting out the Explorers would be a huge mistake. When the bell rings they will be right there.

6. Homestead (12-2, 6A). Having two consecutive state runner-up teams usually takes a toll on many schools, but the Broncos are much more talented than anyone realizes. They have plenty in the tank and a line that can dominate.

7. Miami Norland (14-1, 4A). A disappointing loss in the 2M state title game has haunted the Vikings all off-season, but they have a solid offense and a stingy defense that could end up in a repeat of ’23.

8. Davie Western (9-4, 7A). Here is a team that has come close in the past few seasons, but if the Wildcats put it all together, they will have as much talent as anyone in the state and are more than motivated.

9. Miami Booker T. Washington (9-3, 2A). Never, ever doubt a Tim “Ice” Harris coached team, and despite several key players moving on to the next level, the Tornadoes continue to develop players and will be a major obstacle.

10. Coconut Creek Monarch (11-3, 6A). A fourth quarter breakdown in the 4M state semifinals stood in the way of getting to a first ever state football finals. But nobody reloaded more than the Knights and they will not go down without a fight.

11. Miami Palmetto (9-2, 7A). The Panthers continue to come close, and while they come up short the past few seasons, there is a strong feeling that this could be the year that things fall into place.

12. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (9-4, 2A). While it’s a rebuild season for the Chiefs, with a number of gifted players moving on, there is also a feeling that there is enough talent on hand to cause some problems.

13. Miami Northwestern (5-6, 3A). Teddy Bridgewater returns to his alma mater and has made a huge impact – with several elite players. The only question is do the Bulls have enough depth to make a serious run?

14. Homestead South Dade (6-4, 7A). There is no getting around the fact that the Bucs are on their way back, advancing to the state playoffs and winning a first-round game. They are loading up with quality talent.

15. Coconut Creek (10-3, 5A). After an amazing run last year, the Cougars are back and ready to show that what happened in 2023 was certainly no fluke. Can they take things one step further? Players and coaches believe so.

16. Miami Southridge (7-5, 6A). Many continue to preach that everyone is sleeping on the Spartans – as they have been building and adding the right pieces. Homestead remains a major obstacle to getting out of south Florida.

17. Miramar (8-5, 5A). You can’t argue with the success that the Patriots have had the past two years – advancing three rounds in the state playoffs before losing to Homestead. They have talent, but will it be enough?

18. Hialeah (9-2, 4A). Posting one of the best records the T-Breds have had in many years, this is a team that had a very successful spring and has added some key prospects to an already talented team.

19. Hollywood South Broward (8-3, 6A). The Bulldogs have proven that you can lose a ton of elite talent and remain in contention. This is a team that can certainly have the last laugh.

20. Plantation (6-4, 4A). New head coach – same objective for the Colonels who have enjoyed a productive off-season with several young prospects who are buying into a bright future. Definitely a team to watch.

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

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

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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

When Miami Palmetto lost a second-round state playoff game to Davie Western last November, it ended what had been a productive season.

The Panthers and head coach Mike Manasco felt they had the team to perhaps make it all the way to Tallahassee, but that setback to Western and an earlier season loss to eventual state champion Miami Christopher Columbus stood in the way of getting to state title game for the first time in school history.

While several key players moved on to the next level, this program knew that what they had coming back and coming in would vault them into the spotlight once again in 2024.

After a successful spring, this team headed toward the summer with plenty of optimism.

With several 7-on-7 and camps available all over the state and throughout south Florida, the Panthers too full advantage.

PANTHERS BEAT NORLAND IN FIU 7-ON-7

On Wednesday, Palmetto took part in the Florida International University 7-on-7 event, and when they beat defending state 2M runner-up Miami Norland, 12-7, they took home the title.

Among the talent that propelled the Panthers included offensive prospects Lucas Goenaga (QB, 2025) and Andre Bailey (QB, 2026). Receivers Cameron Sapp (2025), Marquis Robinson (2025), Corey Swint (2026), Ezekiel Herring (2027), Ahmir Barnes (2028), Kadir Battle (2025), Stanley Ledger (2025) and Jules St. Fleur (2027). Running backs Ethan Lopez (2025) and Varian Terry (2026).

On defense, Palmetto had secondary standouts James Orange (2025), Braylen Green (2026), Kevin White Jr. (2026), Wynton Jones (2026), Bryan Joseph Jr. (2025) and Nikolai Moise (2026).

Linebackers Patrick Lawrence (2025) and Jahprece Joseph (2025).

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

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

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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

As many south Florida high school football programs are traveling across the country this summer, many are understanding that these trips are indeed something that they long remember.

With several destinations across the nation, student/athletes are not only getting to see college campuses but are forming a stronger bond with their coaches and teammates.

One of the programs expected to make a huge push toward the school’s first ever state title are head coach Adam Ratkevich and his Davie Western Wildcats.

Over the past five years, this is a program that has come close, but many believe that this team has a big-time chance to finally get to that title game.

In order to achieve that goal, this summer will be vital, and with assistant coach Robert Ortega and other coaches taking prospects to schools, competing in 7-on-7 and line camps, this was indeed something that could put them over the top.

Some of the colleges they went to includes Georgia State, Morehouse, Kennesaw State, Clark, Georgia Tech, FSU, Florida A&M, UCF and the University of Georgia where they beat Miami Booker T. Washington for the 7-on-7 title.

Here is a look at the prospects who were on the summer tour:

CLASS OF 2025

Montrel Canion (DE/OLB, 6-2, 245 – 3.5 GPA)

Sebastian Circo (QB, 6-2, 185 – 4.0 GPA)

Daniel Davis (OL, 6-4, 335 – 3.2 GPA)

Niame Geffard (DE, 6-2, 210)

Jacob Joseph (DE/OLB, 6-2, 230 – 2.6 GPA)

Julian Mendez (OLB, 6-1, 195 – 3.0 GPA)

Samuel Mitchell (OLB/Edge, 6-4, 215 – 3.5 GPA)

Sinorice Moss Jr. (RB, 5-9, 195 – 4.2 GPA)

Si’Mor Price (WR, 6-2, 182)

Martin Rhyne (LB, 6-2, 215 – 2.5 GPA)

CLASS OF 2026

Johnathan Bueno Jr. (RB/Slot, 5-9, 165)

Jordan Davis (OL, 6-4, 340 – 3.0 GPA)

Calerbe Hermaine (WR, 6-4, 195 – 3.1 GPA)

Kallen Martinez (DB, 6-3, 165)

Robert Ortega Jr. (RB/Slot, 5-7, 165 – 4.0 GPA)

Hunter Ratkevich (TE/H-Back, 6-5, 205 – 4.5 GPA)

Caleb Williams (DB, 5-9, 160 – 3.4 GPA)

CLASS OF 2027

Sherrod Gourdine (Athlete, 5-9, 170)

Jaylyn Jones (FS, 5-11, 150 – 3.5 GPA)

Tavares Ward (DB, 6-0, 160)

Bryce Williams (CB, 6-2, 170 – 3.4 GPA)

CLASS OF 2028

Justin Barrera (WR, 5-9, 150)

Tromone Issac Jr. (WR, 5-9, 168)

EDITOR’S NOTE: We will continue to spotlight Miami-Dade and Broward programs who are traveling to colleges this June.

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

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

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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..