There was a time when you were a college football coach and were looking for offensive linemen to recruit, Miami-Dade and Broward would be one of the last places you would be looking.

While the #305 and #954 have always produced amazing receivers, defensive backs, linebackers and running backs, elite offensive linemen were not what you traveled south to find. But that has changed – in a major way.

With more and more events geared toward producing and developing linemen, the landscape is now completely different than ever before.

Over the past decade, many coaches in south Florida have watched the NLF draft and saw how many line prospects were being taken early and were compensated very well, which started instruction and competition.

With the 5-on-5-line events getting more popular throughout the country, Miami-Dade and Broward have jumped aboard and the college coaches have noticed.

When it comes to recruiting this area, there is now a focus on the “big men” – and with combines and camps being held – it is now these linemen who are jumping on the radar and earning MVP awards and national recognition.

Check out some of the elite programs in this region of the country and you will see that the success of these teams have been led by linemen that are being recruited by some of the country’s best teams, and each year, it gets more and more popular.

Fresh off exposure events and spring football for colleges, the spotlight has shined brighter on Miami-Dade and Broward, and today, we bring you five who have already started to make a major impact:

2026 – Ekeem Atehortua, G, 6’4”, 310, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. When it comes to opening holes and protecting the passer, here is a versatile guard who has made a difference for head coach Dameon Jones and his Lions as they pile up state and national recognition. His size, footwork and always improving strength have college coaches continuing to watch his progress. In addition to what he brings to the football field against top-flight competition, his 3.7 GPA in the classroom has been a huge asset in the recruiting process. 

TAPE:  https://www.hudl.com/profile/18148019/Ekeem-Atehortua

2026 - Anthony Bell, OT, 6’4”, 290, Miami Northwestern. Looking back on the 2024 championship season for head coach Teddy Bridgewater and his Bulls and you will see a talented prospect who improved every time he went out on the field. He is a solid pass blocker and continues to get better when it comes to opening holes for speedy backs in the running game. One of the things you notice about his game is a motor that doesn’t stop until the whistle blows. While he brings plenty to the football field, his 3.1 GPA in the classroom is also something that works in his favor.  TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19625745/672c3f00742f7fc52725db8a

2026 - Shermari Bowens, OL, 6’4”, 275, Miami Southridge. When the season begins in late August, the Spartans are expected to be one of the top 6A programs in the state under head coach Pierre Senatus. The talent that this team has assembled brings fans back to the days where this program was easily one of the most dominant. While there is plenty of talent on this team, the offensive line will be among the best – and this quality talent has emerged as a player that continues to improve and showcase his versatility as a guard or tackle, which not only gives the team a boost, but also helps to showcase in the recruiting process. Also, while he continues to improve on the field, using athleticism and technique, his work in the classroom (2.9 GPA) is also a big addition. 

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20387598/Shermari-Bowens

2027 - Aiden Hartnett, OL, 6’3”, 290, Plantation American Heritage. Coming off a 4A state championship as a sophomore, “Big Country” is a very gifted and athletic talent who combines technique, tremendous footwork and strength as he continues to learn the position under head coach Mike Smith. Playing against some of the top competition in the state a year ago, look at how he more than held his own, protecting one of the top passing games in the nation – as well as opening holes for an elite running attack. Everywhere he goes this off-season, this is certainly a player that has made some major strides and showing why he will be one of the top underclassmen. In addition to his work on the football field, he is an outstanding student (3.8 GPA) in the classroom as well as showcasing his wrestling abilities on the mat.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17994260/Aiden-Hartnett

2027 – Mark Matthews, OL/DL, 6-6, 275, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. When experts talk about some of the elite offensive lines heading into the 2025 season, the Raiders are right at the top as they continue to produce top-flight players who continue to get better and better. One of the prospects who has thrust himself into a major spotlight nationally is this versatile underclassman who has dominated and turned heads at every event he has appeared in – coming off a 5A state title under veteran head coach Roger Harriott. He is a physical talent that combines athletic ability with technique and skill. He is so versatile that he dominates on the defensive side of the ball as well – and as college coaches watch him perform – you can guarantee that over the next two years he will be one of the nation’s best. Remember the name because he will be around for a while!

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19972142/673df9ff0717b4746f651dda

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..

When they lost in the second round of the 2A state playoffs to Miami Booker T. Washington, it ended one of the best seasons for Miami Immaculata LaSalle.

Even though that setback stung a little, veteran head coach Helder Valle and his Royal Lions had completed an impressive 11-2 season.

As the off-season began and this team headed toward spring and eventually the summer, there was a good feeling that the team coming back, coupled with some newcomers who would be joining this team over the next few months would give this program an opportunity to take things further in 2025.

Along with Booker T. Washington, Miami Carol City, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, North Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons in the region, this is a program that has a chance to win District 15-2A and have home field advantage.

Here is a look at some of those prospects to keep an eye on:

CLASS OF 2026

Antwan Borden Jr., OL, 6’3”, 310 – 3.14 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20048270/Antawn-Borden-Jr

Wendell Copeland, SS, 5’10”, 170 – 3.22 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17807065/Wendell-Copeland

Ian Destinobles, LB, 6’2”, 200 – 3.1 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17975340/Ian-Destinobles

Tavarus Jones, CB, 5’10”, 165. Track & Field.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17807070/Tavarus-Jones

Daniel Marin, LB, 6’1”, 185 – 3.5 GPA. Track & Field.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21044095/Daniel-Marin?

Jayden Noel, DB, 5’7”, 140 – 3.39 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19517383/Jayden-Noel

Keondre Ponton, S, 6’2”, 160.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19517381/Keondre-Ponton

CLASS OF 2027

Raul Alvarez, Athlete, 5’11”, 200 – 4.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19517372/Raul-Ignacio-Alvarez-Eguia

Anthony Gerald III, OL, 6’2”, 310 – 2.9 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22692120/Anthony-Gerald-III

Christan Guillaume, OL, 6’0”, 315 – 3.1 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19653418/Christan-Guillaume

Philip Jones Jr., DE, 6’2”, 195 – 2.7 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18901929/Phillip-Jones-Jr

Torrance Jones, WR, 5’8”, 160 – 3.2 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20407050/Torrance-Jones

Tyrone Williams, WR, 6’0”, 180 – 3.1 GPA. Track & Field.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20858144/Tyrone-Williams

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..

When Rocco Casullo took over the Coral Springs Coral Glades football team three years ago, he was in a position that he had never been in before.

During his coaching career, he had found success at St. Thomas Aquinas, winning state and national championships. At Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy and Weston Cypress Bay, he inherited teams that had won, had success in the past and were stocked with athletes.

The fact that the Jaguars had only had one winning season in over two decades would be enough to chase most coaches in the opposite direction, but not this son of a coach who comes from a family of football minds and achievers.

After a 1-9 first season, he improved to 3-7 last year, but even while losing games, he had a feeling about the players in this program. He knew that there was talent beneath the inexperience and that if this team worked hard, they could start to turn the corner.

The only winning season this program has enjoyed came in 2021 with Cam Thomas, who posted a 4-1 district record and 6-3 mark while getting to the state playoffs. But that success turned back around – and 6-25 would follow the next three seasons.

Turning a program around that is far removed from the city is never easy. Suburbs in south Florida had never achieved lasting success at the public school level, but there is something about this program and the work they are putting in that has everyone feeling confident – from the administration to the players.

As the off-season arrived, this team took no days off. They conditioned and set the table for the spring and summer ahead.

While the rising senior (2026) class has experience and talent, it’s the rising juniors (2027) that could hold the key with playmakers and impressive athletes.

CLASS OF 2026
Anthony Casseus, Athlete, 6’1, 175 - 3.7 GPA.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2Qegp0

Jaidyn Dantinor, SS/LB, 6’0, 175 – 2.5 GPA.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/19693672

Brandon Grace, LB, 6’2, 210 -3.5 GPA.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2QjfXd

Daniel Jackson, LB, 6’0, 185 - 3.2 GPA.

TAPE: https://t.co/pLInR4ojBC

Joseph Kogon, WR, 5’9, 160 – 3.4 GPA.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2QmUHL

Jordan Roberts, DB, 6’2, 165 – 4.0 GPA.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2QkNne

CLASS OF 2027

Jaden Diaz, WR/DB, 5’10. 160 – 3.6 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19650731/Jaden-Diaz?

Dan Ismard, RB, 5’9, 190 – 3.8 GPA.

TAPE: https://t.co/zaVvmUQL5W

Lynslee Julien, S, 6’, 170 - 3.0 GPA,

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/2039

Julian Madero, OLB/MLB, 6’, 175 - 3.1 GPA.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2QZWdu

Nelson Naud, DL, 6’0, 235 – 3.6 GPA.

TAPE: https://t.co/mshH6kI7AL

Jayden O’Connell, OL/LS, 5’11, 225 – 3.5 GPA.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2QPsvE 

Bryan Pierre, Edge, 6’3, 235 – 2.6 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/v/2RaDSN

Jayden Pierre, DT, 5’11, 235 - 2.79 GPA.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2Qjqjg

Ryan Pierre, Edge, 6'3, 235 - 2.6 GPA.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2RT9Gt

Roodener Salomon, LB, 5’11, 210 - 2.7 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19651128/Roodener-Salomon 

Jayden Snow, DB, 5’10, 160 - 2.5 GPA.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2QeGDC

Brayden Weiler, LB/G, 5’11, 175 – 3.2 GPA.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/19650742

AWAITING SPRING VIDEO

Bryce Cox, WR, 6’2, 170 – 3.0 GPA

Woodmye Laurore, RB, 5’9, 195 - 3.4 GPA

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..

Every year there are different camps and combine companies that come into south Florida and proclaim that their event is going to expose EVERY ATHLETE. That statement is simply not true!

What is true is that when it comes to taking care of their local prospects, NOBODY cares more than the local youth and high school coaches, who are there from the first day athletes in Miami-Dade, Broward & Palm Beach Counties put on shoulder pads and helmets for the very first time.

It is now time that EVERY local athlete (7^th-12^th grade) to have the opportunity for local coaches, recruiters and media to take care of themselves, and that is going to happen on Saturday, April 12^th at Gwen Cherry Park (7090 N.W. 22^nd Avenue, Miami, Fl. 33147). The Portal of South Florida Mega Camp will be the first of its kind.

For the first time ever, a local event – run by locals - will provide coaching, skill development, comprehensive training, team building, filmed drills, competition awards and exposure for every player that attends.

“Having promoted athletes for over six decades, I have to admit that there has never been an event, dedicated to the football prospects of south Florida that is run by the very coaches who have made it possible for so many to learn and develop their craft as players,” said Larry Blustein, who along with so many other local coaches and volunteers will be on hand for this ground-breaking event. “Other areas of the country benefit from the amazing talent we produce in the three counties plus the Keys every year, so it’s about time for our coaches to give back to these young men and women.”

From former professional athletes to college standouts and successful high school coaches, the camp will feature names that these communities know very well.

Be a part of this low-cost exposure event: https://form.jotform.com/250847036917160

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