It seemed like yesterday when Sly Johnson from Premier Athletes claimed that he had the next great football prospect.

At the age of 10, it was tough to tell what future “little” Xavier Restrepo would have, but if you went by dedication, work ethic and athletic ability, this was someone who was not just going to be someone that would blend in.

From his youth days right up until high school, Restrepo was always doubted. Too small, not fast enough and while he played the sport to its fullest, his college days would be at the low Division 1 or Division 2 level.

Coconut Creek Monarch, St. Thomas Aquinas and Deerfield Beach all showcased a playmaker who would outwork you and rise above all the negatives. In addition, his play in the off-season with 7-on-7 teams and training with Premier Athletes kept him in the spotlight,

When Manny Diaz and his coaches offered the 5-8, 165-pounder, many felt it was a false offer. There was no way that this undersized football prospect would ever compete at the Power 5 level. It wasn’t logical to those who didn’t know what ticked inside his mind and body.

As Johnson worked with him every weekend, Restrepo’s game went to another level – and then another level after that. The student/athlete that very few were paying attention to was ready to embark on a journey that very few believed he was ready for.

As a true freshman in Coral Gables, he played in nine games his true freshman season and had one reception for 12 yards. The next season, he played in all 12 games, recording 24 receptions for 373 yards and two touchdowns. In 2022, he played in seven games, due to an injury, with three starts, finishing the year with 21 receptions for 240 yards and two touchdowns. But it was last season – his junior year – that all those who criticized him in the past – started to jump on the bandwagon.

During a dismal 6-6 season, the now 5-10, 200-pound slot receiver delivered in a major way. The player who everyone said was overmatched for major college football, silenced everyone when he caught 85 balls for 1,092 yards and six touchdowns, earning him a spot as a first team All Atlantic Coast Conference selection.

His knack of being that well-rounded student/athlete has always paid off as he graduated in December and set an example for those young men and women who are doubted.

With an option to go to the next level – or head to another college – Restrepo showed his belief in head coach Mario Cristobal and the University of Miami program as he returned for a final year and an opportunity to finish what he started. Beginning the 2024 season 52 receptions shy of passing Mike Harley (182) to become all-time leader in school history.

On top of all those accolades, he is setting himself up for the future with a Master’s Degree.

SECOND ANNUAL FOOTBALL CAMP A SUCCESS

It was only fitting that the person who had worked so hard to achieve – on and off of the football field – gave back once again.

Last Saturday, Restrepo held his second annual football camp for youngsters at Ives Park in North Miami Dade.

Hundreds of future football stars came out to learn, compete and have plenty of fun – while Restrepo, his mother, Ashley and father Jaime along with several volunteers and sponsors gave a group of kids something to remember.

“My son Ethan has been playing football for a short time,” said Charles Fishbein. “But I will tell you out of all the events we have been to, this was by far the best run, and everyone had such a great time.”

Besides instruction, there were special events that awarded prizes and all the campers were treated to some delicious food.

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When his team dropped a 23-14 decision to Miami Palmer Trinity on Sept. 8 of last year, Miami Archbishop Carroll veteran head coach Jorge Zagales and his Bulldogs had no idea how the season would end up.

That setback only fueled this football team that had lost the region to Miami True North Academy in 2022 and came back motivated.

After the loss last season, this team would go on a 10-game winning streak, taking the district – beating Palmer Trinity twice before getting another chance at True North.

When they emerged with an exciting 38-35 decision, the program came within one game of playing for a state title for the first time in school history.

The state semifinal contest came at national powerhouse Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, and even though they lost to the Lions, the Bulldogs held their heads high and finished 11-2.

As they came back this spring, it was all about maintaining what they have built under Zagales, who is easily one of the best and most respected football coaches in south Florida.

With an eye on the upcoming season, the rising senior (2025) class will be in the spotlight – with some impressive talent.

Here are some of those prospects to keep an eye on:

Sebastian De La Pava, CB, 5-9, 160.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16621918/Sebastian-De-La-Pava

Daniel Diaz, DT, 6-0 220.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18610681/Daniel-Diaz?

Jesse Hinojosa, LB/DE.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16522046/Jesse-Hinojosa

Anthony Pazmino, DL/OL.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16690987/Anthony-Pazmino

Joshua Rivera, RB,

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18294527/Joshua-Rivera

Jake Santovenia, OL, 5-10, 226.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16690894/jake-santovenia

Roger Soca Jr., TE, 6-2, 205 – 3.8 GPA.

TAPE: Junior Year Highlights Number 2 - Roger Soca highlights - Hudl

AWAITING VIDEO

Peter Almeida, OL

Leo Diaz, OL/DL

Bryan Gonzalez, DL

THE FUTURE WILL BE LOADED WITH TALENT

With that rising senior class ready to take charge, the Bulldogs are set for the future with a number of rising juniors (2026), sophomores (2027) and freshmen (2028):

Here is a look at those players – many who are just getting their collective feet wet at the varsity level:

CLASS OF 2026

Jaden Ledo, OL, 5-10, 230.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16690851/Jaden-Ledo?

Kelcey Parrish, RB, 6-0, 198.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19038049/Kelcey-Parrish

Kendrick Pembleton, DE, 6-2, 217 – 3.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18159206/664e6fae4d1f5cac7923d0bb

William Secola, SS.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18159278/William-Secola

Joshua Velez, DE.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16260333/Joshua-Velez?

AWAITING VIDEO

Jacob Acosta, OL

Robert Herrera, DE

Gabriel Mazzotti, TE

Davian Pabon, QB

Ryan Pagliery, OL/DL

Nathan Pantoja, OL/DL

Maximo Rodriguez, FB/LB

David Silva, OL

Jonas Taylor, DT/OG

Ga’Mari Williams, RB

CLASS OF 2027

George Diaz, FS, 6-1, 177.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20135564/George-Diaz

Julian Sanchez, OL/NG.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20135407/Julian-Sanchez?

Johnny Santovenia, CB/RB.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18255961/Johnny-Santovenia

Isaiah Suarez, LB/RB, 5-9, 182.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20135512/Isaiah-Suarez?

AWAITING VIDEO

Damian Acosta, OL/DL

Max Marrero, QB/FS

Nicolas Tavarez, CB/RB

CLASS OF 2028

Joel Rodriguez, FB/LB, 5-8, 180.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22379384/Joel-Rodriguez

AWAITING VIDEO

John Cardet, OL

Coleman Quesada, DE

Jamari Waters, CB

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MIAMI HERALD

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

There is no getting around the fact that Miami Immaculata’s football schedule has drastically changed over the past three years.

With schools such as Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, Miami Booker T. Washington, Miami Edison, Miami Jackson, Miami Northwestern, and Miami Belen Jesuit, this is a program that must bring their best every week.

After starting 3-1 last season, head coach Helder Valle and the Royal Lions ran into a gauntlet of traditional powers.

The only way to combat the impressive schedule is to add prospects, and this program has done just that.

While the rising senior class (2025) will have the experience and leadership, the future is where this team is looking toward to gradually climbing the ladder and get back in the state playoff mix.

The 2025 class does have some players to keep an eye on.

Here are some of those to keep an eye on:

Rashad Lee, Athlete, 6-0, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16477416/Rashad-Lee?

Santiago Robles, RB, 5-8, 180.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16566024/Santiago-Robles

Billy Saleh, OL, 6-3, 300.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16737335/Billy-Saleh

Joel Salien, WR, 6-0, 177 – 3.7 GPA. Track & Field.

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

Alan Schael, WR, 5-10, 175 – 3.57 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17418944/Alan-schael

Taylor Trauth, QB, 6-4, 210 – 3.8 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15115804/Taylor-Trauth

THE YOUTH MOVEMENT IS ON

While there are several rising seniors who will take the lead this coming season, it’s the underclassmen who holds the key for the future. Prospects who have already started to turn heads and grab the spotlight.

Here are some of the future stars for this program:

CLASS OF 2026

Wendell Copeland, DB, 5-9, 165 – 3.3 GPA.

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

Andres Delgado, DL.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16929629/Andres-Delgado/about?

Oliver Hernandez, QB, 5-10, 151 – 3.86 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18105621/Oliver-Hernandez

Tavarus Jones, CB/WR, 5-10, 150.

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

Jayden Noel, DB, 5-7, 152.

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

Keondre Ponton, S, 6-2, 170.

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

 Danny Tavel, LB, 5-11, 200.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18004793/Danny-Tavel

K.C. Vargas, 6-1, 215, LB/TE – 3.5 GPA.

TAPE:  https://www.hudl.com/profile/18157771/KC-Vargas

CLASS OF 2027

Raul Alvarez, DL, 5-10, 193.

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

Jordan Diaz, LB.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20169961/Jordan-Diaz?

Christian Guillaue, OL.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19653418/Christian-Guillaue?

Phillip Jones, Jr., DE/OLB, 6-2, 185.

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

Torrance Jones, WR/S.

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

Daylen Morgan, OL, 6-0, 290.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19090813/Daylen-Morgan

Tyrone Williams, WR/CB, 5-10, 181.

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIAMI IMMACULATA LASALLE FOOTBALL

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

When Miami Central failed to get to the state championship game last season – after four consecutive state titles under Roland Smith and Jube Joseph – things just were not right on 95^th Street.

An 8-4 record which had two losses to eventual 2M state runner up Miami Norland, No. 1 nationally rated Las Vegas Bishop Gorman and No. 2 nationally rated Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna stood in the way of this team getting back to win a fifth straight title.

When the dust settled on an “off” year, the Rockets lost all four of those games by a total of 13 points!

For a program that has dominated the state over the past decade – with a mind-boggling 110-17 record – the void in Tallahassee was noticed.

As the off-season began, Joseph and his coaching staff were out to make sure that what happened in 2023 will not happen again this coming season.

With several returnees and some big-time newcomers, this is a team that could easily reclaim that top spot in the state – when they host two-time defending 4S state champion Lakeland at Traz Powell Stadium on Aug. 23.

The core of this program lies with the Class of 2025 (rising seniors) where there is an amazing amount of high-level prospects.

This is the class that will provide experience, talent and leadership.

 Here is a look at some of those quality players:

Randy Adirika, DT, 6-4, 265.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17667842/Randy-Adirika

Tyrese Bryant, OL, 6-3, 290 – 3.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19380999/Tyrese-Bryant

Anjuan “Ace” Coleman, WR, 5-11, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17633609/Anjuan-Coleman-Jr

Floyd Dawens- Boucard, DT, 6-4, 300.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17840691/FloydDawens-Boucard

Dewey Davis III, DB, 6-0, 165 – 3.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16794886/Dewey-Davis

Steven Dawkins, OL.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19538889/Steven-Dawkins?

Luca Guerra, P/K, 6-1, 180 – 4.29 GPA. 1269 SAT.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16331542/Luca-Guerra

Handy Joseph, WR, 6-2, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19538893/Handy-Joseph?

Bekkem Kritza, QB, 6-5, 200.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17164684/Bekkem-Kritza?

Jalen Labranche, DB, 5-9, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17643897/Jalen-Labranche

Derrick Manker, DT, 6-1, 260.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18054802/Derrick-Manker?

 Ezekiel Marcelin, LB, 6-1, 202 – 3.4 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17070413/Ezekiel-Marcelin?

Nicholas McCall, RB, 6-0, 190 – 3.2 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18610103/Nicholas-McCall

Tavares Mobley, DE, 5-10, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20381098/Tavares-Mobley

Nae’shaun Montgomery, WR, 6-2, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17882921/Naeshaun-Montgomery

Zion Peret, DB, 6-0, 180 – 3.3 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14897225/Zion-Paret

Herlin Perry Jr., CB, 6-1, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16690138/Herlin-Perry-Jr

Donavan Randle, DE/OLB, 6-2, 220 – 3.5 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16409796/donavan-randle

Jeremy Smith, OT, 6-5, 265.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16737128/Jeremy-Smith

Sekou Smith Jr., FS, 6-1, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15428244/Sekou-Smith

Khaleal Sterling, WR, 5-9, 165.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17945587/Khaleal-Sterling

Amari Wallace, S, 5-10, 175.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17129710/Amari-Wallace

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

While the rising senior class is loaded with talent, the cupboard will not be bare after the 2024 season. There are several gifted underclassmen who are ready to step up this season.

Here is a look at some of the 2026 and 2027 athletes to keep an eye on:

Kamari Bailey, WR, 5-9, 150.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16121590/Kamari-Bailey

Terrence Campbell, LB/RB, 6-1, 215.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17654853/6553bd919a90f2077800e020

Adrian Ellis, LB, 5-10, 200.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19698133/Adrian-Eliis

Otis Guyton, DE, 6-0, 180 – 3.8 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19391934/Otis-Guyton

Karon Maycock, Athlete, 6-2, 210 – 3.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18939858/Karon-Maycock

Cameron McCrea, DE, 6-1, 193.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16025610/Cameron-McCrea

King Walker, WR, 6-4, 200.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/13241630/King-Walker

2027

Kareem Brown, 6-0, 170, WR.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16930405/Kareem-Brown

Sean Thompson, WR, 6-2, 182.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19530845/Sean-Thompson

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