BRADENTON – With some of the best Class of 2026 junior football players in the country coming together last Friday and Saturday at IMG Academy, the nation knows who some young elite players will be to watch.

The annual Under Armour Next Future 50 taking place, the nation’s elite boys and girls football standouts got together for a weekend of expert skills training, skills competitions and an introduction to flag football that included a five-on-five tournament.

Launched in 2015, the UA Next Future 50, for the first time, hosted the nation’s elite high school girls and boys for a joint weekend of skill development and exposure to the growing sport of flag football, with the support of USA Football.

SOUTH FLORIDA WAS WELL REPRESENTED

Three of the top 2026 prospects had the opportunity to jump on the radar and further showcase their skills in front of coaches, media and fan recruiting websites.

Quarterback Dia Bell from Plantation American Heritage showed why he recently committed to attend the University of Texas – as he was one of the top prospects.

Chaminade-Madonna receiver Denairius Gray was someone that many had never watched play, but after the two-day event had concluded, he was certainly well on the national radar.

When the off-season began, Derek Cooper was someone that nobody knew anything about. Used sparingly as a running back and linebacker at Cardinal Gibbons, the 6-0, 200-pounder burst onto the scene at the Under Armour combine in Miami during the competition.

From a prospect that was basically unknown, that three-hour event vaulted him from obscurity to one of the elite 2026 prospects and he has not stopped watching his stock rise.

Over the weekend, the now Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna prospect was introduced he was named as the Boys Flag Tournament.

“All three players who came up from south Florida impressed,” said 247 National Analyst Andrew Ivins. “I thought Bell was one of the best during the competition. Gray has really established himself as one of the best. As for Cooper, his stock has been rising all off-season. He is playing running back, but I see him as a linebacker or safety down the road.”

The players had a meeting with the media before participating in their first set of flag football competitions. Then on Saturday morning, the athletes were back on the field for positions specific drill work and instruction. The event culminated on Saturday night with semifinal and championship games of the flag football tournament.

The results of the flag football tournament are below, followed by the winners and award winners from the weekend:

Girls Semifinal Games

Team Zay 10, Team Flores 0

Team Jettas 18, Team Gordon 0

Girls Final

Team Zay 12, Team Jettas 6

Girls Flag Tournament MVP: WR Jasmyn Mitchner (Robinson HS, Tampa, Fla.)

Boys Semifinal Games

Team Zay 26, Team Flores 25

Team Jettas 27, Team Gordon 20

Boys Final

Team Zay 20, Team Jettas 6

UA Next Future 50 Camp Winners:

QB Accuracy

Noah Grubbs (Lake Mary HS, Lake Mary, Fla.)

Joselynn Carrington (Del Sol Academy, Las Vegas, Nev.)

40 Yard Dash

WR Vance Spafford (Mission Viejo HS, Mission Viejo, Calif.)

RB Jaysie Dailey (Maple Heights HS, Maple, Ohio)

Tug of War

LB Adam Balogoun-Ali (The Benjamin School, North Palm Beach, Fla.) and WR Aksana Corey (Marietta HS, Marietta, Ga.)

Water Balloon Toss

WR Davion Brown (Trinity Episcopal School, Richmond, Va.) and Destiny Blunt (Birdville HS, North Richland Hills, Texas)

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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..

In our many travels throughout south Florida and the state, we come across so many area prospects who are not receiving the attention they deserve

While we fully understand that there are so many gifted seniors that continue to put their best foot forward, we are in different times when it comes to recruiting.

No longer can the student/athletes play the waiting game when it comes to making a decision. There is a need – especially with the portal – to make sure you ate least commit to a school so you will have a place to go.

Remember, this portal works both ways, and while you can start out at a school, you don’t have to stay there if you can advance yourself.

As we do throughout the course of the year, and everyone understands that we promote and evaluate players we see perform – and there are few – of any who can honestly make that claim.

Today, we bring you five more prospects who are still very much in play as they head toward their final season in high school.  

Jesse Hinojosa, DL, 6-0, 255, Miami Archbishop Carroll. For a program that came within one game of reach the 1M state playoffs a year ago, here is a true catalyst for head coach Jorge Zagales and the Bulldogs. A steady force up front who continues to get better and work hard in the off-season.

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

Timothy Munroe, TE, 6-3, 205, Plantation – 3.6 GPA. Another of the 2025 prospects who is under the radar for first year head coach Darell Strong and the Colonels. Gets off the line of scrimmage quickly as he does have receiver skills. Knows how to get open and is a physical type of player who is not afraid to stick his nose into the defense and block. Someone that coaches need to continue to watch.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18470820/Timothy-Munroe

James Orange, DB, 6-0, 165, Miami Palmetto – 3.10 GPA. When it comes to defensive backs, you already know that head coach Mike Manasco and his staff are always ready to make an impact in the secondary, and this is a perfect example of a football talent who not only covers well, but also will come up and make some key hits. Will be a major force if the Panthers advance to the state finals this coming season.

TAPE:https://www.hudl.com/profile/16099798/James-Orange

Martin Rhyne, LB, 6-2, 215, Davie Western. Another one of those impressive talents who started out a St. Thomas Aquinas, but has more than fit in with the Wildcats and head coach Adam Ratkevich. Not only does he play the run very well, but will drop and cover the pass and make things happen up field. Also showed that he can play on special teams as well.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16745581/Martin-Rhyne

Kahleel Warthen, OL, 6-3, 250, Miramar – 3.6 GPA. If you are looking for a difference maker this season for the Patriots and head coach A.J. Scott, this Calvary Christian transfer has everything you are looking for – from the football field to the classroom. Football is in his blood, and this could be one of the major players for the 2024 season that very few little about.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16722671/Kahleel-Warthen

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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..

As we know by now, the landscape of college football recruiting has changed dramatically.

It wasn’t long ago that making a choice on where to play football was something that many, who were “tweeners”, took their time. Not anymore!

The transfer portal and NIL have ruined amateur sports at the collegiate level. The word LOYALTY should be removed from the dictionary because attending one college and playing for one program are in the past.

Transferring from one school to another has put high school recruiting in jeopardy. Most schools would opt for a 20-21-year-old who has been to school and adapted to college life and are mature over a 17-18-year-old who has much to learn.

Because the NCAA never wanted to step in and do their job by governing collegiate athletics and keeping a close watch on the portal and NIL, this has become a runaway train.

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD FOOTBALL PROSPECTS CHOOSING EARLY

With the window being open for a shorter time, student/athletes are making their decision before the start of their final season.

While many elite prospects still have their choice when they will commit, it all falls on those players who are NOT star-rated athletes to make a choice before transfers fill the roster.

Because this region of the state is always watched and recruited heavily, many are making their decision before the start of July.

Here are some of those who have already decided:

Bryan Auguste, OL, Coconut Creek Monarch (KENTUCKY)

Omarian Abraham, DL, Plantation American Heritage (NORTH CAROLINA STATE)

Nimari Brantley, DT, Coconut Creek (FAU)

Antonio Branch, DB, Miami Northwestern (PENN STATE)

Devin Brown, DB, Miami Northwestern (FIU)

Sean Burke, TE, Hollywood South Broward (FIU)

Woody Celucien, OL, Miami Central (GEORGIA STATE)

Hector Chavez, LB, Miami Christopher Columbus (FAU)

Tywan Cox, DB, Miami Northwestern (USF)

Davion Dixon, DL, Miami Palmetto (NOTRE DAME)

Chris Ewald, DB, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (MIAMI)

Shamar Fowles, WR, Miami Carol City (COASTAL CAROLINA)

Caleb Harris, OL, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (USF)

Brandon Hoch, WR, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (FAU)

Tavius Horne, CB, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (EAST CAROLINA)

Logan Husband, DL, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (FAU)

Darius Johnson, WR, Miami Central (TROY STATE)

Romando Johnson, Edge, Coconut Creek Monarch (WEST VIRGINIA)

Sterling Joseph, RB, Miami Edison (FIU)

Bekkem Kritza, QB, Miami Central (PENN STATE)

Jaquari Lewis, RB, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (APPALACHIAN STATE)

Ezekiel Marcelin, LB, Miami Central (MIAMI)

Joshua Moore, WR, Pembroke Pines West Broward (FLORIDA)

Donta Simpson, DT, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (MARYLAND)

Jeremy Smith, OT, Miami Central (FIU)

Zion Paret, DB, Miami Central (FAU)

Kevin Reyes, DB, Pembroke Pines West Broward (FIU)

Martin Rhyne, LB, Davie Western (GEORGIA STATE)

Sekou Smith Jr., S, Miami Central (MISSISSIPPI STATE)

Trevor Sommers, Edge, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (PITT)

Kha’leal Sterling, WR, Miami Central (PITT)

Amari Wallace, DB, Miami Central (MIAMI)

Kyle Washington, WR, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (GEORGIA STATE)

Jett White, DB, Miami Edison (MARYLAND)

Kenny Williams, WR, Miami Gulliver Prep (FIU)

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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..

As time gets closer to the start of the 2024 high school football season, the Class of 2025 is indeed on the clock.

That elusive college scholarship or financial assistance is starting to dwindle and the reality of not being able to live out a dream is starting to become a reality.

While the transfer portal his seriously cut into high school recruiting, the light at the end of the tunnel is still there, but the upcoming season and the post season have become more important than ever before.

With all the talent that we have here in south Florida is something that is coming back to be a negative. Too many student/athletes and not enough money to hand out.

What we continue to do is shine a spotlight on all athletes. While 4 and 5 stars sell subscriptions, the reality is they do not need exposure and are often over hyped.

With that in mind, yesterday we started to shine a spotlight on the 2025 class in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties with a look at some of the offensive players. Today, we get a chance to bring you some defensive prospects to keep an eye on.

What this group represents is talent, experience and leadership – starting up front with the linemen – such as Darius Curington (6-2, 260, Miami Edison), Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons transfer Richard Scott III (6-3, 235, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Anthony Smith (6-2, 300, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Craig Comrie Jr. (6-1, 225, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna) recent Central transfer Deangelo Thompson (6-3, 215, Miami Northwestern), and Jacob Joseph (6-2, 215, Davie Western).

There are also some quality linebackers in the class – with Lewenski Ydore (6-2, 225, North Miami), Miami Killian transfer Dylan Gill, 6-3, 198, Homestead South Dade), Samuel Griffin (5-10, 190, Miramar), Alberto Soto (5-11, 170, Hialeah Gardens), Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons transfer Anthony Ottinot (6-0, 195, Miami Norland), Martin Rhyne (6-1, 200, Davie Western), Jack Sawyer (6-1, 220, Hialeah), and Joshua McDowell (5-11, 205, Miami Southridge).

The secondary in these two counties always has some impressive talent and this class is no different. Among those prospects include Davaris Lawson (5-10, 175, Sunrise Piper), Jonathan Carter (6-1, 190, Pembroke Pines Flanagan), Tavius Horne (5-11, 160, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Fort Lauderdale Stranahan transfers Janaris Foster (6-0, 175, Coconut Creek Monarch), Lance Grant (CB, 5-9, 165, Homestead), Miami Beach transfer Willie “Chino” White (5-11, 175, Homestead South Dade), Mekhi Hicks (5-9, 150, Plantation American Heritage), Semaj Smith (5-10, 160, Homestead), Hollywood McArthur transfer Camari Hall (5-11, 155, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Devin Brown (5-10, 140, Miami Northwestern), and Adonis Ferguson (5-11, 165, Hollywood McArthur).

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..