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Orange Bowl High School Football Showcase Feb. 15

The Orange Bowl is hosting its ninth annual Orange Bowl Florida High School Football Showcase presented by Baptist Health on Saturday, February 15 at St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens.

The free event will provide hundreds of local high school junior and senior student-athletes an opportunity to meet college coaches from across the country for a chance to receive aid or scholarships as they aspire to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level.

Each participant will compete in a series of tests, drills and scrimmages that best display each player’s various talents at their respective positions, followed by a meet and greet opportunity with coaches from approximately 30 NCAA Division II, III, NAIA and JUCO programs.

Since 2017, more than $8 million in scholarships and financial aid has been awarded to more than 400 high school student-athletes participating in this event.

"The Orange Bowl Committee takes great pride in its ability to once again present this unparalleled opportunity to local high school student-athletes," stated Orange Bowl Committee President & Chair Henri Crockett, a former football player at Florida State University. "Our consistent objective is to provide these students with increased exposure, thereby enhancing their prospects for securing financial assistance for college and ultimately attaining a college degree. The event's significant success over the past eight years underscores its effectiveness in pursuing this aim."

To be eligible to participate in the football showcase, student-athletes must be a high school senior or junior who has not accepted a scholarship offer from a Division I football program. In addition, it is recommended that participants have a 2.5 GPA or higher in 16 Core Courses AND have an SAT score of at least 920 (math and verbal only), OR have a composite ACT Score of 18 or higher or a sum score of 68 or higher.

“Baptist Health is proud to support this incredible program that celebrates the athleticism, determination, and sportsmanship of young athletes,” said Baptist Health Doctors Hospital CEO, Lourdes Boue. “Our commitment to the health and well-being of our community extends beyond the walls of our facilities, and by partnering with the Orange Bowl, we empower these student-athletes to reach their full potential. We are excited to be part of such an important tradition.”

The Orange Bowl Florida High School Football Showcase is presented by Baptist Health and is joined by associate sponsors Amazon, Bank of America, Florida Power & Light Company, GA Telesis, GRUBBRR, Mgc2 and Uber. The football showcase is conducted in association with the National Football Foundation (NFF) and its local chapters.

For more information about the Orange Bowl Florida High School Football Showcase presented by Baptist Health and to register, please visit www.orangebowl.org/showcase/.

About Orange Bowl

Orange Bowl is a primarily volunteer non-profit sports organization with more than 410 members that promotes and serves the South Florida community. With its primary mission since being created in 1935 to bring tourism to South Florida through an annual football game and events, it has also maintained a legacy of charitable contributions and community outreach. Orange Bowl’s community outreach is embodied by the four pillars of its Orange Bowl Cares program: Youth Sports, Education, Community Engagement, and Legacy Programs. Orange Bowl features a year-round schedule of events culminating with the 2026 College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl on Jan. 1, 2026. For more information about Orange Bowl events, including promotional inquiries and volunteer opportunities through the Ambassador Program, log on to orangebowl.org or follow @OrangeBowl on social media.

About Baptist Health

Baptist Health is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 12 hospitals, more than 28,000 employees, 4,500 physicians and 200 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned institutes specializing in cancer care, brain and spine care, heart and vascular care and orthopedic care. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and the Baptist Health PineApp, a virtual health platform. Baptist Health South Florida is an academic and clinical affiliate of Florida International University. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and is the most awarded healthcare system in South Florida by U.S. News & World Report. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

Once again on Thursday night the South Florida High School Sports Radio Show took center stage with seven impressive guests.

Each and every week, the AM 560 WQAM radio program attracts the newsmakers in high school sports, recruiting college sports – not only locally, but throughout the country.

The show gives listeners an opportunity to hear about college football programs statewide from the media that covers them. It also focuses on the coaches who use the state of Florida – Miami-Dade and Broward Counties in particular.

The show, which has run for nearly two decades has become a popular listen for recruiting fans as well as high school sports purists, focusing in on coaches and players in all sports.

Here is a look at the way Thursday went:

The University of Fort Lauderdale continues to build on the football field and head coach Damon Cogdell talked about it.

COACH COGDELL ON THURSDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/coach-damon-cogdell-hc-university-of-fort-lauderdale-with-larry-blustein-1-30-25-bee70

New head coach and schedule ready to break for the 2025 season. Brandon Helwig from UCFSports.com dropped by.

HELWIG ON THURSDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/brandon-helwig-ucfsportscom-with-larry-blustein-1-30-25-7080a

The schedule is out, and the prospects continue to roll in at the University of Miami. David Lake, Publisher of http://InsideTheU.com, talked ‘Canes.

LAKE ON THURSDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/david-lake-insidetheucom-with-larry-blustein-1-30-25-c6ca

It was a year ago that James Colzie III was named as 19th head coach at Florida A&M University. The Miami native talked Rattlers.

COACH COLZIE III ON THURSDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/coach-james-colzie-iii-with-larry-blustein-1-30-25-146de

The successful @OB_Showcase will be held on Saturday, February 15th at St. Thomas University. David Armstrong talked about the event.

PRESIDENT ARMSTRONG ON THURSDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/president-david-armstrong-orange-bowl-showcase-with-larry-blustein-1-30-25-698fd

Coach Jake Pew is the new head football coach at Archbishop McCarthy and looked at the exciting future of the program.

COACH PEW ON THURSDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/coach-jake-pew-archbishop-mccarthy-with-larry-blustein-1-30-25-3f131

Miami Felix Varela football has a new head football coach and Pedro Neiva talked Vipers with us.

COACH NEIVA ON THURSDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/coach-pedro-neiva-miami-varela-with-larry-blustein-1-30-25-d35e0

THIS OFF SEASON GET THE JUMP ON EVERYONE. Check Out The South Florida High School Sports Radio Show Every Week. @UHealthSports @560WQAM https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98

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..

It Was A Frustrating Season For Somerset Silver Palms

To say that the 2024 football season was one that Somerset Academy Silver Palms would like to have back would indeed be an understatement.

What turned out to be a rollercoaster season, the Stallions ended up missing the state playoffs because of two setbacks in the district. Two games that head coach Matt Dixon and this program felt they could win, heading into the season.

Losing three of the first four games was tough, but even tougher was winning five of the final six and having nothing positive to show for it.

As they began the off-season, there was a commitment to making sure that what happened in 2024 would not repeat itself this coming year.

The success of the team will be with an experienced and gifted senior (2026) program that is loaded with playmakers, who are still hurting from this past season.

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

Angel Gonzalez, WR, 5-10, 170 – 3.7 GPA

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17863087/Angel-Gonzalez

Maleik Marcelin, WR/KR, 5-6, 140 – 3.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19477872/maleik-marcelin

Luis Mederos, OL, 5-10, 215.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19054825/Luis-Mederos

Humberto Serrano, QB, 5-10, 170 – 3.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17556288/Humberto-Serrano

Elijah Tillman, WR/DB, 5-11, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20444639/Elijah-Tillman

Daniel Valdivia, OL/DL, 6-1, 270.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17600704/Daniel-Valdivia

Willie Wilson Jr., WR/CB, 6-2, 160.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19126629/Willie-Wilson

AWAITING VIDEO

Enrique Castellanos, DE/TE/LS, 6-1, 190.

Stoodley Foreste, DE/OT, 6-1, 200.

HOW ABOUT THE FUTURE?

While the Stallions will rely on the talent and experience in the rising senior class, there are also plenty of impressive talent that is ready to step up.

Here is a look ahead at some of the younger players that are excited to make a major contribution:

CLASS OF 2027

Jayden Davis, LB/RB, 5-11, 190 – 3.7 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19465037/Jayden-Davis

Ahmad Williams, RB, 5-8, 175.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21771415/Ahmad-Williams

CLASS OF 2028

Travis Jacinthe, OLB, 5-10, 165.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22682373/Travis-Jacinthe

Tamoree Moise, DB, 5-10, 170. Basketball.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23756292/Tamoree-Moise

Fletcher Spann III, OLB/S, 5-11, 175.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22769125/Fletcher-Spann-III

Aron Whitfield, WR/DB, 5-11, 175.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21825642/Aron-Whitfield

AWAITING VIDEO

Kosta Obucina, OL/DL, 6-0, 220

Jayvion Robinson, WR, 6-1, 170

CLASS OF 2029

Randy Troy, DE/LS, 6-3, 190.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21703825/Randy-Troy

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

Keeping An Eye On Football Transfers In Miami-Dade & Broward Counties. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

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..

New Faces Headed To New Places In Miami-Dade, Broward

We are off to what appears to be a record pace for transfers in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties this off-season.

It should come as no surprise that the numbers continue to get higher and higher every year, but there is a method to the madness for students who leave one school for another.

Private programs have been doing it for years – because, well, they are private and there is no rule about transferring as long as the tuition is paid for – in some way and of course, the student passes the entrance exam.

Now, we are finding that the public schools are seeing a rise in transfers to their sports programs but not affecting the enrollment or classification because a majority of the “students” do not attend classes at the physical school itself.

In a day where online and “alternative education” is the norm, if you have a way to get to practices at the school you choose, welcome to 2025.

While it is going on in different areas of the state, and in parts of the country, the epicenter for an online education focuses on Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties, where the football teams are indeed in the spotlight nationally and questions are being asked.

As the landscape changes on the gridiron, there are new faces changing schools each and every day, and for fans who follow this great sport, social media has become a daily “transaction wire” – where you head to see what prospects are coming, and of course, who is going.

With spring still three months away, and the debut for these prospects, coming in late April and May, the job for many is letting college coaches know where this talent is residing, so they can continue the recruiting process.

As the young men move around, we will do our best to let the colleges know – as well as the fans who support this game.

Today, we bring you five new faces that will be at a different stadium this coming year:

2027 – Albert Betson Jr., LB/Edge/LS, 6-1, 220, Miami Northwestern – 3.6 GPA. One of the top prospects on the west coast in California is making his way to play for the defending 3A state champions. Transferring in from Palmdale Highland. A versatile talent that can help a team in several ways.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19773475/678a1058850fcd9230b38771

2027 – Gerren Bray, OL, 6-2, 285, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – 3.5 GPA. After helping his team win their first ever state championship this past season at West Boca Raton, this is someone who brings his many talents into Broward County, now lining up for a program that has won the past six state titles and are loading back up for a seventh.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19783194/Gerren-Bray

2026 – Jakari Johnson, S, 6-0, 190, Hollywood McArthur. As many are doing this off-season, Hollywood McArthur has become a destination for some quality prospects in south Florida, and this one-time Plantation standout will now play his final season for the Mustangs and first year head coach Robert Ortega.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20082475/Jakari-Johnson

2026 – Brandon Kinsey, WR/Athlete, 6-2, 192, Miami Central – 3.4 GPA. One of the best kept secrets of the past two seasons, this impressive student/athlete is about to make a major impact for the Rockets, moving over from Miami Immaculata LaSalle. He is the kind of football player that can line up anywhere on the field and deliver in a major way. He also gets it done in the classroom as well. Started his high school career at Miami Northwestern.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17807080/632f82c19a911c07f4d8c2ae

2026 – Malachi Matthews, OL/DL, 6-2, 255, Miami Norland - 3.0 GPA. There are very few teams who have done so well with off-season transfers like the Vikings – especially on both sides of the line. Here is a two-way player that will have an opportunity to work with some quality coaches and athletes. He is transferring in from Pembroke Pines Flanagan.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19825199/673367d1e1560e88eaef2049

MORE MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU? https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

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

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..

Several Local Prospects Headed To Sunday’s Orlando Stock Up Event

At a time when attracting a college football scholarship is tougher than ever, any exposure that student/athletes can receive is what the process is all about.

Off-season events that many sell you on are often not what they appear to be – with companies only thinking about the financial end of things and not helping to assist these athletes who are trying to live out a dream.

On Sunday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., recruiting analysts, college coaches and media will be on hand ar Orlando Boone High School to help Class of 2025-2028 prospects gain the attention that will be needed for college coaches to see and read about.

The annual Prep Redzone Stock Up Winter event will feature over 100 football players who will be recognized, photographed and evaluated by those who continue to put these young men on the radar every day throughout the year.

The objective is to make sure that every player who attends a Prep Redzone event is not only written and evaluated at the time of the showcase but is added to a database and talked about and promoted throughout their careers.

“The difference in what we do and any other company who hosts these types of things is we will recognize everyone who comes and takes part,” said recruiting analyst Drew Johnson. “Throughout the course of the upcoming week, we will mention prospects who took time out to get better and put themselves out there.”

In addition to the evaluations, coaches will select event MVP’s as well as making new contacts that can make a difference in the recruiting process.

During the course of a year, Prep Redzone Florida posts over 100 prospects each month on X (https://prepredzone.com/florida/) and lists and evaluates thousands of prospects on the website daily.

Watching players LIVE at games, practices, camps and combines also assists in the total evaluation. That is something very few services can offer.

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD PROSPECTS WILL BE ON HAND

With players coming from all over Florida and other states, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties will also be represented with several prospects in each class.

Here are some of those who will be headed to Orlando:

CLASS OF 2025

Josiah Oliver, LB, 6-2, 220, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons – 3.8 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16673881/6644f7ed9a1c2a603ed91873

Bishop Stewart, OL/DL, 6-4, 300, Parkland Douglas.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16574600/Bishop-Stewart

CLASS OF 2026

Jahmani Chin-Suer, CB, 5-10, 160, Sunrise Piper – 4.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19230617/Jahmani-ChinSuer

Maleik Marcelin, WR, 5-6, 145, Homestead Somerset Academy Silver Palms – 3.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19477872/Maleik-Marcelin

Franki Sosa Jr., DB/Athlete, 6-2, 185, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman, Basketball.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22912406/Franki-Sosa-Jr

Gregory Watts III, RB/WR, 5-6, 160, Hialeah American – 2.9 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19407713/Gregory-Watts

CLASS OF 2027

Trenton Beesing, QB, 5-9, 170, Pembroke Pines Charter – 3.7 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19753837/Trent-Beesing

George Harris Jr., WR/OLB, 6-0, 185, Miami True North Classical Academy – 3.5 GPA – HONORS.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17631972/George-Harris

Kai Moore, QB, 6-1, 190, Miami Norland – 3.8 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20299699/674e9acc3377ab550283c38e

Jaiden Roberts, Athlete, 5-8, 170, Coconut Creek Monarch

Tyler Smith, CB/SS, 5-11, 155, Davie Nova – 3.2 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19588362/Tyler-Smith?

CLASS OF 2028

Ryan McPhun Jr., Athlete, 6-1, 197, Rise Prep Academy/Miami Gardens TRU Prep Academy – 3.7 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20173668/Ryan-Mcphun-Jr

Colton Smith, Athlete, 5-11, 165, Miami Ransom Everglades – 4.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19374286/67182d713b0d4daa920e1953

Macho Walker, CB, 6-1, 155, Pembroke Pines Flanagan – 4.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22902796/Macho-Walker

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..

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