Nobody has to tell any football fan about the struggles that head coach Taj Marshall and his Southwest Miami Eagles have had. But that hasn’t stopped this program from developing talent.
While this program will never be confused with the powerhouses in south Florida, that doesn’t mean that the players in this program aren’t working year round to improve and put themselves in a position to play this game and receive and education at the next level.
The same camps, combines and 7-on-7 events that the elite playoff programs are taking part in, so are the Eagles, who know that taking this game 365 days a year is the only way to get to that next level.
Marshall and his assistant coaches understand that what you put into this game will pay off. Maybe not in state titles, but development that will afford these young men a chance to play a sport they grew up on.
RISING SENIORS WILL BE VITAL AS USUAL
When the wins aren’t always piling up, leadership becomes so very important as those seniors and juniors are always looked upon to keep the energy alive.
The Class of 2026 rising seniors have some student/athletes will be counted on during the off-season to help the Eagles advance.
Among those prospects to keep an eye on include:
Marikevies McNichols, DL, 6’2”, 205 – 3.2 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18139335/673280a8e53bcbed09775c14
Artavis West, Athlete, 6’1”, 150 – 2.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22429067/672a4924742f7fc5272428aa
In addition to McNichols and West, keep an eye on Christopher Camacho (DL, 5'8", 190 – 3.8 GPA), Christian Espinal (Athlete, 6’0”, 170 – 2.975 GPA), Christian Ferreiro (DB, 6’0”, 180 - 3.92 GPA), Jordan Fleurant (WR, 6’0”, 180 – 2.6 GPA), Jayden Orozco (DL, 5’9”, 210 – 2.5 GPA). Norlis Perez (LB, 5’11”, 165 – 3.167 GPA), and Sean Simpson (DB, 5’6”, 140 - 3.65 GPA).
KEEP AN EYE ON THE 2027 PROSPECTS AS WELL
As the rising senior class will be needed for leadership, the underclassmen represent the future – and the Eagles have several rising juniors in the Class of 2027.
Leading the way in this talented group are:
Aiden Leone, QB, 5’8”, 150 – 3.143 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20394797/670ef88ae91e1f998e15cf4a
Livan Morales Jr., Athlete, 5’7”, 145 – 2.65 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22429086/67365d2aa0714ff1998f5b9e
In addition to Leone and Morales, check out Pedro Cabrera (QB, 5’11”, 160 – 2.909 GPA), Kennedy Deleon (DE, 5’9”, 178 - 3.1 GPA), Luis Garcia (WR, 6’0”, 145 – 3.0 GPA), Raul Inda (PK, 6’0”, 145), Alexander Lopez (Athlete, 5’7”, 165 - 2.875 GPA), Anthony Rodriguez (OL, 6'2", 261), Jordan Smith (LB, 5'10", 180), Gary Taylor (DL, 6'2", 265 – 2.5 GPA), and Robert Vaughn (QB, 5'10", 160 – 3.8 GPA).
RISING SOPHOMORES (2028) ALSO REPRESENT THE FUTURE
While the rising juniors will add to this program, so will the rising sophomores in the Class of 2028. These are potential game-changers for the program.
Lukas Aldazabal, DE, 5'8", 180.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19617330/67339a321d3978c8fbea73f3
Antwan Laughlin, Athlete, 5'7" 140.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22758401/6747e912625776be6d652a61
Other rising sophomores to watch this off-season will be Julian Castillo (LB, 5'10", 184), Matthew Lefevre (Athlete, 5'7", 155), Charlie Petit-Phar (OL, 5'8", 225), Sebastian Raga (K, 5'8", 150), Nicholas Sanchez (WR, 5'7", 120), and Samuel Villamil (Athlete, 6'0", 195).
PHOTO COURTESY OF SOUTHWEST MIAMI FOOTBALL
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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
We hear about touchdown passes, rushing yards, receptions and even quarterback sacks, but the statistic that hardly ever gets the attention is interceptions.
Picking off passes usually results in the outcome of a game, but for some reason, unless they are record-breaking, we rarely hear about them.
Record breaking was a key work this year as Miami Booker T. Washington athlete Ben Hanks Jr., who is on his way to the University of Florida – where his father went – did break a record as he led the Tornadoes to the 2A state semifinals as a receiver and defensive backs, recording a Miami-Dade high 13 interceptions.
While Hanks was breaking records, there were others in the two counties (Miami-Dade and Broward) who also turned games around with their play in the defensive secondary.
Joining Hanks with those game-changing stats included Jerrard Smith (Miami Norland – 8), Samari Howard (South Broward (Hollywood - 7), Walter Manning (Miramar Everglades – 6), Dante Alexander Jr. (Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace – 6), and Keondre Ponton (Miami Immaculata LaSalle – 6).
Also, Semajay Robinson (Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson – 5), South Plantation all-time interception leader Kaleb Declaire (5), Deshawn Blair (Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson – 5), Darnell Tilghman (Davie Nova – 5), Ronald Thomas (Weston Cypress Bay), Mahki Bragg (Homestead Somerset Academy – 5), Justin Matias (Miami Archbishop Carroll – 5), and Jayden Gist (Key West – 5).
Among the players who have four picks this season were Leondre Strawder (Hollywood South Broward (Hollywood), George Valdovinos (Deerfield Beach Somerset Academy Key), Britton Bayag from Miami Westminster Christian), Tavarus Greene (Miami Florida Christian), John Hendrikse (Miami Westminster Christian), Jabori Walton (Miramar Everglades), Kamari Alexander (Southwest Miami), Marc Naranjo (Miami St. Brendan), Shavar Lambkin (Deerfield Beach Somerset Key), Adrian Lopez (Miami Coral Reef), and Opious Knox (Fort Lauderdale Stranahan).
Rounding out the locals who finished with four interceptions were Zamar Smith (Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy), Zayden Gamble (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Javier Frazier (Fort Lauderdale Dillard), Hector Chavez (Miami Christopher Columbus), Montrey Jackson (Homestead South Dade), Amir Sears (Pembroke Pines West Broward), Tavarus Jones (Miami Immaculata LaSalle), Trezavant Boyd (Miami Booker T. Washington), Justin St-Ange (Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy), and Sherrod Gourdine (Davie Western).
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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
While 2025 is still a week away and students won’t be headed back to school until the second week of January, there is already some movement.
Miami-Dade and Broward Counties are indeed home to the busiest area in the nation for football and athletic transfers and it isn’t even close.
With “open enrollment” and private schools opening their doors to these student/athletes, it’s a given that nearly 400 football players will change addresses every year without leaving their residences.
As we just watched in the state title games, south Florida took home five of the seven titles, and that is not likely to change any time soon.
As programs across the state attempt to keep up with what is happening in the two counties – plus West Palm Beach – expect that talent gap to increase as every year passes.
The rich only get richer and even in a “down” year for some schools that fell short this past season, you can guarantee that things will change as top prospects are added to the roster.
As we celebrate Christmas and Hannukah today, we bring you five Class of 2027 prospects who are making the move for the upcoming season:
Tarri Cochran, DB, 6-0 160, Pembroke Pines Flanagan. The Falcons are hoping to keep the always competitive and talented secondary at a high level with the addition of this quality prospect from Miami Central. A versatile football player who will be given the chance to contribute to a team that should be in the mix in 2025 with some off-season additions.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22136023/Tarri-Cochran
Cody Conness, QB, 6-1, 190, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. Making his move back, playing for veteran head coach Roger Harriott and the Raiders after spending his sophomore season at Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. This is a very gifted lefthander who is just searching for the opportunity, and he will certainly have his chance to compete for the six-time defending state champions. He has shined in the off-season and performed when given his chance to. This is someone who can make a statement in 2025.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19497523/674347f43e65b7f75946bfa1
Andrew Davis Jr., DB, 6-0, 180, Miami Norland. Takes his talents into the #305 for the upcoming season after an impressive season for the Falcons of Pembroke Pines Flanagan. This is a true student/athlete (3.7 GPA), who ended his sophomore season with one interception for a touchdown, 40 tackles, eight for loss, five pass breakups and four forced fumbles. Will fit right in with several returners who are back and hungry for veteran head coach Daryle Heidelburg the Vikings.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20684115/Andrew-Davis-Jr
Shane Martinez, OL/DL, 6-0, 250, Plantation American Heritage. For the past two years, he has had the chance to certainly grow as an athlete and student (3.2 GPA) at Fort Lauderdale NSU University School, where he was one of the best in the state for his class. A very talented prospect who is athletic enough to play on both sides of the ball. Walks into a situation where the Patriots and head coach Mike Smith are coming off a state title and will need players up front to keep the success going.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17933481/Shane-Martinez
Jack Spaeder, QB, 6-3, 185, Pembroke Pines West Broward. Here is one of the more promising football prospects in south Florida. Someone who has been on the radar for two years, coming over from Coconut Creek Monarch. The opportunity to play for the two-time defending district champion Bobcats and head coach Brian McCartney is something that could truly benefit his career moving forward. Also gets it done in the classroom.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18342160/Jack-Spaeder
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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Let’s face it. There is so much football talent in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties in all classes, it’s easy to overlook even the brightest stars.
It may seem crazy with the year-round coverage and events that are held – away from the actual football field, but there are several gifted prospects who are overlooked, maybe temporary, but still may not be getting the attention they deserve.
Today, on Christmas Eve, we give you some quality 2026 players that you will want to keep an eye on during the 7-on-7 season, camps, combines and other events designed for exposure.
If you have followed us long enough, we shine a spotlight on EVERY prospect in the #305 and #954, so if there are players that we don’t mention in each blog that we write – please be patient. We will indeed promote every student/athlete at all levels.
Here are some of those players to start watching this off-season:
We began with versatile Phillip Goodrich (LB, 5-11, 205, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Camaul King (S, 6-0, 170, Miami True North Classical Academy), Jeffar Jean-Noel (WR, 5-10, 170, Plantation American Heritage), Jermiyah Douglas (CB, 5-9, 160, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas) and impressive Miami Northwestern athlete Elijah Hardy (5-10, 165) and continue with standout Liam Marley (DL, 6-4, 230, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian).
The class also features talent such as Teddy Welch (OL, 6-1, 285, Plantation American Heritage), way under the radar linebacker Ethan Barosela (6-1, 215, Miami Christopher Columbus), Anthony Brown (OL, 6-3, 315, Miami Palmetto), Benjamin Lamas (Athlete, 6-0, 180, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Tyre Vieux (DB, 6-0, 160, Edison), Wynton Jones (DB, 5-11, 160, Miami Palmetto) and Jesiyah Miguel (DB, 6-1, 165, Plantation American Heritage).
The talent continues with leader Bryan Granger (OL, 6-3, 270, Pembroke Pines West Broward), experienced Cleveland Gary (OLB/Edge, 6-0, 215, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace), Khyze Smith (OL, 6-4, 301, Miami Norland), David James (WR, 6-1, 180, Hollywood South Broward), Terrell Evans Jr. (DL, 6-5, 220, Hialeah), Isaac Tanis (OL, 6-3, 240, Plantation American Heritage), Jayden Torres (QB, 6-2, 185, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons), Jakari Johnson (DB/WR, 6-0, 180, Plantation), and Corey Swint (WR, 5-10, 165, Miami Palmetto).
Rounding out today’s look at the class are Kendall Brown (WR, 6-1, 167, SW Ranches Archbishop McCarthy), J.J. Rochford (OL, 6-3, 300, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian Academy), Reginald Camille (DL, 6-4, 220, Plantation American Heritage), Arron Power Jr. (QB, 5-9, 165, Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson), and fast rising Cory Simon (DL, 6-2, 250, Plantation American Heritage).
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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
As we approach the holidays and the new year, there are still some Class of 2025 seniors who are still looking for a place to attend college and play football.
There is no getting around that these are not easy times when searching for financial assistance – with the portal filling several spots on college rosters – but as we have found over the past few years, if you are patient, there are always going to someplace for high school student/athletes to head to.
Remember, there are always going to be exposure events that are being held where college coaches are going to check our many athletes out.
While there are several options – with small college recruiting fairs being held, perhaps the most successful event that has been held here in the state of Florida is The Orange Bowl Florida High School Football Showcase, which is not only open to the seniors, but also the 2026 juniors who are looking to get a jump on the process.
The Showcase, which is presented by Baptist Health is a FREE one-day event, in association with the National Football Foundation (NFF) and its local chapters. It will be held this year at St. Thomas University once again on Saturday, Feb. 14-15, 2025.
As the event draws closer, we will provide all the information needed.
MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD PROSPECTS ARE STILL OUT THERE
The one thing that we have been able to do over the past few decades is to post the student/athletes who are still looking.
Here are some of those who can certainly help at any college or university:
Dante Alexander, S, 6’4, 200, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19187592/65a294c5d225dc06d857e163
Jacques Dixson, RB, 5’9, 175, Fort Lauderdale NSU University School.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/v/2QAMSQ
James Johnson, OL/DL, 6-2, 290, Homestead – 3.1 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/v/2QStye
Christian Lima, TE, 6’4, 195, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy – 3.6 GPA.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/22012797
Mahximus Lott, LB/DE, 6’0, 200, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy – 2.8 GPA.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2QmGdA
Joel Lugo, LB/TE, 6’, 210, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy – 3.7 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/v/2QGk3x
Bernard Oliva, OL/DL, 6’3, 255, Miami Killian – 3.2 GPA.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/16349619
Sean Ponder, QB, 6’1, 205, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16890758/Sean-Ponder
Shawn Smith, LB, 6-1, 228, Miami Norland – 3.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/v/2QC8pH
Justin St-Ange, LB, 5’10, 210, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy - 3.1 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/v/2QFmH3
If you have any 2025 seniors who are academically qualified and have nothing yet, let us assist you in this process. Send us the information to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..