Up until September 29th of last year, when Coconut Creek played the No. 2 team in the country – Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna – the 4-1 record the Cougars had put together to start the season never got anyone’s attention.
After losing to state-rated Gainesville High in Georgia by only eight never registered with football fans in south Florida. But those four quarters on that muggy fall night changed the way everyone viewed a football team that had been knocking on the door for several years.
With head coach Johnnie Sloan and his impressive staff going hard year-round, the Cougars were on the verge of doing something special.
The 35-27 loss to the Lions had turned the fortunes of this team around.
For the next six weeks, football fans across the state noticed a new face on the 3M landscape.
Loaded with quality talent and plenty of experience, they would lose just one more time and that came in the second round of the state playoffs to eventual state champion and national powerhouse Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.
That 10-3 season was not just a one-time thing. Even though there were losses, there was a strong feeling that the future was indeed bright.
With some key leaders returning, the Cougars had a plan. One that would ensure that this program would remain in the mix.
As the off-season began, returning prospects started to work toward 2024, and with the spring and summer on the horizon, the outlook was once again positive – with prospects competing in 7-on-7 events, line camps and looking toward restocking.
THE SHELVES WERE NOT LEFT EMPTY
With several prospects moving on to the next level, the Class of 2025 rising seniors were ready to make a return.
Led by one of the most underrated players in the state of Florida, leading the way at defensive tackle, leadership would not be a problem.
With 6-2, 275-pound Nimari Brantley holding things down, the class was ready to own the responsibility of keeping this program moving forward.
In addition to Brantley, the 2025 class also included Samuel Alexis Bonilla (OG), Jahar Brown (WR), Elijah Calixte (OLB), Ivan Delien (CB), Jermaine Gordon (RB), Akemi Rainford (DE), Keon Roy (SS), Jaydon Rucker (OG), Jaheim Taylor (WR), and cornerback Tyler Williams.
With the future depending on what the underclassmen can bring to the table, the Class of 2026 (rising juniors) were also ready to step up to the plate as well – with Khameron Baker (LB), Santonio Banton (DE), Mekhi Headley-Fain (OG), Jacari Johnson (OT), Sebastien Midi (DB), Zanii Miller (SS), Andrew Stickney (QB), and running back Jordan Thompson.
TRANSFERS WILL CERTAINLY MAKE A HUG IMPACT
At a time when prospects are switching schools at a record pace, the Cougars have certainly not been left out of what the off-season brings.
Knowing that to keep up with the rest of the playoff teams, things had to be done – and they have in a major way.
Among the 2025 new faces include Isaiah Anderson (WR, Pembroke Pines Flanagan), Janaris Foster (DB, Fort Lauderdale Stranahan), highly regarded quarterback Devin Gonzalez (Weston Cypress Bay), Dylan McCarthy (DB/WR, Weston Cypress Bay), Ricardo Paul (DE, Coral Springs), and Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy linebacker Mike Varga.
The future was also enhanced with the addition of Class of 2026 players Jonathan Brady (DL/OL, Oakland Park Northeast), Damian Dickenson (RB, North Lauderdale Somerset Prep) and Trayvon Mitchell (SS, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely).
Incoming freshman cornerback/receiver Jaquan Washington will make his way over from Fort Lauderdale Dillard.
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 54 years, we have spent plenty of 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..
Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers. https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers
There are many college football programs in the state of Florida who attacks the month of June, but very few did it the way Florida Atlantic did in 2023.
From the first day, getting football talent and families on campus was a priority for head coach Tom Herman and his staff.
While FAU has long made the state a priority when it comes to recruiting, they never had the facilities to attract student/athletes to Boca Raton.
From special teams events to 7-on-7 and team camps, this is a program that really hit the summer hard and utilized every day of the month before shutting things down in July. The hard work and planning certainly paid off as the 2024 recruiting class was one of the best they have had – and the state of Florida was a major target.
With an opportunity to bring in south Florida talent along with hitting other areas of the Sunshine State, they kept pace with the other schools they compete for prospects with.
Here is a look at those Florida high school standouts who are expected to lift the Owls to the next level:
Kyle Boylston, Athlete, Jacksonville Trinity Christian
Braden Cunningham, OL, Orange Park Fleming Island
Mauricio Hinds, OL, Clearwater Academy International
Curtis Janvier, CB, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna
Jarvis Johnson, LB, Miami Westminster Academy
Lawrence Johnson, CB, Miami Palmetto
Char’quez Lee, LB, Miami Palmetto
Gavench Marcelin, Edge, Miami Belen Jesuit
Jaheim Miller, CB, Miami Norland
Ethan Proffitt, OL, Jacksonville Bishop Kenny
Kaden Shields-Dutton, RB, Orlando Edgewater
Loren Ward, DL, Cocoa
Leon Washington Jr., Athlete, Tallahassee North Florida Christian
Michael Wright III, S, Palm Beach Gardens
TRANSFERS
Phillip Dunnam, S, North Miami Beach (INDIANA)
Dom Henry, WR, Ponte Vedra Nease (BRIGHAM YOUNG)
George Johnson III, WR, Stuart Martin County (UMASS)
Kyler Laing, Edge, Tallahassee Godby (BUFFALO)
Ja’Kavion Nonar, OT, Belle Glade Glades Central (MARYLAND)
Daughtry Richardson, OT, Miami Central (FSU)
Milan Tucker, WR, Fort Myers (APPALACHIAN STATE)
TRANSFER SEASON IN MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD. https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers
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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
It is a fact that if you want to build your football program to the next level, having talent from the Sunshine State is a must.
Look across the country – and you will see that where there is success, you will find that the roster includes football talent from the state of Florida.
As Florida International University and head coach Mike MacIntyre build this program back toward the top, the one thing that continues to play out is the love affair with Florida.
From south Florida to central, north and southwest Florida, this program has made sure that a majority of this roster has more than its share of prospects who have played their football somewhere in Florida.
Coming off the 2023 class, where a number of key football talent stayed home, or close to home, the Panthers followed that up in this year’s class.
Among those who make up part of that impressive 2024 class are:
Germaine Carter, DL, 6-0, 260, Miami Norland
Clayton Dees, QB, 6-2, 180, Palmetto
Sadonnie Gay, S, 6-0, 180, Miami Northwestern
Devonte Lyons, RB, 5-10, 180, St. Augustine
Jonathan Rodriguez, OL, 6-4, 280, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons
Eric Nelson Jr., WR, 6-2, 170, Miramar
Knajee Saffold, OL, 6-4, 321, Port St. Lucie Treasure Coast
Raheim Sexil, CB, 6-1, 183, Bradenton Manatee
Nicholas Smith, WR, 6-0, 180, Fort Lauderdale Stranahan
Shamir Sterlin, S, 6-2, 185, Port St. Lucie Treasure Coast
Josiah Taylor, LB, 6-0, 210, Sebring
Jaden Williams, S, 6-2, 183, Plantation
Robert Williams, DL, 6-2, 256, Miami Christopher Columbus
TRANSFERS
Giovanni Davis, Edge, 6-5, 255, Miami Dr. Krop (Tennessee Martin)
Juju Lewis, WR, 6-2, 216, Davie Western (GEORGIA TECH)
Ben Shellenback, OT, 6-5, 290
Eddie Wall III, Edge, 6-3, 250, South Fort Myers (BETHUNE COOKMAN)
Desna Washington, WR, 6-5, 220, Belle Glade Glades Central (NEW MEXICO)
TRANSFER SEASON IN MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD. https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers
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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
POMPANO BEACH – Two weeks ago when they traveled to Tampa for the Pylon 7-on-7 event, there were few who knew much about the Bal7ers Elite team.
Coached by former NFL standout Julius Jones, Grant Conness, David Gamble, Corey Pierson, Marcus Lawson and Lawrence Pierson, this team has certainly taken the Pylon events by storm, climbing the rankings quickly.
On Saturday, the Pylon 7-on-7 tournament moved to Pompano Community Park.
With several are programs taking part along with teams from Virginia, Jacksonville, Tampa, Palm Beach County and Orlando – and teams of all ages taking part – the spotlight fell on this team, which features players from throughout Broward County.
When the final game was played, and the Bal7ers Elite beat national power Florida Fire, they had taken home another title.
Following the Tampa event, this team was elevated to the No. 3 Pylon high school team rankings nationally, earning a No. 3 position. After Saturday’s win, look for this talented group to leap FSP Blue Chip and MVP Red and grab the top spot nationally.
With several athletes with state championship and playoff pedigree, and a coaching staff that has been at the highest level, keep your eye on this team the rest of the season. They are indeed hungry and talented!
2026 – Shmar Akande, CB/WR, Hollywood South Broward.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19697422/Shmar-Akande
2026 – Mason Chapman, QB, Coconut Creek North Broward Prep. 4.34 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17826022/Mason-Chapman
2027 – Cody Conness, QB, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons.
TAPE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1x95rSqTTc
2016 – Derrek Cooper, WR/RB/S, 6-1, 190, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19057210/Derrek-Cooper
2025 – Deanthony Ferguson, WR, Fort Lauderdale.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18511746/Deanthony-Ferguson
2027 – Donte Findeson, RB/WR, 5-6, 150, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19691361/Donte-Findeson
2027 – Zayden Gamble, DB, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19530451/Zayden-Gamble
2027 – Hudson Harris, DB, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna.
2025 – Dryan Jean, LB, 6-0, 180, Fort Lauderdale.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18526613/Dryan-Jean
2028 – Andre’ Jones, FS/WR, 5-9, 155, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19727284/Andre-Jones
2026 – James Jones Jr., WR, 5-10, 140, Delray Beach Atlantic.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18575648/James-Jones
2027 – Julius Jones, WR, 5-11, 160, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20767020/Julius-Jones
2025 – Opius Knox Jr., Athlete, 5-11, 165, Coral Springs.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19706500/Opious-Knox-jr
2026 – Zamari Marquez, DB, 5-9, 170, Fort Lauderdale Dillard. 3.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19371767/Zamari-Marquez
2026 – Gavin Mesidort, WR/DB, 6-0, 150, Boca Raton Saint John Paul II.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18345895/Gavin-Mesidort
2025 – Demaree Pettit-Blanc, CB, 6-1, 175, South Plantation.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16885462/Demaree-Petitblanc
2025 – Jamarcus Pierre, CB/WR, 5-10, 170, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14517179/64ff5cd819a6860448c5d282
2025 – Si’Mor Price, Athlete, 6-2, 175, Hollywood South Broward.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16212262/65426a27664bdb13b80f6ee2
2026 – Jaiden Roper, LB, 6-1, 205, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. 3.8 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19239806/Jaiden-Roper
2025 – Preston Wright, QB, 6-2, 200, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. 4.2 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16294361/657600f9176d2904dc9d85a6
TRANSFER SEASON IN MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD. https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers
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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Before Wednesday’s second National Signing Day, St. Thomas University head coach Bill Rychel and his staff wanted to make sure that south Florida prospects would play a huge part in this year’s class.
After another impressive finish this past season, competing in the same conference as national champion West Palm Beach Keiser University, the Bobcats wanted to secure Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties – much like they have the past few years.
With coaches attending nearly everything in the region over the past year, it was a given that when it came to signing on the dotted line, there would be some familiar faces, and there were.
Among those staying “home” from the Tri-County area included Chosen Allen (DL, Davie Western), Amari Bigger (DL, Hallandale), Norris Brinkley (OL, Delray Beach Atlantic), Dylan Burrowes (DL, Deerfield Beach), Angel Cedeno (OL, Miami Immaculata LaSalle), Martaz Charles (OL, Davie Western), Brondson Etienne (TE, Key West), Christian Grier (DL, Hollywood McArthur), Robbie Henry (WR, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman), Dennis Ivanov (OL, Boca Raton), and receiver Jermaine Jones (Homestead).
The class also featured Malik Kesley (RB, Coconut Creek Monarch), Demetrius Kinchens (DB, North Miami), Adin Lin (OL, Coconut Creek Monarch), Terrell Lo-Ray (WR, Coconut Creek Monarch), Eduardo Lorenzo (OL, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Keyon Martin (DB, Homestead), Elisson Mirutil (OL, Miami Palmetto), Eric Morris Jr. (LB, Fort Lauderdale Stranahan), Anthony Olazabal (DL, North Miami), Carson Perusse (WR, Wellington), Brandon Pierre (WR, Hialeah American), Devante Pierre (DL, Greenacres John I. Leonard), and Delray Atlantic receiver O’Neil Shearer, Reggie Smith III (DB, Hollywood McArthur), and offensive lineman Devondre Stephen (Hollywood South Broward).
The Bobcats will also welcome in Lamarcus Taylor (WR, Miami Palmetto), Evan Tempro (TE/LB, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy), Rueben Toombs Jr. (QB, Fort Lauderdale Stranahan), Ethan Vanzant (OL, Miami Palmer Trinity), Marcelino Vega (RB, Hollywood McArthur), Jonathan Ward Jr. (LB, Hollywood South Broward), Demetrius Williams, RB, Homestead South Dade, and linebacker Tyler Wilson (Lake Worth Park Vista)
The Bobcats also sank their teeth into the Panhandle (Pensacola), Jacksonville, Orlando, southwest Florida, Williston, Bradford County, Panama City, Chiefland, Ocala, Union County, Live Oak Suwannee, Sebring and into the Treasure and Space Coast as well.
TRANSFER SEASON IN MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD. https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers
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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..