Once again, it has been a busy off-season in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties with numerous player transfers.

While student/athletes are going from one school to the next, there is that usual movement of head football coaches – with several programs naming replacements.

COLON TAKES OVER AT MIAMI HIGH

When Dorrean James stepped aside last month at Miami High, it left a void at this tradition-rich school, which has been looking to turn things around.

On Monday, Athletic Director Leonard Graham and the administration filled the vacancy with the hiring of a familiar name to south Florida football fans when Pat Colon was selected to lead this program.

Colon brings over two decades of coaching experience and a strong track record of leadership, player development, and program building. His coaching principles is grounded in the holistic development of student-athletes—cultivating not only athletic excellence but also academic achievement, personal responsibility, and disciplined character.

“This is a situation that I have waited for,” he said. “A program with a great history that has a strong academic and athletic presence in the state of Florida.”

Colon previously served as the head football coach at North Miami from 2017 to 2021, leading the program to playoff appearances in each of his first two seasons. His leadership extends beyond the head coaching role, having held numerous defensive coordinator positions at prominent South Florida programs including Carol City, Norland, Edison, North Miami, and Miami Springs. Across each tenure, he has consistently fostered competitive, high-character teams known for their discipline, effort, and resilience.

“I know the landscape of south Florida when it comes to football extremely well,” Colon explained. “We are in a competitive district and there will be some challenges, but I believe that over the next few years we can lay a solid foundation – competing year-round and giving our athletes every opportunity to succeed, on and off the playing field.”

Colon’s coaching philosophy is anchored in the belief that sustained success is built on the pillars of commitment, discipline, and relentless effort. A dedicated mentor, Colon has played a pivotal role in the development of countless athletes who have advanced to the collegiate and professional levels. Notable among them are Deandre Wilder (University of Miami), Rashad Fenton (University of South Carolina / Kansas City Chiefs), and Carlton Davis III (Auburn University/New England Patriots).

Coach Colon is a proud alumnus of Kentucky State University, where he earned varsity letters as a defensive back under the guidance of esteemed coach Wesley McGriff (Auburn). Academically, he holds degrees in Elementary Education and Mental Health Counseling, complemented by certifications in reading and special education—further demonstrating his commitment to the intellectual and emotional development of the student-athlete.

With deep-rooted values in equity, perseverance, and team unity, Colon is eager to cultivate a hard-working, competitive, inclusive, and family-centered football culture at Miami High.

COACHING CHANGES CONTINUE IN MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD

While Colon is the newest head coach to be named, he is not alone.

Miami-Dade’s new faces include Pat Burrows (Homestead South Dade), Derrick Gibson (Miami Central), Tim “Ice” Harris, Sr. (Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy), Dorrean James (Miami Booker T. Washington), Derick Murdock (Coral Gables), and Pedro Neiva (Miami Varela).

Broward County also has some quality coaches who will look to elevate their programs. Among those are

Darryl Bethune (Hollywood South Broward), Robert Ortega (Hollywood McArthur), Jake Pew (Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy), Ed Therrimann (Coral Springs Taravella), J.T. Thomas (Deerfield Beach), and Carl Toussaint (Pembroke Pines Charter).

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..

Every year since taking over the head coach position at Pembroke Pines West Broward High School, Brian McCartney has taken the Bobcats one step further.

As district champions the past two seasons, he has been able to build on the success his program has achieved – with the addition of assistant coaches and players, and as they headed into the off-season and pointed toward spring – this is one of the most gifted teams this school has ever had – from top to bottom.

With spring at the end of the month, this is a program that many fans across south Florida believe can be one of those programs, like West Boca Raton and Miami Southridge did in 2024, can compete for a spot in the state championship game in Miami.

To get to FIU and Pitbull Stadium in December, the rising senior (2026) class will have to take an active roll of leadership and experience.

As the rising senior class takes the lead, there are several underclassmen who are very talented and rated among the best in the state.

CLASS OF 2026

Shmar Akande, DB, 6’2”, 180.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19697422/Shmar-Akande

Bryan Granger, OL, 6’4”, 285 – 3.2 GPA.

TAPE:  https://www.hudl.com/profile/19070089/Bryan-Granger

Nick Ion, OL, 6’3”, 300 – 3.3 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20146553/Nicholas-Ion

Uryah McCartney, LB, 5’11”, 205 – 4.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16224777/6758bd26d731d6cbb052bf9a

Trace Poncev, PK, 5’8”, 175 – 4.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/8694486/Trace-Poncev

Alejandro Schmitt, OL, 6’6”, 305 – 3.89 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17990712/Alejandro-Schmitt

Amir Vakil, DL, 6’3”, 215.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22942373/Amir-Vakil

Quincy Walker, LB, 6’1”, 205.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22221768/Quincy-Walker

CLASS OF 2027

Amos Bradford, Athlete, 5-10, 175.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22863433/Amos-Bradford

Isaiah Calixte, WR/DB, 6’0”, 176.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20766036/Isaiah-Calixte

Cameron Goodwin Jr., DB, 6’1”, 175 – 4.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19962167/Cameron-Goodwin-Jr

Jaeden Jackson, DB, 6’2”, 195 – 4.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19690136/Jaeden-Jackson

Debonaire Johnson, LB, 6’0”, 220 – 3.3 GPA. 2 Sport Athlete.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16942162/Debonaire-Johnson

Amir Lane, OL/DL, 6’2”, 250.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23156135/Amir-Lane

Izaiah Lopez, Athlete, 5’10”, 190.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19763446/Izaiah-Lopez

Cedric Mitchell, WR/DB, 6’0”, 175.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20502987/66f9c78a8d158587b6645df5

Jack Spaeder, QB, 6’3”, 185 – 3.75 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18342160/67496c45c5646942d5185d0b

CLASS OF 2028

Aden Johnson, Athlete, 6’5”, 200.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22947332/6705da98e00a351ca7910425

Sabien McCloud, OLB/DL, 6’1, 225.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22316115/Sabien-McCloud

Amir Sears, Athlete, 6’2”, 175 – 3.93 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18445689/66eebbcd14281e5030b1fc8b

Quizon Warner, DL, 6’2”, 265.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23099464/quzion-warner

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..

MIAMI – No matter what sports program any college has in this country, having a local flavor is usually a plus.

While many sports – such as basketball, softball and baseball do not have a large roster – football is indeed the exception. Nearly 100 student/athletes occupy a roster, and when it comes to fan support, it is always nice, in many ways, to have that local touch.

As the Willie Simmons era officially had its curtain call last Saturday during the annual spring game, that local and regional touch was present, and while this program continues to make positive changes, it is indeed a work in progress.

With several fans, families and recruits on hand for the Blue vs. White event, the changes that many have watched over the decades continued to take place.

What Simmons and this staff bring to the table is community, regional and statewide knowledge, from the first day – with the recruiting and the coaches that were added who know the landscape of an area that is truly like no other.

What FIU has always been about is a steppingstone for college coaches, which is nothing new – here or at many places in the country. But to be successful over the long haul, the head coach needs to build the program, promote from within and keep a winning attitude and positive recruiting going.

It all starts with local coaches such as Jelani Berassa, Edwin Pata, Benedick Hyppolite, Anthony Gaitor, Frank Ponce, and while defensive coordinator Jovan Dewitt is not a south Floridian, he has been in this region – on and off – for over a decade.

IT’S ALL ABOUT SUPPORT

On Saturday, you saw families, former high school teammates and friends come to see area players who are on the roster.

While junior standout quarterback Keyone Jenkins (Miami Central) is certainly the most recognizable with his many accomplishments, but he is not alone.

Other locals include defensive back Brian Blades II (Plantation American Heritage), defensive back Demetrius Hill (Miami Springs), running back Kejon Owens (Miami Central), defensive lineman Steven Shannon (Miami Killian), defensive back Jai-Ayviauynn Celestine (Miami Palmetto), receiver C'Quan Jnopierre (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), linebacker Percy Courtney Jr., (Davie Western), defensive back Websley Etienne (Davie Western), defensive lineman Dante Anderson (Homestead), and receiver JuJu Lewis (Davie Western).

There are also defensive lineman Claude Larkins (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), kicker Alejandro Padro (Miami Christopher Columbus), defensive back Jamari Holliman (Miami Norland), receiver Nicholas Smith (Fort Lauderdale Stranahan), defensive back Victor Evans III (Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace), receiver Eric Nelson (Miramar), defensive back Mister Clark (Miami Carol City), running back Jordan Clemons (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), defensive back Sadonnie Gay (Miami Northwestern), and running back Jose Corbo (Miami Palmer Trinity).

The Miami-Dade/Broward representation also features defensive back Jaden Williams (Plantation), running back Nate Henry (Miramar), defensive back Reech Daniels (North Miami), defensive lineman Robert Williams (Miami Christopher Columbus), outside linebacker Toddrick Brewton (Miami Northwestern), kicker Robert Czeremcha (Miami Christopher Columbus), outside linebacker Richard Nwaukoni (Coconut Creek), defensive lineman Jamarrion Solomon (Miami Palmetto), linebacker Dylan Calero (Miami Gulliver Prep), offensive lineman Daniel Michel (Fort Lauderdale Dillard), and offensive lineman Noah Fernandez (Coral Springs Charter).

The local Panthers to keep an eye on also include offensive lineman Jon Rodriguez (Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons), lineman Mykeal Rabess (Miami Norland), defensive lineman Kyrie Samuel (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), receiver Andre Brown (Miami Booker T. Washington), tight end Sean Burke (Hollywood South Broward), defensive lineman Nick Watson (Davie Western) and defensive lineman Germaine Carter (Miami Norland).

There is also former University of Miami running back Ajay Allen, who may not be from here, but has plenty of eyes on him at all times.

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..

While we know that every football season in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties will always produce elite talent, there are often prospects who may not get the attention they deserve.

In the vast sea of talent that is south Florida, there are so many quality players in each class that sometimes we may not find out about them until later.

Just look at all the talent that is annually produced in this area that finds their way to college and even the NFL.

Throughout the year we bring you hundreds and hundreds of prospects at every level, and today we look at five more players who will be impact performers over the next year. Prospects that may not be household names now, but that will certainly change in the spring, summer and into the season.

2026 – Tavano Baptiste Jr., OL, 6-2, 275, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna – 3.0 GPA. Last season he burst onto the scene as a total package and a great addition to an offensive line that is among the best in the state for veteran head coach Dameon Jones. He is big, strong, athletic, skilled and picks things up quickly. Against some of the state’s elite programs he graded out very well and will emerge as one of the top players this coming season. Colleges love the work ethic and everything he brings to the table.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22776751/Tavano-Baptiste-Jr

2026 – Gary Hadley Jr., WR/DB, 6-3, 185, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. Comes over from Pompano Beach Blanche Ely with amazing credentials on both sides of the ball. Has the opportunity to be one of the more high-profile prospects to switch schools, adding immediate play-making abilities to a program that is rebuilding under head coach Matt Dubuc. Has the ability to make something big on every play is what the Chiefs will be looking forward to as they make a run in 2A.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18430169/Gary-Hadley-Jr

2027 – Kai Moore, QB, 6-1, 190, Miami Norland – 3.8 GPA. They have been waiting the past two years to see what this young man is all about as a starter after learning from one of the best quarterbacks (Ennio Yapoor Jr.) in Florida history. He is indeed one of the most underrated prospects who steps up his game against some elite competition. Strong throwing arm, elite decision making and a very high football IQ. He has already shown the skills he brings to the table, walking away with several post season MVP awards. Head Coach Daryl Heidelberg and his team are anxious to get things started and keep the winning tradition going.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20299699/Kai-Moore

2026 – Shane Rochelle, OLB, 6-2, 205, Miami Northwestern – 4.0 GPA. When he took home the MVP award at the winter Under Armour Miami event, many didn’t know who he was. The transfer from Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas showcased many skills last season for the Raiders, and as he moves south to play for the defending 3A state champion Bulls and head coach Teddy Bridgewater, he will truly make a name for himself as a playmaker who has everything you are looking for at his position. His motor never stops, which will only enhance the recruiting process.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17995967/shane-rochelle

2027 – Wyatt Smith, DE, 6-6, 245, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. There are very few underclassmen who have turned more heads than this young man who has the chance to be among the nation’s best over the next two years. His frame will see so many changes in just the next year, and as he continues to learn the game and position, this is without a doubt a national recruit who will be looked at by everyone. While the Raiders are used to elite talent, head coach Roger Harriott and his coaches understand they have something very special here.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20133523/67927d308812f629682ec4b2

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..