There was a time when the 7-on-7 “all-star” football season began, rising stars in each community across the country would attend a tryout and form a team.

Local prospects that were either on the radar – or using the exposure of competing against some of the best in the state to enhance their ranking – were those who took part.

There is no getting around that the landscape of 7-on-7 football has changed – from its infancy over two decades ago with the South Florida Express, Florida Fire, Strong Arm and other teams who would attempt to stack their roster with the best quarterbacks, receivers, running backs, defensive backs and linebackers within in their own area.

With so much competition, high level events and the opportunity to travel across the nation to compete, the 7-on-7 that many knew in the early 2000’s had changed – in a major way. It was no longer in just a few states, but the entire country had gotten involved.

Many recruiting fan websites are now using these shorts and t-shirt events to figure in their class rankings – much like AAU basketball has done for decades, although basketball and football are so much different when it comes to evaluation – with basketball offering more to what the game assimilates. Football without pads and linemen can only tell so much, but never-the-less, these weekly events have swayed many who put out lists and use a star ranking.

Still, every weekend from coast to coast, recruiting analysts flock to tournaments, writing stories on top prospects and promoting these events more than ever – in the name of selling subscriptions, which is essential.

In addition to the level of talent, more and more national sponsors are seeing the exposure these tournaments provide and have become a lifeline for programs who take airplanes, stay in hotels, have quality meals, are provided with ground transportation and pay high entry fees to events in hopes to expose their product.

THE RAW ARE AMONG THE BEST 

One of the programs that has jumped on the national radar – bringing home several titles over the past two years is Raw Miami, which is a locally run team that is loaded with local prospects as well as statewide and even national talent that has already found their way onto the recruiting radar.

From rising seniors (2026) to Class of 2028 rising sophomores, the Raw team is stacked with elite talent.

With several businesspeople who have an interest in football and the 7-on-7 events involved, along with some key sponsors, this is one of the most successful program in the nation, already bringing home titles.

“The 7-on-7 season has become huge and the opportunity for elite prospects to compete against one another every week between January and April is something that thousands look forward to,” said Raw General Manager Jose Duasso. “We have been fortunate to bring some of the best football talent in the country together and the results have been very positive.”

Here is a look at many of the athletes who compete for the 2025 Raw program:

CLASS OF 2026

Darryl “Tre” Bell III, Athlete, 6-0, 190, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman – 3.2 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17750834/Darryl-Tre-Bell-III

Helaman Casuga, QB, 6-1, 210, Draper Corner Canyon, Utah.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/11686242/Helaman-Casuga

Jordan Clay, WR, 6-4, 200, San Antonio Madison, Texas – 3.7 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17957673/6526eeafa677310c88341f9f

Ty Crethers, DB/WR, 6-0, 185, Dallas Skyline, Texas.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19031063/651cf6d04df5fa16106f88ef

Joshua Joseph, WR, 6-0, 190, Miami Central.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21019965/Joshua-Joseph

Nicsaint Joseph, WR, 6-2, 170, Miami Northwestern.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17890598/Nicsaint-Joseph-jr

Brandon Kinsey, WR/DB, 6-2, 190, Miami Central. 

TAPE:  https://www.hudl.com/profile/17807080/Brandon-Kinsey

Karon Maycock, Athlete, 6-2, 210, Miami Central – 3.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18939858/Karon-Maycock

Kai Meza, WR, 6-1, 185, Draper Corner Canyon, Utah.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17680243/674242e108227b3a76790ad3

Calvin Russell, Jr., WR/Athlete, 6-5, 190, Miami Northwestern.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17878157/6546e139066ba406b4cdeb25

D’montae “Chico” Tims, S/Athlete, 6-1, 195, Seffner Armwood.

TAPE: https://access.qwikcut.com/hub/detail/6279cef514540c6598db8cd0/Chico-Tims

Jaelen Waters, CB, 6-2, 180, Seffner Armwood.

TAPE: https://access.qwikcut.com/hub/detail/64dcd50e64765c1d096507db/Jaelen-Waters

CLASS OF 2027

Trezvant Boyd, DB, 5-10, 155, Miami Booker T. Washington.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20189717/Trezavant-Boyd

Aiden “A3” Evans, Athlete, 5-11, 170, Lewisville, Texas.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20109064/Aiden-Evans

Samari Howard, DB, 6-0, 155, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – 3.0 GPA. Transferred from Hollywood South Broward.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20309945/672a9c90ff35398cdbafef05

Amarri Irvin, RB/LB, 6-0, 208, Bradenton IMG Academy -4.2 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18140454/6515bf7d19a6a80b3ca43cd8

Zachary “Zac” Katz, QB, 6-1, 200, Miami True North Classical Academy.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17908883/Zachary-Katz

Nicholas Lennear, WR, 6-0, 165, Miami Northwestern.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19539314/Nicholas-Lennear

Taelyn Mayo, DB, 6-4, 184, Lewisville, Texas – 3.5 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19548294/Taelyn-Mayo

CLASS OF 2028

Quartavius Lyons Jr., DB, 6-1, 180, Homestead South Dade – 3.6 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19062829/Quartavius-Lyons-Jr

Amir Sears, Athlete, 6-1, 175, Pembroke Pines West Broward – 3.93 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18445689/Amir-Sears

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 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..

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 cover 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:

Henri Crockett, newly appointed President & Chair will talked this weekend’s Orange Bowl Recruiting Showcase.

HENRI CROCKETT ON THURSDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/henri-crockett-orange-bowl-showcase-with-larry-blustein-2-13-24-5388e

The Florida Gators’ 2025 football schedule is out and Kevin Brockway from the Gainesville Sun broke it down.

KEVIN BROCKWAY ON THURSDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/kevin-brockway-gainesville-sun-with-larry-blustein-2-13-25-24e01

One of the top 7-on-7 teams in the country is south Florida’s RAW. Team founder Jose Duasso talked about the team.

JOSE DUASSO ON THURSDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/jose-duasso-miami-raw-with-larry-blustein-2-13-25-8c022

New coaches, players and plenty of news coming out of the University of Miami and Adam Lichtenstein from the South Florida Sun Sentinel talked about it.

ADAM LICHTENSTEIN ON THURSDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/adam-lichtenstein-south-florida-sun-sentinel-with-larry-blustein-2-13-24-03459

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..

By Dave Brousseau - BCAA Writer

PEMBROKE PINES – One goal proved to be enough for the Pembroke Pines Charter boys’ soccer team.

Junior defender Diego Medina-Pagan scored his second goal of the season from the shortest distance possible, nudging the loose ball just with inches grom the goal line.

The goal was all the Jaguars needed to in defeating Varela 3-0 in a Class 5A Regional Final at home on Wednesday.

“We were sluggish at the beginning and my goal helped changed the game,” said Medina-Pagan. “Once we scored, we put on more pressure. The last time we lost in the state semifinals, but now we have more chemistry and have more fun on the field.”

The victory extends the season to a state semifinal match on Feb. 19 at the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex in Auburndale against an opponent to be decided.

The result extended the Jaguars (18-0-2) winning streak to 17 games, while recording their 14^th shutout of the season. In the three regional games Pines Charter outscored their opponents 15-0.

“We’re very excited and have a phenomenal season so far,” said Pines Charter coach Marc Lue Young. “The boys have improved game by game. We have the mindset to go forward, and we’ve done very well with that.”

“I’m very excited to get back to the state semis and hopefully we can bring the trophy back home to Pembroke Pines, he added.”

In 20 games played to date the Jaguars have outscored their opponents 78-8. And over the last five seasons, including the 2024-25 campaign, they have a combined record of 71-15-5.

Junior keeper Mateo Valencia was credited for recording his 14^th blank sheet of the season.

Pines Charter reached the 2024 Class 5A state semifinals, losing to Panama City Beach Arnold by penalty kicks 4-2. They lost to American Heritage in penalty kicks in the regional finals in 2023.

Junior midfielder Gabriel Calderon blasted a right-footed shot from just outside the box in the 63^rd minute for the 3-0 advantage to secure any thoughts of a Varela (9-7-2) comeback bid.

The Vipers had allowed only a single goal prior to Wednesday’s loss.

“We knew what we were facing, probably one of the best teams we have faced,” said Varela coach Juan Monge. “We had some players injured, but no regrets. We had a great season.”

Sophomore midfielder Aiden Toledo scored his first goal of the season as he collected a freekick near the far post kicking past Varela keeper Maximilian Rojas in the 47^th minute for a 2-0 lead.

Dave Brousseau can be reached on X at @dbrouss76 – or via e-mail at:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

As the 2024 season came to an end with losses to longtime rival Fort Lauderdale and Weston Cypress Bay, first year head coach Jacky Candy and his staff looked back at the season and started to address what needed to be done.

Finishing second in the district after picking up a forfeit win against powerhouse Miami Central, the players understood that if this program was going to advance to the state playoffs, finishing at .500 would not get it done.

For the wins against Coral Glades, South Plantation, Boyd Anderson, Pompano Beach and the win against Central, there were stinging defeats that exposed what the Dragons needed to work on this off-season.

While depth is always going to be a concern, staying injury free is a must, and with some capable rising seniors (2026) coming back, there is something to be optimistic about.

That 2026 class does have some playmakers with experience and much needed leadership:

Leroy Cooks IV, RB/WR/DB, 5-9, 175 – 2.8 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19679918/Leroy-Cooks-IV

Amari Latour, TE/SS/LB, 5-11, 185 – 2.7 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20744643/Amari-Latour

Jeremiah Lawson, RB/WR/DB, 5-8, 160 – 2.9 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20462748/Jeremiah-Lawson

Ke’Varee McCall, TE/HB/DE/LB, 6-1, 195 – 2.6 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22506723/673815d9364a9f3dc097bacd

THE UNDERCLASSMEN WILL BE COUNTED ON

As we know, heading into the off-season, the rising senior class will certainly be a place that will dictate what the 2025 season is all about. But with that said, the 2027 and 2028 prospects have a chance to be special – with some elite prospects having the chance to make a major contribution.

CLASS OF 2027

Demetrious Knox, WR/DB, 5-9, 145.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23982559/Demetrious-Knox

Leon Lily, WR/DB, 5-10, 165 – 3.5 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22506709/Leon-Lily

Kyle Pearson, OL, 6-3, 270.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20173402/Kyle-Pearson

Anthony Williams, WR/DB, 5-7, 150 – 3.2 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23189978/Anthony-Williams

Keon Williams, FB/DL, 5-10, 235 – 2.6 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20414219/Keon-Williams

CLASS OF 2028

Blake Mitchell, WR/DB, 5-9, 155 – 3.1 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/24238082/Blake-Mitchell

Lionel Pratt, WR/DB, 5-11, 150 – 3.1 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/24192396/lionel-pratt

Micah Price, TE/DE/OLB, 6-2, 220 – 3.3 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23984296/Micah-Price

AWAITING VIDEO

Jerome Simmons, OL/DL, 5-11, 220

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 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..