If you’ve followed us through the past six decades, you already know that we play NO favorites and call things as we see them unfold.’
Unlike any other source, we see players and teams LIVE – basically more than any of those so-called experts.
Our objective is to get it right, and while this is just a summer list, it will change from week to week during the season, and while your favorite team may be lower or higher than you believe – this is just the starting point, like we do every single year.
Our advantage of watching football teams across the state gives us a barometer of how our Miami-Dade and Broward teams would do against teams from all over Florida.
Remember, we are just one source. But a source who sees teams play during the spring and summer – live.
Here are some programs to keep an eye on:
1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1A). Loaded once again as the Lions look for an amazing ninth consecutive trip to the state finals with talent everywhere. They have a tough schedule, but nobody in 1A is within three touchdowns of them – still! Big early season games will tell if they are ready for a national run.
2. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (5A). Six-time defending state champions – enough said. May have more talent than anyone not named IMG Academy. Always well coached and loaded with elite talent. Not reaching the state title game this year would be a major upset!
3. Miami Northwestern (3A). Tough to imagine ANYONE in the country with more talent. You have no idea how loaded this program is. NO public school in America has more prospects. Not even up for discussion. Other than Central, the Bulls’ road to state may be the easiest in any classification.
4. Miami Central (3A). Do not feel sorry for the Rockets. They may have been the best team in Florida on the field last year, but having to forfeit the season tainted some elite prospects. New head coach with the same objective. Taking them lightly would be a major mistake!
5. Plantation American Heritage (4A). The defending state champions may have the toughest schedule in the country, but the Patriots like it that way. They have a lot of frontline talent, but depth in certain areas could be a problem.
6. Miami Norland (4A). The Vikings have a tough road but still have amazing talent to compete with anyone on their schedule. The key is beating Plantation American Heritage in district play. They will most likely play them twice.
7. Miami Southridge (6A). Here is a team that feels they should have been in the finals last year, and with one of the most athletic programs in Florida, do not sleep on the Spartans. They can score, dominate on both sides of the line of scrimmage and have a solid defense.
8. Miami Christopher Columbus (7A). Never count the Explorers out. Even in a "down" year, they took state power Venice down to the final quarter in the state semifinals. This is a team that will never be out of any game. Competitive schedule again.
9. Miami Palmetto (7A). This could be one of the strongest programs the Panthers have had. Explosive on offense and fast on the defensive side of the ball. They could be a serious contender this season. Columbus is that major obstacle once again.
10. Pembroke Pines West Broward (6A). Here is a team that may be new to the state powerhouses, but the Bobcats have loaded up and could have some the most impressive athletes you will find – with an offensive line that is big and physical.
11. Coconut Creek Monarch (6A). Even though spring is never a true indicator of what lies ahead, the Knights looked mighty impressive on both sides of the ball and need to be taken seriously. They play a tough schedule, but that will prepare them for the playoffs.
12. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2A). After a few years away from the spotlight, the Chiefs return as one of the favorites in this classification with gifted prospects on board. Solid playmakers will make the difference.
13. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (4A). There is no getting around the fact that the Panthers were one of the surprise programs down the stretch in 2024, holding an advantage in the playoffs against eventual state champion Plantation American Heritage before losing. Plenty of talent on board.
14. Sunrise Piper (6A). Last year the Bengals were certainly a surprise team with a district title. This time around, every opponent will get up for this program – and they come back with some quality prospects and a few players that could continue to elevate this team.
15. Plantation (4A). Tough district once again for the Colonels – and even though they made the playoffs – plenty of work will be needed to navigate the many obstacles. They always win the off season with hard work and competition.
16. Miramar (5A). The Patriots continued to play winning football a year ago, but this is not the same team they were in the past years. A lot of new faces will try and keep this program in the spotlight in a competitive classification. They lost plenty on a defense, which has long been their trademark.
17. Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy (5A). Very few teams enjoyed the success the Lions did this off-season as a new regime is in place to make an impact this coming season and make the playoffs once again. This is a team that is well coached and will prepare their players every week.
18. Miami True North Classical Academy (1A). Talk about having a new look. The Titans went out in the off-season and added some pieces that will keep them in the mix – with a strong spring and summer. The schedule is indeed competitive, but people will be blown away by their young prospects.
19. Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (4A). After years as an independent, the Mavericks stepped up last year and were part of one of the most competitive districts in south Florida, making the state playoffs and winning a game. This is one of those program that you will need to keep an eye on.
20. Miami Edison (1A). Like True North did in the off-season, the Red Raiders brought in some impressive and elite prospects, but remember, Chaminade-Madonna is still in the region and will be the overwhelming favorites. Depth may be a problem, but a winning season and a state playoff appearance are the objectives.
(tie) Pembroke Pines Flanagan (6A). Busy off-season has the Falcons making a move toward the state playoffs, but the classification is certainly no joke – with many quality teams.
Hollywood McArthur (5A). New coaching staff and numerous player additions will give the Mustangs a running start in 2025, but the road will be filled with challenges and several impressive teams along the way. The objective is indeed the state playoffs.
MORE TEAMS WILL EMERGE AS THE SEASON GETS STARTED
While everything always plays out when the season gets started, we will continue to add teams and move them around as they start to play.
Here are some programs that you will be hearing from this coming season:
Independent
Fort Lauderdale University School
1A
Miami Archbishop Carroll
2A
Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian
Miami Booker T. Washington
Miami Carol City
Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace
Miami Immaculata LaSalle
3A
Miami St. Brendan
4A
Hialeah
5A
Coconut Creek
North Miami
6A
Doral Academy
7A
Davie Western
Homestead South Dade
Miami High
Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman
Weston Cypress Bay
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..
Whether people want to accept or embrace it, when it comes to football players transferring schools, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties have the market cornered in the state – by far!
We travel perhaps more than anyone across the state of Florida throughout the year, and when Miami-Dade and Broward Counties are mentioned, it is immediately met with negativity when it comes to players moving from school to school.
While other areas of the state admit to getting their share of new players each year, it is not even close to the numbers that we are dealing with here in these two counties.
Every year the athletic landscape is shaped by those athletes who transfer, and this coming season is NO exception.
With many prospects on the move, teams are getting stronger and are now making an impact.
With too many transfers to list – as we do every year – here are just a few who have the opportunity to change the course of their programs for the 2025 season:
2027 – Trezavant Boyd, DB, Miami Booker T. Washington (HIALEAH GARDENS MATER ACADEMY)
2027 – Gerren Bray, OL, West Boca Raton (FORT LAUDERDALE ST. THOMAS AQUINAS)
2026 – William Brown, DB, Miramar Everglades (MIAMI CENTRAL)
2027 – Jonathan Bueno, RB, Davie Western (PLANTATION AMERICAN HERITAGE)
2027 – Temorris Campbell, LB, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (HOLLYWOOD CHAMINADE-MADONNA)
2026 – Jayden Chico, QB, Plantation (FORT LAUDERDALE DILLARD)
2026 – Michael Clayton, QB, Sanford Seminole (MIAMI EDISON)
2027 – Tarri Cochran, DB, Miami Central (PEMBROKE PINES FLANAGAN)
2027 – Cody Conness, QB, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (FORT LAUDERDALE ST. THOMAS AQUINAS)
2026 – Jordan Davis, OL, Davie Western (HOLLYWOOD MCARTHUR)
2027 – Trevoris “T.J.” Finley, DE, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (HOLLYWOOD CHAMINADE-MADONNA)
2028 – Semaj Flowers, Athlete, Davie Western (MIAMI NORTHWESTERN)
2027 – Sherrod Gourdine, DB, Davie Western (HOLLYWOOD MCARTHUR)
2026 – Gary Hadley, Athlete, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (FORT LAUDERDALE CARDINAL GIBBONS)
2026 – Elijah Hardy, Athlete, Miami Northwestern (HOLLYWOOD CHAMINADE-MADONNA)
2026 – Jaiden Henry, LB, Miami High (MIAMI PALMETTO)
2027 – Brandon Howard, LB, Homestead South Dade (Miami Palmetto)
2027 – Kaden Howard, Athlete, Goulds Palm Glades (MIAMI PALMETTO)
2027 – Samari Howard, DB, Hollywood South Broward (FORT LAUDERDALE ST. THOMAS AQUINAS)
2026 – Tedarius Hughes, DB, Homestead South Dade (MIAMI NORTHWESTERN)
2026 – Irwin James, RB, Miami Booker T. Washington (MIAMI NORTHWESTERN)
2027 – Debonaire Johnson, LB/RB, Hollywood South Broward (PEMBROKE PINES WEST BROWARD)
2026 – James Johnson, DT, North Fort Myers (MIAMI NORTHWESTERN)
2026 – Darryon Jones, QB, Tampa Bay Tech (HOLLYWOOD CHAMINADE-MADONNA)
2027 – Jaylyn Jones, DB, Davie Western (HOLLYWOOD MCARTHUR)
2026 – Brandon Kinsey, WR, Miami Immaculata LaSalle (MIAMI CENTRAL)
2028 – Neimann Lawrence, QB, Miami Ransom Everglades (MIAMI NORTHWESTERN)
2026 – Teddrick Lee, S, Homestead South Dade (MIAMI CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS)
2027 – Quartavius Lyons Jr., WR, Homestead South Dade (MIAMI CENTRAL)
2026 – Mason Mallory, QB, West Boca Raton (FORT LAUDERDALE ST. THOMAS AQUINAS)
2027 – Shane Martinez, OL, Fort Lauderdale NSU University School (PLANTATION AMERICAN HERITAGE)
2027 – Ryan Mathis, Athlete, Hialeah (MIAMI NORTHWESTERN)
2027 – T’Ari Miller, DB, Homestead (MIAMI CENTRAL)
2027 – Brandin Mincey, QB, Miami Jackson (PEMBROKE PINES WEST BROWARD)
2027 – Amare Nugent, Athlete, Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy (PLANTATION AMERICAN HERITAGE)
2026 – Robert Ortega Jr., RB, Davie Western (HOLLYWOOD MCARTHUR)
2026 – Brady Palmer, QB, Wheaton St. Francis, Illinois (FORT LAUDERDALE ST. THOMAS AQUINAS)
2027 – Kyle Pearson, OL, Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (COCONUT CREEK MONARCH)
2026 – Xavier Payne, OL, Orlando Jones (MIAMI EDISON)
2026 – Keondre Ponton, DB, Miami Immaculata LaSalle (MIAMI NORTHWESTERN)
2028 – Eli Rauls, DE, Miami Booker T. Washington (MIAMI NORTHWESTERN)
2026 – Javarius Robinson, QB, Fort Lauderdale Dillard (MIAMI CAROL CITY)
2026 – Shane Rochelle, OLB, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (MIAMI NORTHWESTERN)
2027 – Cole Rodriguez, K, Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy (MIAMI CENTRAL)
2026 – Michael Smarts, DE, Davie Nova (PEMBROKE PINES FLANAGAN)
2026 – Anton Smith, WR, Miami Booker T. Washington (MIAMI KILLIAN)
2027 – Cecil Smith, RB, Homestead (MIAMI TRUE NORTH CLASSICAL ACADEMY)
2026 – Tyrel Snelling, Athlete, Miami High (MIAMI BOOKER T. WASHINGTON)
2027 – Jack Spaeder, QB, Coconut Creek Monarch (DAVIE WESTERN)
2027 – Ah’Mari Stevens, WR, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (MIAMI EDISON)
2027 – Edwardo Thompson, DL, Miami Booker T. Washington (HIALEAH GARDENS MATER ACADEMY)
2027 – Sean Thompson, WR, Miami Central (FORT LAUDERDALE ST. THOMAS AQUINAS)
2026 – Tyre Vieux, S, Miami Edison (HIALEAH GARDENS MATER ACADEMY)
2027 – Tavares Ward, DB, Davie Western (MIAMI CENTRAL)
2028 – Quizon Warner, DL, Hollywood South Broward (PEMBROKE PINES WEST BROWARD)
2027 – Jahnard Young, RB, Vero Beach (SUNRISE PIPER)
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..
Once again on Monday 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 on coaches and players in all sports.
Here is a look at the way Monday went:
Plantation American Heritage Class of 2027 offensive linemen Aiden “Big Country” Hartnett talked about the summer and the upcoming season.
AIDEN HARTNETT ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/big-country-aiden-hartnett-american-heritage-plantation-fl-38461
Miami Norland Class of 2027 defensive back/receiver Kenton Dopson III joined the show to talk about the upcoming season and his commitment to the University of Miami.
KENTON DOPSON III ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/kenton-dopson-iii-miami-norland-bf75a
Marcus Benjamin from CanesCounty.com joined the program to talk about the summer, recruiting and what lies ahead for the University of Miami football program.
MARCUS BENJAMIN ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/marcus-benjamin-canes-county-fef87
University of Southern Mississippi head football coach Charles Huff looked at the summer and the season ahead for the Golden Eagles.
COACH CHARLES HUFF ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/southern-mississippi-head-coach-charles-huff-d9e20
First year Miami High head football coach Pat Colon stopped by to talk about taking over the Stingarees and what they are doing this summer.
COACH PAT COLON ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/miami-high-head-coach-pat-colon-8c269
Rich Nagy is back as head football coach at Pompano Beach High and looks at what is happening with the Tornadoes this summer.
COACH RICH NAGY ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/pompano-beach-high-head-coach-rich-nagy-90dd7
Florida International University football has been busy this spring and summer and Kevin Barral took a look at all the positives the program has going into the 2025 season.
KEVIN BARRAL ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/kevin-barral-fiu-football-7e0cd
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..
After a long and productive spring where college coaches across the country headed to Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, several prospects who may not have been fully on the radar had their chance to shine.
With rosters ever changing in the two talent-filled counties, several Class of 2026 seniors had an opportunity to share some of that spotlight that usually comes out of the post season.
With less and less exposure from the larger companies who seem to be consumed with the transfer portal and athletes making the move at the collegiate level, there has been less focus on high school recruiting.
The elite players are still grabbing exposure and are written about often, there is a layer of gifted prospects that are flying beneath the radar until they attend an event where they are interviewed and watched by many who have never seen them play.
With less than two months until the start of the 2025 season, we will continue to bring you players and teams in the two counties – many who are new to the area.
With Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1A), Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (5A), Miami Northwestern (3A), Miami Central (3A), Plantation American Heritage (4A), Miami Norland (4A), Miami Southridge (6A), Miami Christopher Columbus (7A), Miami Palmetto (7A), Pembroke Pines West Broward (6A), and Coconut Creek Monarch (6A) among the top 30 teams in the state this summer, the exposure nationally is impressive.
CLASS OF 2026 NAMES TO KEEP AN EYE ON
As many of the area prospects continue to be talked about nationally as they have made their commitments to the next level, there are several players who haven’t received the attention that they deserve.
Among those gifted players that certainly need to be watched include Miami Edison newcomer Michael Clayton II (QB, 6’4, 200), an Illinois commitment who comes in from Sanford Seminole.
Others who are continuing to climb the ladders are Desmond Johnson (LB, 6’1, 200, Miami Northwestern), Toledo commitment Shmar Akande (6'2, 180, DB, Pembroke Pines West Broward), Tedrick “Bear” Lee (Athlete, 6’0, 185, Miami Christopher Columbus), recent FIU commitment Jayden Ford (RB, 5'6, 155, Miami Central), Ben Gula (OL, 6'4, 285, Weston Cypress Bay), and Naval Academy commitment Phillip Goodrich Jr. (LB, 6'0, 210, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas).
Others who are also getting that well deserved spotlight includes Camaul King (DB, 6'0, 180, Miami True North Classical Academy), Duane Johnson (LB, 6'3, 200, Miami True North Classical Academy), Jermiyah Douglas (DB, 5'9, 175, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Recent Orlando Jones transfer Xavier Payne (OL, 6’7, 314, Miami Edison), Dylan Bennett (LB, 5'11, 210, Plantation American Heritage), recent Tampa Bay Tech quarterback transfer Darryon Jones (6'3, 215, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), recent Mississippi State commit Dylan Steen (OL, 6'5, 295, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Santana Carlos (WR, 5'11, 170, Pembroke Pines Flanagan) and Miami Christopher Columbus linebacker Ethan Barosela (6'1, 215).
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..
TAMPA – If you want the true measure of a football program just look at what they do in the off-season.
Plantation American Heritage is the defending 4A state champion for many reasons – and on Thursday one of those reasons took place at the University of South Florida.
Two of the emerging stars of high school football in the state of Florida took part in a prestigious and talent-filled event on a hot, steamy day on Florida’s west coast.
For Class of 2027 offensive prospects Aiden “Big Country” Hartnett (6’3, 290) and Brandon “Big Baby” Adams (6’6, 310), it was all about competing and getting their names out there as they went against some elite defensive prospects.
With head coach Mike Smith and his Patriots getting ready for another challenging season, competing against some of the top football teams in south Florida, Hartnett and Adams made time to come the four plus hours to learn, compete and show why they will both will play a huge role for their team.
“This was the best line camp I’ve been a part of this year,” Hartnett explained. “Two sessions, five hours in shoulder pads and a helmet was the perfect way to showcase what I can do.”
Hartnett, who did well at other camps and combines, is going through the off-season with plenty of eyes on him as over the next year, his name will be finding its way to colleges and universities across the country.
Because he can play multiple positions, coaches like Tyler Hudanick (offensive line coach) had the opportunity to watch him during drills and competition and see his versatility. His work in the classroom (3.8 GPA) will also open doors moving forward.
Adams’ size and work in the classroom (4.7 GPA) will also keep him relevant over the next two years. He had several coaches watching as he won several matchups.
As the season gets ready to unfold and American Heritage looks to repeat, it will be these hot June days that they will look back to when sacrifices are made, and nobody is watching!
SOUTH FLORIDA REPRESENTED IN TAMPA
While Harnett and Adams were getting better on Thursday, other south Florida line prospects were also putting in the work as well. With defensive line coach Kevin Patrick and other assistants watching, many did their thing.
Miami True North Classical Academy Class of 2027 offensive lineman Ronald Riley (6’5, 320) has been attending several things this off-season and was once again working hard at the event.
Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace head coach Anthony Walker and his team ended their week-long caravan with a stop in Tampa, taking part in the 7-on-7 and also sending several players to the “Big Man” camp.
Among those were Class of 2026 players Ismael Carmona (DE), Dejuan Johnson (OT), Zachariah Nozile (DT) and Israel Sulbaran. Class of 2027 players Jeysus Cobas (OL), Calvin Etienne (DT), Quinton McGhee Jr. (OL) and Legend Walters (DE) were also on hand.
The Spartans also brought Class of 2028 players Michael Diaz (OL), Jordan Lewis (DE) and Jaden Parker (OL/DL).
Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna was also taking part in the 7-on-7 but also had R.J. Alphonse (DE), Elias Sturman (OL), Tavano Baptist (OL) and Ekeem Atehortua (OL).
Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy and head coach Tim “Ice” Harris, who won the 7-on-7 event, also brought some elite line prospects as well.
Among those were Class of 2026 players Jaylen Blackwell (OL), Carlos Botella (DE), Nasir Cruz and James Joseph.
Also, 2027 defensive lineman Edwardo Thompson.
The youth took center stage with Class of 2028 linemen Jaiden Thomas, Tyler Garcia and Julian Moncado.
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..