With the NIL (Name, Image & Likeness) dictating the landscape of college sports, it is indeed tough to plan ahead and predict the future of any program.
On the football field, as it is in every other sport that is played in colleges and universities across the nation, the task has not only come down to recruiting future classes but to make sure that everyone on your current roster will stay around from year to year.
As we have said in the past, nobody is against student/athletes making money from a sport where they fully contribute to the financial success, but what is coming under fire by the majority is there are no rules – and it is the proverbial tail wagging the dog. The athletes and NIL make their own rules.
While Nick Saban recently made his points in Washington D.C., he is correct when he talks about guidelines and equality. Most believe that there should be some rules in place, but nobody, including the NCAA, who currently does not mandate reasonable guardrails governing the relationship between colleges, their coaches and scholarship players, the result will be a permanently uneven playing field favoring even more exclusively the most gifted athletes and wealthiest programs. The virus will continue to spread and eviscerate one of America’s treasures — competitive collegiate athletics.
The supposed bodyguard of “amateur” collegiate athletics, the NCAA, so far has done little to fight back. It’s bad enough that the most successful coaches and players are lured away from their schools by staggering offers that are impossible to resist. What’s worse is they can leave abruptly and without meaningful restrictions, not even staying long enough to coach or play in coveted post-season tournaments and bowl games. Coaches who eventually jump ship are also free to entice players from their former programs to come with them, leaving behind loyal teammates and fans to a stunning and cruel fate.
Corporate America, the NFL and the NBA have anti-tampering and poaching rules that restrict access to executives, coaches, and athletes while under contract. The NCAA has no such rules. In the new world of major college sports, when it comes to recruiting and retaining top talent, it’s now basically an annual bidding war and everyone is a free agent. For student athletes, the honor of playing your heart out to earn a no-cost degree, and maybe a shot at the pros, is being replaced by the lust for earning big bucks before you even graduate.
With that said, and much of the current 2024 class already set to make an impact this coming season, the Class of 2025 comes into focus.
At the University of Miami the football program recently landed its fourth commitment for the 2025 class. Some nine months before they can sign these athletes are pledging that they will attend Miami. But unlike the past when you figured to have an athlete for a minimum of three years – sometimes four – the guarantee is only for one season.
With the NIL very much in play, the second year may very well be spent somewhere else that is paying out more money.
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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..
His resume is impressive and the student/athletes who have played for him over the years will sing his praises – on and off the playing field.
Christian Baldwin is old school and extremely proud of the fact that he has always put academics first.
This week he was named as the new head football coach at Parkland Douglas, replacing Keith Hindsley after just one season.
Hindsley, who had been one of the top coaches in south Florida, taking Delray American Heritage to another level, had to step down for health reasons.
What Baldwin brings to this program is someone who not only stresses a year-round commitment to the sport, but also to the classroom.
“Ever since I began coaching, the classroom has been a priority,” Baldwin explained. “I have always preached to my students that you can be great on the football field, but if you don’t get it done in school, you won’t go far at all.”
Very few know the landscape of football in Broward County and south Florida like he does. A former head coach at Coral Glades, he has also served as an assistant at Piper, Boyd Anderson, Monarch and at Douglas the past four years.
His priority this spring – as the Eagles get ready for a contest with Pembroke Pines Somerset on May 17 – is to continue to develop many of the prospects who will be back for 2024.
“I do have an advantage because I coached many of the young men at the junior varsity level,” explained. “This spring we will look to fill some positions with the graduation of some quality seniors, who will be moving on to the next level.”
The senior class from this past season watched offensive lineman Jeremy Fishkin (Florida A&M) and defensive lineman William Ross (Florida State walk on) get to that next level.
Ross’s brother James will be one of the top outside linebackers in the Class of 2025. The 6-3, 225-pounder has been under-the-radar by recruiting websites but ask anyone who played against him this past season, and they will tell you that he has big time potential.
“James is the type of student/athlete that we develop here,” Baldwin pointed out. “Not only is he an impressive football player, but also gets it done in the classroom.”
The Eagles are also excited about 2026 quarterback Jaxon Anger, a 5-11, 180-pounder, who was thrust into the position last year, but with an off-season and maturity, he is ready to lead the offense. He has an impressive 4.7 grade point average.
Class of 2025 offensive and defensive linemen Jackson Zajkowski (6-1, 250 – 4.1 GPA), who is also a wrestler, will be back – along with 2025 defensive lineman Miguerson Renelus (6-1, 255 – 3.5 GPA)
In addition to Baldwin, here are some other head football coaches in Miami-Dade and Broward County who will take over for the 2024 season:
Fort Lauderdale Stranahan – Jacky Candy
Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy – Jase Stewart
Homestead Everglades Prep – Jermain Kelson Sr.
Miami Belen Jesuit - Nicholas Oyarzun
Miami Carol City – George Stubbs
Miami Dr. Krop – Vernon Wilder III
Miami Jackson – Max Edwards
Miami Killian – Rudy Trevino
Miami Northwestern – Teddy Bridgewater
Parkland Douglas – Christian Baldwin
Pembroke Pines Somerset – Nitro Baker
Plantation – Daryl Strong
Pompano Beach Blanche Ely – Terrence McFadden
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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..
It has gotten to the point in south Florida where transfers are dominating the landscape of high school football.
We live in a world where everyone wants to win, and when it comes to high school football, the recipe for winning is filling the need of prospects on the roster.
Miami-Dade and Broward Counties by far lead the way in student/athletes who are transferring. Over 100 since last December with more going and coming every day.
By the time we reach June, the numbers will once again be staggering.
There are two sides of this coin – as usual. Those who are receiving the athletes are simply over the moon – while those who are losing their players are bitter and understand that keeping their players has become a year-round job.
A few years ago we looked at a few schools and traced their recruiting habits. Most are not taking freshmen and sophomores. They are interested in the juniors and seniors.
The Class of 2025 group of rising seniors has been the focus this off-season. That has been the case for at least the past decade.
Teams can change their entire fortunes by bringing in seasoned and experienced seniors.
This off-season has watched a number of seniors – in the 2025 class – make their move.
Among those notable rising seniors include recent Miami Central offensive line transfer Woody Celucien from Naples Lely, recent Miami Northwestern OL transfer Ethan Rowe, who makes the move to Miami Northwestern, Logan Andrews (WR, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons to FORT LAUDERDALE ST. THOMAS AQUINAS), Antonio Branch (DB, Miami Booker T. Washington to MIAMI NORTHWESTERN), Kiandrea Barker (RB, Beebe, Arkansas to MIAMI CENTRAL), Floyd Boucard (DT, Mobile Christian to MIAMI CENTRAL), Terrence Campbell (RB/LB, Providence LaSalle Academy, Rhode Island to MIAMI CENTRAL), Jade Card (WR, Miami Norland to MIAMI NORTHWESTERN), Sebastian Circo (QB, Omaha Millard North, Nebraska to DAVIE WESTERN), King Davis (RB, Miami Central back to MIAMI NORTHWESTERN), Shamar Fowles (WR, Hialeah American to MIAMI CAROL CITY), and Devin Gonzalez (QB, Weston Cypress Bay to COCONUT CREEK).
In addition, there are Lucca Guerra (PK/P, Doral Academy to MIAMI CENTRAL), Camari Hall (Athlete, Hollywood McArthur to HOLLYWOOD CHAMINADE-MADONNA), Dylan Gill (LB, Miami Killian to HOMESTEAD SOUTH DADE), Branden Hoch (WR, West Boca Raton to FORT LAUDERDALE ST. THOMAS AQUINAS), Koby Howard (WR, Davie Western to HOLLYWOOD CHAMINADE-MADONNA), Mitch Joseph (WR, Miami Beach to MIAMI CAROL CITY), Bekkem Kritza (QB, Boulder Fairview, Colorado to MIAMI CENTRAL), Malachi Lewis (QB, Montclair, New Jersey to HOMESTEAD), Nae’shaun Montgomery (WR, West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman to MIAMI CENTRAL), and Zion Paret (DB, Miami Northwestern to MIAMI CENTRAL).
The class will also see prospects such as Paul Pelliccio (QB, Hollywood Hills to PEMBROKE PINES WEST BROWARD), Richard Scott III (DL, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons to FORT LAUDERDALE ST. THOMAS AQUINAS), Tyler Shattuck (QB, Plantation American Heritage to PEMBROKE PINES WEST BROWARD), Ethan Silva (PK, Miami Archbishop Carroll to MIAMI NORTHWESTERN), Brandon Thomas, DE, Baltimore St. Frances Academy, Maryland to MIAMI CAROL CITY), Ronald Towns (WR, Miami Booker T. Washington to MIAMI NORLAND), King Walker (WR, Homewood, Alabama (MIAMI CENTRAL), Chance Washington (RB, Plantation American Heritage to FORT LAUDERDALE ST. THOMAS AQUINAS), Preston Wright (QB, Ocala Trinity Catholic to FORT LAUDERDALE CARDINAL GIBBONS), and Cedric Wyche II (RB, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons to FORT LAUDERDALE ST. THOMAS AQUINAS).
THE TRANSFER LIST CONTINUES
With spring over a month away, the list of transfers in this class continues to grow. Programs are benefiting from some new faces every day – while other teams are looking for replacements for those they lost.
Here aresom e more 2025 prospects:
Rey Aguilar, OL, Hialeah American (MIAMI NORLAND)
Cameron Anderson, DB, Pembroke Pines Flanagan/Hallandale (MIAMI NORTHWESTERN)
Isaiah Anderson, WR, Pembroke Pines Flanagan (COCONUT CREEK)
Malik Anderson, WR, Miami Booker T. Washington (MIAMI JACKSON)
Qwincy Bonne-Annee, LB, Miami Dr. Krop (MIAMI NORLAND)
Marlon Brown Jr., DB, Hialeah American (MIAMI GARDENS MONSIGNOR PACE)
Dante Alexander, Athlete, Miami Springs (MIAMI NORLAND)
Jason Barket Jr., QB, Miami Westminster Christian (MIAMI CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS)
Derrick Bromell, CB, Hialeah American (MIAMI CAROL CITY)
Tyrik Caldwell, RB, Sunrise Piper (COCONUT CREEK)
Christopher Candidate, DB, Miami Killian (HOMESTEAD)
Montrel Canion, OLB/DE, Fort Lauderdale Dillard (DAVIE WESTERN).
Kaelem Collins, WR/LB, Miami Southridge (HOMESTEAD)
Alejandro Deane, PK, Miami Edison (MIAMI NORLAND)
Elijah D’oleo, WR, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (FORT LAUDERDALE ST. THOMAS AQUINAS)
Davion Figaro, DB, Hollywood McArthur (FORT LAUDERDALE DILLARD)
Isaac Forbes, Athlete, Doral Academy (FORT LAUDERDALE ST. THOMAS AQUINAS)
Janaris Foster, DB, Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (COCONUT CREEK),
Jocarian Garrett, RB/DB, Cottondale (HOMESTEAD)
Kareem Glass, WR, Miami Northwestern (MIAMI JACKSON)
Ayden Guy, OC, Boca Raton St. John Paul II (COCONUT CREEK MONARCH)
Tristen Hill, WR, SW Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (MIRAMAR)
William Gedeon, OT, Coral Springs Taravella (COCONUT CREEK MONARCH)
Christopher Hughes, OL, Miami Booker T. Washington (MIAMI CENTRAL).
Jerald James, OLB, Miami Killian (MIAMI PALMETTO)
Franklyn Johnson Jr., TE, Pembroke Pines Flanagan (PEMBROKE PINES WEST BROWARD)
James Johnson, OL, Miami St. Brendan (HOMESTEAD)
Terrence Johnson Jr., Athlete, Coconut Creek Monarch (FORT LAUDERDALE CARDINAL GIBBONS)
Tim Johnson, RB, Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (PLANTATION)
Terrell Jones, RB/WR, Goulds Palm Glades (HOMESTEAD SOUTH DADE)
Shomari Lawrence, DT, Hollywood Hills (MIAMI NORLAND)
Jaylen Liberal, DB, Deerfield Beach (COCONUT CREEK MONARCH)
Belal Logan, WR, Fort Lauderdale NSU University School (COCONUT CREEK MONARCH)
Standley Louis Jr., WR/Slot, Coconut Creek Monarch (COCONUT CREEK)
Joseph Mackey, CB, Homestead (MIAMI SOUTHRIDGE)
Bre’Lan Mareus, RB, Fort Lauderdale (COCONUT CREEK MONARCH)
Dylan McCarthy, DB/WR, Weston Cypress Bay (COCONUT CREEK)
Mekhi Miller, LB, Deerfield Beach (COCONUT CREEK MONARCH)
Samuel Mitchell IV, Pembroke Pines Charter (HOLLYWOOD CHAMINADE-MADONNA)
Bernard Oliva, DL/OL, Miami St. Brendan (MIAMI KILLIAN)
Antwaun Parham, WR/CB, Springfield Effingham County, Georgia (COCONUT CREEK MONARCH)
Calysis Parks, DL, Miami High (MIAMI NORTHWESTERN)
Ricardo Paul, DE, Coral Springs (COCONUT CREEK)
Berdyasky Pierre, WR, Hialeah (WESTLAND HIALEAH)
Xyiem Pitter, DB, Homestead South Dade (MIAMI SOUTHRIDGE)
Matthew Pointer, DL, Fort Lauderdale (HOLLYWOOD CHAMINADE-MADONNA).
Clinton Preston, LB, Miami Booker T. Washington (MIAMI JACKSON)
Luis Pruneda, OL, Homestead (MIAMI KILLIAN)
Xayvion Quarterman, Athlete, Miami Dr. Krop (MIAMI NORLAND)
Donavan Randle, LB, Miami Edison (MIAMI CENTRAL)
Dylan Robinson, LB, Hialeah American (HOLLYWOOD CHAMINADE-MADONNA)
Ricardo Savoix Jr. DB/Athlete, Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson (POMPANO BEACH BLANCHE ELY)
Alejandro RoMay, DL, Coral Springs Charter (FORT LAUDERDALE CARDINAL
Khalil Stevenson, OL/DL, Miami Dr. Krop (MIAMI NORLAND)
Jaiden Toussaint, RB, Miami Central (MIAMI GARDENS MONSIGNOR PACE)
Jahprece Joseph, LB, Miami Southridge (MIAMI PALMETTO).
Tyler Trauth, QB, Miami Palmetto (HOMESTEAD).
Mike Varga, LB, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (COCONUT CREEK)
De’Andre Walker, OL/DL, Miami Booker T. Washington (MIAMI NORTHWESTERN)
Cory Waters, LB, Homestead South Dade (MIAMI SOUTHRIDGE)
Jaylin Woods, WR, Wellington (COCONUT CREEK MONARCH)
Alex Yearwood, DE, Miami True North Classical Academy (MIAMI NORLAND)
Jalen Young, WR, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (FORT LAUDERDALE ST. THOMAS AQUINAS).
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
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Are You Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers? https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers
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..
It may be five months away, but the Broward County National Football Showcase has reached the level where everyone wants to follow the teams that will compete.
On Tuesday night – live on WQAM Radio’s South Florida High School Sports Show, Co-Founder of the event Dr. Kevin Perry joined sponsors and coaches at Dave & Busters in Hollywood to showcase the teams and the days they will be playing.
The third annual event comes after a record-breaking 2023 showcase that attracted St. Frances Academy (Maryland), St. John Bosco (California), St. John’s Prep (Washington D.C.). Highlands (Virginia), Milton and Cedar Grove (Georgia) and Cardinal Gibbons (North Carolina) who all came to the event.
With Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, Plantation American Heritage, Davie Western, Coconut Creek Monarch, Miramar and Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons hosting, it was certainly three days that captured the attention of the football-starved country.
With ESPN once again involved with so many others, the 2024 version of the event will once again become the center of the high school universe.
With Dave & Busters, Hollywood, the Broward Educational Foundation, Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital and Memorial among others, the 2024 roster of teams will be impressive and feature nationally ranked teams.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 23 AT COCONUT CREEK HIGH
5 p.m. – Coconut Creek Monarch (11-3) vs. Peachtree Ridge, Georgia (10-2).
8 p.m. - Coconut Creek (10-3) vs. Miami Northwestern (4-6).
FRIDAY, AUGUST 23
7 p.m. - Lake Mary (10-2) at Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (9-4)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24
TIMES TO BE DETERMINED.
Hoover, Alabama (5-7) vs. Davie Western (9-4).
AT ST. THOMAS AQUINAS.
Bellflower St. John Bosco, California (11-2) vs. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (14-0, State Champion).
Las Vegas Bishop Gorman (12-0, State & National Champion) at Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (14-1, State Champion).
AT AMERICAN HERITAGE
Milton, Georgia (13-2, State Champion) at Plantation American Heritage (10-2).
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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..
By now we all understand the football recruiting game.
It has come down to not whether you have watched a player perform, but what you see at combines, and six month old videos – since not one prospect has played a real game in full gear since December.
As an old school guy, I prefer to watch football talent from five feet away, not only seeing what they bring to the game from an athletic standpoint, but off the field as well.
While watching film has always been a nice enhancement, you never a see a dropped pass, over or under thrown ball, fumbles, holding, pass interference for being beaten repeatedly on the line of scrimmage.
Every Hudl video you see is the “best of an athlete” and not so much showing what their negatives are, and those negatives that are never shown often times complete the recruiting process.
When it comes to recruiting, college coaches have dozens of people they rely on to help completely judge talent. From recruiting services to media, high school coaches and fans, they want the input that will help them to form an opinion.
Keep in mind, anyone can watch a film and judge the positives that an athlete brings to the table, but what about the balance of the overall athlete? Are they good teammates? Do they get in coaches’ faces when things are going wrong? Do they continue to make mental mistakes? Are they cancer in the locker room or on the sideline when things are not going their way? Do they spend more time communicating with friends and family in the stands than they do their own coaches and teammates? That is ALL part of the recruiting process, and why so many completely miss out on prospects.
While everyone believes they have an “EYE FOR TALENT” – it is NOT the only thing that matters in this recruiting process. Not even close.
With that said, the new national rankings for the Class of 2026 (rising juniors) are starting to be released by all the networks, who mostly evaluate off of film and in shorts and a T-shirt at a combine.
WHERE DOES SOUTH FLORIDA STAND?
I always have an open mind when these first lists are released, and if it includes south Florida prospects, I am all ears. For all my negative energy and about stars and rankings, I love to see our own at least get some love.
Among the early rankings this class, prospects such as Plantation American Heritage quarterback Dia Bell, Miami Northwestern standout receiver Calvin Russell, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna recent transfer receiver Jabari Brady, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas impressive defensive back Justice Fitzpatrick and Plantation American Heritage speedy receiver Brandon Bennett are easily among the country’s best.
Also, Plantation American Heritage receiver Malachi Toney, and Miami Carol City linebacker Jordan Campbell – both early University of Miami commitments, and Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman gifted athlete Darryl Bell, an early FSU commitment, are also being regarded.
The talent in Miami-Dade for Broward Counties continue to run deep and getting some national attention with prospects such as Naijah Arnasalam (Athlete, Plantation), Kaj Baker (Athlete, Pembroke Pines Somerset), Jemel Bonica (DE, Miami Northwestern), Anthony Brown (OL, Miami Palmetto), fast emerging Derrek Cooper (Athlete, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), gifted J’Vari Flowers (CB, Miami Northwestern), speedy Jayden Ford (RB, Miami Central), versatile Elijah Hardy (WR, Miami Northwestern), Tedarius Hughes (S, Homestead South Dade), Jaffar Jean-Louis (WR, Plantation American Heritage), and cornerback Aldarius Johnson Jr. (Plantation American Heritage).
The 2026 class also boasts Wynton Jones (DB, Miami Palmetto), Bryant Junius (Athlete, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Tedrick Lee (S, Homestead South Dade), Liam Marley (DL, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian), Karon Maycock (S, Miami Central), Jaborree Riggins (WR, Coconut Creek Monarch), Dominic Turnbull (CB, Miami True North Classical Academy), and recent transfer Tyre Vieux (DB, Miami Edison).
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Are You Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers? https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers
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..