Recruiting News

McCarthy Defensive Backs Make An Impression At Keiser Camp

WEST PALM BEACH – When Keiser University welcomed over 150 campers to the first event of the summer, four members of the Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy defensive secondary benefitted in a major way.

The ”Friday Night Lights” event was the perfect way for many underclassmen to put themselves on the map, and four Maverick players were indeed put to the test.

As several quality secondary performers did their thing during drills and testing, four players shared that spotlight and were singled out.

With defensive secondary coach Anthony Collins bringing his players up to the event, they all showed why this program will be one to watch this coming season.

“This was the perfect opportunity for our players to get some really good work against very talented receivers,” Coach Collins pointed out. “This is the kind of test that will only get us better.”

Here is a look at the four players who attended the event:

2026 – Freddie Byard III, CB, 5’9, 170. Solid cover corner who made himself known as he had the chance to pair himself against top competition and came out on top as coaches were watching his every move.

AWAITING VIDEO

2026 – David Howard, S, 5’10, 185. Solid player who has outstanding ball skills and when he needs to be physical, there is no doubting what he brings to the table. Also can cover when needed as well.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18100106/David-Howard

2026 - Mahki Vance, S, 5’10, 180 – 3.0 GPA. A true “centerfielder” who stops the big play from happening – with his speed, skill and ability to read the flow of the play. At the Keiser event, he won several battles. As a player during the game, he loves to hit and make plays.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18100269/Mahki-Vance

2027 - Jacarri Watson, CB, 5’9, 175. Throw in his direction and you are taking a huge gamble. This is a young player with a huge upside. If the ball is in the air, he tries to get there before the receiver and often wins like he did last Friday as well as during games. Huge upside and will continue to make a lasting impression.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20696517/66fae0d67e4a65f8c5d08230

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..

Monday, June 2 South Florida High School Sports Radio Show Rewind.

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:

Somerset Silver Palms made it look too easy in winning their first ever state (3A) softball title and veteran head coach Gator Rebhan talked about it.

GATOR REBHAN ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/softball-head-coach-gator-rebhan-somerset-silver-palms-homestead-fl-a83d7

It wasn’t easy, but Doral Academy brought home a 6A state softball title with a pair of one-run wins and HC Willie Viruet stopped by.

WILLIE VIRUET ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/softball-head-coach-willie-viruet-of-doral-academy-doral-fl-b8c4c

As the NIL continues to grow, education is more important and Licensed Sports Agent Dan LaForest from the Influencer Counsel broke it down for all.

DAN LAFOREST ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/dan-laforest-influencers-council-talking-nil-6d9d4

Eastern Michigan University has been making Florida a major recruiting destination and head football coach Chris Creighton joined the show.

COACH CHRIS CREIGHTON ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/eastern-michigan-university-head-coach-chris-creighton-09b61

Dia Bell from Plantation American Heritage is the No. 1 Class of 2026 player in the state of Florida and the @TexasFootball commitment talked about his final season.

DIA BELL ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/qb-dia-bell-american-heritage-plantation-fl-eddc2

Veteran head football coach Tim “Ice” Harris has made the move to Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy for this coming season, and he talked Lions, the summer and much more.

COACH TIM “ICE” HARRIS MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-tim-ice-harris-of-mater-academy-hialeah-gardens-fl-52750

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.. 

Monday, June 2 South Florida High School Sports Radio Show Rewind.

West Broward Wins University of Miami 7-on-7 Event

CORAL GABLES – Ever since losing in the 6A state playoffs to Miami Southridge to end the 2024 season, there has been plenty of hype surrounding Pembroke Pines West Broward.

On Sunday, head coach Brian McCartney and his Bobcats started the summer off on the right football, winning the University of Miami 7-on-7 tournament.

With the addition of several new faces combined with some key returnees from last year’s District 13-6A champions, this team headed to Coral Gables as one of the favorites in the first event of the summer.

With rain in the area, the tournament was forced to move inside after a sunny and hot morning where this team won twice and set the table for the remainder of the day.

The Bobcats eventually beat Miami Central, 21-18, for the title after taking out 6A rival Miami Southridge, who had escaped budding 1A power Miami True North Classical Academy.

The tournament, which was held alongside an offensive and defensive line camp, attracted some quality teams and players. In addition to West Broward, Miami Central, Miami Southridge and True North, other programs included Miami Ransom Everglades, Hialeah, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, Miami Braddock, Weston Cypress Bay, Plantation, Miami Christopher Columbus, Pahokee, Coconut Creek, Boca Raton St. Andrew’s Academy, Fort Pierce John Carroll, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy, Miami Carol City, Miramar, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman and West Haven, Connecticut.

WEST BROWARD IS LOADED WITH TALENT

The Bobcats certainly flexed some muscle with plenty of talent throughout the day – led by versatile Class of 2028 prospect Amir Sears, who played both ways and dominated as many had the chance to see him and this team for the very first time.

As those who had never watched West Broward perform, they were treated to elite play from players such as Uryah McCartney (LB, 2026), Debonaire  Johnson (RB/LB, 2027), Aden Johnson (WR/DE, 2028), quarterback Brandon Mincy (2026), who was lights out had a great event, Class of 2028 standout Aviyon Darien (WR/DB) and Class of 2026 Toledo commitment Shmar Akande (DB).

Also, Izaiah Lopez (2027) was impressive, playing running back and receiver, two-way Class of 2026 performer Luis Lugo, who stepped up in the title game against Miami Central, Cameron Goodwin Jr. (DB, 2027), incoming freshman (2029) athlete Mekhi Thames, Zacari Isaac (DB, 2029), and standout 2027 running back Amos Bradford, who is among the best in the state.

Other Bobcats who turned heads of teams, fans and coaches were Jakaurri Carter (WR, 2027), Cedric Mitchell Jr. (WR/FS, 2027), Kaleb McCartney (DE, 2028), Lucky Lubin (WR, 2027), John Bresset (DE, 2028) and Gavin Ellerbe.

 

LOADED TOURNAMENT

The talent was not just with West Broward, many of the other teams also had some players who are receiving plenty of attention.

BOCA RATON ST. ANDREW’S: Dylan Faison (WR, 2026) and Quinn Connors (TE, 2026).

COCONUT CREEK: Jordan Thompson (RB, 2026), Deshawn Butler (CB, 2026), Isaiah Calixte (CB, 2028), Carlton Jackson (S, 2028) and Cameron Baker (S, 2028).

HIALEAH: U’Darius Jenkins (S, 2027) and Ronnie Jones (WR, 2026).

HIALEAH GARDENS MATER ACADEMY: Tyre Vieux (DB, 2027), Trezavant Boyd (DB, 2027), Jamal Robinson Jr. (WR, 2027) and Dontavious Kinchens (QB, 2028).

MIAMI CAROL CITY: Rodarion Jones (DB, 2026), Justin Compere (RB, 2026), Javarius Robinson (QB, 2026) and Santana Blount (WR, 2027).

MIAMI CENTRAL: Jayden Ford (RB, 2026), Karon Maycock (LB, 2026), Brandon Kinsey (WR, 2026), King Walker (WR, 2026), Joshua Joseph (WR, 2026), Tavares Ward (DB, 2027), Quartavius Lyons Jr. (DB, 2028) and Demetrius Ingram (DB, 2028).

MIAMI CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS: Tedrick Lee (DB, 2026), Khamari Marceus (WR/DB, 2026), William Williams (RB, 2026), Christian Rust (WR/DB, 2027) and Kingston Rust (QB, 2027).

MIAMI LAKES BARBARA GOLEMAN: Darryl “Tre” Bell III (DB, 2026) and Franki Sosa Jr. (DB, 2026).

MIAMI RANSOM EVERGLADES: Colton Smith (WR, 2028) and Noah Alce (RB/S, 2028).

MIAMI SOUTHRIDGE: Michael Stevens Jr. (LB, 2026), Montrey Jackson (WR, 2026), Samuel Coleman (WR, 2026), Tyler Brown (DB, 2026), Jhakari Johnson (WR, 2026), James Perrone (QB, 2027) and T’ari Miller (DB, 2027).

MIAMI TRUE NORTH CLASSICAL ACADEMY: Dominic Turnbull (DB, 2026), Camaul King (DB, 2026), Duane Johnson (LB, 2026), Malik Penson (WR, 2026), Zac Katz (QB, 2027), George Harris (Athlete, 2027), Kareem Brown (WR, 2027) and Gregory Florence (RB, 2030).

MIRAMAR: Tyler Reid (RB, 2027).

PAHOKEE: Antonio Simpson (LB, 2026) and Zachary Mitchell (Athlete, 2027).

PLANTATION: Jemari Foreman (DB, 2027), Zakari Johnson (WR/DB, 2028), Russell George (WR, 2028), Chanavis Chance LB, 2028), Jalen Rolle (LB, 2028) and Jeffrey O’Neal (WR/DB, 2029).

SOUTHWEST RANCHES ARCHBISHOP MCCARTHY: Kendall Brown (DB, 2026), Malik Denson (WR, 2027), Ja’Kobi Williams (WR, 2027) and Robert Outler (TE/DE, 2028).

WESTON CYPRESS BAY: Ronald Thomas (Athlete/DB, 2026).

 

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..

Cooper City Gets A Jump On Summer At Keiser University

WEST PALM BEACH – The summer camp season officially began last Friday as NAIA national powerhouse Keiser University opened its doors to over 150 athletes from all over Florida.

The “Friday Night Lights” event showcased talent from all over the state – as prospects got a jump on the long summer ahead with testing, instruction and competition.

As many athletes will find their way to colleges and universities across the nation, it’s destinations like Keiser that are often overlooked.

Under the direction of Doug Socha – and now Myles Russ, Keiser has easily been the most successful football program in Florida over the past five season – winning a national championship two years ago while appearing in three consecutive national title games.

Prospects, coaches and families made this first event of the summer a must as they came from the Panhandle, north and central Florida an everywhere in between.

South Florida, which has so many colleges to choose from, was well represented on this Friday evening as Keiser coaches led drills, tested the athletes and were there watching and evaluating future players.

Among those on hand for the first summer combine/camp were six players from head coach Art Taylor’s Cooper City Cowboys. Prospects who came. Along with Taylor and quarterback coach Chris Thomas, to jump onto the radar screen.

With former Cooper City standout Myles Notkin serving as the quarterback coach and offensive coordinator for the Seahawks, the short trip from Broward County was a must to not only show support for their own but thrust these young men into the spotlight.

Among the players on hand included:

2026 – Kegan Boyette, OL, 6’1, 270 – 4.2 GPA. This is going to be a player that the Cowboys will welcome back after spending a year at Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian. He is strong, athletic and will be essential for this team up front.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19985720/Keygan-Boyett

2027 – Nick Dyer, QB, 5’11, 186 – 4.9 GPA. Coming up on his third year as a starter at the varsity level, this is certainly someone who is on the radar across the state as he has attended several events.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19962948/Nick-Dyer

2026 – Sergio Fermin, WR/RB, 5’10, 175. Versatile offensive prospect who will be huge for this program this coming season. Benefitted from the competition on Friday.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17608541/Sergio-Fermin

2026 – Christian Martinez, K/P, 5’8, 145 – 3.85 GPA. Turned heads of the coaches with his strong leg with several kicks during the event. Will be one of Florida’s top specialists in 2025.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19962179/Christian-Martinez

2026 – Ace Taylor, WR, 5’6, 140. The son of Coach Taylor is one of the hardest workers you will find, and he made the most of his opportunities during the camp. He was a true surprise!

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17578624/Ace-Taylor

2026 – Jake Wallace, OLB/SS, 6’2, 190. Has the size and athletic ability to play this game for several more years – and with his versatility – he will be someone to keep an eye on.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17578545/jake-wallace

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-Dade, Broward Prospects Head Toward Summer

With spring in the books and many college coaches uncovering talent that they will target during the summer and into the 2025 season, we are now in summer.

As college camps star at the end of this week and continue through the month of June, there are several prospects who left an impression at the end of April and into May.

With the transfer portal serving as a major obstacle in the recruiting process, high school football players and their coaches now have their jobs cut out for them, attracting the attention of coaches at the next level, attempting to get that elusive scholarship that used to be much easier to attain.

As we traveled throughout the spring, several gifted prospects made a lasting impression. Not on the internet, but live in person – where we had the opportunity to speak with several prospects and watch them perform, so we can be part of that process that helps further shine the spotlight on them.

Today, we bring you five more players that you will want to keep an eye on – as we will continue shining the spotlight on Miami-Dade and Broward County football players over the next seven months.

Check these young men out:

2026 – Cameron Canon, WR, 5’10, 180, North Miami. As so many prospects in south Florida continue to get the spotlight shined in their direction, it’s players like this – who have given everything to their programs – from leadership to production – that often get overlooked. Here is a soon-to-be four-year starter for head coach Gerald Cox and the Pioneers. He has been a productive player that continues to get better and helps to elevate this program. During the spring, many colleges had the chance to finally watch what he does on the football field to help this program get better. His leadership stood out all spring, and as the summer has started, he will be a prospect that more and more college coaches will notice his many skills as a receiver.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18429231/Cameron-Canon

2027 – Jaden Carey, CB, 6’0, 175, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. Ask any college coach who spent time in south Florida this off-season to list some of the players who will make an impact in 2025, and it is almost certain that this quality talent will be right there. One of the true rising standouts on this six-time defending state champions, he is a physical corner with tremendous ball skills, unique athleticism and a knack of being able to shut even the best receivers down. As the junior class is now in the spotlight and the rankings are starting to come out, you will see this young man right there in the mix as veteran head coach Roger Harriott and his football team will be in great hands in the secondary with a very challenging schedule. In addition to making an impact on the football field, he is also getting it done in the classroom (3.7 GPA) as well.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19530452/Jaden-Carey

2026 – Raenaldo Farrington, RB, 5’8, 195, Coconut Creek Monarch. When it comes to overlooking football talent, south Florida is perhaps the epicenter for missing out on prospects who continue to get the job done without a lot of fanfare. Here is the perfect example of a top-flight football talent who continued to make an impact during the spring with his strength, quickness and ability to make plays. In the spring game(s), this was one of the players that college coaches continued to watch and were amazed at what he brought to the game. Easily one of the players – during the spring – that didn’t receive the attention that was warranted. But you can guarantee that this summer, at college camps and into his final year, he will be singled out several times as head coach Calvin Davis and his staff will continue to help promote him. While he makes an impact on the football field, his work in the classroom (4.1 GPA) is also opening plenty of doors as well.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/21919956/66f6b699af767f4b0b9e1ada

2026 – Brandon Kinsey, Athlete, 6’2, 192, Miami Central. When he played at Miami Immaculata LaSalle last season, there were college coaches who talked about this quality football talent being one of the best kept secrets in the state of Florida. No matter where he lines up – on either side of the ball – he will make a difference and will impact any program he is part of. What first year head coach Derrick Gibson and the Rockets found out this spring is their version of “Megatron” can do it all. On a visit to the University of Central Florida back in March, many coaches talked about this being perhaps the most “overlooked” player in the state – as a someone who can play receiver, cornerback or the safety position. He is one of the most college ready players in south Florida, and the fact that many of the recruiting “experts” have no clue about his talents, he will be one of the major finds in this class!

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

2027 – Tyler Reid, RB, 5’8, 165, Miramar. Track & Field. The younger brother of University of Pittsburgh and former Miramar star running back Desmond Reid, this early commitment to the Panthers is easily one of the top juniors (2027) in the state, combining his running skills with blinding speed. This is one of those elite players who made an impact during the spring, and as the summer approaches, will be a player that will certainly be in the spotlight. Watch him run and you can see his vision, feel for a hole opening up and will have the opportunity to keep head coach A.J. Scott and this football team near the top in 5A.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20012149/Tyler-Reid

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..