It should come as no surprise that the 2026 (rising junior) class is stacked with talent throughout the state of Florida. It should also not be a surprise that Miami-Dade and Broward Counties are once again leading the way.

While several football players get their start at the competitive youth football level, there is never a guarantee that just because they are rated high that things will work out.

There have been dozens of young prospects who are promoted and talked about by many who follow youth talent that never lives up to the hype. It’s been that way for 40 years.

Every year you will have football talent that moves from the youth level to high school, and while many cannot make the transition. 

The 2026 class produced several prospects who impacted the varsity level as soon as they arrived, and while there are several who have already been noticed by colleges, we have five that have dominated the past two years.

Brandon Bennett, WR, 6-1, 170, Plantation American Heritage. One of the fastest football players in the state, he started to make a major impact this past season for a young Patriot’s offense. As he continues to learn about the position, you will see a player that has a chance to be one of the best in the nation. Very exciting to watch, and he will remain a huge part of this program.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17848799/Brandon-Bennett

Jabari Brady, WR, 6-3, 185, Coconut Creek Monarch. What else can be said, in two short years ago one of the nation’s best that has not been echoed dozens and dozens of times? This is an impact player that is extremely hard to cover with one player, and he showed it throughout the year, leading the Knights to the state semifinals. As elite as you will find, and he has only scratched the surface!

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14832320/637c2260ab92460b50dfb1ab

Justice Fitzpatrick, CB, 6-0, 165, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. From his key interceptions as a freshman to what he put together in the off-season and during this past year, there is little doubt that this is a major prospect that continues to get better and tested by some quality receivers. The younger brother of standout NFL secondary performer, Minkah Fitzpatrick, his growth, and maturity has been noticed by every college and university and has been an asset to the five-time defending state champion Raiders.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17955822/Justice-Fitzpatrick

Denairius Gray, WR, 6-2, 180, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. Yet another impact player for a program that is as impressive as any in the nation. Since arriving from Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons, he has offered the Lions someone who is gifted enough not only to catch passes but also play on the defensive side of the ball if needed. Will be huge in 2024 as this program reloads for a 9th straight run at a state title. 

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16211751/Denairius-Gray

Calvin Russell, WR/Athlete, 6-4, 185, Miami Northwestern. Without hesitation, this may be the most athletic talent in this class anywhere in the nation and it may not even be close. Not only is he a premier receiver, but also plays quarterback and is an elite basketball player. Dominated as a freshman as well as this past season when the Bulls needed him the most. He will be part of the resurgence of this program in 2024.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17878157/Calvin-Russell

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

For the past 53 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. 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..

While are nine months from the start of the 2024 season, and athletes can easily change addresses between now and the end of August, there are some prospects who can grab their share of the spotlight next season.

While a number of 2025 prospects have already established themselves for the coming year, there are others who many didn’t watch, but had solid junior years.

Juniors who embraced their final year by coming up big during their 11^th grade season.

While many have already shown what they can do in the spotlight, the little things that they did when nobody was watching is what this is all about.

As we know it is never easy to single one player out in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties – because of the sheer numbers of gifted football talent, we have picked 12 rising seniors to watch during the off-season, into spring and summer.

Because we spotlight so many players during the course of the year, we will eventually highlight EVERY top-Class of 2025 players.

Nimari Brantley, DL, 6-2, 260, Coconut Creek. Has an opportunity to be one of the most dominant players in the state. Too many people have never watched him, but by the start of the year, they will!

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16068496/Nimari-Brantley

Hector Chavez, LB, 5-10, 210, Miami Christopher Columbus. All this talented prospect does is make plays, leading the Explorers to a pair of state titles, colleges have already lined up to get him on their campus in a year.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16109597/654fc7e83449040b9c3fa72b

Anjuan “Ace” Coleman, WR, 5-10, 170, Miami Central. If not the most versatile player you will anywhere, he is right there. The ultimate team player who created.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17633609/Anjuan-Coleman-Jr

Darryll Desir, Edge, 6-5, 225, Miami Norland. Will be one of Florida’s premier pass rushers in 2024. Gets it done on and off the playing field – holding down a 3.6 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17646085/6578b1bf02bc8414c0cac5c7

Bryce Fitzgerald, S, 6-1, 175, Miami Christopher Columbus. When he was a sophomore at Miami Belen Jesuit, many said he could be among the nation’s best by his senior year. Has already proven what a great athlete he is.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19673313/Bryce-Fitzgerald

Caleb Harris, OL, 6-4, 265, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. Since his freshman season, he has been turning heads and talked about by college coaches throughout the nation. Huge talent who posted a 3.7 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16938550/63691093ff0cda04f430eb8

Tavius Horne, CB, 5-11, 170, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. All season long, even with the talent this program had in the defensive secondary, they talked plenty about this young man. Has a 3.4 GPA as well.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16888615/Tavius-Horne-Jr

Sterling Joseph, RB, 5-9, 180, Miami Edison. If the name sounds familiar, yet another member of the Joseph family – Ray Ray and Flex to name a few. Lightning quick and smart (4.7 GPA).

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16345950/Sterling-Joseph

Jaquari Lewis, Athlete, 5-10, 186, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. No matter where you play him on the field, he comes up big and will be looked upon to come up big in 2024! A 3.36 student.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16171821/65523c6af56a2a0378f43f12

Wilnerson Telemaque, DE/TE, 6-6, 255, Miami Monsignor Pace. Here is the ultimate difference maker ever since coming in from Northwestern. He is another major prospect who will make an impact this season on the field and in the classroom (3.2 GPA).

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16854324/Wilnerson-Telemaque

Kyle Washington, WR, 5-10, 165, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. With many of the big-time playmakers moving on to the next level, this huge playmaker is more than ready to be one of the star attractions.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16311449/6366a1999676cd0beca1976f

Jett White, CB, 6-2, 160, Miami Edison. Before his plane landed from California, this impressive talent was already on the national radar. Could emerge as one of the best in Florida as well as a national recruit.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16227000/Jett-White

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

For the past 53 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. 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..

If you follow what we do over the course of a year, you already know that we watch talent live.

While many gravitate toward the star-rated athletes, we prefer to cover every prospect – no matter what level they perform at.

During the course of a year, we are fortunate to see many prospects, locally and statewide, that college coaches have an interest in, and for that reason, that is why we do not just concentrate on just one group of football talent.

While we understand that there are some quality Class of 2024 seniors without a place to go, and 2025 juniors who are still trying to grab some of that spotlight, we also try and give the underclassmen, in 2026 (sophomores) and 2027 (freshman) some attention as well.

Today we bring you five freshmen who impacted their programs this past season – even helping to elevate them to the state championships.

Kenton Dopson III, CB/WR, 6-0, 175, Miami Norland. 3.0 GPA. If you were going to be a young player in 2023, the Vikings were probably the program to be a part of. Here is a future standout who has it all – on and off the playing field. Having the skill to lineup on either side of the ball helped him ease into the varsity this past season. Certainly someone you will want to keep an eye on.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19435027/Kenton-Dopson-III

Ji’Koi Highsmith, DE, 6-1, 190, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy. Talk about making a splash in his first varsity team, this is one of those young men who was huge in the Maverick’s turnaround this past season. An aggressive pass rusher who also had instincts and athletic ability to stop the run and chase down the flow of the play. As he grows, this is a prospect that coaches will be talking about. Having a 4.72 GPA in the classroom will be a huge vehicle to the next level in a few years.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20357665/JiKoi-Highsmith

Jayden Johnson, RB, 5-6, 150, Hollywood South Broward. If you watched this impressive talent play, it was no surprise why he ran for close to 1,000 yards for a team that won their first district title in nearly three decades and advanced to the state playoffs. Certainly, a back who has speed and toughness and will not go down on the first hit. Has a very bright future.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19588383/Jayden-Johnson

Phillip Jones Jr., DE, 6-2, 190, Miami Immaculata LaSalle. Here is a very gifted talent that we brought you earlier in the year after watching him play. He is very instinctive and has the quickness and athletic ability to continue raising his stock. It also helps that he has amazing bloodlines. He is related to former Miami Carol City and FSU standout Willie Jones, who is a lineman trainer, and his father who played in the NFL.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18901929/Phillip-Jones-Jr

Amare Nugent, WR, 6-1, 180, Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy. There’s a saying that those in recruiting say when evaluating talent and looking at prospects. “If you are good and can play the game, college coaches will find you no matter where you are.” With that said, as soon as you watch this gifted talent play, you are sold right away. His quickness off the ball and ability to make catches up close or extend the field will make this someone to keep an eye on – during the off season and into 2024.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18720223/Amare-Nugent

PHOTO COURTESY OF THECAMERAMANN.SPORTS

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

For the past 53 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. 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’s that time of year where the seniors who are headed to college have the opportunity to play in national all-star games.

While there are several of these all-star contests being held, it’s the Under Armour All-Star Game in Orlando (January 3, 2024) and the All-American (formerly the Army All-American contest) on January 7 in San Antonio, Texas that still receive the main TV exposure and much of the national media and fan website coverage.

Each year, the very best football talent from all over the country have the opportunity to head to these games, and this year, once again, Florida is well represented at both events.

Eleven athletes will be departing in the coming days to compete before many leave early for colleges and universities.

Here is a look at the Miami-Dade and Broward student/athletes selected to the games:

2024 Under Armour Game Roster

Cedrick Bailey, QB, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (NORTH CAROLINA STATE). Winner of three straight state titles, this 6-6 standout will play his last game in high school before the home state crowd

Davi Belfort, QB, Davie Western (VIRGINIA TECH). While the future is indeed very bright, a late season injury kept this versatile performer from having the chance to lead the Wildcats to a state title.

Davion Gause, RB, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (NORTH CAROLINA). Since his freshman season, here is someone who has helped to elevate the Lions as he was part of four state championship appearances for one of the nation’s best.

Ryan Mack, DB, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (MIAMI). Make no mistake here is one of the nation’s best who follows in his father’s (Rod) footsteps and heads to Coral Gables to play for the Hurricanes.

Lawayne McCoy, WR, Miami Central (FSU). There are few better than this impressive two-way standout who came to play for the Rockets two years ago from Hollywood Avant Garde Academy. Will be an instant success for the Seminoles. He is that good!

Joshisa Trader, WR, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (MIAMI). While he was in the rather large shadow of his best friend, Jeremiah Smith, through much of his football career, here is easily one of the top recruits the Hurricanes landed. Big time receiver who can perform on defense and on special teams.

All-American Bowl

Jamari Howard, DB, Miami Norland (FSU). No matter where he has played throughout his high school career, here is one of the elite secondary performers that has it all. Headed to Tallahassee, you can guarantee that the Seminoles will be getting one of the best in the nation.

Michael Kern, P, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (TEXAS). Since he was a freshman, this is a special teams performer that had established himself as one of the best in the country. His ability to not only kick for average and height, but his accuracy helped him win several showcases throughout the years.

Zaquan Patterson, S, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (MIAMI). When asked who may be the closest to getting major playing time in this class for the Hurricanes, this is the name that continued to come up. Big time secondary player who has tremendous ball skills as well having the ability to hit like a linebacker. Extremely athletic and skilled.

Jeremiah Smith, WR, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (OHIO STATE). What can you say that hasn’t already been said about the No. 1 player in the country? Fast, skilled, great size, smart and has once in a generation talent that has been on display for all four years, leading the Lions to three consecutive state title games. If he doesn’t hit the field right away for the Buckeyes, they are wasting a valuable year. He's three and done and in the first round of the NFL – if he stays healthy.

Dylan Stephenson, Edge, Miami Christopher Columbus (STANFORD). Since his freshman season at Miami Killian this was a standout who stepped to the front as a playmaker. He continued to make that impact with the Explorers and was a big part of the state title success the past two seasons. He also worked very hard in the classroom.

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

For the past 53 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. 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..