When they lost in the second round of the 2M state playoffs last season to Miami Central, many felt that Miami Booker T. Washington would fall off in 2024 with the lack of depth to compete with some of the other top teams in south Florida.
Even though you never want to count out a Tim “Ice” Harris-coached team, the Tornadoes finished the season at 9-3, but many of those elite prospects who put them in that position were moving on to the next level.
The rebuilding process was something that “experts” felt that this program would go through – with many new faces stepping up to take the lead role.
But keep in mind that Harris and his staff will never drop off. They are always prepared to fill the holes – quickly – as they have during the spring and summer.
Getting ready to make a run in 2A this coming season, the summer has been vital as many of the players and coaches have traveled to colleges and universities – taking part in 7-on-7 events and line camps – not only gaining experience, but also showcasing their skills in front of the very coaches who can make scholarship decisions.
So far in trips to the University of Miami, University of Georgia and Florida State, the team captured titles at UM and FSU, losing to Davie Western in the title game in Athens.
They are also scheduled to attend the University of Florida, University of Central Florida and Florida Atlantic University.
Among those who have made an impact in the 7-on-7 events includes quarterbacks Nylan Maine and Terence Pratt, athlete Dontavious Kinchens, receivers Anton Smith, Jordan Turner, Jakaurri Carter, Donnell Wesby, Eric Henton Jr., King Leite, Orlando Francis, Thomas Dericho and Nate Adderly. In addition, running backs Irwin James, Dwight Hopkins and Kimbriq Minnis have impacted the offense.
Defensively, secondary standouts Ben Hanks Jr., Trezvant Boyd, Fabulis Scott, Darren Mobley, Melvin Miller, Santonio Chatman and Michael Grant have been solid. Linebackers Mark Clarkson, Joshua Jones and Citrus Baker have also stepped up.
LINEMEN HAVE TURNED HEADS AS WELL
While the 7-on-7 teams usually get the spotlight, the “big men” also work hard for the attention as well.
Among the offensive linemen who took part at the camps were Jaylen Blackwell, Chavis Knowles, Jumari Barthelemy, Phil Jackson III, and Jorge Gomez.
The defensive linemen also stood out with Donnie Gaitor Jr., Damar Williams, Markus Peterson, Eli Rawls, Eduardo Thompson, and Quinton Ferguson.
EDITOR’S NOTE: We will continue to spotlight Miami-Dade and Broward programs who are traveling to colleges this June.
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For the past 54 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
After a year away from his position as head football coach at Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy, Derrick “Nitro” Baker is back.
Before he left the position, the one-time Miami Northwestern standout had this program on the right track – with some top-flight prospects. But when he stepped down, much of that talent went in all directions.
Because of his popularity and coaching ability, when Baker announced that he would be back as the football coach along with his track and field position at the school, prospects began to return. While there are a few upper-class standouts, the Panthers are building for the future with several prospects who showcased their skills during the spring and throughout this summer.
The Class of 2025 seniors will have some leadership and experience. Here is a look at those impressive prospects:
Dahani Bernard, RB/LB, 5-10, 190.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19990881/6521fc5fd45eb60778a333a6
Zachary Nelson, DL, 6-2, 240. Dual Sport.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16723963/Zachary-Nelson
Raidel Ojeda, DL, 6-1, 240.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19905709/Raidel-Ojeda?
Damien Taylor, OLB/WR, 6-0, 185.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18673231/DAMIEN-TAYLOR?
THE FUTURE LOOKS VERY BRIGHT
While the seniors will certainly be needed to be there to give this team some of that experience, it’s those 2026, 2027 and 2028 players who will not only set the table for the future, but also make an impact this coming season.
Here are several gifted prospects to keep an eye on:
CLASS OF 2026
Kaj “Nitro” Baker, Athlete, 5-7, 165 – 3.5 GPA. Track & Field.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15144891/Kaj-Nitro-Baker
Aden Champagne, OL/DL, 6-1, 230.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19990881/664df9da4d1f5cac79239c5d
CLASS OF 2027
Kayden Augustin, OLB/DE, 5-10, 190.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19672727/Kayden-Augustin
Jahsai Juste, WR/DB, 5-8, 150.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19608968/Jahsai-Juste
Josiah Knight, RB, 5-7, 160 – 3.7 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22422103/Josiah-Knight
Raphael Leite, DL/OL, 5-10, 150.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19638992/Raphael-Leite
Mason Mora, LB.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20012091/Mason-Mora
Amare Nugent, WR, 6-1, 177. Track & Field.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18720223/Amare-Nugent
Juan Perez, OL/DL, 6-0, 210.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17628493/Juan-Perez
Jaeden Phillips, QB, 6-0, 175.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19566907/Jaeden-Phillips
CLASS OF 2028
Sabien McCloud, LB, 6-1, 208.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22316115/Sabien-McCloud
Dylan Semmartin, PK/P, 5-9, 135.
TAPE: https://dylansemmartin.com/videos
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For the past 54 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Nobody has to tell Art Taylor about building football programs and patience.
The Cooper City High head coach fully understood what was ahead of him when he returned to coach the Cowboys for the second time.
When he left well over a decade ago, things were very different. The team was stocked with the local Cooper City Optimist players. Not so much anymore.
Cooper City is certainly not alone in this new world of playing for rings and trophies and not so much development.
While transfers are happening at a record pace, loyalty and building the community school program is no longer a thing – and while the school remains one of the top academic public schools in Broward County, parents believe that sitting the bench on a state-rated team is better than playing for a growing program and bringing the community together.
Taylor has been around long enough to know that building with the players who want to be on your team helps you sleep better at night.
Nobody is dwelling on the two-win season in 2023. The focus has been on the off-season where several prospects are getting better by attending events that have them competing against some of the best.
With the summer under way, here are some of the players that you will want to keep an eye on as the process continues:
CLASS OF 2025
Luca D’Andrea, LB, 5-7, 166.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17226609/Luca-DAndrea
Bruce Gutierrez, FB/DT/LB, 5-9, 200.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17809678/Bruce-Gutierrez
Brandon Mangas, OL/DL.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16651918/Brandon-Mangas
Brandon Morales, RB/WR, 6-0, 185.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17832741/Brandon-Morales
CLASS OF 2026
Keygan Boyett, DL, 6-2, 230.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19985720/Keygan-Boyett
Deidric De Joris, S, 5-7, 145.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20127978/Deidric-De-Joris
Jake Gomulinski, WR/Slot, 5-9, 155.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17672420/Jake-Gomulinski
Erick Petersen, FB/DT, 5-8, 160.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17998303/Erick-Petersen
Ace Taylor, RB/Slot, 5-6, 135.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17578624/Ace-Taylor
Jake Wallace, OLB/SS.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17578545/jake-wallace?
CLASS OF 2027
Nick Dyer, QB, 5-11, 182 – 5.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19962948/65411156c1244e091c9ae8b6
Ahmand Johnson Jr., WR/CB, 5-11, 180.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19963626/Ahmand-Johnson-Jr
PHOTO COURTESY OF COOPER CITY FOOTBALL
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For the past 54 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
With summer camps under way and athletes headed in all directions, the emphasis is to get noticed and jump into the spotlight.
For several Miami-Dade and Broward County football prospects, they are already taking full advantage of the opportunities that these camps, combines and 7-on-7 events provide.
No matter where we travel, there are also athletes from this region who are impressing college coaches who use this time to evaluate and find those under-the-radar prospects that some may have missed during the off-season.
Whether it’s Pensacola, Tallahassee, Gainesville, Daytona Beach, Tampa, Lake Wales, Orlando, Boca Raton, Miami, West Palm Beach, Lakeland or Ave Maria, the name of the game is to impress and showcase skills.
Because the month of June is so important when it comes to recruiting, high school coaches make sure that they put their players in front of every college coaches they can.
Several schools have caravans that take many of these young men throughout the country to make a lasting impression.
Throughout the next two months, we will help to shine the spotlight on football talent in the two counties and follow them on their journey to many events.
Today, we bring you more prospects in 2025, 2026 and 2027 to keep an eye on as they get better to make their respective programs better.
Here are some impressive football players:
CLASS OF 2025
Aiden de Oliveira, OL, 6-3, 280, Miami Belen Jesuit – 4.3 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/13475504/Aiden-de-Oliveira
Jacques Dixon Jr., 5-9, 190, Fort Lauderdale NSU University School – 3.7 GPA. Track & Field.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16163962/6504b791f31d0309d409e9b9
Hunter Gilman, QB/SS, 5-11, 155, Coconut Creek North Broward Prep – 4.4 GPA. Transferring from Boca Raton Olympic Heights.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16284661/Hunter-Gilman
Zach Joseph, OL 5-10, 260, Hialeah American – 3.3 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18673224/Zach-Joseph
Bomani Lespinasse, LB/RB, 5-10, 200, Miami Dr. Krop.
TAPE: https://access.qwikcut.com/highlights/64e93030ec3795381dc4955f
Standley Louis Jr., WR, 6-0, 155, Coconut Creek – 3.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16175841/Standley-Louisjr
Jamarcus Pierre, CB/WR, 5-10, 170, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. Track.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14517179/64ff5cd819a6860448c5d282
Zaheed Pierre, CB, 5-11, 175, Pembroke Pines West Broward – 3.1 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17772924/6552cd55c11a7e045c45b581
George Saez, OC, 6-1, 250, Miami Florida Christian – 3.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18084627/65ec67060c54fb0ebc8ffdee
CLASS OF 2026
Christian Davis, CB, 6-0, 175, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18189270/Christian-Davis
Santiago Fuentes, WR/CB, 6-0, 170, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian Academy – 3.7 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18014163/Santi-Fuentes
Benjamin Lamas, Athlete, 6-1, 175, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – 3.4 GPA. Transferring from Boca Raton Spanish River.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17768054/64ffa58ed226040708f05441
Evan Mickow, TE, 6-4, 190, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – 3.6 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17983222/665135d0fc3ee093d740ac3d
Conneilus Miller Jr., WR, Miami Westminster Christian – 3.29 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18628445/6647a65f4d1f5cac791f5979
Robert Ortega Jr., RB, 5-6, 165, Davie Western – 4.1 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18274649/6577c8ba4ba9a31478cef708
Andy Sosa, OL, 6-3, 250, Miami Southridge. Transferring from Coral Gables.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17886697/Andy-Sosa/about
CLASS OF 2027
Tanner Gilman, Athlete, 5-10, 145, Coconut Creek North Broward Prep – 4.5 GPA. Transferring from Boca Raton Olympic Heights. Baseball.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19444281/tanner-gilman
Jayden Perera, LB, 6-1, 175, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman – 3.8 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19464308/Jayden-Perera
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For the past 54 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
TAMPA – When it comes to competition, it’s a given that Miami-Dade and Broward County football prospects will go anywhere to compete.
On Thursday and Friday, the University of South Florida and head coach Alex Golesh held a Mega Camp that attracted such colleges as Oregon, Miami, Kansas, Indiana, Toledo, Northern Illinois, Marshall, Eastern Michigan, North Dakota State, Kennesaw State, Mercer, Bryant, Bethune Cookman, Saint Anselm, Webber, St. Thomas University, Keiser and several others had a taste of some impressive talent.
When the dust settled over the two days, the #305 and #954 were well represented as some impressive football talent did their thing.
Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace and head coach Anthony Walker, who will participate in Saturday’s annual Sling and Shoot 7-on-7, brought several players to the combine.
Among the Class of 2025 players included Marlon Brown Jr. (CB), Jayden Armstrong (CB), Justin Fowler (WR), Amare Whetsell (WR), Merrick Martino (CB), Sean Ponder (QB), Mycah Johnson (QB), Gabriel Cline (WR), Dante Alexander (LB), Jaiden Toussaint (RB), Christopher Reynoso-Campos (OL), Brinley Armand (OL), Sincere Benjamin (DE), and Autz Claveus (DE).
Class of 2026 talent featured Cleveland Gary III (LB), Ismael Carmona (DE), Steve Carvel (OL), and Rashad Wallace (RB).
The Spartans also have a solid 2027 class with Jayden Gummer (LB), Korde Hinch (QB), and Tiandre Williams (RB). There were 2028 freshmen standouts Zakhuh Johnson (LB) and Aden Francois (QB).
As Monsignor Pace did their thing, so did two-time defending state champion Miami Christopher Columbus – with seniors Shaddai Carter (DB), Jason Barket (QB), Jose Gomez (WR), Agyeman Addae (RB), Rafael Suarez (OL), Hezekiah Downs (DL), Davaughn Russell (OL), and Ruben Hernandez (OL).
The Explorers also had a number of 2026 players – with Jonathan Nua (DL), Adriano Boutros (OL), Adriano Also (OL), Ethan Macias (OL), Tomas De María (OL), and Julian Gomez (OL).
Class of 2027 prospects also came to Tampa – with Angel Orozco (OL), Brody Villa (OL), and Aidan Prellezo (OL).
Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy is looking to get in the mix once again under head coach Jase Stewart – and they brought a number of players to the event.
Class of 2025 players such as Giancarlos Rivas (CB), Javier Quintero (WR), Teo Placencio (CB), Jayden Sanchez (WR), Tristan Segarra (RB), Giovanny Alonso (LB), and Jamari Wallace (RB).
Underclassmen also came – with 2026 players Nathan Gonzalez (LB), and Anthony Lorente (QB). Three 2027 prospects also attended with Alexander Ronquillo (LB), Antwan Martinez (LB), and Rahdel Jean (RB).
Coach Tim Neal and his Hialeah American Patriots also made their way up with seniors Milton Marchena (WR), Jordan Pownall (WR), Nathaniel Nelson (QB), Jukari Blackshere (WR), Delvin Ewing DB), and David Baker (WR).
Coconut Creek Monarch sent five players with seniors Jaleel Walters (DB), Janaris Foster (CB), and Jaylen Liberal (DB), and 2026 offensive linemen Donovan Isnadin and Jahmeer Beauzil.
Coach Brian McCartney’s West Broward Bobcats had 2025 players (DB), Franklyn Johnson Jr. (WR), Dylan Pelliccio (QB), and Zaheed Pierre (CB).
Miami Gardens TRU Prep brought up some 2025 seniors as well with Marek Anderson (DB), Jarrod Young Jr. (LB), Jonathan Pierre (LB), and Daniel Audit (DB).
Five-time defending state champion Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas had 2025 lineman Matias Garcia and 2026 TE Evan Mickow.
The Miami High Stingarees were represented by 2025 seniors Zion Chery (CB) and Rudolph Jones (QB), and 2026 junior Ty’Rell Snelling (LB).
Pembroke Pines Flanagan brought 2025 defensive back Levon Barbay and 2027 quarterback Logan Pelliccio.
The Miami Central Rockets brought quality 2025 receivers Anjuan Coleman and state-rated Nae'Shaun Montgomery.
Other athletes that came from Miami-Dade and Broward were 2025 defensive back Leroy Lee (Rise Prep), 2025 kicker Jacob Corredera (Miami True North Classical Academy), 2025 Miami Palmetto quarterback Lucas Goenaga and 2025 receiver Joel Salien, and 2026 Hollywood Avant Garde defensive lineman Tyler Lind.
There were some others who also attended that we will spotlight this week as we travel throughout the state, searching for our local talent.
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For the past 54 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..