As we head toward the second week of spring football in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, there will be several prospects starting to shine for colleges and universities from all over the country to watch.

As some of the younger players look to jump onto the spotlight for the first time, there are several rising seniors who have made major strides since the end of the 2024 season. Prospects who have stood out at camps, combines, 7-on-7 events and in other sports.

Today we look at five Class of 2026 football players who are rising up the ranks fast:

Shmar Akande, CB, 6’2, 180, Pembroke Pines West Broward. Ever since he stepped onto the field at Hollywood South Broward, you could tell how special this quality defensive player was. His ball skills, ability to cover and make plays was a signal for opponents not to throw in his direction. He is quick, athletic and will make plays all over the field. His addition to head coach Brian McCartney and the Bobcats has been huge as the team looks to accomplish some big things. This Toledo commitment also has a solid work ethic in the classroom – holding down a 3.8 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19697422/Shmar-Akande?

Kaj Baker, RB/Athlete, 5’8, 165, Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy. Playing for your father (Derrick “Nitro” Baker) is never easy for many athletes, but for this impressive talent, it’s the only thing he knows, and he has responded in a major way as a versatile football prospect and as a star who is one of the top track and field performers (10.38 100m 20.89 200m dash) in the state. Once this young man gets his hands on the ball and uses his instincts and vision to find a hole, he is off to the races. His speed is amazing and goes together with his abilities as a football player. His arsenal of talent extends as a receiver out of the backfield or one day as a slot performer. Did we mention that he is one of the best return specialists in Florida as well? In addition to making a major impact on the football field and track over the past four years, he is a superior student in the classroom – with a 3.5 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15144891/Kaj-Nitro-Baker

Camaul King, S, 6’0, 180, Miami True North Classical Academy. The real measure of any athlete when watching them play is to see their performance live – and that was exactly what sealed the deal when evaluating his play. You can watch all the film or listen to what someone says about a prospect, but unless you lay eyes on them, you can never fully break down what they do well. Watching him play, he is indeed a “baller” who has turned out to be a leader on the field with his ability and skill to make plays. He plays so well in space and uses his (4.4 – 40-yard dash speed) to get the job done against any level of competition. As lethal as he is on the football field for head coach Greg Laffere and the Titans, his work in the classroom (4.0 GPA) is opening some doors as well as being eligible to enroll early in January of 2026.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19337278/650affb690ef7306e01f0a5b

Zamari “Pop” Marquez, SS, 5’10, 175, Fort Lauderdale Dillard. The first thing you notice when watching this quality talent perform is his motor. He never stops. Follows up plays from start to finish and puts himself in position to make more plays. While he plays the safety position for head coach Dimitris Mincey’s Panthers, he does approach the game more like a linebacker. He is always ready to hit and come up with the game-changing play. In addition to what he brings to the game as a defensive player, keep an eye on his role as a special team player as well. He uses many of those qualities that stand out in the rest of his game. His work in the classroom (3.0 GPA) is also impressive. Colleges need to lock on to what he does this spring and into the summer.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19371767/Zamari-Marquez

Kamron Wilson, Edge, 6’5, 220, Miami Southridge. Last year it was Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna standout Derrek Cooper who basically came out of nowhere to be an elite, nationally recognized recruit. This year, we introduce you to this quality football talent who emerged at the end of last season as one of the huge surprises. While he was a talented football player in 2024 for head coach Pierre Senatus and his district champion Spartans, it was his performances at several off-season events that also opened eyes – especially at Syracuse University where he committed. The reasons that this young man is so impressive on the field is his athleticism, physical strength and quickness and his length. It is very tough for a quarterback or a runner to escape him because of everything he brings to the table. If his work on the football field wasn’t impressive enough, what he brings to the table as a student (4.0 GPA) is equally as impressive!

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIAMI SOUTHRIDGE

SOUTH FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS RADIO SHOW RECOGNIZED. https://www.millionpodcasts.com/high-school-podcasts/

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

Once again on Thursday 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 Thursday went:

The University of South Florida had a productive spring and Sean Havens from Bulls247 looks at the spring and ahead toward the off-season.

SEAN HAVENS ON THURSDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/sean-havens-bulls247com-555da

UCF welcomed a new and familiar coaching staff this spring and Matt Murschel from the Orlando Sentinel filled us in.

MATT MURSCHEL ON THURSDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/matt-murschel-orlando-sentinel-c5044

Spring football is under way in Florida and Andy Villamarzo from Florida High Schools On Sports Illustrated stopped by to talk about it.

ANDY VILLAMARZO ON THURSDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/andy-villamarzo-florida-sports-illustrated-1cbe5

Miami Hurricanes Head Coach Mario Cristobal joins Larry Blustein as he was in the middle of a recruitment dinner to talk about the current state of the U program and what type of player he's looking for.

COACH MARIO CRISTOBAL ON THURSDAY NIGHT: Miami Hurricanes Head Coach Mario Cristobal joins Larry Blustein as he was in the middle of a recruitment dinner to talk about the current state of the U program and what type of player he's looking for

After a strong finish in 2024, Miami Christopher Columbus is back and ready to make another run at a state title. Veteran head coach Dave Dunn talked about it.

COACH DAVE DUNN ON THURSDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-dave-dunn-miami-christopher-columbus-ae469

Deerfield Beach has a new head coach and J.T. Thomas has hit the ground running. He joined the show to talk about the Bucks.

COACH J.T. THOMAS ON THURSDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-jt-thomas-of-deerfield-beach-fl-77aad

Brian Smith from the Locked On Network has been busy this spring and talked about it.

BRIAN SMITH ON THURSDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/brian-smith-of-locked-on-seminoles-e9c2a

THIS OFF SEASON GET THE JUMP ON EVERYONE. Check Out The South Florida High School Sports Radio Show Every Week. @UHealthSports @560WQAM https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98

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.. 

With spring under way across south Florida, college coaches will make their way south to check out all the talent that we have in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

Every year at this time, there are several prospects who confirm what many have felt all along – while others showcase their skills for the first time.

It is no secret that Florida is the place where you head to infuse your roster with talent that has been playing at a high, competitive level since youth leagues.

While there are very talented prospects across the country – as we saw this past week during the NFL Draft – but there is something about prospects, especially from south Florida who are ready for battle as soon as they reach the high school level.

Yesterday when we brought you five Class of 2027 players to keep an eye on we had plenty of feedback from fans of those programs who have yet to watch those young men and were anxious to see potential game changers.

Today, we have five more players to keep an eye on in the class this spring and summer:

Raul Alvarez, OLB/DE, 6’0, 205, Miami Immaculata LaSalle – 3.57 GPA. Playing for a program that had a banner season in 2024, here is a prospect that is versatile and makes plays as a pass rusher and as a sure tackler. His ability to read the flow of plays gives him a huge advantage. Whether coming off the edge or playing inside, this is a sold playmaker who still has two seasons to continue growing and maturing.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19517372/Raul-Ignacio-Alvarez-Eguia

Kareem Brown, WR, 6’0, 175, Miami True North Classical Academy. As this team continues to grow and pose a threat to some of the other teams in the region, it’s players like this who has the ability to break games open that will be essential. Has size, skill and knowledge of the game and position. He will make this offense better because of the many things he does – as he showed last season. When he gets the ball in his hands, he makes things happen. This coming season will be one that colleges will see what he brings to the Titans.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16930405/Kareem-Brown

Maurice Gage, OLB/SS, 5’10, 180, Miami Gulliver Prep – 3.4 GPA. Having watched this versatile defensive standout play, you can see his ball skills, ability to tackle and cover, and anticipate the flow of plays. Whether he ends up playing linebacker or safety will depend on his growth and maturity, but for now the Raiders have a talented prospect who will be fun to watch in the off-season.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19764540/Maurice-Gage

Symari Milner, DL/LB, 5’9, 205, Fort Lauderdale. When veteran head coach Richard Dunbar tells you he has someone special that is young, you listen. Over the years, the Flying Ls have churned out so impressive talent and this young man is indeed someone to keep an eye on. While he may not have the size that will bowl you over, his skill and ability to control the line of scrimmage, even against larger linemen, is what his game is all about. He is strong, physical and very smart which translates into plenty of positives. As he is a solid run stopper, please do not sleep on his talents as a pass rusher. He finds a way to get to the quarterback.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22518012/Symari-Milner

Khamarian Young, WR, 6’0, 175, Hollywood McArthur. Coming over from Davie Western this is indeed someone who has a chance to be special for first year head coach Robert Ortega and the Mustangs. He finds a way to get open and also make plays against top competition. He gives his new team a chance to score from anywhere on the field as he uses his route running ability to separate. Definitely a prospect to keep an eye on.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20363038/Khamarian-Young

SOUTH FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS RADIO SHOW RECOGNIZED. https://www.millionpodcasts.com/high-school-podcasts/

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

After decades and decades of watching, promoting and evaluating talent throughout the country, state and in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, we have found that when you watch talent play instead of relying on seeing film only, you have a better grasp of what athletes can do – on and off the playing field.

Throughout the course of a year, we have the pleasure of attending numerous games, practices, camps, combines and seeing athletes in different arenas.

Fresh off the 2025 NFL Draft, spring has started at high schools across the state of Florida, and while the focus is on the rising senior (2026) class, underclassmen are also receiving plenty of attention from the college coaches as well as recruiting services and the media.

We are in different times when it comes to recruiting, and while the actual game of football has not changed, the way colleges and universities evaluate the prospects has certainly taken several twists and turns.

Understanding that the transfer portal is always going to be in play, choosing the student/athlete that fits your program is perhaps the most important thing that college coaches must realize.

Character has always been important, but now when you are looking at talent, you have to go beyond 40 times and how many tackles they make and truly get to know the individual, and that you simply cannot do by sitting in front of a computer.

Talking to prospects and understanding what they are all about – away from football can make a huge difference and often means everything when they get to the next level.

Today, we take a look at five Class of 2027 prospects that have started to make their way on to the radar – and will have the chance for colleges to see many for the first time.

Damian Fisher, DL, 5’10, 225, Homestead. The first thing you notice about this impressive athlete is the way he gets off the ball and has a motor that never stops. While he isn’t the largest player on the field, he is tough and will follow up plays to the end. He plays low and it gives him a chance to be a huge factor as a run stopper. He is versatile enough to play inside, edge and nose tackle in the middle. As soon as the ball is snapped, he focuses on getting a sack, which is part of his game that continues to elevate.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19651335/Damian-Fisher

Ji’Koi Highsmith, OLB/DE, 6’2, 200, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy – 4.8 GPA. 1040 SAT. 23 PACT. Easily one of the fastest-rising prospects in the class. Here is a versatile defensive talent that is quick off the ball and reads plays extremely well. He is a very smart young man who continues to pick up more and more about his position and the game by attending off-season events as well as his leadership for the Mavericks.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20357665/672e9bd1eb3da2ca23324f18

James Klaiss Jr., WR, 6’1, 165, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna – 3.6 GPA. On a program that is loaded at the receiver position, here is someone that continues to use the off-season to get his reps and become more comfortable with getting on the football field more for the nationally-rated Lions over the next two years. Showcased his skills and got plenty of playing time on the junior varsity squad. This is someone to keep an eye on as he matures and continues to learn more about the game and position(s) he plays.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19530847/James-Klaiss-jr

Jayden Miller, QB, 6’0, 195, Fort Lauderdale NSU University School – 3.5 GPA. With so much elite rising talent at the quarterback position throughout Florida and in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, here is someone that is coming off a season in which he made a huge impact for the Sharks, taking them to the Sunshine State Athletic Association title game against Oviedo The Master’s Academy. Named to the first team all-state with huge numbers in his young career (3,145 yards and 26 touchdowns). Has very good arm strength and accuracy and his improvement against some top programs has certainly thrusted him into the spotlight and in the conversation as one of the best in his class. This program is expecting some major things this coming season.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19271336/Jayden-Miller

Edwardo Thompson, DL, 6’1, 240, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy. Makes his way over from Miami Booker T. Washington as one of the top defensive line prospects in the state of Florida. Here is a very talented player that combines strength, quickness and athletic ability, and as he continues to learn the position technically, watch out! While his objective is to get to the passer, do not underestimate his skills as a run stopper. This is one of those players that everyone needs to keep an eye on over the next two seasons as he becomes a leader and a major producer.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19747559/Edwardo-Thompson

SOUTH FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS RADIO SHOW RECOGNIZED. https://www.millionpodcasts.com/high-school-podcasts/

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