There was a time when the 7-on-7 “all-star” football season began, rising stars in each community across the country would attend a tryout and form a team.
Local prospects that were either on the radar – or using the exposure of competing against some of the best in the state to enhance their ranking – were those who took part.
There is no getting around that the landscape of 7-on-7 football has changed – from its infancy over two decades ago with the South Florida Express, Florida Fire, Strong Arm and other teams who would attempt to stack their roster with the best quarterbacks, receivers, running backs, defensive backs and linebackers within in their own area.
With so much competition, high level events and the opportunity to travel across the nation to compete, the 7-on-7 that many knew in the early 2000’s had changed – in a major way. It was no longer in just a few states, but the entire country had gotten involved.
Many recruiting fan websites are now using these shorts and t-shirt events to figure in their class rankings – much like AAU basketball has done for decades, although basketball and football are so much different when it comes to evaluation – with basketball offering more to what the game assimilates. Football without pads and linemen can only tell so much, but never-the-less, these weekly events have swayed many who put out lists and use a star ranking.
Still, every weekend from coast to coast, recruiting analysts flock to tournaments, writing stories on top prospects and promoting these events more than ever – in the name of selling subscriptions, which is essential.
In addition to the level of talent, more and more national sponsors are seeing the exposure these tournaments provide and have become a lifeline for programs who take airplanes, stay in hotels, have quality meals, are provided with ground transportation and pay high entry fees to events in hopes to expose their product.
THE RAW ARE AMONG THE BEST
One of the programs that has jumped on the national radar – bringing home several titles over the past two years is Raw Miami, which is a locally run team that is loaded with local prospects as well as statewide and even national talent that has already found their way onto the recruiting radar.
From rising seniors (2026) to Class of 2028 rising sophomores, the Raw team is stacked with elite talent.
With several businesspeople who have an interest in football and the 7-on-7 events involved, along with some key sponsors, this is one of the most successful program in the nation, already bringing home titles.
“The 7-on-7 season has become huge and the opportunity for elite prospects to compete against one another every week between January and April is something that thousands look forward to,” said Raw General Manager Jose Duasso. “We have been fortunate to bring some of the best football talent in the country together and the results have been very positive.”
Here is a look at many of the athletes who compete for the 2025 Raw program:
CLASS OF 2026
Darryl “Tre” Bell III, Athlete, 6-0, 190, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman – 3.2 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17750834/Darryl-Tre-Bell-III
Helaman Casuga, QB, 6-1, 210, Draper Corner Canyon, Utah.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/11686242/Helaman-Casuga
Jordan Clay, WR, 6-4, 200, San Antonio Madison, Texas – 3.7 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17957673/6526eeafa677310c88341f9f
Ty Crethers, DB/WR, 6-0, 185, Dallas Skyline, Texas.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19031063/651cf6d04df5fa16106f88ef
Joshua Joseph, WR, 6-0, 190, Miami Central.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21019965/Joshua-Joseph
Nicsaint Joseph, WR, 6-2, 170, Miami Northwestern.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17890598/Nicsaint-Joseph-jr
Brandon Kinsey, WR/DB, 6-2, 190, Miami Central.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17807080/Brandon-Kinsey
Karon Maycock, Athlete, 6-2, 210, Miami Central – 3.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18939858/Karon-Maycock
Kai Meza, WR, 6-1, 185, Draper Corner Canyon, Utah.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17680243/674242e108227b3a76790ad3
Calvin Russell, Jr., WR/Athlete, 6-5, 190, Miami Northwestern.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17878157/6546e139066ba406b4cdeb25
D’montae “Chico” Tims, S/Athlete, 6-1, 195, Seffner Armwood.
TAPE: https://access.qwikcut.com/hub/detail/6279cef514540c6598db8cd0/Chico-Tims
Jaelen Waters, CB, 6-2, 180, Seffner Armwood.
TAPE: https://access.qwikcut.com/hub/detail/64dcd50e64765c1d096507db/Jaelen-Waters
CLASS OF 2027
Trezvant Boyd, DB, 5-10, 155, Miami Booker T. Washington.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20189717/Trezavant-Boyd
Aiden “A3” Evans, Athlete, 5-11, 170, Lewisville, Texas.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20109064/Aiden-Evans
Samari Howard, DB, 6-0, 155, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – 3.0 GPA. Transferred from Hollywood South Broward.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20309945/672a9c90ff35398cdbafef05
Amarri Irvin, RB/LB, 6-0, 208, Bradenton IMG Academy -4.2 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18140454/6515bf7d19a6a80b3ca43cd8
Zachary “Zac” Katz, QB, 6-1, 200, Miami True North Classical Academy.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17908883/Zachary-Katz
Nicholas Lennear, WR, 6-0, 165, Miami Northwestern.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19539314/Nicholas-Lennear
Taelyn Mayo, DB, 6-4, 184, Lewisville, Texas – 3.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19548294/Taelyn-Mayo
CLASS OF 2028
Quartavius Lyons Jr., DB, 6-1, 180, Homestead South Dade – 3.6 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19062829/Quartavius-Lyons-Jr
Amir Sears, Athlete, 6-1, 175, Pembroke Pines West Broward – 3.93 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18445689/Amir-Sears
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
Keeping An Eye On Football Transfers In Miami-Dade & Broward Counties. 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..
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 in on coaches and players in all sports.
Here is a look at the way Thursday went:
Henri Crockett, newly appointed President & Chair will talked this weekend’s Orange Bowl Recruiting Showcase.
HENRI CROCKETT ON THURSDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/henri-crockett-orange-bowl-showcase-with-larry-blustein-2-13-24-5388e
The Florida Gators’ 2025 football schedule is out and Kevin Brockway from the Gainesville Sun broke it down.
KEVIN BROCKWAY ON THURSDAY NIGHT:
https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/kevin-brockway-gainesville-sun-with-larry-blustein-2-13-25-24e01
One of the top 7-on-7 teams in the country is south Florida’s RAW. Team founder Jose Duasso talked about the team.
JOSE DUASSO ON THURSDAY NIGHT:
https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/jose-duasso-miami-raw-with-larry-blustein-2-13-25-8c022
New coaches, players and plenty of news coming out of the University of Miami and Adam Lichtenstein from the South Florida Sun Sentinel talked about it.
ADAM LICHTENSTEIN ON THURSDAY NIGHT:
https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/adam-lichtenstein-south-florida-sun-sentinel-with-larry-blustein-2-13-24-03459
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..
By Dave Brousseau - BCAA Writer
PEMBROKE PINES – One goal proved to be enough for the Pembroke Pines Charter boys’ soccer team.
Junior defender Diego Medina-Pagan scored his second goal of the season from the shortest distance possible, nudging the loose ball just with inches grom the goal line.
The goal was all the Jaguars needed to in defeating Varela 3-0 in a Class 5A Regional Final at home on Wednesday.
“We were sluggish at the beginning and my goal helped changed the game,” said Medina-Pagan. “Once we scored, we put on more pressure. The last time we lost in the state semifinals, but now we have more chemistry and have more fun on the field.”
The victory extends the season to a state semifinal match on Feb. 19 at the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex in Auburndale against an opponent to be decided.
The result extended the Jaguars (18-0-2) winning streak to 17 games, while recording their 14th shutout of the season. In the three regional games Pines Charter outscored their opponents 15-0.
“We’re very excited and have a phenomenal season so far,” said Pines Charter coach Marc Lue Young. “The boys have improved game by game. We have the mindset to go forward, and we’ve done very well with that.”
“I’m very excited to get back to the state semis and hopefully we can bring the trophy back home to Pembroke Pines, he added.”
In 20 games played to date the Jaguars have outscored their opponents 78-8. And over the last five seasons, including the 2024-25 campaign, they have a combined record of 71-15-5.
Junior keeper Mateo Valencia was credited for recording his 14th blank sheet of the season.
Pines Charter reached the 2024 Class 5A state semifinals, losing to Panama City Beach Arnold by penalty kicks 4-2. They lost to American Heritage in penalty kicks in the regional finals in 2023.
Junior midfielder Gabriel Calderon blasted a right-footed shot from just outside the box in the 63rd minute for the 3-0 advantage to secure any thoughts of a Varela (9-7-2) comeback bid.
The Vipers had allowed only a single goal prior to Wednesday’s loss.
“We knew what we were facing, probably one of the best teams we have faced,” said Varela coach Juan Monge. “We had some players injured, but no regrets. We had a great season.”
Sophomore midfielder Aiden Toledo scored his first goal of the season as he collected a freekick near the far post kicking past Varela keeper Maximilian Rojas in the 47th minute for a 2-0 lead.
Dave Brousseau can be reached on X at @dbrouss76 – or via e-mail at:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
As the 2024 season came to an end with losses to longtime rival Fort Lauderdale and Weston Cypress Bay, first year head coach Jacky Candy and his staff looked back at the season and started to address what needed to be done.
Finishing second in the district after picking up a forfeit win against powerhouse Miami Central, the players understood that if this program was going to advance to the state playoffs, finishing at .500 would not get it done.
For the wins against Coral Glades, South Plantation, Boyd Anderson, Pompano Beach and the win against Central, there were stinging defeats that exposed what the Dragons needed to work on this off-season.
While depth is always going to be a concern, staying injury free is a must, and with some capable rising seniors (2026) coming back, there is something to be optimistic about.
That 2026 class does have some playmakers with experience and much needed leadership:
Leroy Cooks IV, RB/WR/DB, 5-9, 175 – 2.8 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19679918/Leroy-Cooks-IV
Amari Latour, TE/SS/LB, 5-11, 185 – 2.7 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20744643/Amari-Latour
Jeremiah Lawson, RB/WR/DB, 5-8, 160 – 2.9 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20462748/Jeremiah-Lawson
Ke’Varee McCall, TE/HB/DE/LB, 6-1, 195 – 2.6 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22506723/673815d9364a9f3dc097bacd
THE UNDERCLASSMEN WILL BE COUNTED ON
As we know, heading into the off-season, the rising senior class will certainly be a place that will dictate what the 2025 season is all about. But with that said, the 2027 and 2028 prospects have a chance to be special – with some elite prospects having the chance to make a major contribution.
CLASS OF 2027
Demetrious Knox, WR/DB, 5-9, 145.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23982559/Demetrious-Knox
Leon Lily, WR/DB, 5-10, 165 – 3.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22506709/Leon-Lily
Kyle Pearson, OL, 6-3, 270.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20173402/Kyle-Pearson
Anthony Williams, WR/DB, 5-7, 150 – 3.2 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23189978/Anthony-Williams
Keon Williams, FB/DL, 5-10, 235 – 2.6 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20414219/Keon-Williams
CLASS OF 2028
Blake Mitchell, WR/DB, 5-9, 155 – 3.1 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/24238082/Blake-Mitchell
Lionel Pratt, WR/DB, 5-11, 150 – 3.1 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/24192396/lionel-pratt
Micah Price, TE/DE/OLB, 6-2, 220 – 3.3 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23984296/Micah-Price
AWAITING VIDEO
Jerome Simmons, OL/DL, 5-11, 220
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
Keeping An Eye On Football Transfers In Miami-Dade & Broward Counties. 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..
Throughout the year, as we watch games, practices, attend camps and combines and see several 7-on-7 events, we check out thousands of football players in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.
While there are so many avenues for the student/athletes to gain exposure, we are fortunate to see many of these young men from the time they start playing the sport. We also have the pleasure of seeing them in other arenas – such as track & field, baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, lacrosse, cross country and wrestling to make a full evaluation that many others do not have the opportunity to do.
When players, coaches and parents ask what we have done the past 55 years, it is simple to tell them that we fully e promote the prospects and pass the information on to the hundreds and hundreds of college coaches who value our input from dealing with us for decades.
Recruiting is all about relationships – not only player to coach, but also analysts to media, college coaches and others who do not have the chance to watch for themselves.
When many talk about star-rating or class ranking, understand that many of those are made from either watching a player compete in shorts and t-shirt, viewing the same video that anyone has access to or listening to someone else.
We have the chance to spotlight Miami-Dade and Broward football talent in every class, and today we bring you five more players from the Class of 2027 (rising juniors):
Santana Blount, WR, 5-9, 160, Miami Carol City. As head coach George Stubbs and the Chiefs build this program back to where the Chiefs flourished for many decades, prospects like this are indeed essential. This is a slot receiver who runs outstanding routes, catches the ball in space as well as in traffic, giving himself up, often, for the best of the team. One of his strengths is getting extra yards after the initial hit. Someone that will continue to come into his own over the next two seasons.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22468691/Santana-Blount
Gerren Bray, OL, 6-2, 295, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. Comes over to the six-time defending state champions and veteran head coach Roger Harriott with some high-level play of his own, being part of the first ever state title team ever at West Boca Raton. From the first time you watch him play, you can see how much experience he has already received as a freshman and sophomore already. Forty-six pancake blocks in two years, playing out of the guard and tackle position. Has received plenty of accolades in Palm Beach County. You must watch this young man in person to appreciate everything he brings to the table. In addition to what he does on the field, he continues to get it done in the classroom (3.75 GPA) as well.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19783194/674dd797aa0c9298c944ae77
Brandon Howard, OLB, 6-1, 225, Miami Palmetto. Here is one of those prospects who we talked about in the off-season when he was at South Dade as being one of the future stars of south Florida. He brings everything to the table as a player who is talented, athletic and someone who gets it done in the classroom (3.0 GPA). While his position is outside linebacker, and will certainly be recruited at that position, he was asked to play the Edge, which showed his ability to get after the quarterback, but also showcase his skills inside as a tackler. The Panthers and head coach Mike Manasco got themselves a difference maker who will impact he defense – right away.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20590410/Brandon-Howard
Tyler Smith, CB/SS, 5-11, 155, Davie Nova. Watching him firsthand this past season was only enhanced by what he did at the recent Prep Rezone Florida Stock Up Showcase in Orlando. This is someone who certainly set the table during his sophomore season with 30 tackles, 4 pass breakups, 3 forced fumbles and 3 interceptions for head coach Tyrus McCloud and the Titans out of his safety position. He is solid in pass coverage and isn’t afraid to be physical on plays on the ground. In addition to what he already does on the football field, his work in the classroom (3.2 GPA) is also something that will open doors over the next few years.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19588362/Tyler-Smith?
Justus Del Pino, DE/OT, 6-3, 240, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. While the Chiefs won the district this past season, they fell short of their goals set at the start of the season to reach the 2A state title game in Miami. To get back to where this program had been, winning three state titles over a five-year period, veteran head coach Matt Dubuc and his team will need prospects like this. A versatile lineman who showed his skills on both sides of the ball, giving this program an option of where to play him. He is athletic and has great feet. This is a player that will continue to mature in the off-season and will be even better when the 2025 season starts in August.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20059460/Justus-Del-Pino
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..