When the 2024 season ended and Miami Northwestern held their 3A state championship trophy high in the air at Pitbull Stadium on the campus of FIU, there was a group of players 10 miles away that didn’t share in the Bulls’ joy.
On Oct. 4th of last season at Traz Powell Stadium, the Miami Central Rockets beat Northwestern and would win the rest of the games, setting themselves up for yet another championship run.
When the Rockets were found to have used an illegible player, the dreams of every player and coach on the team was dashed instantly. The 8-1 season with so much hope of sending the senior class out with a title was dashed.
Every win in 2024 was erased and this powerhouse, which lost only to Lakeland to start the season, was taken away along with the chance of winning it all.
During the off-season those players had to live with not getting an opportunity to end 2024 with yet another team title.
In the wake of those forfeits came the firing of head coach Jube Joseph who kept the tradition alive after taking the reins from Roland Smith.
The Rockets, for the first time in several years, had no direction and no coach to lead them.
While most knew that this program would rebound, they all understood that the next head coach would have to follow in the same mold as Telly Lockette, Smith and Joseph.
When Derrick Gibson was hired, they struck gold again. In this former Miami Killian and FSU standout, they were getting someone who not only knew the program – after spending nearly a decade with the team – but someone who everyone respected and recently had college experience as an assistant coach at FAU.
While many have continued to bury this team and already write to 2025 season off, maybe they should stop in to see what the Rockets are bringing back – and bringing in.
During their spring scrimmage last Saturday at Traz Powell Stadium, there were things that need to be worked on over the next two plus months, but there are also quality football players who have an opportunity to win a district and put this team in a position they could have easily been in at the end of 2024!
CLASS OF 2026
Jakhi Barber, DL, 6’1, 265.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17979979/Jakhi-Barber
Kelvin Blount, DB, 5’11, 155.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20668425/kelvon-blount
William Brown, DB, 5’9, 150 – 3.7 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17976016/William-Brown
Jamall M. Cooper, WR, 5’10, 160 – 3.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19382221/Jamall-M-Cooper
Adrian Ellis, LB, 5’10, 200.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19698133/Adrian-Ellis
Jayson “Bam” Farfan, DE, 6’3, 225 – 3.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22844638/Jayson-Farfan
Otis Guyton, DE/OLB, 6’0, 200 – 3.8 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19391934/Otis-Guyton
Omari Hollis, RB, 5’11, 180
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19784754/Omari-Hollis
Joshua Joseph, WR/CB, 6’0, 190.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21019965/Joshua-Joseph
Brandon Kinsey, Athlete, 6’2, 190.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17807080/Brandon-Kinsey
Ellis Little, RB, 5’10, 185.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23527445/Ellis-Little
Roderick Mathieu, LB, 6’1, 210.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17778291/Roderick-B-Mathieu
Karon Maycock, LB, 6’2, 210 – 3.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18939858/Karon-Maycock
Brian McKoy, WR/Slot, 5’7, 155.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23187729/Brian-Mckoy
Duane Manor, WR, 6’1, 180 – 3.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://access.qwikcut.com/highlights/664e08baa693c6d5fe0fa9dd
Cameron McCrea, DE, 6’1, 215 – 2.8 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16025610/Cameron-McCrea
Anthony McQueen, QB, 6’1, 185.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/24139066/Anthony-McQueen
Kymani Ormsby, DL, 6’3, 250.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19378329/Kymani-Ormsby
Nealan Perez, DE/DT, 6’4, 207 – 3.9 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17944034/Nealan-Perez
Senicio Vann, OC/OG, 5’10, 270.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22496335/Senicio-Vann
Kymani Ware, OL, 6’1, 293.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17710876/Kymani-Ware?MA..
AWAITING VIDEO
Myles Dawkins, DT
Dante Eboka, DE
Randy George Jr., WR, 5’7, 140
Thomas Miller, DB
CLASS OF 2027
Jaeden Jackson, OLB/S, 6’1, 195 – 4.0 GPA. Track & Field.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19690136/Jaeden-Jackson
Jayden Johnson, Slot/RB, 5’6, 160 – 3.2 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19588383/Jayden-Johnson
Melvin Miller, S, 6’1, 155.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22502364/Melvin-Miller
Cole Rodriguez, P/PK, 5’10, 145 – 3.67 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20823856/Cole-Rodriguez
Anterrio Thornton Jr., OL, 6’1, 280.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23512748/Anterrio-Thornton-Jr
Tavares Ward, CB/S, 6’2, 180.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19972391/Tavares-Ward
Jamarian Wilson, OL, 6’2, 290.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23512726/Jamarian-Wilson?
AWAITING VIDEO
Vincent Williams, OL
CLASS OF 2028
Adrian Cox, RB.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23535392/Adrian-Cox
Kareem Forbes, DB, 5’9, 165 – 3.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23019390/Kareem-Forbes
Damien Harvey, DL, 6’1, 250.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22980313/Damien-Harvey
Demetrius Ingram, WR/FS, 6’1, 175 – 3.83 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23557327/Demetrius-Ingram
Quartavius Lyons Jr., CB, 6’2 178 – 3.6 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19062829/Quartavius-Lyons-Jr
Steven Moore, LB, 6’1, 215- 3.2 GPA. Wrestling.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19498770/Steven-Moore
AWAITING VIDEO
Jaylen Antrobus, DL
Aaron Ellis, DB
Quinton Rolle Jr., DB, 5’10, 170
La’Bron Scharoun, LB
Ronald Williams, Jr., WR
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..
During the course of spring football here in the state of Florida, we try to see as many teams and players as possible.
Because we rank players throughout the state, it is essential that we watch these prospects live to see what they have to offer.
The one thing that we have always done is see players to form our opinions so when ranking the different classes, we will have a basis why some players are rated higher or lower – and that is something we have always done.
There is getting to practices, watching scrimmages and seeing games in person that not only validate the athletes, but also uncover some players that many have not watched before.
During the summer we will shine a spotlight on several players in the two counties, hopefully giving you an insight on talent that you will be watching during the 2025 season.
Today, we will bring you five players we watched this spring:
2027 - Trezavant Boyd, DB, 5’10, 155, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy. Makes the move from Miami Booker T. Washington after a stellar sophomore season for head coach Tim “Ice” Harris and the Tornadoes. One of the skilled cover cornerbacks has speed, athleticism and the knowledge of how to play the position. Will be one of the best in Florida for his class – and as he gains weight and matures – he has a chance to dominate at this level and into college.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20189717/Trezavant-Boyd
2027 - DeMarcus Deroche, OLB/Edge/WR, 6-5, 200. Here is without hesitation one of the top prospects in the state of Florida. A versatile talent that will end up being an elite player but has an enormous upside that allows him to play multiple positions for head coach Kevin Claxton and the Cobras. Colleges and universities already know what this young man is all about. He has size, skill, and athleticism and has already been offered by a number of established college powers. Also, a basketball player.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22537928/67225b83fd10be7e12eafb5a
2028 – Damien Harvey, DT, 6’2, 250, Miami Central – 3.75 GPA. There may not be a more dominating interior defensive lineman in the state for this class. He is an athletic and instinctive playmaker and is already leading one of the top defensive units in Florida. Is always being pushed and taught by first year head coach Derrick Gibson and his staff. As he continues to grow and mature, there is no doubt that he will only enhance what he already has. Every college in America will continue to follow his progress over the next three years!
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22980313/Damien-Harvey
2026 – Jaiden Henry, LB, 6’1, 220, Miami Palmetto. While this Miami High transfer may not be on many radar screens yet, he will be soon. A big, strong and athletic talent that is just starting to emerge as college coaches watched and appreciated his toughness and ability to make plays for head coach Mike Manasco and his Panthers. Will be a catalyst for a defense that will be one of the best in south Florida. Keep your eye on this young man.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18449607/Jaiden-Henry
2028 - Za'Kari Johnson, DB/Athlete, 6’1, 175, Plantation. When coaches are already comparing this quality talent to elite players like Patrick Peterson, you know that you have something special. Has size, quickness, skill and overall athletic ability as he showed in the spring game, making play after play and giving college coaches a sneak peak of what they will be watching the next three years for head coach Darrell Strong and his Colonels.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/24237216/Zakari-Johnson
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..
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:
For the second time in three years, Plantation American Heritage brings home a state title and head coach Bruce Aven talked about the Patriots.
COACH BRUCE AVEN ON MONDAY NIGHT:
https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/american-heritage-head-baseball-coach-bruce-aven-b0b8
For only the second time in school history, Mater Academy won a state baseball title and head coach Humberto Bencomo looked back at the Lions’ 5A title.
COACH HUMBERTO BENCOMO ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/humberto-bencomo-head-baseball-coach-at-mater-academy-in-hialeah-fl-026cc
It’s been a long time since Miami Springs has won a state title in any sport, but the baseball team broke that streak, winning the school’s first ever on the diamond and David Fanshawe talked Golden Hawks.
COACH DAVID FANSHAWE ON MONDAY NIGHT:
https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/miami-spring-fl-head-baseball-coach-david-fanshawe-ba456
Things are still busy in Coral Gables with the University of Miami football program and Izubee Charles from Canesport.com took time to look at the players who are coming in.
COACH IZUBEE CHARLES ON MONDAY NIGHT:
https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/izubee-charles-canesport-dot-com-3c8e0
Jacksonville’s Edward Waters University continues to make major strides on the football field and head coach Toriano Morgan dropped by to talk about this talented program.
COACH TORIANO MORGAN ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/edward-waters-university-head-football-coach-toriano-morgan-b864c
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..
HIALEAH GARDENS – “Mater Culture”.
It may not mean much on the outside, but for a school that is looking to showcase an athletic program, the students, teachers, administrators and coaches, it is something that is building strong just to the west of the Palmetto Expressway on N.W. 103rd Street.
As the baseball team was celebrating a second ever state title; track and field athletes, wrestlers and other boys and girls who have kept Mater Academy relevant were being recognized, May 23, 2025 will be a date where this school expanded its brand.
While the school has been around for decades and has enjoyed success in all sports – including football – last Friday was yet another step in bringing this football program to another level of exposure and media attention .
As first year head coach Tim “Ice” Harris and his staff finished up their first spring - media, and former players and coaches flocked to Milander Stadium for something that many never expected.
A morning field trip brought students, cheerleaders, administrators and athletes from all sports to the spring game, where players were introduced to exposure that many had never experienced.
The Ice Harris era kicked off in grand style as hundreds of students came out and had the opportunity to support their school and all their sports programs – with the spotlight shining brightly early in the morning.
After years of winning state and national titles at Miami Booker T. Washington High School, Harris and his staff, along with some transfers, had the opportunity to close out spring with a something that everyone will remember as a spring football game became an event.
As this program continues to build as a 5A team in a competitive south Florida landscape, no promises were ever made. All that was told of this group of athletes – ranging from rising seniors to incoming freshmen – was work hard and make a commitment and positives will happen. They already have seen that in just a month.
There are several prospects who have bought in to what is happening in Hialeah Gardens, and for many, the fall cannot come soon enough.
CLAS OF 2026
Jaylen Blackwell (OL, 6’0, 245 – 3.0 GPA).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18056107/Jaylen-Blackwell
Carlos Botella (DE/LB, 6’0, 190).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17542085/Carlos-Botella
Freddie Francois (DB/WR, 5’10, 175).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19300576/Fred-Francois
Nelson Guillen (DB, 5’11, 160).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17768140/Nelson-Guillen
Kimbriq Minnis (RB, 5’11, 185).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20020951/Kimbriq-Minnis
Guicyn Noel (OL/DL, 6’2, 295).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17626232/Guicyn-Noel
Damone Peeples (DB, 5’8, 160 – 3.2 GPA).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19300558/Damone-Peeples
Erwein Varga (WR, 5’10, 160).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17541552/Erwein-Vargas
Tyre Vieux (DB, 6’0, 170).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19914171/Tyre-vieux
Taishawn Williams (LB/H-Back, 5’7, 230).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18252246/Taishawn-Williams
AWAITING VIDEO
Jaylen Kendrick (WR)
CLASS OF 2027
Trezavant Boyd (DB, 5’10, 155).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20189717/Trezavant-Boyd
Derick Hernandez (WR/FS, 5’8, 150).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15964501/Derick-Hernandez?
Rahdel Jeanbaptiste (RB, 5’7, 165).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19648650/Rahdel-Jeanbaptiste
Jarmarr Marshall Jr. (DE, 5’11, 165 – 3.2 GPA).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23459927/Jarmarr-Marshall-Jr
Naszir Maximin (DB).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23237523/Naszir-Maximin
Jamal Robinson Jr. (WR, 6’2, 175).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19947897/Jamal-Robinson-jr
Edwardo Thompson (DE, 6’1, 240 – 3.2 GPA).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19747559/Edwardo-Thompson
AWAITING VIDEO
Milton Coney (LB)
Quintin Ferguson (DL)
Eddie Hudson (WR)
CLASS OF 2028
Dontavious Kinchens (WR/QB, 5’9, 165).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23167037/Dontavious-Kinchens
King Leite (WR, 5’10, 155).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22510938/King-Leite
CLASS OF 2029
AWAITING VIDEO
Joshua Diaz (Athlete)
Rashaud Robinson (DB)
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..
HOLLYWOOD – While spring football is never a definitive of what the regular season will look like, there are things you can tell about a program that will carry over to the summer and into the new year.
For veteran head coach Mike Manasco and the Miami Palmetto Panthers, getting by Miami Christopher in Class 7A has been a major obstacle in having the opportunity to play for a state title.
On Thursday afternoon in a spring game against yearly playoff team Miramar at McArthur Stadium, there was plenty to like on both sides of the ball for Palmetto, and by the end of the four-quarter event, there was much to be pleased about, heading into the summer.
“We had a very good spring, but the summer goes fast and before you know it, the regular season will be here,” Manasco told his team. “Enjoy what you did this spring and in today’s game, but there is still plenty of work ahead.”
While this program always seems to come up short in the race for state, many who watched them this spring believe that this is a team that has what it takes to make a solid run.
Several players are back along with new faces that give the Panthers a different look than they have had in the past. They are well coached and have the playmakers to make an impact.
TALENT IN EVERY CLASS
While the senior (2026) class is loaded with talent, there are also some impressive prospects in the 2027 (juniors) and 2028 (sophomore) classes as well.
Among those seniors expected to make an impact include Samuel Althuis (first year WR, basketball standout), Andre Bailey (QB/Athlete – 3.6 GPA), heavily recruited Anthony Brown (OL), Michael Colina (DL), Willie Dannah (DB), Marko Fernandez (DB – 4.0 GPA), Charles Flowers (WR), Braylen Green (DB), Chris Green (P/K), and Jaiden Henry (OLB, top sack leader).
The senior class also has prospects such as Caleb Jones (OLB), Wynton Jones Jr. (DB), Kevin Joseph (WR), Amiel Mackey (WR/Athlete – 3.25 GPA), Matthew Marsh (OL), Lucas Martinez (OL), Miami Westminster Christian transfer Conneilus “C.J.” Miller (WR – 3.49 GPA), Nikolai Moise (DB), Dylan Ragan (DL), and Ryan Ragan (LB).
Rounding out the class going into summer are Robert Richardson (WR), Miami Southridge transfer Rylee Sawchenco (OL – 3.9 GPA), Prince Smith (LB), Varian Terry (RB – 3.0 GPA), Elijah Tillman (DB), Kevin White (DB), and receiver Willie Wilson.
CLASS OF 2027 JUNIORS READY TO CONTRIBUTE
As gifted and experienced are the 2026 seniors, the Class of 2027 juniors are also looking to make an impact in 2025.
Among those players to watch are Mathias Augustin (LB), fast-rising Aiden Butler (RB), Jahari Collier (DL – 3.1 GPA), Ari Cromartie (OL), Zion Flowers (OL – 3.7 GPA), Rashad Fuller (OL – 3.2 GPA), talented Victor Guerrero (DL – 3.4 GPA), and state-rated South Dade transfer linebacker Brandon Howard.
Also keep an eye on gifted receiver Kaiden Howard, Antonio Jackson (DL), Corey Johnson (LB),
Elijah Johnson (DL), Julian Sanchez (OL), Kelsey Vergis (DB), and Armond Weston (DB).
CLASS OF 2028 IS WELL REPRESENTED
As the summer will shine a spotlight on several players on this team, the Class of 2028 sophomores will also have an opportunity to make a splash.
Among those players include Benjamin Bailie (WR), Ahmir Barnes (WR – 4.0 GPA), Jayden Diaz (DL), Santana Rogers (RB) and Alex Urbina (OL).
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..