As the spring is coming to an end and summer is fast approaching, it is time to focus on the senior class of the 2025 season.
The Class of 2026 is now on the clock as the upcoming season will put these prospects directly in the spotlight.
With many of these rising seniors already deciding where they will head to after their final year, there are several talented football players who have not made that important choice that will certainly put their future in perspective.
With the transfer portal and NIL deals in place in today’s college athletics, nothing is ever etched in stone – with student/athletes making decisions each year that quickly changes the course for their future.
While many of us have an opinion on the way college athletics are run these days, there is very little we can do about it, so we take our place in this ever-changing landscape and roll with the punches.
In south Florida, there is little doubt that the talent level is among the best every year. It is evident in the college game each Saturday, and of course on NFL rosters every year.
While we have given you a look at basically every football player in the Class of 2026 in the past three plus years, today we give you five football players who many already know and have followed for several years.
These prospects will be vital to the success of their schools this coming season:
Karon Maycock, Athlete, 6’2, 210, Miami Central – 3.0 GPA. Currently committed to attend FSU, here is one of those prospects that is easily one of the best in the state of Florida, offering several positions that he can play. With new head coach Derrick Gibson in place, here is a prospect that can truly learn a lot from someone who was similar throughout his career. Not only is he physical, but skilled enough to cover in passing situations as well as making key plays defending the running game. Big time potential.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18939858/Karon-Maycock
Jeffar Jean-Noel, WR, 5'10, 175, Plantation American Heritage. While he was recognized at the beginning of the year for his work at combines, this is actually a gifted football player who played a key role for head coach Mike Smith’s 4A state champion Patriots as a key receiver and big play prospect. Is expected to be a huge part of this program in 2025 as they defend their title with another challenging schedule. Watch him play and you will be sold!
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17848822/Jeffar-JeanNoel
Phillip Goodrich Jr., LB, 6'0, 210, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. One of the under-the-radar football prospects in the state, this Navy commitment is indeed a huge part of head coach Roger Harriot’s Raiders as they go after another state title. A big, physical talent who moves extremely well and is very agile on passing downs as well as going sideline to sideline making key plays. Will be a true leader for this program once again this season.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17754517/66e44d725940df518062f4a2
Tedarius Hughes, DB, 6’3, 180, Miami Northwestern. After two huge years at South Dade High, he moves over to play for the Bulls and has already shown why he is one of the best in the state. Has range, quickness, skill and speed. He can cover as well be a physical force when needed. He is a part of head coach Teddy Bridgewater’s defense that could be among the most talented in the country. This current FSU commitment plays this game with a passion that you cannot teach. Will be fun to watch him perform this season.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18201490/66e5c56a2e6b86b3cf218ae3
Dominic Turnbull, CB, 6’2, 180, Miami True North Classical Academy. For as long as many can remember, this is one of those quality prospects who has been around this great game for most of his young life. Following in the footsteps of his father who played this game at a high level, here is a versatile secondary performer who is a tremendous cover corner who also can play the safety position if needed. With the return of head coach Greg Laferre this season, the Titans will be a force, and this quality talent will be a huge reason why.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16260330/Dominic-Turnbull
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
When head coach Mike Norman, his assistant coaches and returning players talk about the 2024 season, they all look back and have to be proud of what their program accomplished.
For the Fort Lauderdale NSU University School Sharks, getting to the Sunshine State Athletic Association state title game was certainly something that many never predicted at the start of the year, but this program never quit.
Losing a tough 49-42 game to Oviedo The Master’s Academy, plenty of players and coaches were instrumental in the success of the 9-3 season.
With two consecutive playoff seasons that showcased plenty of talent, this team now looks ahead to 2025 with plenty of optimism as several players return with talent and experience.
Here is a look at some of those talented players to keep an eye on the rest of the spring and into the summer:
CLASS OF 2026
Karl Ambroise, OL/DL, 5’9, 215 – 4.09 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19363647/671d700f5c4caf2e6f418c5b
Tristan Ayala, S/OLB, 5’10, 165 – 3.5 GPA. Basketball.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20705733/66c863683128927d006ef397
David Cushaney, OL/DL, 5’10, 250 – 3.8 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16473952/David-Cushaney/highlights
Landan Kelly, DB, 5’10, 150 – 3.6 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16417432/617df45abd746c0bb45ab2d7
Joey Novelli, LB/DB, 5’10, 182 – 3.8 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17690473/66d86f84f118280980c34e03
Alex Peeples, WR/DB, 5’10, 155 – 3.1 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22968623/6715948a8c1190222c0e187a
AWAITING SPRING VIDEO
Neil Malhotra, DL, 5’9, 175
Daniel Oren, LB, 5’10, 168 – 3.8 GPA
CLASS OF 2027
Brady Anderson, OL/DL, 5’11. 245 – 3.3 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19659128/673e84a56a6e145fb2df287f
Jaidyne Dixson, WR/DB, 5’10, 165 – 3.2 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19605882/67251b68da33ac90e39d2491
Charvis Hood, Athlete, 5’11, 170 – 3.1 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18208556/6722a58df55b52fb564e70c8
Carlos Avila-Lopez, WR, 5’11, 165 – 3.0 GPA. Track & Field.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19355992/Carlos-AvilaLopez/highlights
Jayden Miller, QB, 6’0, 180 – 3.2 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19271336/673d2e114d2691bd2dd35e6e
Karl Monroe, DB, 5’11, 155 – 3.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17861684/677d78322a743e01717dfb48
Smith Moise, OL/DL, 5’10, 195 – 3.1 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19540006/Smith-Moise/highlights
Brandon Williams Jr., DB/RB, 5’9, 170 – 3.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19530715/Brandon-Williams-Jr
AWAITING SPRING VIDEO
Max Stringer, OL/DL, 6’3, 305 – 3.9 GPA
CLASS OF 2028
Kobe Conway, WR/DB, 6’1, 155 – 3.88 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22362974/672ab7dfc7012eeddc14043a
Collin Francis, Athlete, 5’10, 155 – 3.1 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22392862/673f66990c03e47095daee5d
Kai Starks, WR/DB, 6’1, 155 – 3.2 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18437078/671e7616ef5460954febddf8
AWAITING SPRING VIDEO
Trace Derrer, LB, 5’7, 155 – 3.0 GPA
Logan Hartwig, DB/WR, 5’10, 165
Thomas Lo, OL/DL, 6’0, 335
Madan Patal, RB/LB, 5’7, 140 – 3.6 GPA
Robert Sher, OL/DL, 6’2, 255 – 3.8 GPA
CLASS OF 2029
AWAITING SPRING VIDEO
Colin Allen, WR, 5’10, 145
2025 SCHEDULE
8/14 – Jupiter Christian
8/22 – at Lakeland Christian
8/28 – Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian
9/5 – at Davie Nova
9/12 – at Boca Raton Saint Andrew’s Academy
9/25 – at Somerset Silver Palms
10/3 – at West Palm Beach Oxbridge Academy
10/10 – at Miami St. Brendan
10/16 – Miami Ransom Everglades
10/23 – Delray Beach American Heritage
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 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:
Busy off season in Coral Gables and Alex Donno from Locked On Canes talked about some of the things happening as we headed toward the second week of May.
ALEX DONNO ON MONDAY NIGHT:
https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/alex-donno-from-locked-on-canes-e6b0b
With six Miami-Dade and Broward baseball teams heading to the state championships over the next week, Joe Frisaro from Sports Illustrated broke it all down.
JOE FRISARO ON MONDAY NIGHT:
https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/joe-frisaro-sports-illustrated-florida-5d83e
Over the weekend, Miami Edison’s girls flag football team brought home the 1A state title and senior Camille Candidate talked about the season.
CAMILLE CANDIDATE ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/camille-candidate-miami-edison-flag-football-36f5c
As he begins his seventh season as head coach at Bryant University, Chris Merritt and his team are ready for 2025. He joined the show.
COACH CHRIS MERRITT ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/bryant-university-head-coach-chris-merritt-cc25c
With several new faces this spring, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace head coach Anthony Walker has been busy teaching and developing. He talked Spartans.
COACH ANTHONY WALKER ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-anthony-walker-monsignor-pace-0628d
Could this be the best team that Cypress Bay has had in several years? Head Coach Bret Hood joined the show to talk Lightning.
COACH BRET HOOD ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-bret-hood-cypress-bay-c3f10
He threw for over 3,000 yards and 41 touchdowns last season leading Miami Northwestern to a state title. Leon Strawder looked at the Bulls and his senior season ahead.
LEON STRAWDER ON MONDAY NIGHT:
https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/leon-strawder-miami-northwestern-f2843
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..
Moments after Miami Northwestern wrapped up the 3A state title last December at Pitbull Stadium in Miami, junior quarterback Leon Strawder reflected on a season that put the Bulls back in the spotlight nationally.
When he arrived from Miami Central after his sophomore season, there were questions surrounding his ability to lead a team - by many who had never watched him play. That was answered in the first game of the season when he threw for over 400 yards in a convincing 45-0 win against Coconut Creek in the Broward County National Showcase.
That win only propelled this 6’1, 205-pounder to a season that was one of the best in school history.
In 14 games, he led Northwestern to a 12-2 record as he would complete 174 passes for 3,073 yards and 42 touchdowns. Under the direction of his head coach Teddy Bridgewater, his confidence level soared, and by the end of the year – when this team totally dominated previously unbeaten Raines, 41-0, is was Strawder that took center stage.
No matter what game it was in, he rose to the top with a strong arm and the ability to run the ball. The Bulls finished with 587 points, which included outscoring their five playoff opponents, 262-12 with four shutouts.
As spring winds down, Strawder, the rising senior, has been joined by nationally rated rising sophomore Neimann Lawrence, who is loaded with college offers and plenty of accolades as he comes over from Miami Ransom Everglades.
As Strawder continues to attract college attention, there have been no official offers, but that will certainly change once the 2025 season begins and the Bulls, who have a chance to run the table and become one of the nation’s elite programs, light up the scoreboard once again.
THE BULLS ARE INDEED LOADED
While Strawder and the offense will be explosive, this team is stacked and should be the No. 1 team in the state when play begins in late August.
Here are some of those 2026 prospects to keep an eye on – starting with Citrus Baker (OLB, 6’0, 205), Xavier Baker (SS, 5’9, 155), Anthony Bell (OL, 6’5, 285), Mark Clarkson (LB, 6’0, 185), Amir Days (OC, 5’9, 255), Matthew Diaz (OL, 6’4, 285), Marcus Dumont (WR, 5’10, 175), Homestead South Dade mega star transfer Tedarius Hughes (DB, 6’3, 180), Miami Booker T. Washington transfer Irwin James (RB, 5’8, 195), state rated Desmond Johnson (LB, 6’1, 195), nationally rated North Fort Myers transfer James “J.J.” Johnson (DT, 6’4, 280), Demetrius Jones (OL, 6’0), elite prospect Nicsaint Joseph Jr. (WR, 6’2, 165), Tarvail Mathis Jr. (RB, 5’8, 175), and Roderick “Bojay” McFadden (DT, 6’1, 310).
The 2026 class also boasts Odonis Pierre (OL, 6’4, 285), fast rising star linebacker Shane Rochelle (6’2, 205), national standout Calvin Russell III (Athlete, 6’5, 190), Percy Santos (DB, 5’11, 160), Royce Santos (RB, 5’9, 165), and Kenyan Thompkins (WR, 5’11, 165).
THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT FOR THE BULLS
In addition to what this rising senior class brings to the table there are some impressive youngsters to keep an eye on as well. Class of 2027 rising juniors such as James Briggs (DB, 5’11, 160), Amaud “Ali” Eddie (DB, 5’9, 175), Christian Essix (OLB, 6’0, 190)
Marquez Fleming (RB, 5’9, 175), Jeremiah Gibson (DE, 6’3, 220), nationally rated and heavily recruited Nicholas Lennear (Athlete, 6’1, 165), Ryan Mathis (Athlete, 5’9, 165)
Amari Oquendo (DB, 5’11, 165), Khalid Oliver (OL, 6’3, 280), Immanuel Simmons (DB, 6’0, 180), Leondre Strawder (DB, 6’2, 185), and Jaylen Thanis (DT, 6’1, 270).
With Lawrence grabbing plenty of attention, this 2028 rising sophomore class is stacked with promising stars for the future. Keep an eye on national talent like Semaj Flowers (S, 5’10, 185) and Eli Rauls (DL, 6’3, 240). But also rising standouts Tyler Crittenden (LB, 6’1, 180), Khavon Gipson (LB, 6’1, 180), and Jamere Times (SS, 6’0, 180).
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..
TAMPA - All season, Miami Edison’s girls flag football team has been finding unique ways to win games.
After beating Tallahassee Florida High on Thursday in the state semifinals, 21-14, the No. 2 seed Lady Red Raiders saved their best for last – literally.
On the final play of the 1A state title game at the AdventHealth Training Center against top seed Wildwood, Edison pulled off the impossible when junior quarterback Rakyia Wilson found senior Poetry Auguste with a “Hail Mary” pass from 32 yards out and a 26-20 state title. The first in school history.
Edison broke out on top when Louis found standout freshman Torri Cottman from 23 yards out and a 7-0 advantage.
With 11:03 left in the first half, Louis gave Edison a 13-0 lead on another scoring play.
When freshman Zoey Brown caught a pass with 7:58 left in the opening half, the lead was cut to 13-7.
The Lady Red Raiders remained in control when Louis, who threw for 4 scores, tossed another and a 20-7 lead with 2:00 left in the opening half. But Wildwood wasn’t finished and cut the halftime advantage to 20-13 at the half on another Brown scoring pass.
Wildwood remained hot in the third quarter, riding the arm of Brown with 8:10 left, tying the game at 20.
Each team had their chances in the third and fourth quarters, and when freshman Ja’Niya Corbin came up with an interception with 4:37 left, Edison’s chance to take the lead was stopped.
It all came down to that final drive, and with two big plays Edison drove the ball down to inside the Wildwood 35 when Aguste got behind freshman Jeriyah Walker for the stunner!
In addition to head coach Vincent Hall and Tiara Jones (Assistant Head Coach), Ken Simmons (Offensive Coordinator), Mikey Sheehan (Defensive Coordinator), Rod Louis (Offensive Assistant), Gary McIntosh (Defensive Assistant), and John Burks (Special Teams), Edison also boasted some quality players.
Auguste led a strong senior (2025) class that also included Camille Candidate (B/LB/Athlete), Armardi Danquah (WR/R) and Imani Rogers (C/WR).
Louis was indeed the standout for this team throughout the year, but the junior also had some help in the 2026 class from Talayah Akdhar (R/WR) and Malayisa David (WR/DB).
Freshmen (2028) also played a key role with Cotman (WR/S), Briana Bogan (WR/LB/R), Jennifer Burton (LB/WR), London Harris (C/LB), Jayla McGuire (C), and Tykwondra Ponder (WR/LB).
David, Bogan, Ponder, McGuire and Louis are all Turner Tech students.
ROAD TO A 1A STATE TITLE
Hialeah Gardens Mater Lakes, W 49-6
Miami Palmetto, W 20-19
Hialeah Gardens, W 18-13
Miami Central, W 59-0
Academy For Innovative Education, W 47-0
Miami High, W Forfeit
Hollywood McArthur, W 35-0
Miami Carol City, W 28-0
Miami Jackson, W 42-0
Miami Northwestern, W 12-6
Miami Braddock, W 38-0
Homestead, L 26-6
Hialeah American, W 45-0
Doral Downtown, W 46-0
Sports Leadership & Management, W 24-18
Florida City Keys Gate Academy, W 33-0
Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, W 34-0
Sports Leadership & Management, W 33-0
1A STATE SEMIFINAL
Miami Edison 21, Tallahassee Florida High 14
1A STATE FINAL
Miami Edison 26, Wildwood 20
HOMESTEAD ENDS SEASON
They had headed to the 3A state flag football championships on a seven-game winning streak, but a first round setback to Tallahassee Lawton Chiles, 18-7, sent head coach Jahmar Carter and his Homestead Lady Broncos back home.
A 16-5 record was indeed a year that this program, the coaches and players will look back at for years to come.
MIAMI PALMETTO FALLS SHORT IN 4A
They had won the state title in 2024, but defending that title was not easy as the Miami Palmetto Lady Panthers and head coach Kevin Mujica watched their season end in the opening round with a tough 7-0 setback to eventual state champion Tampa Alonso.
Winning 11 of the final 12 games of the year, this team ended an amazing 16-4 season and two Final Four appearances.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MIAMI EDISON HIGH SCHOOL
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..