As receivers, quarterbacks, running backs, defensive backs and linebackers are taking part in 7-on-7 events, like the one hosted by the University of Miami this past Sunday, this summer on colleges campuses, the linemen are also getting the chance to turn some heads as well.

There was a time when the linemen were excluded during the summer, but that has changed over the past five years, and the exposure opportunities are becoming greater.

With 5-on-5 events nationally, linemen are gaining more chances to showcase their skills, and while their teammates are throwing the ball around at 7-on-7 tournaments at colleges and universities, the “big men” are now sharing much of that spotlight.

As the summer started, several offensive and defensive linemen began June with a visit to the University of Miami on Sunday to step up and finally share the spotlight with position players.

SOLID OFFENSIVE LINEMEN TO WATCH

There is no doubt that the offensive linemen are grabbing their place in recruiting circles – as Class of 2026 (seniors) show with Ekeem Atehortua (6’2, 313, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Jahlani Brown (6’2, 278, Plantation), Javon Cherenfant (6’3, 289, Miami Norland), Ben Gula (6’3, 261, Weston Cypress Bay), and Khyze Smith (6’3, 301, Miami Norland).

Class of 2027 (juniors) also showed what they could do in the one day event – Malik Henry-Wright (6’4, 340, Plantation), Sean Tatum (6’5, 315, Fort Pierce John Carroll) and Coby Wallace (6’4, 295, Viera).

The Class of 2028 (juniors) will also have some players to keep an eye on this coming season as well – with players like Jayden Floyd (6’2, 300, Davie Nova), Tavoris Ingram (5’11, 258, Fort Pierce John Carroll), Charlie Pisani (6’4, 290, Fort Pierce John Carroll) and Laulelei Sualevai (6’4, 305, Miami Christopher Columbus).

Also keep your eye on incoming freshmen (2029) Darius Little (6’0, 286, Rise Prep Academy) and Jake Arias (6’3, 280, Plantation American Heritage).

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN ARE EMERGING FAST

As the offensive linemen were watched closely on Sunday and will be looked at all summer as the season draws closer, keep your eye on some of the defensive line prospects as well.

Players such as seniors R.J. Alphonse (6’3, 240, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Nealan Perez (6’4, 210, Miami Central) and Michael Smarts (6’5, 230, Pembroke Pines Flanagan).

Juniors (2027) Danard Frazier (6’1, 290, Miami Carol City), Quintin Ferguson (6’1, 283, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy), Malik Laurent (6’3, 239, Miramar) and Edwardo Thompson (6’3, 240, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy) are all rising talent.

The Class of 2028 (sophomores) will be loaded statewide – with Kyle Andrews Jr. (5’11, 255, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Raymond Andrews (6’2, 194, Miami Carol City), Alexander Beltran (6’2, 212, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Meshi Dobson (DL, 6’4, 225, Plantation), and Shamis Maura (5’10, 255, Davie Nova).

Even the incoming freshmen (2029) are starting to get themselves out for college coaches and fans to see. Prospects such as Marcus Boynton (6’1, 288, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy), Jaelin Coach (6’4, 290, Plantation),  Jamari Meilke (6’1, 250, Plantation), Milton Smith (5’10, 230, Miami Carol City), Derrius Thompkins (6’2, 370, Miami True North Classical Academy) and Michael Williams Jr. (6’0, 280, Miami Carol City).

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..

WEST PALM BEACH – When Keiser University welcomed over 150 campers to the first event of the summer, four members of the Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy defensive secondary benefitted in a major way.

The ”Friday Night Lights” event was the perfect way for many underclassmen to put themselves on the map, and four Maverick players were indeed put to the test.

As several quality secondary performers did their thing during drills and testing, four players shared that spotlight and were singled out.

With defensive secondary coach Anthony Collins bringing his players up to the event, they all showed why this program will be one to watch this coming season.

“This was the perfect opportunity for our players to get some really good work against very talented receivers,” Coach Collins pointed out. “This is the kind of test that will only get us better.”

Here is a look at the four players who attended the event:

2026 – Freddie Byard III, CB, 5’9, 170. Solid cover corner who made himself known as he had the chance to pair himself against top competition and came out on top as coaches were watching his every move.

AWAITING VIDEO

2026 – David Howard, S, 5’10, 185. Solid player who has outstanding ball skills and when he needs to be physical, there is no doubting what he brings to the table. Also can cover when needed as well.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18100106/David-Howard

2026 - Mahki Vance, S, 5’10, 180 – 3.0 GPA. A true “centerfielder” who stops the big play from happening – with his speed, skill and ability to read the flow of the play. At the Keiser event, he won several battles. As a player during the game, he loves to hit and make plays.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18100269/Mahki-Vance

2027 - Jacarri Watson, CB, 5’9, 175. Throw in his direction and you are taking a huge gamble. This is a young player with a huge upside. If the ball is in the air, he tries to get there before the receiver and often wins like he did last Friday as well as during games. Huge upside and will continue to make a lasting impression.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20696517/66fae0d67e4a65f8c5d08230

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:

Somerset Silver Palms made it look too easy in winning their first ever state (3A) softball title and veteran head coach Gator Rebhan talked about it.

GATOR REBHAN ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/softball-head-coach-gator-rebhan-somerset-silver-palms-homestead-fl-a83d7

It wasn’t easy, but Doral Academy brought home a 6A state softball title with a pair of one-run wins and HC Willie Viruet stopped by.

WILLIE VIRUET ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/softball-head-coach-willie-viruet-of-doral-academy-doral-fl-b8c4c

As the NIL continues to grow, education is more important and Licensed Sports Agent Dan LaForest from the Influencer Counsel broke it down for all.

DAN LAFOREST ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/dan-laforest-influencers-council-talking-nil-6d9d4

Eastern Michigan University has been making Florida a major recruiting destination and head football coach Chris Creighton joined the show.

COACH CHRIS CREIGHTON ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/eastern-michigan-university-head-coach-chris-creighton-09b61

Dia Bell from Plantation American Heritage is the No. 1 Class of 2026 player in the state of Florida and the @TexasFootball commitment talked about his final season.

DIA BELL ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/qb-dia-bell-american-heritage-plantation-fl-eddc2

Veteran head football coach Tim “Ice” Harris has made the move to Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy for this coming season, and he talked Lions, the summer and much more.

COACH TIM “ICE” HARRIS MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-tim-ice-harris-of-mater-academy-hialeah-gardens-fl-52750

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.. 

Monday, June 2 South Florida High School Sports Radio Show Rewind.

CORAL GABLES – Ever since losing in the 6A state playoffs to Miami Southridge to end the 2024 season, there has been plenty of hype surrounding Pembroke Pines West Broward.

On Sunday, head coach Brian McCartney and his Bobcats started the summer off on the right football, winning the University of Miami 7-on-7 tournament.

With the addition of several new faces combined with some key returnees from last year’s District 13-6A champions, this team headed to Coral Gables as one of the favorites in the first event of the summer.

With rain in the area, the tournament was forced to move inside after a sunny and hot morning where this team won twice and set the table for the remainder of the day.

The Bobcats eventually beat Miami Central, 21-18, for the title after taking out 6A rival Miami Southridge, who had escaped budding 1A power Miami True North Classical Academy.

The tournament, which was held alongside an offensive and defensive line camp, attracted some quality teams and players. In addition to West Broward, Miami Central, Miami Southridge and True North, other programs included Miami Ransom Everglades, Hialeah, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, Miami Braddock, Weston Cypress Bay, Plantation, Miami Christopher Columbus, Pahokee, Coconut Creek, Boca Raton St. Andrew’s Academy, Fort Pierce John Carroll, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy, Miami Carol City, Miramar, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman and West Haven, Connecticut.

WEST BROWARD IS LOADED WITH TALENT

The Bobcats certainly flexed some muscle with plenty of talent throughout the day – led by versatile Class of 2028 prospect Amir Sears, who played both ways and dominated as many had the chance to see him and this team for the very first time.

As those who had never watched West Broward perform, they were treated to elite play from players such as Uryah McCartney (LB, 2026), Debonaire  Johnson (RB/LB, 2027), Aden Johnson (WR/DE, 2028), quarterback Brandon Mincy (2026), who was lights out had a great event, Class of 2028 standout Aviyon Darien (WR/DB) and Class of 2026 Toledo commitment Shmar Akande (DB).

Also, Izaiah Lopez (2027) was impressive, playing running back and receiver, two-way Class of 2026 performer Luis Lugo, who stepped up in the title game against Miami Central, Cameron Goodwin Jr. (DB, 2027), incoming freshman (2029) athlete Mekhi Thames, Zacari Isaac (DB, 2029), and standout 2027 running back Amos Bradford, who is among the best in the state.

Other Bobcats who turned heads of teams, fans and coaches were Jakaurri Carter (WR, 2027), Cedric Mitchell Jr. (WR/FS, 2027), Kaleb McCartney (DE, 2028), Lucky Lubin (WR, 2027), John Bresset (DE, 2028) and Gavin Ellerbe.

LOADED TOURNAMENT

The talent was not just with West Broward, many of the other teams also had some players who are receiving plenty of attention.

BOCA RATON ST. ANDREW’S: Dylan Faison (WR, 2026) and Quinn Connors (TE, 2026).

COCONUT CREEK: Jordan Thompson (RB, 2026), Deshawn Butler (CB, 2026), Isaiah Calixte (CB, 2028), Carlton Jackson (S, 2028) and Cameron Baker (S, 2028).

HIALEAH: U’Darius Jenkins (S, 2027) and Ronnie Jones (WR, 2026).

HIALEAH GARDENS MATER ACADEMY: Tyre Vieux (DB, 2027), Trezavant Boyd (DB, 2027), Jamal Robinson Jr. (WR, 2027) and Dontavious Kinchens (QB, 2028).

MIAMI CAROL CITY: Rodarion Jones (DB, 2026), Justin Compere (RB, 2026), Javarius Robinson (QB, 2026) and Santana Blount (WR, 2027).

MIAMI CENTRAL: Jayden Ford (RB, 2026), Karon Maycock (LB, 2026), Brandon Kinsey (WR, 2026), King Walker (WR, 2026), Joshua Joseph (WR, 2026), Tavares Ward (DB, 2027), Quartavius Lyons Jr. (DB, 2028) and Demetrius Ingram (DB, 2028).

MIAMI CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS: Tedrick Lee (DB, 2026), Khamari Marceus (WR/DB, 2026), William Williams (RB, 2026), Christian Rust (WR/DB, 2027) and Kingston Rust (QB, 2027).

MIAMI LAKES BARBARA GOLEMAN: Darryl “Tre” Bell III (DB, 2026) and Franki Sosa Jr. (DB, 2026).

MIAMI RANSOM EVERGLADES: Colton Smith (WR, 2028) and Noah Alce (RB/S, 2028).

MIAMI SOUTHRIDGE: Michael Stevens Jr. (LB, 2026), Montrey Jackson (WR, 2026), Samuel Coleman (WR, 2026), Tyler Brown (DB, 2026), Jhakari Johnson (WR, 2026), James Perrone (QB, 2027) and T’ari Miller (DB, 2027).

MIAMI TRUE NORTH CLASSICAL ACADEMY: Dominic Turnbull (DB, 2026), Camaul King (DB, 2026), Duane Johnson (LB, 2026), Malik Penson (WR, 2026), Zac Katz (QB, 2027), George Harris (Athlete, 2027), Kareem Brown (WR, 2027) and Gregory Florence (RB, 2030).

MIRAMAR: Tyler Reid (RB, 2027).

PAHOKEE: Antonio Simpson (LB, 2026) and Zachary Mitchell (Athlete, 2027).

PLANTATION: Jemari Foreman (DB, 2027), Zakari Johnson (WR/DB, 2028), Russell George (WR, 2028), Chanavis Chance LB, 2028), Jalen Rolle (LB, 2028) and Jeffrey O’Neal (WR/DB, 2029).

SOUTHWEST RANCHES ARCHBISHOP MCCARTHY: Kendall Brown (DB, 2026), Malik Denson (WR, 2027), Ja’Kobi Williams (WR, 2027) and Robert Outler (TE/DE, 2028).

WESTON CYPRESS BAY: Ronald Thomas (Athlete/DB, 2026).

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..