As soon as getting the Florida International University football job, head coach Mike MacIntyre knew that if this program was going to be successful, hiring local coaches would be essential.

With several years of experience under his belt, Coach MacIntyre realized that the state of Florida – south Florida in particular – needed to be addressed and by hiring longtime area iconic coach Corey Bell, he filled a need that would go a long way in giving this program a huge local identity.

With Bell, this program would be able to tap into the local market, which is essential for any team in the nation that wants talented athletes who were not only gifted, but tested against some of the best high school football players in the nation.

When FIU headed toward the first National Signing Day, it was done in a way where local athletes were a priority – and a mix of out the area high school talent and college transfers would give this program a major boost after a season that set the table for the future.

Bell, who coached at Miami Edison and Hialeah American at the high school level as well as University of Miami, FAU, USF and the University of Florida in college, went right after some south Florida talent.

Among those who he worked hard to bring to the program included J.T. Anderson (S, 6-1, 181, Tampa - Bryant University), Toddrick Brewton (Edge, 6-4, 215, Miami Northwestern), Mister Clarke (S, 6-0, 175, Miami Carol City), Victor Evans III (S, 6-0, 165, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace), Jamari Holliman (CB, 6-1, 165, Miami Norland, Mykeal Rabess (OT, 6-5, 265, Miami Norland) and South Florida Offensive Player of the Year, Keyone Jenkins (QB, 6-0, 187, Miami Central).

ACHIEVING THE NO. 1 CLASS

After the first National Signing Day, the Panthers were the No. 1 team in the conference, and Bell, David Yost, Jovan Dewitt, Eric Hickson, Ricky Brumfield, Greg Austin, Jay MacIntyre, George Frazier, Joshua Eargle, Nate Taye and Coach MacIntyre all combined to get some quality talent.

Among those standouts included John Austin (WR, 5-9, 165, Richmond Foster, Texas), Rowdy Beers (TE, 6-5, 225, Littleton Valor Christian, Colorado), Jaheim Buchanon (OT, 6-2, 280, Lehigh), Travis Burke (OL, 6-6, 260, Hollywood South Broward – Gardner Webb), Antoine Cobb (DL, 6-4, 240, Frostproof), Jack Daley (DL, 6-4, 315, Glastonbury, Connecticut – Bryant University), Landon Hale (S, 6-1, 185, Yulee), Avery Huff (LB, 6-3, 200, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – University of Miami), Shomari Lawrence (RB, 6-0, 200, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely – South Dakota) and receiver Luby Maurice (WR, 6-2, 180, Wellington Palm Beach Central).

There were also Kyle McNeal (WR, 6-2, 170, Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer), Christian Pedersen (TE, 6-5, 230, San Mateo Junipero Sierra, California – Louisville), Eric Rivers (WR, 6-1, 165, Chattanooga McCallie, Tennessee – Memphis University), Braden Staten (TE, 6-6, 210, Green Hill Mount Juliet, Illinois), Marquez Tatum (DL, 6-4, 265, Mobile Leflore, Alabama), Elijah Anderson-Taylor (LB, 6-0, 220, Centennial Eaglecrest, Colorado – Northern Colorado) and Clewiston cornerback Preston Thompson (6-0, 170).

PHOTO COURTESY OF FIU FOOTBALL

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: January 13, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For the past 53 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

If you have followed us for any length of time, you already know that while we do spotlight and promote elite football talent in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, we also spend plenty of time making sure that EVERYONE who plays the sport also gets their share of the pie as well.

Via social media and other outlets, the one thing that we have been able to do is get teams, players and coaches – at every level – some of that much needed promotion that colleges and universities are always searching out.

Following football year-round – with no breaks at all – there is an opportunity to shine the light on student/athletes in every class and at every level.

Today, we put our focus on top-flight 2025 prospects who have already been getting attention, but some not enough.

We personally want to thank college and high school coaches, players and fans for the positive communication that they send us, recognizing what we do to assist in this process.

Deandre Desinor, RB/Athlete, 5-9, 170, Plantation American Heritage. This recent North Broward Prep transfer is easily one of the top prospects in the south Florida – after watching him the past two years. He is a tremendous line from scrimmage runner as well as key on passing downs and as a return specialist. He is quick, instinctive and can turn a game around just like that. Huge pickup for the defending 2A state runner up Patriots.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16029752/636665462ab0b809749ea921

Chris Ewald, CB, 6-1, 170, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. Talk about making a major impact at the varsity level, this early University of Michigan commit has been showcasing his skills at the varsity level for two years, competing against some of the top football talent statewide, regionally, and nationally. Gifted cover corner who has the size and athletic ability to lineup against anyone – as he shows in practice each and every day going against elite offensive talent.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15107318/Chris-Ewald

Ben Hanks Jr., CB, 6-1, 165, Miami Booker T. Washington. After starting his freshman season at Doral Academy, this is someone who has been on the radar screen for two full years – as he continues to get better, working harder and learning from some outstanding talent. The son of one-time Miami High and Florida Gator standout, this coming season will see him start to further reach his potential. Already holds offers from some impressive Power 5 programs nationally.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16372248/6154be25d21c960ad0278d5e

Darriel Harper, WR, 5-9, 150, Miami Christopher Columbus. If you haven’t watched this quality talent play yet, we suggest that you keep your eye on this gifted playmaker who has the chance to be very special over the next two years. Already made an impact on the 4M state champion Explorers. As he matures and grows physically, you will see him continue to transform into a top-flight receiver. One who college coaches will start to flock to – with good reason. Solid talent on the rise.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15189516/Darriel-Harper/about

Rayquan Williams, RB/S, 5-8, 165, Miami Sunset. Part of getting out and watching prospects live, you run into gifted football players like this who are way under the radar. Despite an injury this past season, you can see just why coaches and players have been raving about this young man over the past year. Those who watched him play agree that over the next two seasons – if he remains healthy – will leap into the spotlight because he is a tremendous football player who is loaded with athleticism.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16221274/Rayquan-Williams

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: January 11, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For the past 53 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

When he took over the job at South Miami a few years back, Arties Knight knew his work would definitely be cut out for him.

But while the program had to do nearly a total rebuild, the veteran coach realized that the one thing he had in his pocket was the fact at the youth football level – especially in south Miami Dade – he was indeed respected and looked upon by athletes, coaches and parents as someone who has helped to not only teach the game of football, but also lessons in life.

Building a football program has taken a backseat to building character and continue to turn these young men into productive members of society as well as developing positive habits in the classroom.

Coming off a 5-4 season, the task continues and developing on and off the playing field is a process that continues – and while every student/athletes doesn’t have a 4.0 in the classroom, the ground is set each and every day.

With a talented senior class getting ready to move on, the underclass is now taking the spotlight and accepting the leadership that was left to them by the Class of 2023.

While there is still a long way to go progress is being made as this spring will help fill in the gaps for a number of prospects who still need to have some film for college coaches to get a look at.

CLASS OF 2024

Christopher Gispert (DB/WR, 5-11, 167 – 2.46 GPA).

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/17420824

Gary Kendrick (WR/Slot/QB, 5-9, 165 – 2.3 GPA)

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/15227487

Tyler Johnson (DE/DL/LB, 5-11, 150 – 3.7 GPA).

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17719388/Taylor-Johnson

Jalin Mack (WR/Slot/DB/ATH, 5-9, 150 – 2.4 GPA).

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/15301662

AWAITING FILM

Vincent "Moby" Blanding (OL/T/DL, 6-4, 250 – 2.5 GPA)

Raheem Coleman (DB/RB/ATH, 5-10, 170).

Tavon Gamble (DL, 5-10, 180 – 2.5 GPA).

Tony "TJ" Jones Jr. (DL/FB, 5-8, 220 – 3.0 GPA).

Corey Lawrence (RB/KR, 5-5, 155 – 2.7 GPA).

Tarius Miller (WR, 5-9, 160 – 2.3 GPA).

Sean Reyes (DB/WR/ATH, 5-10, 160 – 3.0 GPA).

CLASS OF 2025

Kaelem "Bad-Feet" Collins (WR/TE/LB/DE/P, 6-2, 198).

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2JxBps

Jaden Gonzalez (DB/WR, 6-1, 170 – 2.81 GPA).

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16358033/Jaden-Gonzalez

Diego Montes (OT/DT, 6-0, 280 – 2.2 GPA).

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16332223/6362d11915f64e0d2000b00a

AWAITING FILM

Nicholas Acebal (TE, 5-11, 175 – 2.3 GPA).

Nicholas Jaramillo (WR, 5-10, 145 – 2.2 GPA).

Corey Miller (OL/G/C, 5-10, 275 – 2.1 GPA). Grandson of NFL Hall of Famer and South Miami alum, Derrick Thomas.

Tyreek Nunnally (DL, 5-6, 215 – 2.3 GPA). 20-Solo tackles, 6-Tackles for loss, .5-Sacks.

Steven Ruiz (WR, 5-7, 160 – 2.4 GPA).

Joseph Zapata (DB, 5-9, 160 – 3.8 GPA).

CLASS OF 2026

AWAITING FILM

Jermain Allen (WR/SLOT, 5-5, 130 – 2.1 GPA).

Yaniel Crespo Jr. (OL, 5-10, 230 – 2.4 GPA).

Allan Delnodal (TE, 5-11, 180 -2.4 GPA).

Daniel Dunaway (OL, 5-10, 180 – 2.3 GPA).

Dyllan Dunaway (OL, 5-11, 225 – 2.4 GPA).

Ernesto "EJ" Lara Jr. (OL, 5-7, 200 – 4.0 GPA).

Jahiem Mack (QB/WR, 5-9, 130 – 2.306 GPA).

Alan Lopez-Ortiz (K/P. 5-11, 145 – 3.2 GPA).

Kevin Peña (OL/G/C, 5-9, 240 – 2.9 GPA).

PHOTO COURTESY OF SOUTH MIAMI FOOTBALL

You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: January 11, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Each and every week we bring you prospects from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties to keep an eye on.

These football players are not all high-rated star talent, but prospects who are making some noise as they look to attract college attention.

Since last January, we have watched more football talent LIVE than any other source. Something that college coaches and players have noticed – seeing us at camps, combines, 7-on-7 events and at over 80 live games this past season, including seven in the first week of the state playoffs.

Because we watch film as an enhancement, it gives us a huge advantage when it comes to evaluating and ranking.

From Pensacola to the Florida Keys we have been able and fortunate to see football talent in every class, giving us a chance to compare talent against other prospects that are highly-rated.

While we have been called “old school” and “outdate” by a few who nobody ever sees at any events, the proof of what we have done for six decades is the following we have with college coaches and recruiting services. We point that out only to let those who are new to this recruiting process understand what we do and will continue to.

Spotlighting players year-round, we have the opportunity to tell you a little but about each and every football player.

Today, we look at five players from the rising sophomore class (2026) that we have watched at camps, combines, practices and in games.

This is a group that everyone knows about and will continue to watch their stock rise in the coming years:

Jabari Brady, WR, 6-3, 185, Coconut Creek Monarch. After a stellar youth career, this impressive talent made his high school debut last summer with head coach Calvin Davis and his Knights at the Keiser University 7-on-7 event where he had the opportunity to showcase his many skills with his new teammates as well as college coaches and recruiting services, seeing him perform for the first time.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14832320/61cb5dc1a681600558325542

Justice Fitzpatrick, DB/WR, 5-10, 175, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. While the state media and recruiting services had the opportunity to watch him play for the first time in the state title game against Homestead, this is a gifted young man who had been turning heads all season – especially with his coaching staff – including head coach Roger Harriott, who has been impressed from the beginning. Definitely will be a prospect that everyone will be watching over the next three years as he continues to mature.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17955822/Justice-Fitzpatrick

Calvin Russell, WR/QB, 6-5, 176, Miami Northwestern. When he first popped into the spotlight as a freshman, it came as a quarterback for the Bulls as he was called upon in an emergency situation. What this impressive athlete, who is regarded as a top-flight basketball prospect and receiver, did was turn heads and prove that his athleticism goes way beyond just one position. He has a chance to become on the of the nation’s top players over the next three years for head coach Max Edwards and his always talented team.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17878157/Calvin-Russell

Malachi Toney, WR, 5-10, 170, Plantation American Heritage. From the opening game of the season on national TV (ESPN2) against Los Alamitos, California in the Broward County Football Showcase right through a season that took first year head coach Mike Smith to the state title game, this was one of those most dynamic football players you will ever see. Forget the fact that he was starting at the varsity level as a freshman, this quality talent took over games on a team loaded with elite talent. Could turn out to be one of the best nationally in this class!

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17530655/Keenyi-Pepe

Kerby Vital, OL, 6-0, 250, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. When you start on the offensive line as a freshman for a team that is regarded as one of the best in the country, you know that you indeed have something special. Picking up so much from the seniors he played with and a coaching that is regarded as one of the best in the state, here is someone who has emerged as a player to watch for head coach Dameon Jones and the Lions. His opportunity to become a leader up front will continue to unfold in the coming years as this program seeks a record eighth consecutive state championship appearance.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17994517/Kerby-Vital

You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: January 11, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.