Hello Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, The Keys, Collier, Lee, Martin, Indian River, Highlands, Hendry and all of the areas that make up south, southwest and the treasure coast.
The football exposure event that you have been waiting for is coming to your area – and for those who are looking to jump on the radar screen and put it out there for colleges and universities throughout the country to see.
For the past three years, Prep Redzone has been providing a forum for young football prospects across the country.
With stops in Naples and at IMG Academy in Bradenton, the logistics for the east coast and southern areas of Florida has not provided an opportunity for these future college football players to showcase their skills. That will change on Sunday, January 21, 2024.
Holiday Park, in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, will be the place to be for three hours of instruction and major exposure.
If you have followed Prep Redzone Florida throughout the course of a year, you already know that NOBODY in the Sunshine State comes close to providing daily exposure than the website and social media does.
“We have put people on the map that no football fan had ever heard about,” said Analyst Shannon Jordan. “No matter where it is in this state, we have provided the team and player exposure.”
From player rankings to team and state exposure, college coaches have flocked to this website for their recruiting information, and that’s why this stop in Fort Lauderdale is so vital.
The Prep Redzone Stock Up Showcase is a great opportunity for high school football prospects to get exposure in front of college coaches, Prep Redzone scouts, and other media outlets. Testing results will be recorded for colleges across the country to access following the event. It is open to athletes from 2018-2024!
With Prep Redzone scouts in attendance, dedicated to highlighting top performers, players will receive unparalleled coverage before, during, and after the event on PrepRedzone.com and social media.
PrepRedzone.com is an approved scouting service in accordance with NCAA bylaws, policies, and procedures. College football coaches from all divisions (Division 1 - NAIA) are permitted to subscribe.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE EVENT
After check-in, athletes will have a professional headshot taken for identification and will have their height/weight recorded. From there, the showcase is broken into three portions: testing, position-specific drills, and 1-on-1 competition. Testing will include the 40-yard dash (hand-timed), pro shuttle (hand-timed), L Drill (hand-timed), and broad jump.
SESSION BREAKDOWN
Check-in: 11:00 am-12:00 pm
Testing and Drills: 12:00 pm-3:00 pm
Coverage and photos of the event will be available in the days after the event on PrepRedzone.com and primarily on https://prepredzone.com/florida/
“This is a huge opportunity for athletes from Pensacola to Key West to jump on the recruiting radar with people who cover the game and state throughout the year,” said Recruiting Analyst Drew Johnson. “We cover camps, combines, 7-on-7 events, spring football, summer football and the entire season. That is something that very few can do.”
College coaches across the country continue to make Prep Redzone Florida their first stop every day to read profiles, team and recruiting information and get recruiting information.
Sign Up At: https://events.prepredzone.com/e/946/register/stock-up-showcase-florida
USE COUPON CODE: BlusteinStockUp2023
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..
Old School Athletics Is No Longer The Trend
Sorry to break it to the high school and college football purists, but the landscape of building programs in Miami-Dade and Broward, and across the country has changed.
While transferring schools is nothing new, the rate that it’s happening certainly is – and there is no end in sight. Over 300 in the two counties last year, and 270 the year before.
The days of playing at your local schools are truly over, unless your school happens to be private or a public school that has enough desks to fill in this age of open enrollment.
Back in the day, families moved into a community because the schools were good, and when you moved into that district, you would attend the same elementary, junior and senior high as everyone else did, and while it still holds true in some small circles, the objective is to attend the school that offers many avenues of education – while providing balance with championship-level athletic programs.
While it happens in all sports, the mass exodus in football gets much of the publicity, not only locally, but nationally as well. Zack Poff, National Football Editor for Max Preps sees the transfers coming at a record pace and knows that two or three new faces can chance to direction of a football program fast.
“Just in the short time I have been ranking teams and players, things have changed so much,” he explained. “Athletes are jumping from one program to a winning school because of the obvious – more exposure.”
While the saying that if you are good, college coaches will find you still holds true, it’s easier to be found when you are on a national stage each week.
THE BLAME GAME
It’s easy to point your finger at a coach, athletic director or the administration at any school for the influx of transfers, but that blame game is society itself. You cannot blame a coach for not wanting to get better, and you certainly cannot lay the blame on the athlete or the parent, who has to come up with the money for college if their son/daughter doesn’t get a scholarship.
Forget about the loser’s lament of loyalty. It holds no water, especially when you look at the next level, and college coaches are not only having to recruit incoming classes, but their current team to ensure they won’t grab a lucrative Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) deal that will benefit them somewhere else.
Even the powerhouses in all collegiate sports are starting to feel the once “little” guy pulling at their coattails, and are now competing for the same athletes that once made these programs superior. It’s all about the dollar – as it should be.
I have long been an advocate to say that college athletes get paid for the revenue they assist in bringing into any college or university, but this has far exceeded putting some spending money in their pocket to be able to enjoy the social life of their collegiate experience. Making $2 and $3 million is not what any of us had in mind, but the deals are only getting larger, and the NCAA is too weak to step in now. Nobody would listen, and the lawsuits would fly. The NCAA is quick to say you can't buy a sandwhich for a potential recruit if you are a booster or put restrictions on a head coach from going out to recruit during the spring, but putting a limit on how much can be paid out to an amateur athlete, it's a whole different story.
When you are a Chaminade-Madonna (8 straight trips to state), St. Thomas Aquinas (5 straight state titles) and Miami Central (state champions 4 of the past 5 years), the only way to stay on top is to reload and not rebuild. That’s why every day, you are seeing these 15-minute of fames graphics filling the screens of every social media avenue. If you are the beneficiary of those prospects coming to your school, you simply look at them and smile. If those recruits are taken from your program, you feel otherwise.
The one thing that stinks this transfer portal process in college is when you leave a school to attend another, you should have to sit out a year - and it will change some thinking quickly!
Also, at the high school level, student/athletes are leaving in the middle of a season and playing somewhere else with the weak excuse that they are relocating. What that will create is a super team – where players who are out of playoff contention by week 5 or 6 will make moves to schools who are very much in the playoff hunt, in the sense loading up.
While the landscape continues to change, many public-school programs – in all sports – are fighting an uphill battle. Only Parkland Douglas, a public school, and the baseball program, dominate every year with several national titles. But the Eagles are indeed the exception to the reality.
While transfers are currently happening in all sports, it’s football that grabs the spotlight – with numerous players making the move during the holidays and hundreds more following over the next six months.
Colleges coaches, although are frustrated with the direction of the high school athletes, simply have no valid argument – when they are living in the ultimate glass house.
Back when we started 54 years ago, transfers were basically nonexistent, but through the years things have changed and slowly but surely, we have arrived at a place that nobody ever felt we would get to.
While many coaches will tell you that winning has replaced developing – others will argue the point by saying a talented team will provide enough competition to learn, mature and improve.
Whatever direction things are going, the conversation – on both sides – will be talked about over several cold beverages next week at the National Coaches’ Convention.
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
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..
After losing the Sunshine State Athletic Conference championship game to Oviedo Master’s Academy, Coach Ehren Wallhoff and his Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy football team looked ahead to the 2024 season.
After posting a 9-2 season, the Lions realized that several key players wouldn’t be back, it was time to concentrate on an underclass that was talented, but for the most part, lacked experience.
If this program is to remain at the top, it will be up to those rising seniors, juniors, sophomores and incoming freshmen to step up.
With several positions to fill, the off season will be vital to the success of this coming season as well as into the future.
The Lions will need to get some performance and leadership from 2025 prospects such as Marcus Baker (LB/RB), Ashaun Cross (DT/OG), Harrison Gant (RB/LB), Sean Harms (DT), Zach Rock (CB), Joey Siciliano (OG), Jeremiah Sinvil (OG) and linebacker Michael Varga (LB).
UPPER CLASS PROSPECTS WILL BE NEEDED
While the rising seniors in 2025 will be the prospects that carry this team – on and off the field, it’s those rising juniors, sophomores and freshmen who will set the table.
Class of 2026 prospects include Amari Deer (WR/CB/S), Grayson Klatman (LS), Nick Kostelidis (OLB), Luke Sauer (OLB), Jack Scott, OT/DE) and one of the state’s best athletes in Dwayne Wimbley Jr. (WR/DE).
The Class of 2027 had talent that also gave this program a push. Players like Nate Accius (CB), Luis Baker (OLB), Giovanni Boeri (OT), Hudson Gant (OL, 5-11, 200), Trey Hollandsworth (LB), D.J. Pierce (Athlete) and versatile (QB/DE) Gabe Walsh. Even rising freshman (2028) free safety Andre Jones will be needed as well.
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
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..
Within days of the new Florida high school football classifications, the reaction in south Florida was met with the good and bad.
There is no other area in the country that approaches high school football like Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.
Fans, coaches, players, and administration hang on everything that has to do with high school football in the #305 and #954. There is never a break.
While other areas of the country continue to put their collective chests out when it comes to matching the talent we produce here, the year-round passion that we have is unmatched.
Websites, message boards and much of social media has occupied the headlines since Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas and Miami Christopher Columbus all brought home state titles.
National Signing Day quickly moved into the rearview mirror as 7-on-7 tryouts and the next wave of talent started to surface.
In the society we have in south Florida, there are no more surprises. Everyone knows the top prospects to watch for in a 2024 season that is still nine months away.
Everyone wants to be an expert and tell you what players you need to watch for 2025, 2026, 2027 and yes, even the freshman class that is 2028. You would be surprised how many lists are made and rankings are produced by people who haven’t even watched all the future prospects perform, but that’s the landscape we live in.
TRANSFER SEASON HAS STARTED
There is no area in the country that has more student/athletes transferring schools that Miami-Dade and Broward. It’s not possible. Last year alone – between January 1 and August 23rd, there were 355 documented transfers that took place. Two counties!!
THE CLASSIFICATIONS HAVE BEEN RELEASED
No sooner did the five area programs come back from Tallahassee and the focus is firmly on 2024 as the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) released the new districts and classes.
Those experts have already picked the schools who will head to the state championships – and for the most part – the rosters are a long way from being finalized.
Here is a look at the schools who figure to be in the mix, although you can pretty much pick the schools who will be standing next December.
1A
Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna is looking for an amazing 9th consecutive trip to state. Other programs in the class locally include Miami Edison, Miami Archbishop Carroll and Miami True North.
2A
Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons and Miami Booker T. Washington will go in as favorites, but you also have Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian Academy (Fort Lauderdale), Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace and Miami Gulliver Prep.
3A
This is a really a two-team race. Nobody will stand in the way of these two giants Miami Central and Miami Northwestern.
4A
At first glance, it will be Plantation American Heritage and this year’s runner up Miami Norland. But there are also Fort Lauderdale Dillard, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, Plantation and Hialeah.
5A
Stopping St. Thomas Aquinas from winning a sixth straight title is nearly impossible, but Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, Coconut Creek, Deerfield Beach and Miramar have been competitive.
6A
Another class that at first glance spotlights Coconut Creek Monarch, two-time defending state runner up Homestead and Miami Southridge. But improvements by Sunrise Piper, Hollywood South Broward, Miami Dr. Krop, Pembroke Pines West Broward (Pembroke Pines) and Doral Academy will make it interesting.
7A
Two-time defending state champion Miami Christopher Columbus comes in as the usual favorite.
But Miami Palmetto and Davie Western will also be there to contend. Weston Cypress Bay, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (Miami) and Homestead South Dade will also make a run at a playoff spot.
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
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..
It should come as no surprise that the 2026 (rising junior) class is stacked with talent throughout the state of Florida. It should also not be a surprise that Miami-Dade and Broward Counties are once again leading the way.
While several football players get their start at the competitive youth football level, there is never a guarantee that just because they are rated high that things will work out.
There have been dozens of young prospects who are promoted and talked about by many who follow youth talent that never lives up to the hype. It’s been that way for 40 years.
Every year you will have football talent that moves from the youth level to high school, and while many cannot make the transition.
The 2026 class produced several prospects who impacted the varsity level as soon as they arrived, and while there are several who have already been noticed by colleges, we have five that have dominated the past two years.
Brandon Bennett, WR, 6-1, 170, Plantation American Heritage. One of the fastest football players in the state, he started to make a major impact this past season for a young Patriot’s offense. As he continues to learn about the position, you will see a player that has a chance to be one of the best in the nation. Very exciting to watch, and he will remain a huge part of this program.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17848799/Brandon-Bennett
Jabari Brady, WR, 6-3, 185, Coconut Creek Monarch. What else can be said, in two short years ago one of the nation’s best that has not been echoed dozens and dozens of times? This is an impact player that is extremely hard to cover with one player, and he showed it throughout the year, leading the Knights to the state semifinals. As elite as you will find, and he has only scratched the surface!
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14832320/637c2260ab92460b50dfb1ab
Justice Fitzpatrick, CB, 6-0, 165, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. From his key interceptions as a freshman to what he put together in the off-season and during this past year, there is little doubt that this is a major prospect that continues to get better and tested by some quality receivers. The younger brother of standout NFL secondary performer, Minkah Fitzpatrick, his growth, and maturity has been noticed by every college and university and has been an asset to the five-time defending state champion Raiders.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17955822/Justice-Fitzpatrick
Denairius Gray, WR, 6-2, 180, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. Yet another impact player for a program that is as impressive as any in the nation. Since arriving from Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons, he has offered the Lions someone who is gifted enough not only to catch passes but also play on the defensive side of the ball if needed. Will be huge in 2024 as this program reloads for a 9th straight run at a state title.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16211751/Denairius-Gray
Calvin Russell, WR/Athlete, 6-4, 185, Miami Northwestern. Without hesitation, this may be the most athletic talent in this class anywhere in the nation and it may not even be close. Not only is he a premier receiver, but also plays quarterback and is an elite basketball player. Dominated as a freshman as well as this past season when the Bulls needed him the most. He will be part of the resurgence of this program in 2024.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17878157/Calvin-Russell
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
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..