During the off-season, we have established that no matter what position, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties once again boast some elite prospects.

While there are several football players who are still under the radar, and are searching for additional exposure, several have made their way into the spotlight.

The defensive line position is always going to have a number of football players who not only play inside, but also on the edge and even make an impact as outside linebackers as well.

While many defensive linemen mature later in their careers, they are often placed at the position that is going to help their respective teams the most.

Because we cover this area – and the many prospects – year-round – we never leave anyone off any list. Just because there are seniors (Class of 2024) are mentioned today certainly does not mean they are not prospects.

Our objective is to promote and expose as many football players as possible in every class and at every level.

Today, we shine a spotlight on some of the defensive line prospects that you will be watching this coming season.

If there are any players not listed that you would like to see get that share of the spotlight in the Class of 2024, let us know (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

THE TALENT TRAIN ROLLS ALONG

As we start the season this week with kickoff classics and move toward next week’s season opener, there are some defensive linemen to keep an eye on.

Among those gifted young men include Kael Aceus (Coconut Creek), Gabriel Birnbaum (Coconut Creek Monarch), Missouri commit Justin Bodford (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Lantana Santaluces transfer Kedrick Burley (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas - DE), FIU commitment Germaine Carter (Miami Norland), Zach Crothers (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Dinellson Exume (Miami Edison) and FSU commitment Jamorie Flagg from Miami Booker T. Washington,

In addition, prospects like Damien Gill (Miami Killian - DE), Cardinal Gibbons transfer Brekien Harold (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), last season’s sack leader Kenly Israel (Miramar Everglades - DE), student/athlete Levy Kinlock (Plantation American Heritage - Edge), former Dillard and Western Michigan commit Joshua Lloyd (Pompano Beach Blanche Ely - DE), Timothy Burroughs-Love (Plantation American Heritage) and defensive end brothers Tyclean Givens Luman Miami Norland and Tycoolhill Luman, (Miami Norland).

FAU commitment Gavench Marcelin (Miami Belen Jesuit - DE) is special. So are Pittsburgh commitment Jeremiah Marcelin (Norland - DE), Nebraska commitment Willis McGahee (Miami Christopher Columbus - DE) and Indiana-bound Shamar Meikle (Miramar).

The talent runs deep with Dimitry Nicolas (Miami Norland), Dorian Perez (Miami Braddock - DE), David Pein Jr. (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Joseph Podubynsky (Davie Western), versatile Brandon Rosenthal (Miami Gulliver Prep - DE), University of Miami commit Daylen Russell (Miami Christopher Columbus), Stanford-bound Dylan Stephenson (Miami Christopher Columbus - DE), Bryce Stringer (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna - DE) and Zach Thompson (Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons).

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: August 15, 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..

Transfer Season Heats Up In Miami-Dade & Broward. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-heats-up-in-miami-dade-broward

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..

Ever since Miami Christopher Columbus put the final touches on an overtime 4A state championship win against Apopka last December, we have been thirsting for the 2023 football season.

Eight months have passed since the season had ended and that opened the door for 7-on-7 events, camps, combines and spring football.

Players and coaches have traveled to schools across the nation – while trying to sell themselves to colleges an universities to attract a scholarship.

Hours of weightlifting and conditioning and working on their craft is coming to an end as the season starts this week with kickoff classic tune-ups and the official openers next week.

Here is a look at how this week’s schedule shapes up:

WENESDAY, August 16

Miramar at Miami Edison (Traz Powell), 7

Southwest Miami at Florida Christian, 7

THURSDAY, August 17

Clearwater Academy International, at Homestead (Harris), 7

Coral Springs Taravella at Cooper City, 6

Davie Western at Parkland Douglas, 6

Deerfield Beach at Dillard, 6:30

Greenacres John I. Leonard at Palm Glades, 3:30

Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna at Miami Northwestern (Traz Powell), 7

Hollywood McArthur at Davie Nova, 7

Miami Ferguson at Miami High (Curtis), 7

Miami Killian at Weston Cypress Bay, 7

Miami Palmetto at Doral Academy, 7

Miramar Everglades at Miami Belen Jesuit, 7

Plantation at Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, 7

South Plantation at Pembroke Pines West Broward (Everglades), 7

FRIDAY, August 18

Coconut Creek Monarch at Coconut Creek, 7

Coconut Creek North Broward Prep at Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy, 7

Fort Lauderdale NSU University School at SW Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, 7

Fort Lauderdale Stranahan at Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, 7:30

Hialeah American at Harmony, 7

Hialeah Miami-Lakes at Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (Milander), 7:30

Fort Lauderdale at Coral Springs Coral Glades, 7

Marathon at Miami Varela, 3:30

Miami Archbishop Carroll at Miami Gulliver Prep, 3:30

Plantation American Heritage at Miami Booker T. Washington (Traz Powell), 7

Miami Braddock at Hollywood Hills, 4

Miami Carol City at Miami Southridge, 7:30

Miami Central at Ocala Vanguard, 7

Miami Dr. Krop at Pembroke Pines Flanagan, 7

Miami Norland at Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, 7

Miami Springs at Hollywood South Broward, 6

Miami Sunset at Lasalle 3:30

Miami True North Academy at South Miami (Tropical), 7

North Miami at Immokalee, 7

North Miami Mourning at Miami Beach, 3:30

Oakland Park Northeast at Hialeah Gardens, 3:30

Somerset vs. Hollywood Avant Garde (Ansin Park), 7

Somerset Pembroke Pines at Coral Shores, 7

Somerset Silver Palms at Homestead South Dade (Harris Field), 7:30

INTRASQUAD SCRIMMAGE GAMES

Coral Gables

Hallandale

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

Hialeah

Miami Christopher Columbus

Miami Coral Park

Miami Coral Reef

Miami Gardens Tru Prep

Miami Jackson

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: August 14, 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..

Transfer Season Heats Up In Miami-Dade & Broward. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-heats-up-in-miami-dade-broward

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..

Back in April of 2021, during the final day of the NFL Draft, history was made for one position.

While kickers and punters had their share of the spotlight through the years with high profile names selected, the long snapping position had never been one that any team had ever thought about as a draft selection.

With so many gifted position players and linemen who fill out rosters, the very thought of using one of those coveted picks to take a long snapper was laughable at best.

For decades if teams needed a long snapper, they would sign one as a free agent, so it never came up during draft meetings.

When Alabama long snapper Thomas Fletcher came off the board at 222nd overall to the Carolina Panthers, and three picks later, Michigan snapping specialist Camaron Cheeseman went to Washington at 225, the entire landscape of the position had changed forever.

The perception of long snappers doing about as much as kickers played in the heads of general managers and coaches league wide. But when teams started to lose games because of bad snaps, the focus started to change, and more high school athletes, who were once linemen, started to rethink their future.

Today, any college in America that is successful has a long snapper on scholarship – and for a position that was overlooked in the past is now taking center stage.

Potential long snappers are starting out early, attending everything possible to improve and get noticed.

With many kicking specialty showcases and camps now changing to a special teams theme, the opportunity to snap at the next level and beyond.

At the recent Brandon Kornblue Summer Specialty event held in Fort Lauderdale at Calvary Christian Academy, there were elite kickers and punters on display, but the showcase also attracted some of the elite long snappers from throughout the country and across the Sunshine State.

The focus on Miami-Dade and Broward prospects came into play when Miami Christopher Columbus senior Jonathan Zarut took home the title among 2024 prospects, the nationally rated standout once again put himself in a spotlight that college coaches often check out.

Other 2024 long snappers who also received recognition Jackson Harper (Deerfield Beach) and St. Thomas Aquinas prospect James McDevitt.

The Raiders displayed depth at the position in the 2025 class when Chase Ortiz took first place and Miami Ransom Everglades’ Chase White finished third. Daniel Gonzalez (Miami Christopher Columbus) and Damani Spencer (Davie Western) also made an impression.

When Charles Becker transferred in the off-season from Miami Coral Reef to Miami St. Brendan, the Sabres knew they were getting something special. In the 2026 class, Becker finished second. Also, Joshua Silverstein who came to Plantation American Heritage from Cardinal Gibbons, is also one of the best in the state.

UPDATED: August 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..

Transfer Season Heats Up In Miami-Dade & Broward. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-heats-up-in-miami-dade-broward

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..

In two weeks, the second annual Broward County National Football Showcase will kickoff six different sites.

With last year’s success of the event, and the promise of more national attention, the event officially began this week.

With all 14 teams in this year’s field of teams getting the chance to see much of south Florida and the beaches, Dave & Busters Hollywood will once again be a focal point for the teams, coaches and fans who are headed down to the Sunshine State.

With Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna and Miramar coming this past week to eat and play unlimited games, Wednesday was time for the Western Wildcats, who had plenty of food and drink and had the opportunity to bond with one another.

“This is amazing,” said head coach Adam Ratkevich. “We are the only public school invited back for the second straight year – and I can tell you it is truly an honor.”

Western will square off in the first game on Thursday, August 24 at 7:30 on campus in Davie against Georgia powerhouse Milton and coach Ben Reaves.

Wednesday – like earlier in the week – when Chaminade-Madonna and head coach Dameon Jones, and Miramar and head coach A.J. Scott had the chance eat all they want and show their skill on hundreds and hundreds of games, these young men will never forget this event and being chose to play in nationally-televised games.

The Lions will play a huge 12 noon contest on ESPN against fellow national power St. Frances Academy and head coach Messay Hailemariam at Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. Miramar will have a huge home game on Friday, August 25^th against Virginia powerhouse Highland Springs and former Patriot standout Loren Johnson, who has been an amazing football coach since graduating from Virginia Tech.

Dave and Busters will show all seven games in their facilities across the nation, giving families in Georgia, Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland and California a chance to watch the action as it happens.

“This is a unique opportunity, and we cannot thank Dave and Busters enough for stepping up and recognizing the importance of this event,” said Co-Organizer Dr. Kevin Perry. “We are looking forward to having the remainder of the teams come out and enjoy like the three teams have so far.”

Next up will be this week will be Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons and head coach Matt Dubuc come out. His Chiefs will clash with Cardinal Gibbons of North Carolina and head coach Steven Wright on Friday, August 25^th in Fort Lauderdale.

Plantation American Heritage and head coach Mike Smith, who will play St. John’s of Washington DC and head coach Pat Ward, who return for a second straight year, on Saturday night, August 26^th, Coconut Creek Monarch and head coach Calvin Davis, slated to play head coach John Adams and Cedar Grove, Georgia on Thursday, August 24^th and St. Thomas Aquinas will all be headed to Dave and Busters as well.

Speaking of the Raiders, head coach Roger Harriott and his team will put their nearly two-year unbeaten streak on the line when they host defending national champion St. John Bosco and head coach Jason Negro from Bellflower, California at 4 p.m. on ESPN.

In addition to enjoying Dave and Busters, visiting teams will also have the option of attending a Marlins game, visiting the world famous Jungle Queen or several other destinations.

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: August 10, 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..

Transfer Season Heats Up In Miami-Dade & Broward. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-heats-up-in-miami-dade-broward

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..