When it comes to the linebacker position, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties continue to grab the spotlight. But it wasn’t always that way.
Sure the two counties have had more than their share of playmakers who have gone on to the next level and beyond, but the position has never been what it is today – with a number of prospects being among the best in the nation.
As we will continue to do during the off-season is promote and spotlight the hundreds and hundreds of players we have watched at camps, combines, practices and games.
We are always striving to have the most accurate information possible when it comes to our database that college coaches are looking at, so this will be what they have to go on as they prepare to recruit the upcoming classes.
Thanks so much for your help in getting the information correct.
Just send the updates and changes to Larry Blustein – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. ONLY VALID CHANGES WILL BE MADE. NOT TRANSFERS THAT ARE PENDING.
RISING SENIORS HEAD INTO THE OFF-SEASON WITH SO MUCH TO OFFER......
Just as this current 2023 senior class is still in the process of making their decision where to head to college, the next wave of talent – is looking for that exposure.
This next group (2024-2026) of linebackers has so much to offer – with gifted prospects in the Class of 2024 such as Allen Archie (Coconut Creek), Theandre Ballon (Hollywood Avant Garde), Dylan Calero (Miami Gulliver Prep), recent transfer Vincent Shavers (Miami Central), C.J. Dales (Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons), ultra-productive Bowen Drewes (Plantation American Heritage), two-year starter Denzell Johnson (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Jarvis Johnson (Miami Belen Jesuit), Charquez Lee (Miami Immaculata LaSalle), Darrion Lovinsky (Miami Edison) and impressive Eduardo Nunez (Homestead).
Also, Roman Reid (Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons), versatile and athletic Nicholas Rodriguez (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Kaleb Stewart (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Dwayne Sturrup, Miami Booker T. Washington, Daris Swan (Miami Palmetto), Eldreen Terma (Miami Edison) and Keith Thompson (Fort Lauderdale Dillard) will be prospects who will get plenty of attention.
THE CLASS OF 2024 IS DEEP
In addition to those fast-rising standouts, the rising senior class has other linebacker prospects who have a chance to be special:
Marek Anderson, Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy
Jared Atkinson, Miramar
Ryan Jean-Baptiste, North Miami
Sawyer Bartelt, Homestead South Dade
Davon Bezada, Pembroke Pines Flanagan
Ben Brittsan, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian
Denis Canales, Miami High (Athlete)
Marco Castillo, Miami True North (Athlete)
Raul Cepedo, Homestead South Dade
Gabriel Cifuentes, Miami Ferguson
Lathan Croley, Miami Palmetto
Michael Devine, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas
Ryan Earle, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas
Jermaine Eaton, Miami Jackson (OLB)
Xavier Enriquez, Miami St, Brendan (OLB)
Kyle Ford, Fort Lauderdale
Terrell Franklin, Miami St. Brendan
David Gomez, Hollywood McArthur
Sebastien Graham, Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy
Aidan Harris, Fort Lauderdale Dillard
Billy Horace, Fort Lauderdale
Jerome Johnson, Miami Northwestern (OLB)
Jason Jones, Miramar
Eric Kelly, Miramar
Semaj Kimpson, Miami Monsignor Pace
Sebastian LaFaile, Miramar
Leroy Lee Jr., Doral Academy
Jayden Leevy, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas
Zadayne Leigh, Miramar Everglades
James Lewis, Miami Booker T. Washington
Joel Lugo, Hollywood Avant Garde Academy
Nikolas Maalouf, Plantation
Amen Mackey, Homestead (OLB)
Immanuel Mahoney, Hialeah American
Delvion Martin, Miami Northwestern
Hunter Martin, Miami True North
Jorge Matias, Miami Archbishop Carroll
Steven McCloud, Miami True North (Athlete)
Junior Mensama, Miami Jackson (OLB)
Jivari Milton, Miramar
Brandon Mirabel, Miami St. Brendan
Brandon Miranda, Miami Archbishop Carroll
Malik Mirza, Davie Nova (DE)
Tien Nguyen, Miramar Everglades
Carlos Morales, Pembroke Pines West Broward
Joshua Omidiran, Miramar Everglades
Julian Ortiz, Miami Carol City
Michele Pasucci, Miami Gulliver Prep
Chandly Pierre, Miami Belen Jesuit
Sebastian Polo, Doral Academy
Chase Quarterman, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons
Tristan Ramsey, Miami Booker T. Washington
Matthew Reis, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian
Quinton Rodgers, Miami Central
Jordy Rodriguez, Miami Ferguson (OLB)
Derrick Rolle, Miramar
Jalen Saintil, Homestead South Dade (OLB)
Michael Sanchez, Miami Archbishop Carroll (Athlete)
Jorge Sanchez, Miami Archbishop Carroll
Braedon Serna, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons
Lamar Smith, Miami Central
Tranell Smith, Pembroke Pines Flanagan (Athlete)
Abram Staten, Miramar Everglades
Jon St. Cloud, Coral Gables
Marcus Talabert, Coconut Creek Monarch
Evan Tempro, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy
Travis Thompson, Coconut Creek
Omar Thorten, Davie Western
Jermaine Vaughn, Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy
Nicholas Vazquez, Pembroke Pines West Broward
Michael Verra, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy
Felix Ward, Miami Northwestern
Bryce Webb, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons
Brenden Weiberg, Davie Western
Michael Wiggins, Miramar
Antwan Williams, Miami Northwestern
Jarrod Young Jr., Miami Monsignor Pace
RISING JUNIORS, SOPHOMORES READY TO LEAVE A MARK
While the rising seniors are enjoying their off-season in the spotlight, the underclassmen are starting to jump into the radar as well. Class of 2025 rising juniors such as Curtis Bryant IV (Miami Southridge), state champion Hector Chavez (Miami Christopher Columbus), Cameron Davis (Pompano Beach Blanche Ely), nationally recognized Ezekiel Marcellin (Miami Central), Anthony Ottinot (Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons), two-year varsity starter Jack Sawyer (Miami Norland) and Antonio Ward (Pompano Beach Blanche Ely).
WAIT, THERE ARE MORE...
In addition to those quality football players, there are also some other Class of 2025 prospects to keep an eye on:
Mark Atehortua, Miramar
Lenz Belizaire, Pembroke Pines Flanagan
R.J. Boynton, Miami Gulliver Prep
Breshaun Bradford, Oakland Park Northeast
Nimari Brantley, Coconut Creek
Jonathan Brown, Miami Booker T. Washington
Loutravious Brown, Miami Sunset
Jadarien Canton Jr., Miramar Everglades
Kaelem Collins, South Miami
Jaden Duprat, Coconut Creek Monarch
Khalil Estney, Miramar Everglades
Kadian Everett, Homestead Everglades Prep
Kazmin Foster, Fort Lauderdale
Tyrell Greene, Fort Lauderdale Dillard
Sam Griffin, Miami Central
Jamari Jenkins, Davie Nova
Jacob Joseph, Davie Western
Brelan Mareus, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas
Joshua McDowell, Homestead
Patrick McKendry, Davie Western (OLB)
Antrell McWhirter, Plantation (OLB)
Daniel Miranda, Miami Archbishop Carroll
Marquez Monvil, Oakland Park Northeast (TE)
Keondre Moore, Pembroke Pines Flanagan
Jacari Nelson, Davie Western
Josiah Oliver, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons
Omare Owens, Hollywood McArthur
Dominic Palou, Miami Coral Reef
Hunter Pangia, Fort Lauderdale
Raymond Paollilo, South Plantation
Dane Pearson, Somerset Silver Palms
Zaheed Pierre, Pembroke Pines Flanagan
Joseph Ramjas, Hollywood South Broward
Martin Rhyne, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas
Zach Roch, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (OLB)
Erick Rodriguez, Miami Archbishop Carroll
Delano Seymour, Miramar Everglades
Shawn Smith, Miami Monsignor Pace
Justin St. Ange, Miramar Everglades
Dylan Torrez, Miami St. Brendan
Kamden Walters, Miami Belen
Jace Williams, Fort Lauderdale Dillard (OLB)
Lewensky Ydore, North Miami
RISING SOPHOMORES ARE TALENTED AS WELL
Like most classes, this 2026 group – rising sophomores – are still jumping on the radar screen, and as they do, we will add them to this list.
Among those who have already started to turn heads include:
Elijah Baulkman, Plantation American Heritage
Mark Clarkson, Miami Booker T. Washington
Aidan Hrenick, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas
Desmond Johnson, Miami Northwestern
Caleb Jones, Homestead Everglades Prep
Karon Maycock, Miami Central
Demetrius Mincey, Fort Lauderdale Dillard
For the past 53 years, we have spent plenty of 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
PEMBROKE PINES - Before the 2022 high school football season began, West Broward head coach Brian McCartney looked at his team and started to check off some boxes.
While winning a district title was always at the top, making the state playoffs was equally as important, especially with several young players looking to gain valuable experience.
When the year came to an end, the Bobcats put together a 6-5 season which included a state playoff appearance, a trip to Tennessee and a challenging schedule that got his players better – and prepared them for the 2023 season.
With the off-season now here, McCartney and his program will be looking for exposure for a group of players who are talented and ready for that spotlight that college coaches will be looking at.
Here is a look at some of the rising seniors (2024) and rising juniors (2025) in the class:
2024
Ashton Ames (OL, 6-2, 230).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16365405/Ashton-Ames
Alan Ascension (DE/OLB, 6-3, 185).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15328480/Allan-Ascencion
Josh Caso (OL, 6-2 275).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16057921/Joshua-Caso
Alexa Cunha (OL/DL, 6-3, 250)
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16318852/Alex-Cunha
Jason Garcia (DT, 6-1, 260).
Tyler Goldberg (OC, 6-2, 235).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16779593/Tyler-Goldberg
Chaz Hall (OC, 6-2, 260).
Carlos Morales (FB/LB, 5-10, 190).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15317126/Carlos-Morales
Jonathan Morillo (QB, 6-3, 190).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15293036/Jonathan-Morillo
Luis Rojas (DE, 6-3, 190).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17951130/Luis-Rojas
Jaiden Samuels (NG, 6-1, 290).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17667847/Jaiden-Samuels
Marcus Silvestre (DT, 6-0, 230).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16779338/Marcus-Silvestre
Carter Smith (TE, 6-5, 200).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16109072/Carter-Smith
Max Taboada (DT, 6-2, 270).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15167397/Max-Taboada
Nicholas Vazquez (OLB, 5-11, 175).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15316601/Nicholas-Vazquez
2025
Elijah DeWoskin (RB, 5-10, 175).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16777305/Elijah-DeWoskin
Xavier Fanfan (RB, 5-10, 160).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17837867/Xavier-Fanfan
Matthew Martindale (WR/OLB, 5-10, 165).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16777284/Matthew-Martindale
Joshua Moore (WR, 6-4, 180).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16678843/Joshua-Moore
Kelvin Reyes (WR, 6-1, 185).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16797562/kelvin-Reyes
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..
By Dan Mihalik
ORLANDO – The nation’s premier high school senior football stars shined at the 2023 Under Armour Next All-America Game, highlighted by an MVP performance from Team Phantom’s Zachariah Branch, whose punt return touchdown propelled Team Phantom to a 14-7 victory over Team Speed on Tuesday night.
After a scoreless first quarter, Texas running back commit CJ Baxter got Team Phantom on the board on the first play of the second with a 13-yard touchdown run to give his squad a 7-0 advantage. Then later in the quarter, Branch, a USC commit, gave Team Phantom a 14-0 advantage with a 93-yard punt return for a touchdown, tying the record set by Amari Cooper’s in 2012.
On the ensuing possession, Team Speed cut into the lead with an eight-play drive that ended with Oklahoma quarterback commit Jackson Arnold connecting with Utah signee Michael Matthews for a 23-yard touchdown connection, making the score 14-7 at halftime and the decisive score.
Defensively, both teams had standout performers. For Team Speed, Oklahoma signee PJ Adebawore finished the game with a pair of tackles, a sack and a quarterback hurry, Michael and Andrew Harris combined for three tackles for loss, while Florida commit Kelby Collins, who earned team MVP honors, finished with three tackles, a sack and a pass breakup.
For Team Phantom, Clemson commit Peter Woods finished the game with three tackles, two for loss, and a pass breakup, Michigan State pledge Jordan Hall led the team with five tackles, including one for loss, and South Carolina signee Desmond Umeozulu recorded a pair of tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.
Also during the game, four Under Armour Next All-Americans announced their college commitments. A pair of players announced their commitments to Nebraska - cornerback Ethan Nation and defensive end Cameron Lenhardt, running back Durrell Robinson pledged to Charlotte and defensive end Ashton Porter made his commitment to Oregon.
Scoring Plays:
Phantom: 11:49, 2Q: CJ Baxter 13 yard rush (PAT Kick by Peyton Woodring), 7-0
Phantom: 3:16, 2Q: Zachariah Branch 93 yard punt return (PAT Kick by Woodring), 14-0
Speed: 1:28, 2Q: Michael Matthews 23 yard reception from Jackson Arnold (PAT Kick by Blake Craig), 14-7
Notable Top 10 Performances
With many high school football seniors ready to take the next step in their careers, the post season offers one last opportunity to showcase their skills.
For as long as anyone can remember, the post season All-Star games have been the highlight of any season – and tonight (5:00) at Camping World Stadium, the next generation of gridiron superstars will have the opportunity to show out at the 2023 Under Armour Next All-America Football Game.
The game was created to spotlight the nation’s top high school seniors. The game was first played on January 5, 2008, and has been played annually at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg or at Camping World Stadium in Orlando. The game is sponsored by Under Armour and enjoyed a national audience thanks to broadcast partner ESPN (the first edition was broadcast on ABC opposite the U.S. Army All-American Bowl).
The game has long been a forum for some of the elite football players from Hawaii to Florida and everywhere in between to showcase their many skills as they get set to embark on a collegiate career.
Among the standouts who have taken part throughout the years include Julio Jones (2008), A. J. Green (2008), Jadeveon Clowney (2011), Jameis Winston (2012), Landon Collins (2012), Myles Garrett (2014), Leonard Fournette (2014) and Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray (2015) to name a few. Also. Kyle Pitts, Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Fields, and Nick and Joey Bosa all took part. In total, nearly 300 alumni have been selected in the NFL Draft, including four No. 1 picks and 79 first-round selections.
More than 100 of the nation’s best players are selected by Under Armour and this year several Florida high school prospects will be included in the event.
MIAMI-DADE AND BROWARD WILL BE WELL REPRESENTED
While 32 players who attended schools in the Sunshine State will join the many elite players competing this evening, several prospects from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties will be out to show just why four of the top 10 teams nationally were from this prospect-rich area.
Among those gifted standouts include Rueben Bain (Edge, 6-3, 250, Miami Central – Miami signee), Santana Fleming (WR, 5-10, 160, Davie Western – Western Carolina signee), William Fowles (WR, 6-2, 195, Hollywood Avant Garde Academy – Louisville signee) and Javin Simpkins (RB, 5-9, 183, Miami Norland).
In addition, the game will feature University of Miami signees Robert Stafford (CB, 5-11, 170, Eau Gallie) and Riley Williams (TE, 6-6, 240, Bradenton IMG Academy). Cormani McClain, a highly regarded 6-2, 170-pound cornerback from Lakeland, remains committed to the Hurricanes as well.
The early signing period has taken the stage away from the litany of prospects who used to announce their college choices at the game, but the attention will be on four players who announce their choices at the game, Four-star defensive lineman Ashton Porter of Cypress (Texas) Cy Ranch, Rosewell (Ga.) High cornerback Ethan Nation, Bradenton (Fla.) IMG edge Cameron Lenhardt and Baltimore St. Frances running back Durell Robinson will each make their college choices. Each said they already signed with their schools but waited until this game make their decisions public.
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..
For the longest time, the quarterback position in south Florida was not a place that college recruiters made a priority.
While there were some who emerged from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, there were few that truly set up a pipeline, but time have changed.
Because of so many camps, combines and instructors year-round, developing top-flight prospects at the position is no longer unusual.
While many who cover and promote high school football opt to sit home behind a computer and watch little live, we use the experience of making it to colleges, camps, combines and several games to watch and compare and not listen to what someone else is saying.
Last year, we had the opportunity to see over 5,000 Florida high school football players LIVE as we traveled across the state to see many talented young men who are competing against south Florida (Miami-Dade and Broward) prospects, and we will continue to shine the spotlight on all of them – at every level and in every class.
If there are any prospects we may be leaving out – at any position – please let us know because getting it right is the only thing, and all the college coaches who use our information as part of their recruiting process.
If you see a prospect who is not on any list, is at the wrong school or has switched position, contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
PLENTY OF QUARTERBACKS TO CHOOSE FROM
As the off-season unfolds and there are many events to choose from, we take a look at some quarterbacks to keep an eye on.
The rising senior class (2024) does boast some quality signal callers like surprising Kael Alexander (Miramar), Ayden Anderson (Miami Springs) 2024 – C.J. Bailey, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, Anthony Barbar (Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy), versatile Davi Belfort (Miami Gulliver Prep), top-rated A.J. Hairston (Coconut Creek Monarch), state champion Alberto Mendoza (Miami Christopher Columbus) and emerging Michael Merdinger (Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons).
The class also boasts Jonathan Morillo (Pembroke Pines West Broward), early Auburn commit Adrian Posse (Hialeah Mater Academy), versatile Claudell Sherman (Miami Booker T. Washington), recent Miami Killian transfer Antonio Smith (Miami Central), talented Ryan Spallina (Parkland Douglas), Cecil Stone (Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian), who was injured this past season, J.T. Tabora (Fort Lauderdale Dillard) and Jett Yurgealitis (Davie NSU University School).
Also, keep an eye on Stesen Angelo (Miami Immaculata LaSalle), Isaiah Blackman (Plantation), Eric Bradley (Plantation), Ryan Castro (Miami Archbishop Carroll), Luis Cruz (Miami St. Brendan), Travis Delaney Jr. (Miramar), Charles Dell’Aira (Parkland Douglas), James Hayes (Miami Monsignor Pace) and James Hill (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas).
The class also features Sean Hill (Somerset Academy South Homestead), Matthew Ivaldi (Miami Beach), Malik Jackson (North Miami), Aidan Karsh (Miami Monsignor Pace), Julian Menedez (Miami Ferguson), Andres Miyares (Miami Belen Jesuit), Isaiah Parks (Hollywood Hills), Christian Porta (SW Ranches Archbishop McCarthy), Aaron Ridgeway (Miami St. Brendan), Andreus Rios (Coral Gables), Jorge Rodriquez (Doral Academy), Hunter Rose (Parkland Douglas), Rueben Toombs (Fort Lauderdale Stranahan), Anthony Truiolo (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas) and Lawrence Wright Jr. from Hallandale.
RISING JUNIORS WILL BE VERY TALENTED
As impressive as the rising senior class will be for the 2023 season, the Class of 2022 juniors will be gifted as well.
Some of the top prospects in the class include Jason Barket Jr. (Miami Westminster Christian), William Bell Jr. (Miami Dr. Krop), X’zayvion Clayton (Homestead South Dade), Jaryn Coleman (Davie Nova), Aden Edwards (Miami Dr. Krop), Lucas Goenaga (Miami Palmetto), Wyatt Goins (Miami Christopher Columbus), Devin Gonzalez (Weston Cypress Bay), Camden Hartzell (Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy), Andrew Indorf (6-0, 180, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas) and nationally-recognized Ennio Yapoor (Miami Norland).
The Class of 2025 also has Vinny Gonzalez (Miami Christopher Columbus), Josh Gurrero (Miami High), Rudolph Jones (Miami Booker T. Washington), Alex Lamela (Miami Ferguson), Kareem Marshall (Hollywood Hills), Felipe Mendoza (Miami Westminster Christian), Kelvin Murray Jr. (Miami Carol City), Marvin Nixon (Fort Lauderdale), Dylan Pelliccio (Miami Monsignor Pace), David Perez (Miami Jackson) and recent South Broward transfer Randy Phillips (Miami Central).
In addition, there are Brandon Mincey (Miramar Everglades), Christian Talbert (Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons), Taylor Trauth (Miami Palmetto) and Anthony Truiolo (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas).
Even the Class of 2026 has some impressive talent – such as Dia Bell (Plantation American Heritage), Bryant Carson (Plantation), Jayden Chico (Coral Springs Coral Glades), James Huard (Davie Western), Omari McNeal (Pompano Beach Blanche Ely), Javarious Robinson (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Jack Spaeder (Hollywood Avant Garde Academy) and Leon Strawder (Miami Central).
Class of 2027 rising freshmen Zac Katz (Miami True North Classical Academy) and Aiden Prywitowski (Coconut Creek North Broward Prep).
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..