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

• Zachariah Branch’s (USC) 93 yard punt return is tied for the longest scoring play in Game history (Brian Poole 93 yard interception return and Amari Cooper’s 93 yard punt return in 2012), tied for the longest punt return in Game history (Cooper in 2012).
• Branch’s 152 all-purpose yards is fourth-most in Game history.
• Branch’s seven receptions are tied for second-most in Game history.
• Branch’s 122 punt return yards are the most in Game history.
• Jackson Arnold (Oklahoma) finished 12-of-23 passing. His 12 completions and 23 attempts each rank third in their respective categories in Game history.
• JJ Kohl (Iowa State) finished 11-of-18 passing. His 11 completions are tied for fourth and his 18 attempts are tied for sixth in Game history.

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..