Any time you take over a high school football program in south Florida there are never any guarantees that you can turn things around right away.

With players transferring at a record pace, building a program comes down to teaching and winning.

With a solid reputation as a winning football coach, Quentin Short made the move last season from Douglas to Piper, and while there were growing pains, his Bengals not only won the district with a perfect 3-0 record, but also advanced to the state playoffs, losing to power Coconut Creek and finishing 6-5.

If this team is to continue growing and making major strides, off-season work, which includes camps, combines, 7-on-7 events are essential.

With the rising senior class (2025) embracing the upcoming season, there is reason to believe that this program will continue the process.

Among those players in the class include Jeric Chance (DL, 6-1, 265 – 2.7 GPA), Julien Halley (RB, 5-10, 175 – 4.0 GPA), Antonio Harris (WR/DB, 5-7, 150 – 2.5 GPA), Latron Hickson (DB, 5-11, 160 – 3.3 GPA), Ojackins Jerome Jr. (OL/DL, 6-2, 270 – 2.8 GPA), and versatile Jordan London (WR/KR, 6-0, 165 – 3.6 GPA).

The 2025 group will also watch prospects such as Christian Mata (QB, 5-8, 160 – 3.4 GPA), Carter McCrary (PK, 6-2, 150 – 3.1 GPA), standout Jahmar Midi (DL, 6-1, 240 – 2.8 GPA), and running back Rylan Sincllair (5-10, 160 – 4.0 GPA).

THERE IS SOME QUALITY TALENT ON THE WAY

With the rising senior class embracing the leadership and experience role, keep an eye on the rising junior (2026) class – which features Franso Adderly (WR/DB, 6-0, 155 – 2.5 GPA), Tyler Akins (WR, 5-10, 160 – 2.5 GPA), Jayden Daley (S, 6-0, 170 – 2.75 GPA), Alex Gammage (WR, 5-11, 165 – 3.5 GPA), Kenneth Pierre (DL/OLB, 5-10, 200 – 3.7 GPA), and running back Dylan Senior (5-10, 160 – 4.0 GPA).

The 2027 prospects are also going to be talented – with Alijah Pessoa (Athlete, 5-10, 130 – 2.8 GPA), and linebacker Jaytoin Thomas (6-0, 200 – 2.6 GPA).

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUNRISE PIPER HIGH SCHOOL

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For the past 54 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..

MIAMI – For decades, this time of year, late February, and March – we see camps and combines throughout the country that shine the spotlight on high school football prospects that are on the radar, and of course those who are trying to catch the attention of recruiting and fan websites.

For many companies, the investment of hosting these talent showcases comes down to advertising their product to potential future customers.

While the result for many will be a college scholarship, attending these events has become the thing to do – competing against talent that athletes read about and watch throughout the year.

Because of social media, everything has been magnified as photos, interviews and videos show up all over the internet – as fans, writers and recruiting analysts expose and evaluate potential stars of the gridiron.

Having been around these showcase events since they began well over 30 years ago, they do serve a purpose.

On Saturday and Sunday, Under Armour rolled into Miami and Ives Park for two days of exposure and showing off some of the amazing talent we have in this region.

High school coaches, parents, athletes, and fans poured into Northern Miami-Dade as this ritual took place – and while everyone wasn’t recognized or singled out – it was something that many will remember for a lifetime.

Under Armour, Nike, Rivals and just about every other company you can think about hosts these events, and while colleges follow along and watch film and see the testing numbers that are posted, it’s the months of May and June that they are consumed with when they can watch these student/athletes up close during spring and summer camps.

WHO LOOKED GOOD

Because we promote and expose these athletes year-round, the prospects who emerge from an event such as Under Armour, is great, but nothing that those who follow this year-round, are surprised by.

With national writers and analysts on hand, the focus was on prospects from all over the country and in the state of Florida.

Our objective at these showcases is to check out the Miami-Dade and Broward prospects.

On this day, players such as Pembroke Pines West Broward receiver Joshua Moore, Homestead receiver Cortez Mills, Miami Booker T. Washington standout defensive back Miami Central defensive tackle newcomer Floyd Boucard (Mobile Christian, Alabama), Miami Northwestern receiver Jade Card and his teammate, defensive back Zion Paret were watched by everyone on hand.

Moore and Mills are among the best in the nation.

This past season, while covering many teams, you come across prospects that very few know about or watch.

Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy receiver Dwayne Wimbley Jr. is one of those prospects we had the pleasure of watching live. He is not only an emerging football talent but is also a stellar basketball prospect.

While several positions are always watched, the south Florida stop always features some impressive receivers.

In addition to Moore, Mills and Wimbley, prospects such as Miami Central’s Kha’leal Sterling and West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman transfer, Naeshaun Montgomery - Coconut Creek Monarch's Antwaun Parham, and Miami Northwestern 2026 athlete Calvin Russell were also impressive.

One of the running back prospects we have been watching for several years, following him to Cardinal Gibbons as a freshman is Derrek Cooper, who was singled out as a top running back. He is now at Chaminade-Madonna, and while he is a running back, the thing that has always made him special is his ability to lineup just about anywhere.

Other locals who turned heads on Sunday were Miami Norland twins Darryll Desir and Mandrell Desir, who have everything going for them – on and off the playing field.

Another standout we had the pleasure of watching since the 8^th grade is USF commit Caleb Harris, a technically sound offensive linemen from St. Thomas Aquinas.

Monarch’s Bryan Auguste – another prospect we spotlighted during the off-season – was impressive as those who had no prior knowledge of his talents were bowled over.

Rising senior Miami Central linebacker Ezekiel Marcelin was also a head-turner, which everyone figured. He is quick, can cover and get it done in the classroom.

The future is also bright with Miami Carol City Class of 2026 standout Jordan Campbell, who committed to Miami.

Watching the defensive backs was also plenty of fun, and beside Hanks, there were others who have already made a lasting impression. St. Thomas Aquinas 2026 cornerback Justice Fitzpatrick is the younger brother of NFL defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Chris Ewald was also someone who stood out as he is getting bigger and more physical as a corner at Chaminade-Madonna. He also gets it done in the classroom. Pembroke Pines Flanagan safety Jonathan Carter, and versatile Miami Christopher Columbus safety Bryce Fitzgerald.

The quarterback position had numerous standouts – and 2026 Plantation American Heritage prospect Dia Bell continues to showcase some major skills.

Last year at this time, there was some buzz with Bekkem Kritza competing for the starting job at Miami Central. He left, but now as a Penn State commitment is back and will play for the Rockets in 2024.

Miami Norland athlete Jahmari "Smitty" Smith did his thing on both sides of the ball. A true im[pact player,

MORE LOCALS DID THEIR THING

With hundreds of athletes, trying to spotlight every one of them is not easy, and the fact that we do spotlight EVERY football player in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties during a year, we did see some talent that grabbed some of the spotlight.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

Randy Adirika (2025 - Miami Central)

Adrian Farrow (2025 - Miami Norland)

Julian Terry (2025 - Miami Gulliver Prep)

Romando Johnson (2025 - Coconut Creek Monarch)

Richard Scott (2025 - Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas)

Donta Simpson Jr. (2025 - Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna)

Wilnerson Telemaque (2025 - Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace)

Lewenski Ydore (2025 - North Miami)

LINEBACKERS

Dylan Gill (2025 – Homestead South Dade)

Jacob Joseph (2025 – Davie Western)

Patrick Lawrence II (2025 – Miami Palmetto)

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Kenton Dopson III (2027 - Miami Norland)

J’Vari Flowers (2026 – Miami Northwestern)

Camari Hall (2025 – Chaminade-Madonna)

Jaylyn Jones (2027 – Davie Western)

Teddrick Lee (2026 – Homestead South Dade)

Leonzay Merzius (2026 – Chaminade-Madonna)

Amari Wallace (2025 – Miami Central)

Jaleel Walters (2025 – Coconut Creek Monarch)

QUARTERBACKS

Zachary Katz (2027 – Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna)

Dylan Pelliccio (2025 – Pembroke Pines West Broward)

Tyler Shattuck (2025 – Pembroke Pines West Broward)

Jack Spaeder (2027 – Coconut Creek Monarch)

Ennio Yapoor (2025 – Miami Norland)

RUNNING BACKS

Agyeman Addae (2025 – Miami Christopher Columbus)

King Davis (2025 – Miami Northwestern)

Elijah Hardy (2026 – Miami Northwestern)

Sterling Joseph (2025 – Miami Edison)

Nicholas McCall (2025 – Miami Central)

RECEIVERS

Willie Anderson (2025 – Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace)

Johnny Arneus (2025 - Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas)

Anjuan Coleman Jr (2025 – Miami Central)

Shamar Fowles (2025 – Miami Carol City)

Darius Johnson (2025 – Miami Northwestern)

Si’mor Price (2025 – Hollywood South Broward)

Cameron Sapp (2025 – Miami Palmetto)

Kyle Washington (2025 – Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna)

AWARDS HANDED OUT

At the completion of the camp, the following athletes received invitations to 2025 Under Armour Next All-America Games:

2025 Under Armour Next All-America Game Invitees:

Class of 2025

DB Chris Ewald

DB Tae Harris

One player from the Class of 2025 that has already committed to the Under Armour Next All-America Game was also recognized:

WR Nae’shaun Montgomery

Other players recognized following their performances at Sunday’s camp include:

Defensive Line MVP

Floyd Boucard (2025)

Offensive Line MVPs

Caleb Harris (2025)

Kerby Vital (2026)

Running Back MVPs

Derrek Cooper (2026)

Shawn Simeon (2025)

Linebacker MVP

Adam Balogoun-Ali (2026)

Quarterback MVP

Jordan Durham (2025)

Wide Receiver MVPs

Jayvan Boggs (2025)

Winston Watkins (2025)

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For the past 54 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..

It is one of the most talent-filled stops on the Under Armour national football camp tour.

Some of the best football prospects that you will find anywhere in the country come out to showcase their skills and turn some heads.

It is a stop where elite talent is on display with more football prospects being discovered.

Welcome to the Under Armour Next Football Camp Series Miami this Sunday at Ives Estates Park in northeast Miami.

CAMP SCHEDULE

Defensive Line/Offensive Line: 9-11:30 a.m.

Linebackers/Running Backs: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Quarterbacks/Wide Receivers/Defensive Backs: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

The Under Armour Next Football Camp Series is a grassroots football skills platform for the best middle school and high school football players across the country. These select athletes will have the opportunity to hone their on-field skills and earn a coveted bid to the 2025 Under Armour Next All-America Game or UA Next Future 50 Camp.

ELITE PROSPECTS WILL BE ON HAND

While many come out to watch the nationally rated stars, which there are plenty of on hand, there are several other players who surprise even those who rank players nationwide.

Here are some prospects who have gotten plenty of interest, and who are expected to be in hand.

Among those are No. 86 – WR, Nae’shaun Montgomery, Miami Central, No. 105 - WR, Cortez Mills, Homestead, No. 131 – DB, Tae Harris, Cedartown, Georgia, No. 137 – RB, Deandre Desinor, Delray Beach Atlantic, No. 162 – WR, Winston Watkins, Bradenton IMG Academy, and Ohio State receiver commitment - No. 170 - Jayvan Boggs.

In addition, there will be No. 180 – DB, Ben Hanks, Miami Booker T. Washington, No. 184 -DL, Myron Charles, Port Charlotte, No. 204 – DB, Chris Ewald, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, No. 232 – DB, Amari Wallace, Miami Central, No. 245 – DL, Jarquez Carter, Newberry, No. 269 – WR, Wellington Palm Beach Central Kamare Williams, and No. 283 – DB, Bryce Fitzgerald from Miami Christopher Columbus.

The camp will begin at 9 a.m. ET on Sunday at Ives Estates Park, 20901 NE 16th Ave., Miami, FL 33179

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For the past 54 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..

Since Don Chaney Sr. stepped aside as head football coach at Miami Belen Jesuit, the search had been on for his replacement.

One of the most prestigious schools in south Florida, Belen Jesuit has long been in the mix for post season and district titles.

On Wednesday, the decision was made when Miami native Nicholas Oyarzun was named as the new coach and fulltime faculty member.

“I am extremely honored and blessed to be named the next Head Football Coach at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School,” said Oyarzun. “My wife and I are excited to return to our hometown of Miami, and be reunited with friends and family. My vision is for this program to serve as a source of pride and inspiration to our school, alumni, and community through our constant pursuit of excellence both on and off the field. I would like to thank Father Guillermo García-Tuñón, S.J. and the search committee for believing in me and my vision for the football program at this prestigious academic institution.”

Since 2021, Coach Oyarzun has been the Offensive Line Coach and Area Recruiter for NCAA D3 Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee. Before that, he served at four institutions as a Tight Ends/Special Teams Coordinator and Area Recruiting Coach at different levels of college football spanning NCAA D1, D3, and the NAIA.

Oyarzun came to Maryville after spending the 2020 season at Florida Memorial, where he served as the tight ends coach and special teams coordinator.

Prior to Florida Memorial, Oyarzun spent the 2019 season at FIU as a graduate assistant coaching the offensive line. He worked closely with D’Ante Demery and Devontay Taylor, who were both All-Conference USA selections.

Oyarzun graduated from FIU in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Sports Management. His first collegiate coaching position came right there after graduation with the Panthers as the program’s offensive/recruiting assistant.

In between those FIU stints, Oyarzun spent the 2018 season at Rochester as the tight ends coach, helping develop All-UAA tight end Daniel DiLoretto.

During his undergraduate days, Oyarzun spent time at his old high school, Christopher Columbus High in Miami, as the offensive line coach.

Oyarzon takes over a team that reached the second round of the state playoffs, beating Hollywood South Broward before losing to Miramar.

The Wolverines graduated some quality talent off this last year’s squad – including Florida Atlantic University commitment Gavench Marcelin as well as standout running back Khamani Alexander.

“Like all sports teams at Belen, football can play a significant role in the formation of our young men,” said Belen President Fr. Willie García-Tuñón. “This is why our coach must insist our Catholic-Jesuit values be integral to our football program. His impact must be felt both on and off the field. We are excited to have Coach Oyarzun join the Belen family to do exactly that.”

Oyarzun holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Sports Management from Florida International University, where he also worked as an Offensive Intern and Offensive Graduate Assistant.

The search committee was impressed with his experience in helping transform football programs and his ability to build relationships with student-athletes. We look forward to his expertise on and off the field that will help strengthen our football program, which spans grades 6-12.

“His drive for the process of educating and developing young men to become their best selves within the context of our Catholic-Jesuit identity will be contagious,” said Belen Jesuit Athletic Director Lazaro Fernandez. “These attributes and Nicholas’ comprehensive experience and approach to football make him the ideal candidate to move our program forward.”

Oyarzun will be Belen Jesuit’s 7th Head Football Coach. The program began at Belen during the 1971-1972 school year. His start date is Monday, March 18.

NEW HEAD COACHES IN SOUTH FLORIDA
With the addition of Oyarzun, south Florida has been busy with new head football coaches this off season.

Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy – Jase Stewart

Homestead Everglades Prep – Jermain Kelson Sr.

Miami Carol City – George Stubbs

Miami Dr. Krop – Vernon Wilder III

Miami Jackson – Max Edwards

Miami Killian – Rudy Trevino

Miami Northwestern – Teddy Bridgewater

Pembroke Pines Somerset – Nitro Baker

Plantation – Daryl Strong

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For the past 54 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..