Having rated teams and players for over a half century, the one thing that we have always bought into is seeing the programs and the athletes live.

While many will pick players and teams on reputation, traveling across the state and also paying attention to every team in Miami-Dade and Broward has not only earned us the respect of coaches and players, but also the fans who watch the games.

This past spring and summer, we were fortunate to see 353 teams statewide and every program in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

When we make our lists each year it is based on a number of factors, and if you have followed us through the years, we make adjustments 19 different times during the course of a year – and reflects the best teams.

With many programs stepping up and playing amazing schedules, it is with that in mind when putting this initial list together.

Like rankings, team lists are subjective and posted by many. We respect those who take the time to promote athletes and teams, but will rely on what we do – often watching these programs from no more than five feet away.

As we stated, these lists will change throughout the course of year, so relax with your opinions. Remember last year, we were 85 percent correct on our first Top 20 to the final one.

Here is the way things start out for 2022 in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties:

1. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1M – 2021 Record: 12-1). Winners of four of the past five state titles, tremendous coaching, a challenging schedule and an endless loop of talent. Coach Dameon Jones and the Lions are among the best in the country.

2. Miami Central (2M – 2021 Record: 12-2). Coach Jube Joseph takes over a team that has won three straight state titles and continues to attract talent and provide amazing coaching. The Rockets also will play a challenging schedule once again. This program is loaded and ready for anyone!

3. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (3M – 2021 Record: 14-1). The Raiders and head coach Roger Harriott look toward a national title every year – and despite winning three consecutive state titles – rebuilding is taking place with some tough teams on the schedule. You know that everyone across the country recognizes this powerhouse.

4. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2M – 2021 Record: 11-2). The Chiefs have arrived as a state power – and head coach Matt Dubuc and this team return too many playmakers not to be in the mix once again. The schedule is competitive, and the athletes are ready.

5. Miami Northwestern (2M – 2021 Record: 10-4). Sleep on the Bulls and you will make a huge make a mistake. Watched head coach Max Edwards and this team five times during the off-season, and if you think that they are just going to roll over, you do not know this program.

6. Plantation American Heritage (2M – 2021 Record: 6-4). New head coach in place, but the objective is to return to the state title game – after an off-season. Mike Smith’s Patriots are stacked with talent, and with a challenging schedule, things will be interesting.

7. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (3M – 2021 Record: 9-3). Perhaps nobody has improved more than head coach Tyler Tate and the Panthers. After watching them a number of times during the off-season, this is a team that has chance to be special – with returning players and new additions.

8. Davie Western (4M – 2021 Record: 9-3). Take this program lightly and you are making a huge mistake. Another team we have been around during the spring and summer, and head coach Adam Ratkevich and the Wildcats have weapons on both sides of the ball. A team that will have their opportunities to showcase superior talent.

9. Miami Palmetto (4M – 2021 Record: 9-3). After falling short a year ago, head coach Mike Manasco and the Panthers added some pieces that will make them very special. From the spring to the summer, we were fortunate to watch many of those standouts make a name for themselves. Well coached and ready to play.

10. Miami Christopher Columbus (4M – 2021 Record: 9-3). Another team that has made some major changes – and while head coach Dave Dunn and his team rarely bring attention to themselves – the Explorers are stacked with athletes who are capable of accomplishing some big things.

11. Homestead (3M – 2021 Record: 11-2). After losing to eventual state champion St. Thomas Aquinas, the Broncos made some major strides in the off-season, and watching them in the spring and summer, head coach Philip Simpson has surrounded himself with talented players and elite coaches. A team that can climb this ladder – fast.

12. Miami Norland (2M – 2021 Record: 5-5). Another program that has done more to thrust themselves in the spotlight, this is a program that has the chance to surprise plenty of people – as veteran head coach Darryle Heidelburg and the Vikings are going to cause plenty of problems – as we watched them a number of times during the off-season.

13. Coconut Creek (3M – 2021 Record: 9-3). Nobody has watched head coach Johnnie Sloane and the Cougars more than we have this off-season. Talent on both sides of the ball, big time prospects who have grown over the past three years with this program. Defending district champions who are ready once again.

14. Plantation (3M – 2021 Record: 9-3). Just when everyone was ready to give up on the No. 8 seed Colonels a year ago, veteran head coach Steve Davis and this football program upset No. 1 seed Fort Myers Dunbar and beat district champion Coconut Creek. This is a team that always makes a statement.

15. Gulliver Prep (2M – 2021 Record: 11-2). While many are taking veteran head coach Earl Sims for granted, it’s only because of some key losses, but the returning prospects are gifted and ready to make a statement. Another team that has upped its schedule and if the Raiders pass some key tests, it will be very interesting.

16. Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (2M – 2021 Record: 7-4). Another program we were fortunate to watch as head coach Travis Harden and the Dragons added prospects and showcased skills at a number of events. This will be a huge season for a team that is loaded with athletes and promise.

17. Miami Booker T. Washington (2M – 2021 Record: 5-7). Another program that nobody watched in the off-season more than we did – in the spring and throughout the summer as veteran head coaching icon Tim “Ice” Harris returns and has already made some major strides. While the talent is on hand, depth may be an issue for the Tornadoes.

18. Coconut Creek Monarch (4M - 2021 Record: 5-5). Yet another of those programs that has quietly flew under the radar screen as veteran head coach Calvin Davis and the Knights have looked impressive during the off-season, while it prepared for a challenging schedule.

19. North Miami Beach (2M – 2021 Record: 4-6). The fourth most tenured head coach in the state of Florida, Jeff Bertani and the Chargers will be well coaches, discipline and will work harder than anyone on the schedule. The Chargers are always stepping up their schedule and this year will be no exception – as they will travel to the Panhandle as well as to Georgia.

20. Weston Cypress Bay (4M - 2021 - Record: 7-3). It was only a matter of time until the state’s largest school got things back on track as veteran head coach Rocco Casullo has built a very impressive team that has a chance to be really impressive this season. The Lightning have improved everywhere, and that is something that will keep this team in the spotlight.

OTHER TEAMS TO WATCH: Coral Springs Coral Glades (4M), Deerfield Beach (3M), Doral Academy (4M), Fort Lauderdale (3M), Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (2M), Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (1M), Hialeah Barbara Goleman (4M), Hollywood Avant Garde (1M), Hollywood South Broward (3M), Miami Belen Jesuit (3M), Miami Dr. Krop (3M), Miami Edison (2M), Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (2M), Miami Immaculata LaSalle (2M), Miami Jackson (2M), Miami Southridge (3M), Miramar (3M), North Miami (3M), Parkland Douglas (4M), Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy (4M), Pembroke Pines West Broward (4M), Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (3M),Westland Hialeah (2M).

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2023-2026. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects

MIAMI-DADE AND BROWARD TRANSFERS. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-continues-in-miami-dade-broward

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA FOOTBALL TEAMS. https://larryblustein.com/news/tracking-south-florida-2022

For the past 52 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..

The best thing about having the opportunity to watch so many prospects live is you see players that many others only read about.

Because so many college coaches check out our daily information and database, it has become essential to watch football talent in all classes.

While this website is heavily slanted toward Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, we do have the chance to travel the state of Florida and see other prospects and different schools – which gives us a more valid opportunity to compare talent.

While we know that south Florida is always going to have more quality than just about anywhere else in the country, it’s easy to shine a spotlight on talent that rarely gets that attention.

Because we have been covering 2026, 2025 and 2024 extensively – we are certainly not leaving this current group of seniors out of the mix.

Today, we bring you five Class of 2023 football prospects to watch this coming season.

Asante Daniels, QB, 6-1, 165, Coconut Creek. Having watched this young man the past two years, there is no doubting that his talent and leadership have put the Cougars in a situation to defend their district championship. No matter where he plays – this is someone who stands out – and this program will rely on his talents in a major way this coming season. He combines arm strength, accuracy and the ability to run the ball.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15280111/Asante-Daniel

Trey Dubuc, LS, 6-1, 220, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. A soon-to-be four year starter at a position that has become vital to any football team. Recently awarded a five-star ranking at the Kornblue Kicking Showcase, this is a true talent who will be headed to the University of South Florida next year. But there is work to be done this season – trying to help his father’s (Head Coach Matt Dubuc) team win yet another state title. He is one of the best in the country.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/12965388/Trey-DuBuc

Victor Evans III, CB, 6-1, 180, Miami Monsignor Pace. Yet another football talent who has emerged and following in the footsteps of his father who was an impressive talent. This FIU-bound prospect had a breakout off-season and showcased his skills on a team that continues to make major strides. This is a secondary performer that has everything you are looking for. Speed, the ability to read plays and a high football IQ.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/13488624/Victor-Evans-III

Harlem Howard, S, 6-1, 170, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely. Here is another prospect that basically came out of nowhere, but when you watch him perform, you can see what colleges are on his trail. Saw him perform last year and throughout the off-season, turning heads with his ability to make plays in the secondary. This is one of the gifted young men who has just scratched the surface. When he fully matures, the sky is more than the limit!

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15340493/Harlem-Howar

Gemari Sands, RB, 5-10, 190, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. Because of the enormous amount of talent this program churns out every year, talent like this is never fully appreciated. When called upon the past two seasons, he was ready to help the Raiders during their drive to multiple state titles. His ability to not only run the ball from the line of scrimmage, but catch out of the backfield has made him one of the players who college coaches are falling in love with. Will have a huge year this season – as a player and leader who knows this system very well.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/11483946/Gemari-Sands

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2023-2026. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects

MIAMI-DADE AND BROWARD TRANSFERS. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-continues-in-miami-dade-broward

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA FOOTBALL TEAMS. https://larryblustein.com/news/tracking-south-florida-2022

For the past 52 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.. 

For those who follow high school football here in south Florida and around the country, your requests to spotlight different players and positions is something we have done over the past six months.

As you know, our objective is to reach those over 100,000 followers we have on all of our social media forums and provide college coaches an opportunity to also check out the talent that resides here in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

As you know from following our site and social media, we turn over every stone. While many are fixed on the high rated stars, we give you information on each and every prospects.

Because we have the opportunity to watch every program perform, it’s our objective to give the many college coaches who follow everything we provide that chance to see new players as well as those who have been on the radar for a period of time.

From our Class of 2026 preview last week to the many prospects we list each and every day, the objective has always been to promote and get the student/athlete out there.

Today, we focus on five Class of 2024 defensive linemen. All have put their names out there for everyone to check out:

Justin Bodford, DT, 6-1, 285, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. This Davie Western transfer has been on the national radar since his sophomore year, and as this season unfolds, he will have plenty of opportunities to showcase his many skills – as the Raiders and Coach Roger Harriott have a challenging schedule and will be in the spotlight each week. This is a big, strong young man with plenty of potential and time to learn.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15157733/Justin-Bodford

Germaine Carter, DT, 6-1, 250, Miami Carol City. Coming over to the Chiefs this season, this is a hard-working talent who continued to get stronger and learn from head coach Dorrean James and his coaching staff who have the experience to elevate his game. What is truly impressive about this talented football player is his work ethic and will to get better. Solid talent who will only get better.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16947716/6189977bda5280090057b885

Jamorie Flagg, DT, 6-3, 245, Miami Booker T. Washington. Here is perhaps on the of the most underrated defensive line prospect in the region. Has been getting it done for the past two years – and with a huge off-season and a coaching change – keep your eye on his progress. With the return of veteran head coach Tim “Ice” Harris, this is a prospect who will show colleges and the opposition that he came dominate up front. Excited to see what he brings to the table.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15504841/620c32543448790fb035b3c

Dimitry Nicolas, DT, 6-3, 275, Miami Monsignor Pace. Talk to the coaching staff about this impressive talent and they smile. First year head coach Anthony Walker Sr. has surrounded this quality talent with playmakers. What he learned last year from watching is something that just cannot be put into words. The Spartans are a better team because of playmakers like this. Someone who had a tremendous off-season as the Spartans continue to turn the corner.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16220893/Dimitry-Nicolas

Dylan Stephenson, Edge, 6-4, 220 Miami Christopher Columbus. Makes his way over play for head coach Dave Dunn and the Explorers after a solid season for the 12-1 Miami Killian Cougars. This is a quick and athletic talent that started to showcase his skills as a freshman and continued to build on that at camps and combines. Very quick off the ball and is only getting better. Will be surrounded by big-time playmakers this coming season.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15145722/Dylan-Stephenson

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2023-2026. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects

MIAMI-DADE AND BROWARD TRANSFERS. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-continues-in-miami-dade-broward

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA FOOTBALL TEAMS. https://larryblustein.com/news/tracking-south-florida-2022

For the past 52 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..

Over the past decade, punters, kickers and long snappers have had a forum to expose their craft. Last weekend was one of those opportunities.

One time University of Michigan standout Brandon Kornblue, a standout kicker during his career, has been on the leading edge of promoting this “craft” perhaps more than anyone in the country.

While others have followed behind, it’s been Kornblue who has given specialists an opportunity for exposure to colleges and universities across the country – with his showcase events and instruction.

From his work with kickers and punters to his ties with coaches who have been making a name as long snappers, his events are among the best you will find. His year-round commitment to making college ties and serving as a bridge between student/athlete to college coaches has put him in a class by himself.

His south Florida stop in his showcase events last week at Calvary Christian Academy in Fort Lauderdale once again shined a rather large spotlight on elite kickers, punters and long snappers.

The Kornblue Kicking Summer Showcase – one of two he runs in this region of the country – produced some impressive special teams performers who will help their respective programs this coming season.

Because these showcases have gotten to the point where college coaches wait for results and video, more and more young men are finding homes at colleges and universities across the nation.

This year’s summer showcase was highlighted by numerous standout performances.

“Following our showcase, there were more specialists awarded the Fab 50’s 5-Star rating than ever before at a single event,” Kornblue explained. “You can see how this becomes larger and larger every year – and that is what makes the future so exciting.

Here is a look at those who earned the coveted 5-Star The distinction, which categorizes them as an athlete who could start for an FBS program as a freshman: 

Austin Lloyd - 2021 Kicker, Florida

Christian De Villiers - 2023 Punter, Miami Christopher Columbus

Alex Davis - 2023 Punter, Orlando Timber Creek

Nico Davis - 2023 Long Snapper, Brighton, Michigan

Trey Dubuc - 2023 Long Snapper, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons

Robert Hammond - 2023 Kicker, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons

Michael Kern - 2024 Kicker/Punter, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

Jonathan Zarut - 2024 Long Snapper, Miami Christopher Columbus

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EVENT

The Calvary Christian event concluded with Cardinal Gibbons’ Hammond drilling a personal best 65 yard field goal. Nico Davis earned the highest point total for the long snappers and Christian De Villiers recorded the highest numbers as a punter.

THE RESULTS

JUCO/College Transfer Kicking

1st Place – Alexander Russ (FAU)

JUCO/College Transfer Kicking 2nd Place – Austin Lloyd (FL)

JUCO/College Transfer Kicking 3rd Place – Erickson Buck (Alabama)

2023 Kicking Champion – Robert Hammond III (Cardinal Gibbons)

2023 Kicking 2nd Place (tie) – Shaun Morse (Beavercreek, Ohio)

2023 Kicking 2nd Place (tie) – Jason Zapata (Somerset Academy Homestead South)

2023 Punting Champion – Christian DeVilliers (Miami Christopher Columbus)

2023 Punting 2nd Place – Alex Davis (Orlando Timber Creek)

2023 Punting 3rd Place – Rocco D’Angelo (Naples Barron Collier)

2023 Long Snapping Champion – Nico Davis (Brighton HS, MI)

2023 Long Snapping 2nd Place – Trey Dubuc (Cardinal Gibbons)

2023 Long Snapping 3rd Place – Justin Wood (Miami Palmetto)

2024 Kicking Champion – Michael Kern (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas)

2024 Kicking 2nd Place – Quentin Ubaydi (Stoney Creek, Michigan)

2024 Kicking 3rd Place (tie) – Cooper Holman (Naples Gulf Coast)

2024 Kicking 3rd Place (tie) – Gabriel Perez (Miami Southridge)

2024 Kicking 3rd Place (tie) – Francesco Pileggi (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas)

2024 Punting Champion – Michael Kern (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas)

2024 Punting 2nd Place – Broderick Boehm (Westfield, Indiana)

2024 Punting 3rd Place – Gabriel Perez (Miami Southridge)

2024 Long Snapping Champion – Jonathan Zarut (Somerset Academy South Homestead)

2024 Long Snapping 2nd Place – David McDermott (Stuart South Fork)

2024 Long Snapping 3rd Place – Cade Puckett (Cairo, Georgia)

2025 Kicking Champion– Luca Guerra (Doral Academy)

2025 Kicking 2nd Place – Ryker Moye (Terrell Academy, Georgia)

2025 Kicking 3rd Place – Marc Cappuccitti (Choate Rosemary Hall, Mississauga, Ontario)

2025 Punting Champion – Vaughn Lennon (Fort Myers)

2025 Punting 2nd Place – Adrian Muelle (Miami Belen Jesuit)

2025 Punting 3rd Place – Brent Fardette III (Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons)

2025 Long Snapping Champion – Chase Ortiz (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas)

2025 2nd Place – Preston Colo (Naples Barron Collier)

2025 3rd Place – Alex Nocco (Tampa Jesuit)

2026 Kicking Champion – Mason Sargis (North Ft Myers)

2026 Kicking 2nd Place (tie) – Zephaniah Diamond (Naples)

2026 Punting Champion – Zephaniah Diamond (Naples)

2026 Punting 2nd Place – Mason Sargis (North Ft Myers)

2026 Long Snapping Champion – Joshua Silverstein (Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons)

2026 Long Snapping 2nd Place – Xavier Nocco (Tampa Jesuit)

2026 Long Snapping 3rd Place – Henry Shannon (Gainesville Buchholz)

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD)– CLASSES 2023-2026. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects

MIAMI-DADE AND BROWARD TRANSFERS. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-continues-in-miami-dade-broward

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA FOOTBALL TEAMS. https://larryblustein.com/news/tracking-south-florida-2022

For the past 52 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..