As the talented Class of 2023 receivers continue to find college homes, other prospects – who are much younger – are starting to showcase their skills.
With an off-season that uncovered some quality pass catchers, the focus is indeed on the future.
From Homestead to Deerfield Beach, the talent that is ready to make a major impact is indeed mind-boggling, to say the least.
No matter what star they are labeled by these scouting services or fan websites, these young men are football players who are discovered an promoted by sources who watch them perform at so many practices, scrimmages and other exposure opportunities.
Many high school and college coaches trust the people who see these young men LIVE and not just promote to promote – without ever seeing these gifted football players do their thing.
Here are five gifted players already on the radar because of what they did a year ago as well as on 7-on-7 events, camps and combines:
Jade Card, 6-4, 195, Hollywood South Broward. One of the premier prospects in a class that continues to get better. No matter where you put him on the field, he stands out – and colleges and universities have already taken full notice. The thing that you first notice when watching him perform is his skill and athletic ability along with really good size.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16157435/Jade-Card
Richard Hollis, 5-10, 155, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely. Yet another rising standout that the coaching staff talked about early and continues to showcase. College coaches that watched him believe that over the next few years. Has the speed, athleticism and football skills to make an impact against anyone he lines up against. You will want to keep an eye on his progress.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16338493/Richard-Hollis
Cortez Mills, 6-1, 170, Homestead. There’s no doubt that if you watch him play, you will be sold right away. On a team loaded with offensive playmakers, here is one that everyone on the team talks about. His ability to get open and give the Broncos yet another threat who will only get better over the next three seasons. Easily one of the best in Florida – at any level!
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16469433/Cortez-Mills
Cameron Sapp, 5-9, 150, Miami Palmetto. Following in some rather large footsteps, you can see his skill level the very first time you watch him perform. His ability to make yards after the catch gives him a huge advantage with running instincts that may pass catchers simply do not have. Outstanding football talent that like many in this class, will only get better. Another quality sophomore to keep an eye on.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16323928/61b0012d2aa7b2060828ed8
Jahmari Smith, 6-0, 170, Miami Jackson. Watching him play live is worth the admission. He makes something big out of nothing and that is why college coaches are totally impressed with what “Smitty” brings to the table as a football player and as a teammate for a General team that will be much improved in 2022. It will be fun to watch his progress.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15869623/Jahmari-Smith
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..
POMPANO BEACH – They came from Miramar, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs and just about every corner of Broward County.
Stop No. 13 on the Varsity Sports Network tour across Florida landed at Pompano Beach High School, and what an event it was.
From team interviews to individual attention, the order of the day was to expose and promote the athletes in the county, and by the time 5 p.m. rolled around, the eight hours that the VSN crew along with the media put in was indeed something that everyone will remember.
VSN, which has started to be the true voice of high school football in the Sunshine State, had a team of hard-working people that made this day something very special.
“I cannot tell you how impressed I am with this event,” said Shawn Cerra, Director, Athletics & Student Activities, Broward County Public Schools. “From 8:45 when Flanagan (Pembroke Pines) took the stage until Piper (Sunrise) ended things a little after 5 p.m., this was a day we all will remember. Big time in every way.”
With plenty of media on hand, it was all about the players and the coaches, who started the 2022 season on Monday. Coaches such as Dameon Jones of the state champion Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, Roger Harriott of three-time defending state champion Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, and Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons’ head coach Matt Dubuc of the two-time defending state champion Chiefs were impressed with the way the entire day turned out.
“First class,” Harriott pointed out. “My players had a great time and the experience was something these young men will remember a lifetime.”
As Broward Media Days unfolded, the Broward County Athletic Association (BCAA) also got involved with interviews, photos and plenty of social media exposure.
Teams such as Pembroke Pines Charter, Oakland Park Northeast, Fort Lauderdale and Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy took part. So did Plantation, Cooper City, Fort Lauderdale Dillard, Plantation American Heritage and Pembroke Pines West Broward.
“Just to listen to the coaches and players talk today, everyone truly enjoyed themselves and it was a media day like we have never experienced,” said Broward County Athletic Director Rocky Gillis. “From start to finish, each and every coach came up to me to tell me how well it was run. I agree.”
VSN, under the direction of Bobby Lattmore and Dan LaForest and cast of production personnel stepped it up – with plenty of experience in running these showcase events. They were out to promote the network, which is growing all the time.
Fort Lauderdale Stranahan enjoyed the experience. So did Davie Western, Coconut Creek, Coral Springs Coral Glades, Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy, Hallandale and Coconut Creek Monarch.
Schools such as Hollywood South Broward, South Plantation, Davie Nova, Miramar Everglades, Coral Springs Taravella and Coconut Creek North Broward Prep – which seldom gets the spotlight – felt right at home with the exposure.
Promising programs such as Weston Cypress Bay, Deerfield Beach, Hollywood McArthur, Parkland Douglas, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely and Miramar also took center stage.
Media day also gave schools like Coral Springs Charter, Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy, Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest brought plenty of talent. So did host school Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, NSU University School, Hollywood Hills and Piper.
After a tremendous Broward County stop, Media Days moves to Keiser University in West Palm Beach on Wednesday for more exposure.
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..
By Travis Thomas
If you have followed football for any length of time in south Florida, you already know that the lifeline to any high school program that feeds them.
Youth programs in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties have long been recognized nationally for superb athletes and coaches, and the passion that surrounds each and every park – with all the teams that participate.
Those who cover these young men are the true pioneers of exposing south Florida football across the country. There is more talent that comes off these neighborhood football fields than any other place in the country.
Each year, youth phenoms have a direct impact at the next level – and fans are watching closely.
The high school Class of 2026 will be watched, written about and evaluated dozens of times before they graduate – just like they have for decades, and for that reason, college coaches want to know all about this freshman class that will make a splash this fall and into the future.
Among this year’s freshmen class include Miami Central's Leon Strawder (QB), Ricky Williams Jr. (DB), Karon Maycock (DB), Javari Flowers (DB) and Irwin James (RB).
Future stars at Miami Northwestern starts with versatile (WR/QB) Calvin Russell, running back Tarvail Mathis (RB) and also includes athlete Elijah Hardy, linebacker Desmond Johnson, receiver Nicsaint Joseph and gifted defensive back Aldarius Johnson.
Miami-Dade will also roll out prospects such as Brandon Kinsey (Athlete, Miami LaSalle) and Tavarus Jones (DB, Miami LaSalle) as well as Darryl Bell (Hialeah Barbara Goleman), Miami Jackson's Khyze Smith (OL), Marcus Ponder (TE, Miami Norland) and Jasen Lopez (WR, Miami True North Classical Academy).
KEEP A CLOSE AN EYE IN BROWARD COUNTY
Broward County will also have plenty of talent once again – with Plantation American Heritage QB Dia Bell, defensive lineman Christian Moreau, receiver Malachi Toney and receiver Jaffar Jean-Louis. There are also Jayden Chico (QB, Coral Springs Coral Glades) and Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons running back Gary Hadley Jr.
When Fort Lauderdale Dillard expanded to grades 6 through 12, it was a given that all sports would benefit, and with 2026 standouts Demetrius Mincey (linebacker), receiver Naijah Arnasalam, defensive back Jesiyah Miguel, kicker Trace Poncev, offensive linmen EKeem Atehortua, defensive back Sam Brown and offensive lineman Ananaius Humphrey, the Panthers’ train will keep rolling.
Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna has been able to maintain its dominance through the years because of the young talent that comes is every season – and with Bryant Junius (Athlete), Dylan Denson (receiver) and quarterback Javarious Robinson, don’t look for a drop-off anytime soon.
If the off-season showed all south Florida programs one thing, the talent at Miramar is only going to get better – especially with freshmen running back Alex Jackson, defensive back Kanard Boucard, Bobby Stokes, linebacker Amari Glover – as well as athletes Bryce Lee and Demetrius Gaulden.
Coach Calvin Davis is quietly building something special at Coconut Creek Monarch, with running back Javian Mallory and elite receiver Jabari Brady, this is a program to continue to watch.
Also, versatile athletes Kaj Baker and Cleveland Gary III from Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy, and running back Robert Ortega Jr., OL Bryan Granger and DE Jordan Campbell (Hollywood Avant Garde Academy)
These are just a few of the prospects to keep an eye on for 2026. We will have more in the coming months.
TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2023-2026. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects
TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAMS. https://larryblustein.com/news/tracking-south-florida-2022
There are very few people in south Florida with the experience and knowledge of youth football prospects than Travis Thomas. For decades, he has covered and promoted athletes before they ever reach high school – as a coach and talent evaluator. You can contact him with additional players at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Fresh off two highly successful media days in the Treasure Coast/Space Coast and in Orlando, the Varsity Sports Network Media Days heads to south Florida this week – and plenty of enthusiasm will follow.
With Dan LaForest, Bobby Latmore, Josh Wilson and a huge supporting cast making things happen along the way, this impressive day long event will take center stage in an area that will have high school football fans tuning in to see and hear from some of the state’s best teams and players.
With the official start of high school football this week, VSN will head to Pompano Beach High School for the Broward County Media Day on Tuesday, Keiser University for the Palm Beach Media Day on Wednesday and end this region’s showcase of talent on Friday at St. Thomas University.
With nearly 100 schools attending and taking part in just two days at Viera High School and Exploria Stadium in Orlando, this statewide event has now reached over 300 schools in just two weeks – with many more on the way.
“I am just so pleased at the way these Media Days have run so far,” said LaForest. “We knew that what we are doing is special, but I have to say that at every stop, it has far exceeded what we expected, and that bodes very well for south Florida.”
From team interviews and photos – to individual attention and plenty of fun – the VSN crew has truly made a major splash.
With some of the top teams expected to attend Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, media specialist Dave Brousseau worked overtime to make sure that every team had the opportunity to attend.
Brousseau who has been responsible in the past for making the Miami Dolphins Media Day special, called, texted and e-mailed over 100 coaches and athletic directors to ensure that this would be a well attended event.
“The great thing about these events is no matter where we go, the surprise on everyone’s face is priceless,” LaForest explained. “To see some of the recruiting icons like Dwight Thomas and media attend is a thrill for not only the athletes, but the high school coaches as well. It is indeed a win/win all the way around.”
Stops in Gainesville, Polk County, the Suncoast region, Tallahassee, Pensacola and Jacksonville only sets the table for this week and into the next week – where southwest Florida and Tampa Bay will also get the first class treatment that the rest of the state has been experiencing.
“Nothing like it that I have been part of in the past,” said Wilson, who has worked hard as a member of VSN and Florida High School Football website. “To do our podcasts with coaches and players, getting their take on the season is just like they have been doing at the college media days across the country. It’s that impressive!”
To check out any of the media events or watch live this week – just click on https://varsitysportsnetwork.com/ or @FlaHSFootball.
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..
No matter how many football prospects you profile in spotlight in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, there are just as many you may miss.
The Class of 2023 is once again stacked with quality talent – on both sides of the ball. Many who have been discovered and are being talked about, offered and committed. There are also several who continue to fly beneath the radar, and while colleges and universities have taken notice, many fans are not aware of how special many are.
Three years ago, when talking about the receiving class in 2023, there were other positions that they were passing over.
Today, we give you five impressive football players in the Class of 2023. Prospects who will be special over the next few years.
Gabe Hardman, LB, 5-11, 208, Miami Palmetto. Here is someone we saw two years ago, during his sophomore season as he waited to get healthy and have the chance to show what he can do. He has now emerged as a talent that makes plays and had drawn the attention of college coaches and recruiters who are watching his growth and maturity. This will be a huge year as he will have a chance to shine for a program that is one of the best in south Florida.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/13784254/Gabe-Hardman
William Larkins, OL, 6-4, 300, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. Headed to Indiana University, this young man is a major impact player for one of the top teams in the country. Big, strong, agile and very smart, he follows in the footsteps of his brother, who is at North Carolina State – as well as his father and uncle who starred at Hollywood South Broward back in the day. Has an opportunity to truly make an impact over the next four years and beyond.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13066971/60af04a3578d0c0de0a5e380
Adam Moore, WR/TE, Miami Northwestern. This is a talent that everyone watches and are blown away by his size and what he represents to any team because of his ability to catch the ball in space and make defenses pay with his large frame. What he means to the Bulls is you will not be able to double team a receiver like Andy Jean or he will make your night a terrible one. Physical, gifted and way under- recruited by analysts and colleges who have not watched what he brings to the table. Keep your eye on him in 2022. He will show those non-believers a few things.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/12879612/Adam-Moore
Tastean Reddicks, WR, 6-1, 180, Fort Lauderdale Dillard. After making an impact at Deerfield Beach, this gifted pass-catcher comes to play for the Panthers, and he will do more than blend in with the rest of talent this program has. Headed to Oregon State, his ability to get separation and catch the ball in traffic continues to make him a prospect that you just cannot ignore. He will have a huge season in 2022.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14401648/6136451b0c53750e9477a956
Tre Rigby, CB, 5-9, 160, Miramar. Eight years ago, there was a special running back who did his thing in Broward County before heading out to Bethune Cookman University. Following in the rather large footsteps of his older brother, Cameron Rigby, here is a versatile football player who is an impact performer on both sides of the ball. Has a high football IQ – which is natural since his brother played the game and his dad coached. Definitely a player to keep an eye on this coming season.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/13383096/Tre-Rigby
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..