When the calendar reached the end of June, it ended a month that was filled with college visits, combines, camps and 7-on-7 events.
As NCAA member schools have closed things down for the month of July, it opened the door for local and regional events to do their own thing.
As many rush to south Florida to capitalize on the many athletes and teams who want to continue getting better and staying in football shape, there are a number of things to keep everyone busy.
Last Saturday, St. Brendan High School in west Miami was the place to be for a 7-on-7 and line camp that produced winners and gave those taking part a chance to pick up some gear and stay in shape on a day where heat, humidity and rain took center stage.
As many sponsors want to be part of getting involved with student/athletes, Los Reyos Miami (LosReyes – LosReyes Apparel, LLC (sunglasseslosreyes.com)) rolled out the red carpet with their newest style of sunglasses that all the teams who took part had the opportunity to check out.
While the linemen competed in the afternoon, the early part of the day belonged to five local 7-on-7 teams. Among those taking place were Miami High, Hollywood McArthur, the Miami Titans and the 5th Element, a group of standouts from various high school in the region.
When the day had ended it was the 5th Element team, coaches by Head Coach Lamar Tunechi Robbins Aka “Coach 6”, OC: Marcus Simmons (founder) and Pablo Padron and defensive coordinator Coach Simmons, who gave of their time make sure that several players had the chance to compete.
With south Florida prospects competing throughout the day, it was the 5th Element that stood tall at the end of the tournament.
The 5th Element squad included Alonzo Bryant (Rise Prep Academy), Aloni Bryant (Rise Prep Academy),
Tymer Cooper Jr, and Antwone Francois (Miami Southridge) as well as young teammates Willie Wilson and Humberto Serrano from Somerset Silver Palms.
Other players taking part were Marquis Williams (Miami Gulliver Prep), Johan Guerra (Miami Felix Varela), Malik Penson (Miami Southridge), Miami Belen Jesuit two-sport star Bryce Fitzgerald, Jerell Jordan (South Dade), Homestead Class of 2025 nationally rated receiver Cortez Mills, and Kamaul King and Lamari Simmons (Miami True North Classical Academy).
The team also had prospects Javier Moss (Miami Palmetto), Nickolas Rispa and Anthony Rozier (Somerset Academy) High School and fast-rising Class of 2028 quarterback Anthony Vera, who starred for the West Kendall Dolphins 13U.
MORE TALENT ON DISPLAY
As Miami High first year head coach Dorrean James and McArthur veteran head coach Kevin Burnett brought many of their prospects to the event, other familiar players also attended.
The biggest name on hand was quarterback Austin Simmons, who is headed to the University of Mississippi this week. McArthur defensive backs Ben Joseph and Adonis Ferguson, and receiver Elijah McDowell among others, Miami Westminster Christian standout Malachi Keels and Jhakari Johnson (Southridge).
Miami High also brought talented young men in Zion Cherry, Horace Snelling and Jaiden Henry to mention a few.
SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: July 5, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Transfer Season Heats Up In Miami-Dade & Broward. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-heats-up-in-miami-dade-broward
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..
If you follow rankings of any kind, they are always subjective at best.
While rating local and regional teams is an easier task, projecting state and national rankings are never easy and come with plenty of opinions.
While we have been ranking teams and players longer than any other source in the country, we fully understand that these are subjective – and whether anyone wants to admit – they are done on emotion.
You can come up with any formula you like, and someone will find a flaw, so when you see these rankings, you need to step back and believe that by the end of the year, you will prove these people and their formulas wrong.
Max Preps comes out with their team and player rankings every year and follows them up at the end of the season by adjusting those teams.
While several sources in Florida seem to have an answer and believing that what they put out – whether they saw the teams are not – is the definitive. It's been that way for decades and decades.
As there are more and more people who follow high school football, they all feel that they are the “authority”, and while very few people, including college coaches, pay any attention to their team and player rankings, they feel compelled to voice their opinion – whether it’s valid or not.
Jeff Fisher and High School Football America do a more extensive rankings each year – including 300 teams across the country.
As several Florida schools are included in that listing, today we bring you Sunshine State programs that made their Top 100 for the pre-season.
Among the programs from Florida include Independent power Bradenton IMG Academy that comes in at No. 5.
3M power Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas begins 2023 at No. 6, and last year’s national power Miami Central, which finished No. 2, starts the year out at No. 9.
Among the other teams in Florida to be considered in the top 100 include:
No. 12 – Miami Christopher Columbus
No. 14 – Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna
No. 16 – Plantation American Heritage
No. 24 – Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons
No. 39 – Venice
No. 41 - Lakeland
No. 45 - Cocoa
No. 48 – Orlando Edgewater
No. 50 – Orlando Jones
No. 53 – Miami Northwestern
No. 58 - Jacksonville Bartram Trail
No. 82 - Jacksonville Trinity Christian Academy
SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: July 4, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Transfer Season Heats Up In Miami-Dade & Broward. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-heats-up-in-miami-dade-broward
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..
Frank Welsh has been around high school football for several decades. In that time, he has done what was needed to take his programs to the next level.
With so many high school programs now taking their teams on caravans across the country to see colleges and universities as well as take part in camps and 7-on-7 events, it has become essential to get you teams on the road.
We are living in an age – unfortunately – where you have to keep up with the competition, and of you don’t, sadly, you start losing your players.
Recently Welsh took his Coral Gables squad on a trip to see schools, but also bond as the players had the chance to get closer and find out more about one another.
These trips, while they are certainly not cheap, have a two-prong approach. First of all football is huge as the teams compete against other schools from all over the country.
Another vital part of these college caravans is many of these teenagers have never been away from home for an extended period of time and start learning the process – on a smaller scale – to make decisions on their own.
One of the huge ingredients for these trips is for these student/athletes to visit many destinations that they have only read about in their U.S. History classes.
EIGHT SCHOOLS VISITED.
The Cavaliers had a chance to travel through North and South Carolina – with visits to East Carolina, North Carolina State, Duke, North Carolina Central, Wofford, Furman and powerhouse Clemson.
GETTING SOME RECOGNITION
The objective of the trip was also to gain some recognition. Among those players getting a chance to shine included SENIOR Jordan Cooper stood out at Duke and South Carolina in the combines and 1 on 1s. Junior Billy Saleh also stood out amongst the OL.
SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: July 3, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Transfer Season Heats Up In Miami-Dade & Broward. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-heats-up-in-miami-dade-broward
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..
HOLLYWOOD - If you follow football in south Florida, you already know how successful head coach Dameon Jones and his Chaminade-Madonna Lions have been.
This program has won state titles and have sent prospects on to the next level at a pace that many are matching.
With St. Thomas Aquinas and Miami Central gaining national recognition along with the Lions, the country continues to follow the rather large spotlight this program has created.
While winning state championships has come at a record pace, the amount of talent that the Lions produce annually is staggering.
Take a look at many national powers and you will see big time prospects who are waiting to leave a mark. The Lions have created a receiving corps that is second to none – with their two 2024 prospects among the best in Florida as well as being the elite in the nation.
Here is a look at the receivers who this program will roll out for the challenging 2023 season:
2026 - Denairius Gray, 6-1, 175. Just joined the program recently from Somerset Canyons in Palm Beach County where he dominated as a freshman, catching 56 passes for 752 yards and 14 touchdowns. Already rated by many as one of the best in his class in Florida as well as making a name nationally. This is a versatile talent on the football field who can play in the secondary as well – if needed.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16211751/646a4915e97abd0e38253d5e
2025 - Jaquari “Trigg” Lewis, 5-10, 186. It didn’t take long for this impressive football talent to blend in with his new teammates. After coming over from Fort Lauderdale Dillard, he established himself as one of the best athletes on a team that is already loaded with national recruits. Worked his way into a ”4-Star” recruit with his pass-catching abilities. He is also a tremendous runner out of the backfield, which is something that college coaches have been watching. In addition to what he does on the football field, he also happens to hold down a 3.3 GPA in the classroom.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16171821/jaquari-lewis
2024 - Jeremiah Smith, 6-3, 205. Whatever has been said about this soon-to-be four year varsity starter has already been stated. His size, speed, skill and pass-catching ability puts him in a place by himself. Ask anyone who really knows this game and the competition this young man performs against, and ALL will tell you that this is the No. 1 receiver in the country. He dominates against every defensive back he goes against, and while he committed to attend Ohio State University, it hasn’t stopped the elite programs from trying to sway him away.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14655592/61c3b58c64df260434d1fb17
2024 - Joshisa Trader, 6-1, 180. Easily one of the best receivers in the country. His impact as a high school football standout began as a freshman at Monsignor Pace, followed over to Miami Central, where he helped the Rockets win a 5A state title – and last year – winning a 1M state crown with the Lions. There is simply nothing this quality talent cannot do on the football field. Offense, defense, special teams – his athleticism is off the charts – and he continues to get better. Is being courted by just about every Power 5 program in America.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15028817/61a60b77ff03530b18d9b468
2025 - Kyle Washington, 5-10, 165. Yet another underclassman who is also regarded as one of the best in his class – not only statewide, but by many college coaches around the country. Another “4-Star” talent who continues to turn heads with his ability to catch, run and read defenses. He can take the ball the distance on any play – like he did against Miami Northwestern last season, showcasing his speed and skill. He is most dangerous when the offense goes four wide, and he draws single coverage which is an automatic catch or score.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16311449/Kyle-Washington
2025 - Kamare Williams, 6-3, 180. Coming in from Delray Beach Atlantic in Palm Beach County, this is easily one of the top prospects in his class – statewide as well as nationally. A large pass catcher who has tremendous hands, runs solid patterns and has the speed to separate. Already being recruited by just about every college in the country. You will hear from this gifted football talent plenty this upcoming season.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16848855/Kamare-Williams
TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: June 30, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Transfer Season Heats Up In Miami-Dade & Broward. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-heats-up-in-miami-dade-broward
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..
If you have followed us long enough, you already know that very few promote EVERY and Broward Counties – at ALL levels.
With that in mind, colleges coaches from Hawaii to Maine and every in between keep an eye on what we produce.
We have never been in this to sell subscriptions or spotlight star-rated athletes. This is ALL about getting prospect information out to colleges and universities at every level.
With that said – and you know what we do and why we are here 365 days a year going to events, practices, camps, combines, and games and NOT sitting behind a computer – we will spend this off-season getting everyone promoted.
For over a half century, we have been honored to help football prospects across the state of Florida get some well-deserved recognition.
We not only put these prospects on this website for all fans to see and follow, but all the information that is provided to us is passed on to the over 500 college coaches that are part of our recruiting coverage. Today’s EYE ON RECRUITING will be on FORT LAUDERDALE CARDINAL GIBBONS (@FootballGibbons), winners of three of the past four state titles and loaded with talent under the direction of head coach Matt Dubuc. The Chiefs were 11-2 last season with wins over Hyattsville, Maryland DeMatha, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, Miami Gulliver Prep, St. Petersburg Northeast, Key West, Miami Belen Jesuit, Hallandale, Bradenton Manatee and Fort Lauderdale Stranahan in the regular season, and Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest and Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian in the state playoffs before losing to Plantation American Heritage for the second time in the season, 31-20.
Coach Dubuc can be reached at 954-410-6756 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
CLASS OF 2024
Patrick Anderson Jr., RB, 5-10, 170 – 3.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15064497/Patrick-Anderson-Jr
Zack Boehly, OT, 6-5, 275 – 3.08 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16123517/Zack-Boehly
Jeremiah Chalmers, WR, 5-11, 180 – 3.09 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15064382/Jeremiah-Chalmers
Guy Edmond Jr., CB, 5-10, 175 – 2.72 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17392856/Guy-Edmond-Jr
Casey Etienne, FS, 6-2, 180 – 3.97 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15361675/Casey-Etienne
Auston Francis, DE/OLB, 6-2, 220 – 3.87 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17466737/Auston-Francis
Colton Heinrich, TE, 6-4, 225 – 4.39 GPA. (UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA COMMIT).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15011285/Colton-Heinrich
Antonio Lindsay, WR, 5-9, 165 – 4.30 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15064467/Antonio-Lindsay-Jr
Michael Merdinger, QB, 6-3, 200 – 4.75 GPA (NORTH CAROLINA COMMIT).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15272216/Michael-Merdinger
Daniel Mincey, OL, 6-4, 280 – 2.72 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14962691/Daniel-Mincey
Roman Reid, S, 6-2, 210 – 4.30 GPA
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14602690/Roman-Reid
Jonathan Rodriguez, OL, 6-5, 280 – 4.30 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/12363073/Jonathan-Rodriguez
Braedon Serna, LB, 6-2, 215 – 3.33 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17752703/Braedon-Serna
Devan Taylor, OG, 6-3, 300 – 3.7 0 GPA
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15314460/Devan-Taylor
Brandon Tobias, DE, 6-4, 250 – 3.67 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17967837/Brandon-Tobias
Zach Thompson, DL, 6-4, 260 – 3.90 GPA
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15568891/Zach-Thompson
Bryce Webb, LB, 5-10, 195 - 4.3 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14559963/Bryce-Webb
Parker West, OL/DL, 5-11, 220 – 3.81 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15064460/Parker-West
Christopher Williams, DE, 6-1, 205 – 2.90 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15064450/Christopher-Williams
CLASS OF 2025
Logan Andrews, WR, 6-3, 190 – 4.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16865389/Logan-Andrews
Jonathan Chalmers, WR, 5-11, 180 – 3.4 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16271576/Jonathan-Chalmers
Trent Dubuc, WR, 6-0, 180 – 3.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16122770/Trent-DuBuc
Brent Fardette III, K/P – 4.6 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16837541/Brent-Fardette-III
Jocelyn Jean-Baptist, LB, 6-0, 205 – 2.86 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17544689/Jocelyn-Jean-Baptiste
Ethan Miller, CB, 6-3, 170 – 4.1 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18568716/Ethan-Miller
Josiah Oliver, OLB, 5-11, 205 – 3.8 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16673881/Josiah-Oliver
Anthony Ottinot, LB, 6-0, 195 – 3.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16509429/Anthony-Ottinot
Jamarcus Pierre, CB, 5-10, 170.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14517179/Jamarcus-Pierre
Jeremiah Renoir, DE, 6-3, 195 – 3.4 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16676538/Jeremiah-Renoir
Jonathan Rousseau, S, 6-1, 180.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16201639/Jonathan-Rousseau
Richard Scott, DE/OL, 6-3, 235 – 2.56 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17659491/Richard-Scott
Christian Talbert, QB, 5-11, 165 – 3.4 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16108378/Christian-Talbert
Tyler Williams, CB, 6-0, 165 – 4.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17646719/647183489a92d305009012a0
Cedric Wyche II, RB, 5-11, 175 – 3.4 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16676530/Cedric-Wyche-ll
Jalen Young, WR, 6-0, 170 – 3.1 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16190159/Jalen-Young
CLASS OF 2026
Derrek Cooper, RB, 6-0, 180.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19057210/Derrek-Cooper
Landon Martin, WR/TE, 5-10, 175 – 3.7 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18294497/Landon-Martin
Leonzay Merzius, CB, 5-11, 170.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16877195/Leonzay-Merzius
Beckett Neal, OL, 6-0, 260.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18568582/63c9ff880dbff90798eee59e
Jaiden Roper, LB, 6-0, 198 – 3.8 GPA.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/19239806
Jordan Rouche, WR, 5-11, 170.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18975382/6476211a176c7e175065214e
Joshua Silverstein, LS, 6-3, 250.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18387541/Joshua-Silverstein
Isaac Tanis, DE/OL, 6-3, 225.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18313737/646d78b7ab92f20c206cb5bd
Merrick Todich, WR – 3.95 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17698882/Merrick-Todich
Jayden Torres, QB, 6-1, 175.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17698875/Jayden-Torres
TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: June 29, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Transfer Season Heats Up In Miami-Dade & Broward. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-heats-up-in-miami-dade-broward
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..