While we know that what you do in games will always give you plenty of exposure and bring recognition, if you are a special teams performer, it becomes tougher to attract attention.
Because kickers, punters and long snappers have a short window to prove what they can do in pressure situations, games are no longer enough to showcase their talents to college coaches.
What has happened over the past decade are different companies are hosting showcases that give these special teams hopefuls the exposure needed.
These events are designed to produce accuracy and give these student/athletes a chance to perform.
Today, we bring you a few of the kicking prospects who have jumped on the radar with some off-season performances – already.
2028 – Kyle Aller, K, 5’10, 165, Hollywood McArthur – 4.5 GPA. Rated as one of the top kickers in the state of Florida, heading into the off-season. Has a chance to be very special with a strong leg. Very accurate leg that helped the Mustangs to one of their best seasons in decades.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20079494/Kyle-Aller
2028 – Hudson Eisenbud, K/P, Miami Gulliver Prep – 3.8 GPA. Another young and emerging kicking specialist who has already earned a national ranking – showcasing a strong and accurate leg. This is definitely someone you will be hearing plenty from. Follows in a long line of kickers that the Raiders have produced over the years. Keep your eye on his progress as he gets more film.
2027 – Christopher Kern, P, 6’2, 165, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. After suffering a hairline fracture in his back halfway through the season, this quality talent has recovered, and while he is not like his older brother (Michael, University of Texas), who is one of the best ever at the school, he is expected to have a big year for the seven-time defending state champion Raiders. In addition to punting, he will compete for the kickoff duties as well.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23674205/Christopher-Kern
2028 – Ethan Kleiman, K/P, 5’8, 145, Deerfield Beach. One of the rising juniors who has already jumped on the radar screen nationally at the Chris Sailer’s Vegas 47 Camp, where he performed well with a 68-yard, 3.63 second hang time and a 65-yard, 3.6 second hang time on kickoffs.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/25323846/Ethan-Kleiman
2028 - Ilan Levkovitz, P/K, 5’11, 152, Davie Nova – 4.1 GPA. One of the emerging kickers in south Florida. Someone who is coming off a productive showcase in early January where he performed with a strained quad. Strong on kickoffs and accurate on his field goals.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/26340400/68f3f204787a0734ba7ef155
2027 – Alec Martinez-Bolivar, PK, 5’10, 165, Miami Ransom Everglades – 3.79 GPA. Another elite kicking prospect who impressed enough during showcases that he earned a high rating as a kicker. With so many emerging special teams prospects in the two counties, here is another who is ready for his final season at the high school level. Also, keep an eye on his progress during the off-season as well.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16773211/Alec-MartinezBolivar
2027 – Cole Rodriguez, PKL, 5’10, 165, Miami Central – 3.85 GPA. A four-year varsity performer who has been regarded as one of the elite combo kickers in Florida. Not only was he an outstanding kicker but also showed why a college program will be fortunate to have him as a punter. Also gets it done in the classroom.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20823856/Cole-Rodriguez
2027 – Mason Vogt, K/P, 5’7, 155, Miami Christopher Columbus. Talk about a strong and accurate leg, this is a very talented emerging senior. The Explorers are one of the deepest group of special teams in all of Florida – and to get on the field to actually play – you must compete against some quality prospects who attend several events year-round.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19349216/Mason-Vogt?
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 55 years, we have spent more 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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Following their first-round state playoff game against Miami Palmetto, Coral Glades players and coaches vowed to use the loss to the Panthers as a building block for the future.
The very fact that the Jaguars and head coach Rocco Casullo advanced to the playoffs was indeed something positive for a program that is building something special out in western Broward County.
This is a team that has added the pieces throughout the past few years and used the off-season to build and mature.
With camps, combines and 7-on-7 events along with a solid weight training program, this team has put itself in a position to get better every year.
“We have made good use of the off-season and have developed the young talent,” Casullo explained. “The prospects in this program see that we are coaching them up and now understand that this is a process.”
In a day when transfers are happening at a record pace across south Florida, Casullo and the Jaguars understand that moving around from school to school will never add up to building a team. Quick fixes usually fall apart after a year or two – while developing a pipeline of talent end up having a greater success rate and that is what this program is looking to accomplish.
THE TALENT IS CERTAINLY THERE
With some seniors moving on, the emphasis will be on the underclassmen.
Class of 2027 rising seniors for the upcoming class start with defensive ends Bryan Pierre and Ryan Pierre, but also include Julian Madero (LB), Mark Cortes (LB), Bryce Cox (WR), Abraham Gray Jr. (OL), Isaac Hilaire (WR), Dan Ismard (RB), Woodmye Laurore (OL), Tacorio Miller (DE), Nelson Naud (DT), Jayden Pierre (DT) and safety Jayden Snow (SS).
A STRONG UNDERCLASS GROUP GIVE THIS TEAM DEPTH
Coach Casullo had said all along that since he has been at the school this is the strongest group of underclassmen they will have.
Class of 2028 rising juniors such as Makhai Harris (OL), Johnny Brown (DB), Elijah Carter (OL), Bovo Aghariaha (CB), Tyler Brown (OL), Floyd Dale (RB), Kayo Derezende (QB), James Griffin (K/P), Alexander Jobbitt (DE/LB) and defensive back Caylen Rucker.
The class also will have Jayden Johnson (LB), Micha Lee (OL), Silvio Martinez (OL), Wensley Mombrun (RB), Ethan Ortega (DB), Justin Tejada (LB), Emmanuel Thomas (RB), Jamari Thompson (DB) and receiver Zantwan McNeil.
The rising sophomore (2029) class will also be stacked with plenty of potential – with Elijah Freeman (DB), Landon Wienstock (QB), Ameer Harris (OL), Baby Wigs ( CB), Christian Curles (WR), Elijah Innis (WR), Channing Casey (QB), Jaden Depass (WR), Bronson Griffin (WR/LS), Aaron McGuire (LB) and defensive back Tavares Randell.
2025 CORAL GLADES JAGUARS
Cooper City, L 10-7
South Plantation, L 31-14
Coral Springs, W 41-6
Fort Lauderdale Stranahan, W 7-0
Boca Raton Spanish River, L 21-0
Hallandale, W 15-14
Parkland Douglas, W 20-7
Boca Raton, W 35-26
Coral Springs Taravella, W 31-0Davie Nova, L 19-10
Miami Palmetto, L 42-0
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 55 years, we have spent more 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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
We are well into the new year and the South Florida High School Sports Radio Show took center stage with three impressive guests on a Wednesday night.
Each week, the FM 104.3 WQAM radio program attracts the newsmakers in high school sports, recruiting college sports – not only locally, but throughout the country.
The show gives listeners an opportunity to hear about college football programs statewide from the media that cover them. It also focuses on the coaches who use the state of Florida – Miami-Dade and Broward Counties in particular.
The program, which has run for nearly two decades and has been recognized nationally as one of the best of its kind, has become a popular listen for recruiting fans as well as high school sports purists, focusing on high sports and the newsmakers.
Here is a look at the way Wednesday went:
The Florida International University football program finished 7-6 and went to a bowl game this season under first-year head coach Willie Simmons. Kevin Barral from the Paws Up Podcast talked about the season and future of this program.
KEVIN BARRAL ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/kevin-barral-fiu-paws-up-podcast-7c84b
Before Fernando Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy, Brandon Odio and Football Hotbed promoted his talents at the youth and high school level. On Monday night, Odoi had the opportunity to watch his career go full circle in the National Championship Game at Hard Rock Stadium.
BRANDON ODOI ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/brandon-odoi-of-football-hotbed-cb417
It has not been the best two years for the Florida State University football program – with the Seminoles dropping out of the ACC title picture. Can things be turned around in Tallahassee? Liam Rooney from the Tallahassee Democrat talked about it all.
LIAM ROONEY ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/liam-rooney-tallahassee-democrat-fsu-football-611df
Tough way to end a football season for the Miami Hurricanes, but with 13 wins and a solid showing in the national championship game, there is reason to believe that this program is now back among the top football programs in the country. Jordan McPherson joined the show to talk about this team, moving into the future.
JORDAN MCPHERSON ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/jordan-mcpherson-miami-herald-miami-hurricanes-football-5bc4d
The Miami Carol City High football program has long been a symbol of excellence. Great coaching, players and tremendous fan support has surrounded the Chiefs through the years. While things have not been what many have been used to over the years, the hiring of head coach Toro Wallace has energized the students, administration and a loyal fanbase.
COACH TORO WALLACE ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-toro-wallace-of-miami-carol-city-f9347
With high school all-star football games now over, the attention is directly on recruiting – with camps, combines and 7-on-7 events taking center stage across the Sunshine State. Brian Smith, who covers recruiting and college football for the Locked On Network, looked at some of Florida’s top prospects.
BRIAN SMITH ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/brian-smith-locked-on-network-338fb
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 55 years, we have spent more 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 (@PrepRedzoneFL).
Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Before the start of the 2025 high school football state playoffs began, Coconut Creek head coach Chris Yeargin and his assistants looked at 8-2 regular season the Cougars had put together.
Only a five-point loss to Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons and a three-point setback in the district title game to Delray Beach Atlantic separated this program from an unbeaten season.
As they traveled to play Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy in the first round, this team knew that if they continued to do what they had done all season, they would come away with a Round 1 victory. They were right!
That opening-round 49-20 win showed what this team was all about, and even though they would have to once again travel for a second-round contest against six-time defending state champion and national power Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, this was a confident team that did everything they could to reach the level where they were still alive in Week 2.
While they would lose to the Raiders, who would go on to win their seventh straight state title and finish among the top 10 teams nationally, the Cougars left 2025 with a feeling that this program had arrived.
PLENTY OF CONFIDENCE FOR 2026
As college coaches are out and checking out football talent throughout Miami-Dade and Broward Counties this January, one of their stops needs to be at Coconut Creek.
What this program returns are some impressive talent that will give them an opportunity to make a major impact when the season begins in August.
The success of this program will certainly start with the rising senior class (2027). This is a group that will have the experience and leadership that will be needed – and as college coaches who come by during the recruiting period will see – there are some prospects to keep an eye on.
Among those in the 2027 class to keep a close eye on includes Everette Butler (WR), Isaiah Calixte (WR/CB), Javarous Carson (OL – 4.0 GPA), Christopher Elliott (OL), Jaden Francois (WR) and defensive back La’Quadri McCray (DB).
In addition, other 2027 players to watch this off-season will be Braylon Alexis (CB), Franck Alphonse (DE – 3.0 GPA), Myrion Barker (OL), Zachary Byrd (LB), Jonathan Hernandez (P/K), Keshawn Huggins (LB), Marvens Jeanise (OL), Jason Jones (CB), Howayne Rose (CB), Nolex St. Victor (LB) and defensive back Kamryn Williams.
HOW IS THAT FUTURE LOOKING?
As the 2027 class will be a place that this team will look to, you can guarantee that the underclassmen will have plenty tp say about the upcoming season.
Class of 2028 (rising juniors) will be impressive – with Tatetreon Isom (CB/WR), Malik Lane (DE), Jaylyn Mehu (LB), Kitray Ross Mullen (DB), Josiah Sanchious (QB) and talented running back Kody Thompson (RB).
Also, the 2028 class has Zavious Brown Jr. (OL), Elijah Burns (RB), David Florent Jr. (WR), Demario Johnson (DL), Kamari Lamar (DB), Isaiah Lopez (QB), Sergio Lowe (WR), Xavier Marshall (WR – 3.5 GPA), Neo Paul (DE), Josiah Pierre-Louis (DT – 3.6 GPA), Jadarian Rush (DT), Justin Williams (DB) and versatile (LB/RB) Randy Witchard Jr.
This program will also rely on the rising sophomores (2029) such as Eian Givens (QB), Qurban Henley (QB), Amari Johnson (Athlete), Evans Joseph (DE), De’Joshua Newkirk (DT/OG – 3.79 GPA) and receiver Dorrian Simmons.
2025 COCONUT CREEK COUGARS
Miramar, W 22-12
Sunrise Piper, W 33-6
Davie Western, W 28-16
Deerfield Beach, W 34-7
Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, L 11-6
Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson, W 66-0
Hollywood South Broward, W 45-6
Delray Beach Atlantic, L 33-30
Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, W 46-6
Parkland Douglas, W 34-6
Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy, W 49-20
Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, L 45-13
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 55 years, we have spent more 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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
MIAMI GARDENS – Eighteen weeks after the University of Miami began the 2025 college football season with a win against Notre Dame, the Hurricanes’ season came to an end in the same stadium with the same national audience giving the game its full attention.
Dropping a 27-21 decision to Indiana, which became the first team to finish the season with a perfect 16-0 record, the Hurricanes and their players showed that while many want to close the door on your season, you will always have the opportunity to kick it in and create your own dynasty.
For the first time in over two decades, the “U” was back in the national championship game after a regular season that saw them finish 10-2 – almost being left out of the College Football Playoff mix. But those who know and watch this great game, understood that this program had some key wins that needed to include them in the top 12 programs after the season had ended.
In a four-game stretch, Miami and head coach Mario Cristobal more than paid that decision to let this team in that selected group back in a major way.
As the No. 10 seed, they opened up on the road at College Station when they beat Texas A&M before over 104,000 hostile fans, 10-3.
As many doubted this program would ever come out of the first game with a win, the attention was quickly turned to the defending national champion Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl. When the ‘Canes came out of that game with a convincing win, it was on to the next step – a meeting with another “team of destiny” – Ole Miss. The exciting national semifinal in the Fiesta Bowl once again showcased this football team as they came out with a victory, setting up that national championship at “home” in Hard Rock Stadium against a program that had absolutely no football history in the Hoosiers, who like Miami and hundreds of other college programs, used the transfer portal to build their roster.
This was indeed a chance for college football “bluebloods” to sit on the sideline on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and see two teams that have NOT been in the college football championship mix play before a sellout crowd that included President Donald Trump, his family and several other national figures.
The game brought out the heavyweights who attended these two schools and gave two fanbases to showcase what is not the “new world of college football” – where money is now king, and rosters are built in a year – or two.
As someone who has followed college football for six decades – and has had the pleasure of being at national championship games and seeing the direction that “amateur” athletics has move toward – it was simply accepting the times we are living in.
This game, which was won on an interception with under a minute left – shined the spotlight on so many storylines, and in the end, one of the best stories in college football unfolded when Miami Christopher Columbus graduate, Fernando Mendoza, capped off his collegiate career with a Heisman Trophy and a national title.
This game was also for the state of Florida, which had produced so many gifted players who made a huge impact in the outcome of the game, and of course the season, which left Miami (13-3) short of winning a sixth national title, but gave Coach Cristobal and his team a firm place as one of the best program in college football once again.
Certainly, both teams will get the players to compete once again – with several other schools that fell short this season.
While there are no guarantees of playing for a national title – at least these two programs – different in every way – proved that anything can happen, and for the Hoosiers and their many, many fans, the 2025 season belonged to them – with Miami not far behind!
NEITHER TEAM GAVE UP – FOR ALL FOUR QUARTERS
The Hoosiers got on the board first with 2:42 left in the opening quarter on a 34-yard field goal by Nico Radicic for a 3-0 lead.
The Hoosiers extended the lead to 10-0 at the 6:13 mark of the second quarter when tight end Riley Nowakowski took it in from the one.
The Hurricanes ended the first half with just 69 yards at the half and just three first downs. By far the lowest of the season, but at the half, things started to turn around.
The Hurricanes got on the board with 11:06 left in the third quarter when Mark Fletcher took it 57 yards for a score.
Indiana extended their lead to 17-7 with 5:04 left in the third quarter when Mikail Kimara blocked a Dylan Joyce punt and Isaiah Jones recovered for a score.
As the fourth quarter began, Fletcher scored his second touchdown of the game on a three-yard run at the 14:57 mark to cut the lead to 17-14.
The Hoosiers went back up by 10 when Mendoza kept the ball on fourth down and scored from 12 yards out and a 24-14 lead at the 9:18 mark of the fourth quarter.
The Hurricanes wouldn’t go away when Carson Beck hit freshman Malachi Toney from 22 yards out with 6:37 left in the fourth quarter, making it 24-21.
The Hoosiers extended the lead to 27-21 with 1:42 left when Radicic connected from 35 yards out.
With Miami driving to take the lead in the final minute, Beck’s pass was intercepted by south Floridian Jamari Sharpe and the dream of winning it all – at home – came to an end.
STATISTICALLY SPEAKING
Mendoza finished 16 of 27 for 186 yards and he scored a key touchdown.
Beck was 19 of 32 for 232 with a touchdown.
Fletcher led all runners with 112 yards and two scores. He had a monster four-game playoff.
Kaelon Black (17-81) and Roman Hemby (19-69) led the way on the ground for the Hoosiers.
The best freshman in the nation, Toney, capped off a once-in-a-lifetime first season with 10 catches for 122 yards and one score.
Omari Cooper (5-71) and Charlie Becker (4-65) were the top pass-catchers for the Hoosiers.
On defense, Mohamed Toure, who was the Hurricanes leading tackler all season after coming in from Rutgers, had 11 tackles, Wesley Bissainthe and Rueben Bain each had eight tackles in their final college game.
Bain and Ahkeem Mesidor combined for three sacks.
Louis Moore (seven tackles), and south Floridians Sharpe and D’Angelo Ponds (11 total tackles).
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATON YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 55 years, we have spent more 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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..