There was a time when very few coaches and football players paid little attention to kickers and punters.
Back in the day, the position was truly looked at by many as a waste of roster space. Fast forward to 2024 – and it is a fact that if you don’t have a solid kicking and punting game you will most likely not win.
NFL, college and now high school teams thrive on the ability to make the opponents start deep in their territory with a kick or a punt. It is also where huge football games are won with an extra point for a field goal.
Kickers, punters and long snapper have taken the spotlight at every level, and the need to have the best special teams is perhaps one of the most important parts of building a football team.
With national showcases and local competition and training, kicking and hunting has become a year-round commitment. If you are not training and competing, you are falling behind.
Over much of the past decade, we have been fortunate to have attended numerous events that spotlight special teams and have exposed the athletes who work as hard as any other position of the football field.
While many fan websites and local recruiters are just finding out about the devotion put into the craft, we have been there from the start.
Miami-Dade and Broward Counties have been getting better and better and producing elite special teams performers who have gone on to successful collegiate and professional careers.
Today, we bring you some of those area kickers and punters to keep an eye on.
The senior class has taken the lead – with several players making a huge splash at local, regional, statewide and national competition.
Among those include Mike Astrain (K, Westland Hialeah), Lucas Avino (K, Miami Belen Jesuit), Jacob Corredera (P/K, Miami True North Classical Academy – 3.3 GPA), Isaac Cruz (P/K, Somerset Academy Silver Palms), Brent Fardette (K/P, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons – 4.5 GPA), Alexander Fitzgibbons (K/P, Miami Christopher Columbus), Ernesto Gonzalez (K/P, Homestead Everglades Prep), Luca Guerra (P/K, Miami Central – 3.5 GPA), Matthew James (P/K, Deerfield Beach), Matthew Jean-Baptiste (K, Fort Lauderdale University School), Gavin Katz (K/P, South Plantation – 3.7 GPA), Felix Martinez (K, Somerset Academy South Homestead), Carter McCrary (K, Sunrise Piper), Nathan Moncada (K/P, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy), Adrian Muelle (PK, Miami Belen Jesuit – 4.9 GPA) and Chris Murciano (P/K, Miami Gulliver Prep – 4.28 GPA).
The class also features Nick Navarro (PK, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – 4.8 GPA), Antonio Pasquatti (K, Plantation American Heritage – 4.0 GPA), Adam Piniero (K, Miami St. Brendan), Kaleb Rodriguez (P/K, Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy), Nicholas Romero (K/P, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – 4.0 GPA), Jake Rosoff (P, Pompano Beach - GPA: 5.2 SAT: 1390) and Ethan Silva (K, Miami Northwestern).
UNDERCLASSMEN ARE ALREADY STARTING TO SHINE
As impressive as the seniors will be this season, colleges are already looking at several underclassmen. Here are some of those to keep an eye on.
The 2026 class juniors will have John Allen (K, Miami Christopher Columbus), Diego Barrera (K, Coconut Creek Monarch), Matisse Bullrich (K, Miami Gulliver Prep – 3.54 GPA), Dominic Celli (P, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons – 3.91 GPA), Caysen Chevannes (K, Pembroke Pines Charter – 4.5 GPA), Jacob Ferrandiz (K, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman), Pablo Gomez (K/P, Miami Dr. Krop), Jordan Hechler (K/P, Miami Christopher Columbus), Njonte Henry (K/P, Davie Nova), Carlos Iavernia (K, Miami Ransom Everglades), Alan Lopez-Ortiz (K/P, South Miami) and Thomas Lopez (K, Miami Booker T. Washington).
Others in the class are Francisco Mascuso (K, Miami Belen Jesuit), Emilio Mollinedo (K, Homestead South Dade), Brennan Parsons (K/P, Davie Western), Trace Poncev (K, Pembroke Pines West Broward – 4.0 GPA), Stephen Cook Roberts (P/K, Miami Palmer Trinity), Noah Sidan (P/K, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna – 4.0 GPA) and Conrad Tolerico (K, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – 3.6 GPA).
Sophomores are also going to have a say this season – with Julian Dominguez (K/P, Homestead South Dade), Sam Florens (K/P, Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest – 3.96 GPA), Gabriel Gonzalez (K, Doral Academy), Michael Johnson (K, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy), Alec Martinez-Bolivar (K/P, Miami Ransom Everglades), Krystian Nacier (K, Miami Florida Christian), Jonathan Rivera (K/P, Miami High), Cole Rodriguez (K/P, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons – 3.5 GPA) and Coral Gables’ kicker Mykel Sam. Also keep your eye on 2028 prospects Kyle Aller (K/P, Fort Lauderdale Dillard – 3.5 GPA) and Alfonso Arellano (P/K, Somerset Academy Silver Palms).
PHOTO COURTESY OF KORNBLUE KICKING
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
Miami-Dade/Broward Summer Top 20. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-summer-top-20
Are You Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers? https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers
For the past 54 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..
When it comes to rankings – local, regional or state, obviously they are subjective, and while they are made by people who never watch all the teams they are listing, we as fans look at them and relish when our teams are mentioned.
It has become a popularity contest, much like player rankings, if you mention a player or team that people root for your, the list that you compile is popular. If you fail to mention a program or prospect, the ranking that you come out with is terrible, and the author does not know what they are talking about.
We have the opportunity to see all the programs in the state of Florida and use our 54 years of experience as a barometer and never guess at any player or team that we list.
Rankings are NOT an exact science, and while the teams that are mentioned before the season may be perceived – by the author as being among the best, as we have found, the only listing that truly matters is the one that comes at the end of the season.
No matter what you feel about the prospects or teams that are rated, you must respect that the source has taken all steps to make the decision that they arrive at.
As tough a decision as it is to rank local, regional and statewide – today we look at the Miami-Dade and Broward County programs who are being mentioned as some of the elite in the country.
While last year saw Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna continue to dominate, the Lions ended up at No. 2 nationally, and while this program lost several key prospects, veteran head coach Dameon Jones and his program looks for a ninth straight appearance in the state championship game.
For head coach Roger Harriott and his Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders, this is a position this program is in basically every year. Looking for a record sixth straight state title, this team could surprise plenty of people – especially with a Broward County Football Showcase game against defending national champions Las Vegas Bishop Gorman.
After missing out on the state title game last season, head coach Jube Joseph and his Miami Central Rockets are anxious for the season to start as they have loaded up and have that opening-night showdown with two-time defending state champion Lakeland.
After dropping a close state semifinal game last year, head coach Mike Smith and his Plantation American Heritage Patriots will head into the season loaded with talent and experience as the stakes will once again be very high.
When head coach Daryl Heidelberg and his Miami Norland left Tallahassee after losing to Tampa Berkeley Prep in the state title game, there was a feeling that the Vikings had missed a major opportunity to finish off a perfect season. That setback has driven this team in the off-season.
After taking Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas down to the wire in the state title game and losing for the second time in two years, head coach Ronnie Thornton and his Homestead Broncos went into the off-season with a feeling that 2024 was going to be an important season. Keep an eye on this talented team once again.
Winning the state title two straight years, Miami Christopher Columbus and head coach Dave Dunn will look to rebuild after several key losses from last year. Even though they had a rough spring, this is a program that will find a way to get things back on track.
When you look back at last season, Miami Booker T. Washington and veteran head coach Tim “Ice” Harris had their chances to do some serious damage, but key injuries brought the season to an end. Fast forward to this season – do not sleep on the Tornadoes!
Teddy Bridgewater returns to his alma mater, and while last season was a disappointment with the Miami Northwestern Bulls missing the state playoffs, they have reloaded and will be a player in the state playoff race. Too much pride and history to stay down for long.
The good news for veteran head coach Matt Dubuc and his Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons Chiefs is Plantation American Heritage will not be an obstacle. The tough news is this team has numerous holes to fill with graduation and transfers taking an experience bite out of the program. But this team has learned to deal with adversity.
Say what you want about every large school in the state of Florida, but no team has the talent and depth as head coach Adam Ratkevich and his Davie Western Wildcats. Truth be told, if this team doesn’t win it all this year, it would be a total surprise. They are loaded – everywhere!
For head coach Calvin Davis and his Coconut Creek Monarch Knights, the off-season was as active as any football program in the state. This is the deepest and most talented program that this school has ever had. Play them and you had better bring his all – every week.
There is no getting around the amazing job that head coach Johnnie Sloane and his staff have done with the Coconut Creek Cougars. The program has indeed “Restored The Roar” with a stingy defense and a maturing offensive attack. They impressed last season and have a chance to do the same in 2024.
For the past five years, head coach Mike Manasco and his Miami Palmetto Panthers have remained in the mix. With some key players moving in with a solid group of returnees, this will be a very interesting year as they battle their way into the state playoff mix.
Three rounds deep in the state playoffs for the past two years have put the Miramar Patriots and head coach A.J. Scott in a position to show that they do have a program that can get it done. Strong defense and an improving offense will keep this team relevant again.
For Chris Reid and his Homestead South Dade football program, a state playoff win signaled that the Buccaneers are indeed getting back to what they once were. While very few are paying attention this is a team that is more than capable of making some loud noise this season.
There are those who believe that head coach Pierre Senatus and his Miami Southridge Spartans are being slept on this coming season. This team has plenty of talent coming back – along with transfers that have infused this program. They have the chance to prove a lot of people wrong.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MIAMI HERALD
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
Miami-Dade/Broward Summer Top 20. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-summer-top-20
Are You Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers? https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers
For the past 54 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..
From last December until today, the football transfers who have made a move into Miami-Dade and Broward Counties are staggering.
The entire nation continues to shake their collective heads how many athletes change schools because of open enrollment.
In addition, because there are online schools in south Florida who many are gravitating towards, they are free to play sports at any school they want to, which is NOT popular with coaches who develop players, only to see them head somewhere else.
ANOTHER BIG TRANSFER WEEK IN THE #305 AND #954
When receiver Jade Card, who transferred to Miami Northwestern back in early spring from Miami Norland, came back to the Vikings it kicked off quite a busy week in the two counties.
Several players are looking to get a fresh start – and schools in Miami-Dade and Broward are benefiting in a major way.
Here is a look at the movement this past week – as more are expected in the weeks to come:
CLASS OF 2025
Jaymin Blake, OL/DL, 6-5, 315, Coconut Creek Monarch. Transferring from Wellington Palm Beach Central.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16239672/Jaymin-Blake
Ezekiel Burrell, WR/TE, 6-3, 170, Pembroke Pines Flanagan. Transferring from Coral Springs Coral Glades.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19650326/Ezekiel-Burrell
Ryan Long, OL, 6-4, 260, Plantation American Heritage – 3.9 GPA. Transferring from Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16022182/Ryan-Long
Andreus Madison, WR/Slot, 6-0, 190, Fort Lauderdale Dillard. Transferring from Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15162533/Andreus-Madison
Octavio Mendoza, LB, 5-11, 200, Hollywood South Broward. Transferring from Hollywood Hills.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16279938/Octavio-Mendoza
Roderick Parker, S, 6-0, 178, Fort Lauderdale Stranahan. Transferring from Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17855794/Roderick-Parker-Jr
Nkuma Plummer, WR/DB, 5-8, 160, Sunrise Piper. Transferring from Coral Springs Coral Glades.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17935629/Nkuma-Plummer
Si’mor Price, SS/WR, 6-2, 180, Davie Western. Transferring from Hollywood South Broward.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16212262/Simor-Price
Christopher “C.J.” Spence, CB, 6-3, 170, Miami Carol City. Transferring from Virginia Beach Kempsville, Va.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16280012/Chris-Spence
CLASS OF 2026
Adrian Atoa, WR/RB, 5-9, 170, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman. Transferring from North Miami Mourning.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19954614/Adrian-Atoa
Melvin Howard, OL, 6-0, 240, Pembroke Pines West Broward. Transferring from Cooper City.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17832724/Melvin-Hayward
Rodarian Jones, DB/Athlete, 6-2, 180, Miami Carol City. Transferring from Havana Gadsden County, Florida – 3.9 GPA. Track & Field.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19437435/653dc8e52ab1070a883b8a6c
Brandon Kinsey, WR/DB, 6-1, 190, Miami Northwestern. Transferring from Miami Immaculata LaSalle.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17807080/Brandon-Kinsey
Jaden Roper, LB, 6-1, 205, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. Transferring from Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19239806/Jaiden-Roper
Clarence Tucker, CB/WR, 5-11, 175, Miami Edison. Transferring from Tolleson, Arizona.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18612354/Clarence-Tucker
CLASS OF 2027
Kaden Howard, CB/WR, 5-10, 150, Miami Florida Christian, Transferring from Goulds Palm Glades.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19438407/Kaden-Howard
Chaz Morris, OL, 6-3, 300, Miami Carol City. Transferring from Lanaham Mt. Zion Prep.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19581893/Chaz-Morris
Jacob Thomas, WR, Pembroke Pines Flanagan. Transferring from Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19531598/Jacob-Thomas
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
Miami-Dade/Broward Summer Top 20. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-summer-top-20
Are You Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers? https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers
For the past 54 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..
When it comes to the receiver position in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, there are always elite players who are spotlighted and promoted. But what about those prospects who are productive and headed to the next level?
Sometimes have too much talent stands in the way of gifted players who are also regarded as top-flight players.
South Florida has long been known for the many under-the-radar football talent that get overlooked, only to make a huge splash at the next level and beyond.
As we have the opportunity to see plenty of talent year-round, we often come across talent that is not getting a share of that spotlight.
Today, we look at some of the many receivers who are flying under the big-time radar.
In the Class of 2025, several of the elite players are certainly getting the attention – statewide and nationally, but there are others who also deserve the same respect.
Prospects such as FAU commitment Branden Hoch (6-3, 195, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Cameron Sapp (5-10, 160, Miami Palmetto), Georgia Southern commit Kyle Washington (5-10, 165, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Coastal Carolina commit Shamar Fowles (6-1, 155, Miami Carol City), Troy State commitment Darius Johnson (5-11, 160, Miami Northwestern), Ace Coleman (5-11, 170, Miami Central), FIU commitment Kenny Williams (5-10, 170, Miami Gulliver Prep) and Pittsburgh commit Kha’leal Sterling (5-9, 175, Miami Central).
In addition, Darriel Harper III (5-8, 160, Homestead) is returning after being injured, Darius Clements (5-11, 165, Miami Southridge), Ronald Towns (5-10, 165, Miami Norland), Logan Andrews (6-3, 185, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Mitch Joseph (6-2, 175, Miami Carol City) and Trent Dubuc (6-0, 180, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons) are all solid as well.
WHAT ABOUT THE TALENTED 2026 CLASS
As many talented prospects as we have in the 2025 class, there are also receivers in the junior class who also have flown beneath the radar.
Among those to keep an eye on this coming season include Elijah Hardy (6-0, 180, Miami Northwestern), Jaborree Riggins (6-4, 185, Coconut Creek Monarch), Jaffar Jean-Noel (5-10, 170, Plantation American Heritage), Jamar Denson (5-10, 175, Plantation American Heritage), Corey Swint (5-10, 165, Miami Palmetto), and Kendall Brown (6-1, 167, SW Ranches Archbishop McCarthy).
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
Miami-Dade/Broward Summer Top 20. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-summer-top-20
Are You Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers? https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers
For the past 54 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..
When you think about a football team, the first thing that comes to mind are the position players, linemen and kickers. The last position mentioned is the long snappers.
The least publicized turn out to be the most important.
Welcome to the world of a long snapper. Kicks and punts don’t ever win games without someone to the holder and punter the ball – quickly and on target.
Back in the day, this is a position that was never taken seriously, but then a snap goes over the punter’s head and results in a safety or an opponent’s touchdown. A low snap that the holder must scoop off the ground, wasting valuable seconds and often resulting in something that does not end well.
No matter what game you attend, the focus is never on a long snapper until the focus is on a long snapper. They have become such an important part of the game.
While many who follow recruiting never pay attention to special teams, less focus on the long snapper – and whether you attend a showcase or a game – this is a position that is now more important than ever.
As we attend several showcase events, there is no getting around how much work goes into being a long snapper.
While we have so many in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, we bring you five today to keep an eye on with the 2024 season right around the corner:
2026 – Charlie Becker, 6-0, 205, Miami St. Brendan. LB/TE. In addition to being one of the best long snappers in the state, this is someone who also makes an impact as a hard-hitting linebacker and producer on offensive side of the ball.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16260331/Charlie-Becker
2025 – Chase Ortiz, 6-2, 205, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas 4.8 GPA. Easily one of the best in the state and is considered a top prospect nationally. Has been fortunate to work with some quality special teams’ performers. Elite student in the classroom – which has opened doors for the five-time defending state champions.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18162752/Chase-Ortiz/about
2026 - Joshua Silverstein, 6-2, 285, Plantation American Heritage – 3.0 GPA. Has been around the process before he entered high school. Has long been viewed as one of the emerging stars. Made the move from Cardinal Gibbons and has settled in well for the Patriots.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18387541/Joshua-Silverstein
2025 – Damani Spence, 5-7, 200, Davie Western. Made the move from Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy and is expected to be an important part of a program that has a chance to be very special in 2024.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16057796/Damani-Spence
2025 - Chase White, 6-4, 240, Miami Ransom Everglades – 3.45 GPA. OL. Another versatile talent, who not on excels in his craft as a long snapper but has given his team someone who gets it done on the line of scrimmage. He also has been impressive in the classroom.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16041779/Chase-White
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
Miami-Dade/Broward Summer Top 20. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-summer-top-20
Are You Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers? https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers
For the past 54 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..