A little more than a week has passed since the end of the 2025 high school football season and the attention has already moved to next season.
Student/athletes are starting to make moves to other schools with the promise of the grass being greener on the other side, which often never happens. But welcome to Miami-Dade and Broward County high school football where there are very little rules and common sense.
As the long off-season is getting ready to unfold, there are some prospects who left this year with the hopes of repeating their amazing performances.
One of the positions that should be fun to watch in the rising senior (2027) class will be running backs.
This past season, we saw some impressive underclassmen who stole the show from seniors – from start to finish.
As we have done for decades our focus will be on every prospects in this region – with stories, profiles and exposure that will be tough to find anywhere else.
Prospects that we see as freshmen are now being spotlighted some two plus years later.
Today, we bring you five running backs who we have been watching and talking about since they arrived at the high school level:
Amos Bradford, 5’10, 180, Pembroke Pines West Broward. Easily one of the most versatile prospects who brings so much to the table as a runner, blocker and receiver. Was instrumental in helping the Bobcats reach their first ever state title game. Has great vision and tremendous speed. While he’s currently committed to Toledo, expect him to blow up even more in the off-season and into the 2026 season.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22863433/Amos-Bradford
Kamary Cooper, 5’10, 180, South Plantation. Because this quality talent didn’t play for an elite program, there are many who still have never watched play, but his 1,839 yards and 20 touchdowns this past season only illustrates what this impressive talent is all about. His off-season will be fun to watch as more and more colleges get the chance to see what he is all about.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22473011/Kamary-Cooper
Tyler Reid, 5’8, 165, Miramar. While this wasn’t the best year for Patriots’ football, this impressive talent was certainly in the spotlight because of his speed, skill and the fact that he is following in the footsteps of his older brother, Desmond Reid, who has starred at the University of Pittsburgh for the past two years. Track & Field. Finished his junior season with 104 carries, 1,070 yards and 9 touchdowns.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20012149/691a6244750b30681085db4f
Cecil Smith, 5’8, 165, Miami True North Classical Academy – 3.2 GPA. From his freshman year at Homestead when the Broncos were grooming him to fill the rather large shoes of Isaac Brown, to this past season when he made quite a splash for the Titans during a district championship season, rushing for 1,400 yards on 129 carries with 524 receiving yards on 28 receptions for 2,134 all-purpose yards 18 touchdowns. He is indeed the real deal and will pick up plenty of momentum this off-season.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20496279/Cecil-Smith
Jahnard Young, 5’11, 200, Sunrise Piper – 3.4 GPA. Last off-season when he left Vero Beach after a very productive sophomore season, there were those in the Indian River area who felt that one of the top prospects in the state of Florida, for the Class of 2027, had left a team that felt they were one of the best. From the time he returned to south Florida, this was a gifted prospect that made a major impact – at camps, combines and spring events. Helping the Bengals return to the post-season, he ran for 1,395 yards and 22 touchdowns. He returns as one of the top prospects in the state, and if colleges overlook him, they will kick themselves later. He brings all the positives to the table!
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17540739/Jahnard-Young
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..
As long as he can remember, life was all about football for Drew Davis.
The son of legendary football coach Butch Davis (Miami, North Carolina & FIU), being around some of the best minds in the game for decades, he continued to pick up more and more about the game, and on Wednesday, nearly five years after he started at St. Thomas University, the quarterback coach and assistant coach was elevated to head coach.
“When you are born into the game, this is what you dream of one day happening in your career,” Davis, said. “I am so ready for this next step.”
Davis, 32, was named just the second coach in STU history. It is his first head-coaching job.
He takes over as coach from Bill Rychel, who started STU’s program. Two years ago, Rychel was elevated to Senior Vice President for Athletics.
In his seven years as head coach with the Bobcats, Rychel posted a 51-22 with four post-season appearances.
Davis had worked with the quarterbacks and was one of the top recruiters on the staff. He also helped to organize summer camps and other events to get athletes, coaches and parents on this growing campus.
This past year, the Bobcats ended 7-4, dropping a first-round NAIA playoff in Helena, Montana against power Carroll College.Fueled by a passing game that ranked 19th in the NAIA, STU ranked in the top 10 for scoring with an average of 46.2 points during the regular season that placed eighth nationally. The Bobcats earned a first-round bye in the 2024 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Championships as the fifth-ranked team after going 9-1 during the regular season. Working the wide receivers in 2023, the Bobcats ranked third in the NAIA in 2023 for points per game and passing yards per completion. Khalitri Zow also received All-Conference Second Team honors.
In his first season at St. Thomas, the Bobcats had two All-Conference honorees in C'quan Jnopiere (First Team) and Zow (Second Team).
Davis was at FIU for five seasons, serving as an assistant coach overseeing the tight ends.
He has been a part of three bowl appearances with FIU including the 2018 Bahamas Bowl victory over Toledo. In his first season, Davis helped FIU tie the program record for wins in a season (8), before breaking that record in 2018 with nine victories on the year.
Davis has always been around some of the top college programs in the country. He came to FIU after serving as a backup quarterback for the Ole Miss Rebels from 2014-16. He originally committed to play for his dad's former team at North Carolina back in 2012.Prior to his college career, Davis started at quarterback for three seasons at East Chapel Hill (N.C.) and finished as the most prolific passer in school history. He threw for more than 3,500 yards and 30 touchdowns as a senior, set a North Carolina state record with 43 completions in a game.
“I’m humbled by this opportunity and cannot wait to continue getting this program on top of a very competitive conference,” Davis pointed out. “We have a tremendous staff, did well with our recruiting class and now need to use this off-season to get better.”
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..
Fresh off a ServPro First Responder Bowl appearance against the University of Texas San Antonio and a 7-5 record, Willie Simmons in first year as head football coach at Florida International University made a huge recruiting splash in south Florida.
While they did well across the state, this program used Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade to stock the roster for the future.
Here is a look at the three-county recruits that this program landed in this class:
Jahmani Chin-Suer, CB, 5’10, 170, Sunrise Piper.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19230617/Jahmani-ChinSuer
Justin Compere, RB, 5’11, 180, Miami Carol City.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22972608/Justin-Compere
Jayden Ford, RB, 5’6, 160, Miami Central.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18526032/Jayden-Ford
Ja’kari Johnson, S, 6’0, 190, Hollywood McArthur.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20082475/Jakari-Johnson
Demitris Mincey, LB, 6’1, 200, Fort Lauderdale Dillard.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17969385/Demitris-Mincey-Jr
Ayden Passley, TE, 6’4, 215, Jupiter.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17843850/68ceaea08408f61899ac6249
Malik Penson, WR, 5’10, 175, Miami True North Classical Academy.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18197874/Malik-Penson
Noah Sidan, PK, 5’11, 175, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19971498/Noah-Sidan
Michael Smarts, Edge, 6’2, 225, Pembroke Pines Flanagan.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22768076/Michael-Smarts
Dominic Turnbull, CB, 6’2, 175, Miami True North Classical Academy.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16260330/Dominic-Turnbull
OTHER PROSPECTS WILL HELP AS WELL
In addition to those local players that signed in this class, there were some other prospects that will be a part of the future of this program.
Among those are D.J. Alexander (QB, 6’3, 195, Douglasville New Manchester, Georgia), De’Andre Arnold (LB, 5’11, 192, Madison County), Davis Brown (TE, 6’5, 255, Rolesville, North Carolina), Karaijus Hayes (S, 5’11, 170, Sarasota Booker), Kiyante Ingram (S, 6’0, 165, Powder Springs McEachern, Georgia), Eric Johnson (S, 6’0, 180, Loganville Grayson, Georgia), Barrett Maddox (OT, 6’6, 320, Itawamba CC, Fulton Mississippi), Jaeden McMillan (S, 5’11, 180, Melbourne Holy Trinity), James Resar (TE, 6’4, 230, Independence CC, Kansas), 7A state champion hero Barrett Schulz (WR, 6’5, 190, Lake Mary), Za’marion West (CB, 6’1, 170, Madison County), and Riley Wilson (OT, 6’4, 285, Tampa Bay Tech).
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..
Different day, and a shorter show on Wednesday night as the South Florida High School Sports Radio Show took center stage with seven impressive guests.
Each and every 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 show, which has run for nearly two decades, has become a popular listen for recruiting fans as well as high school sports purists, focusing on high football and the newsmakers.
Here is a look at the way Wednesday went:
Fourteen teams headed to Florida International University’s Pitbull Stadium this past weekend and seven schools were crowned as state champions. Andy Villamarzo from Rivals.com was on hand for games and took look back at West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (1A), Sarasota Cardinal Mooney (2A), Jacksonville Raines (3A), Plantation American Heritage (4A), Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (5A), West Boca Raton (6A) and Lake Mary (7A) all took home titles.
ANDY VILLAMARZO ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/andy-villamarzo-rivals-dot-com-e8b59
This Sunday, youth football, girls’ flag football, 8th grade football and high school football will take center stage at the fabled Traz Powell Stadium in Miami for annual Crib Classic Miami-Dade vs. Broward All-Star Game. The day long event will feature some of the top football players – male and female. Anthony Yero talked about this pre-Christmas contest.
ANTHONY YERO ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/anthony-yero-crib-classic-all-star-game-3fdf3
This Saturday afternoon at 12:00, the University of Miami will travel to Kyle Field in College Station, Texas for an opening round College Football Playoff showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies. If the Hurricanes are going to have a chance to advance to play in the Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Eve, they need to win this contest. Geo Millian talked about what Miami needs to do to come out with a win.
GEO MILLIAN ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/geo-millian-miami-hurricanes-fd4b1
When the seconds ticked off the clock at Pitbull Stadium on Saturday afternoon and Plantation American Heritage had wrapped up their second straight 4A state title, head coach Mike Smith and his staff turned their attention to 2026.
In this day and age of roster changes and transfers, it’s tough to tell what the Patriots will fully look like when they open the season next August, but we can see which prospects on the current roster have the chance to be back for a third consecutive run at a state title.
While predicting the roster is not easy – especially here a week before Christmas, we do know that this football team will play one of the toughest schedules in the state – like they have the past few years.
What we do know about the 2026 version of American Heritage football is they will have the right to call themselves “two-time defending state champions” – and the coaching they will receive from early January, with conditioning, into spring and all summer, with workouts, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events.
Say what you want about private schools, but here in 2025, everyone recruits. With open enrollment and home schooling, student/athletes in public and charter schools can move freely without having to live in a certain area – and if you dispute that comment, respectfully, you have no idea what you are talking about – at all!
South Florida has become a free-for-all when it comes to athletics. No longer do private schools have an overwhelming advantage when building their rosters.
WHAT WILL THIS PROGRAM LOOK LIKE IN 2026?
With a very talented senior class moving on, there are also some juniors (2027), sophomores (2028) and freshmen (2029) that are currently on the roster.
The Class of 2027 will have talent coming back. Prospects such as running back Jonathan Bueno (5’10, 205), defensive back Amare Nugent (6’1, 190), Michael Stringer (WR, 6’0, 170), Marquand Manuel (WR, 5’9, 170), Marcus Smith (RB, 5;9, 150), Viggo Palenzona (WR, 5’10, 170), Jaiden Sheard (DB, 6’0, 190), Johnathan Matei (K, 5’10, 160), and Edison Garzon (RB, 5’9, 170).
There are also Shane Martinez (OL, 6’0, 280), Armani Eusebio (OL, 6’5, 295), Nico Ramos (OL, 6’6, 310), Aiden Hartnett (OL, 6’4, 300), Brandon Adams (OL, 6’6, 330), Hendrix O’Ferrall (DL, 6’0, 235) and Brendan Braddy (DL, 6’0, 250) to name a few.
The 2028 class (current sophomores) are also talented and will certainly make an impact. Student/athletes such as Robert Outler (TE, 6’5, 205), Blake Mitchell (DB, 5’10, 170), Tremaine Mullen (RB, 5’9, 175), Micah Price (DL, 6’3, 260), George Thompson (LB, 5’10, 180), Osnell Dillon (DL, 6’0, 230) and offensive lineman Iangel Compress (6;0, 240).
While there are several players coming up from the juniors varsity, Class of 2029 freshmen such as Othneil Rhoden (QB, 6’0, 160), Adrian Flores (DB, 5’9, 165), Wyatt Jewell (QB, 6’1, 180), Jake Arias (OL, 6’4, 275), Carlos Singletary (DL, 6’2, 340) and Ben King (DL, 6’2, 255) are ahead of the game at this point.
AMERICAN HERITAGE 2025
Philadelphia St. Joseph’s Prep, Pennsylvania, W 31-28
Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, L 28-24
New Orleans Edna Karr, Louisiana, L 24-17 (OT)
Miami Central, L 31-21
Plantation, W 28-13
Pembroke Pines Flanagan, W 31-0
Miami Norland, W 41-21
Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, L 13-10
Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, L 19-12
Fort Pierce John Carroll, W 50-20
Plantation, W 48-7
Archbishop McCarthy, W 25-20
Fort Walton Beach Choctawhatchee, W 31-14
Orlando Jones, W 32-28
2025 Road To Miami & The Villages Charter. https://larryblustein.com/news/2025-road-to-miami-the-villages-charter
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..