Having covered combines and camps since they began over two decades ago, the excitement is always as new as the first time.

This past weekend the Rivals Camps Series came to south Florida as hundreds of football prospects gathered at St. Thomas Aquinas on Saturday and Sunday to not only get themselves on the recruiting map, but to compete against other prospects with the same dreams.

When these events first began with Nike being the corporate sponsor, the idea of furnishing video, photos and testing information was a selling point to colleges and universities.

While much of it remains the same, the testing has diminished in favor of teaching technique and competing. There are now dozens and dozens of events held to test speed and agility, so the focus on football is what these events are now about.

Rivals.com, which has been around the longest, runs these exposure events across the county, and while they usually host two in Florida, this year they cut it to one location, and while south Florida prospects dominate the landscape, the state of Florida was well represented from across the Sunshine State with elite players who are being recognized as national recruits.

SOUTH FLORIDA CAME OUT

The one thing that Miami-Dade and Broward counties have always been about is competing. The #305 and #954 have been known nationally as an area that produces an amazing amount of talent, but they also are regarded as players who will never back down from competition.

While the numbers over the two days reached nearly 800, Sunday was the day when the elite players were being pursued by schools from all over the country.

While many were getting their first look at these rising standouts, we have been very fortunate to have watched these young men for years – some back to their youth football days.

Among the Miami-Dade and Broward players who stepped up their game in front of the Rivals Scouts and writers included Class of 2025 rising seniors Randy Adrikia (DL, Miami Central), Floyd Dawens-Boucard (DL, Miami Central), Nimari Brantley (DT, Coconut Creek), Travaris Daniels (LB, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Darryll Desir (DE, Miami Norland), Davion Dixon (DL, Miami Palmetto), Elijah D’Oleo (WR, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Koby Howard (Athlete, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), and offensive lineman Dayen Marouf-Araibi (Plantation American Heritage).

Also, Penn State commit Bekkem Kritza (QB, Miami Central), Samuel Mitchell IV (DE, Davie Western), Antwaun Parham (WR/DB, Coconut Creek Monarch), Donte Simpson Jr. (DL, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Wilnerson Telemaque (DE, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace), Jaleel Walters (S, Coconut Creek Monarch), and defensive tackle Alex Yearwood (Miami Norland)

UNDERCLASSMEN ALSO GRAB THE SPOTLIGHT

While the rising seniors received much of the attention, the Class of 2026 rising juniors also were singled out as well – with University of Miami commitment Jordan Campbell (DE, Miami Carol City) fast-rising Derrek Cooper (Athlete, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), top pass catcher Denairius Gray (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), impressive defensive back Leonzay Merzius (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna) and gifted Ryan Miret (OL/DL, Miami Southridge).

Class of 2027 rising sophomores also boasted talent like Jayden Dean (OC, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Julius Jones Jr. (WR, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), and two-year varsity starter Zac Katz (QB, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna). Keep an eye on nationally rated 2028 quarterback Neimann Lawrence from Miami Ransom Everglades.

The event attracted so many standouts that we promote throughout the course of a year.

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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. Folow 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..

Nobody has to tell veteran Coach Matt Dixon what it takes to build a football program.

Here is someone who has been around the game for years and has faced every obstacle possible in building programs and developing prospects.

When he took over Somerset Silver Palms last year, the objective was to set the table for the future – with top-flight prospects who wanted to help build this team back to where it has been in the past.

As the first season ended 4-6, sure there was some disappointment that this team didn’t reach the state playoffs, there was indeed some light at the end of the tunnel.

What 2023 was all about for this program was to learn what winning losing was all about, and that certainly happened.

As they head toward spring football, there is a sense that the rising senior (2025) class will lead the way.

Among those gifted prospects include Mahki Bragg (CB, 5-10, 175), Eddie Childs (OL, 5-10, 190), Issac Cruz (K, 5-8, 150), Erick Garcia (RB, 5-10, 175), Caleed Jones (OL, 6-2, 275), and safety Jordan Lyons (S, 5-11, 185).

In addition, the class also features Manny Madrigal (MLB, 5-10, 190), William Massa (OT, 6-5, 285), Pernell Partee (RB/CB, 5-8, 150), Dane Pearson (OLB, 5-10, 185), and safety Stephen Zelaya (5-7, 145).

HOW WILL THE UNDERCLASSMEN IMPACT THIS PROGRAM IN 2024?

As the rising senior class is ready to step up and do their thing, the underclassmen is anxious to showcase their gifted athletes as well.

Class of 2026 rising juniors include Enrique Castellanos (DE/TE, 6-2, 205), (WR, 5-11, 175), Stoodley Foreste (OT/TE, 6-0, 205), Maleik Marcelin (WR, 5-10, 170), Matthew Marsh (OL, 6-3, 260), Humberto Serrano (QB, 5-11, 175), and talented receiver Willie Wilson (6-1, 175) along with Class of 2027 (rising sophomores) Jayden Davis (LB, 5-11, 185) and offensive tackle Manuel Menchaca (OT, 6-2, 210), and rising 2028 freshman defensive lineman Jayden Diaz (6-1, 220).

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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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

In between an opening night loss to Miami Edison and a first-round state playoff setback to Miami Southridge, it was indeed a special year in Hialeah.

What head coach Tony Smith and Shaka Morgan-Rose and the Thoroughbreds accomplished during the season was put together nine straight victories, including five shutouts and another district title, outscoring the opposition 362-120.

While several gifted football players have moved on, several key members are back for the 2024 season and that is great news this spring and into the summer.

The rising senior (2025) class will certainly lead the way with talent, experience, and leadership.

Among those gifted prospects include Richard Alayon (OL, 6-3, 275 – 3.0 GPA), Demarcus Anderson (WR, 6-3, 195 – 3.2 GPA), Demetrius Brunson (RB, 5-9, 185 – 2.7 GPA), Daniel Chavez (OL, 5-10, 245 – 3.0 GPA), Laron Davis (LB/RB, 5-10, 185 – 2.8 GPA), Damarion Edgecomb (OL, 6-3, 265 – 3.5 GPA), Karon Jean-Charles (QB/WR, 6-3, 185 – 3.0 GPA), and gifted receiver Latron Powell (6-2, 195 – 2.8 GPA).

Also, keep an eye on Enson Prochette (LB/DE, 6-0, 225 – 3.0 GPA), Byron Reese (QB, 6-2, 175 – 3.0 GPA), Royce Reese (DL, 6-3, 265 – 2.56 GPA), Jason Russ (LB, 6-0, 225 – 4.0 GPA), Elie Tamir (WR, 6-0, 210 – 4.2 GPA), and defensive back Terrel Williams (6-1, 185 – 3.3 GPA)

UNDERCLASS IS VERY PROMISING

Like last year when this team lost some seniors, getting ready for the future with a productive group of underclassmen is essential to continue playing at a high level.

The rising junior (2026) class will feature Keandre Bernard (WR, 5-9, 165 – 3.0 GPA), Solomon Daughtery (WR, 6-1, 180 – GPA), Terrel Evans (DE, 6-6, 255 – 3.0 GPA), and defensive back Giovanni Morley (5-9, 155 – 3.0 GPA).

Even the rising sophomore (2027) class figures to be strong with Noah Bell (OL/DL, 5-8, 265 – 3.0 GPA), Temmoris Campbell (LB/DE, 6-2, 220 – 3.2 GPA), Andre Fletcher Jr. (LB, 6-1, 196 – 3.2 GPA), Udarius Jenkins (DB, 6-3, 185 – 3.0 GPA), and talented running back Ryan Mathis (5-9, 170 – 3.5 GPA)

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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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

While it would be easy to dwell on the state playoff loss to power Miami Norland, or the last regular season setback to Naples Barron Collier, that would do nothing positive for where Miami St. Brendan wants to be.

The Sabres finished the 2023 season with a 7-4 record, and while a few players left or graduated, veteran head coach Steve Smith and his football team would much rather focus on the future, and build with some quality returnees and transfers.

For a team that started the year at 7-2 and captured a district title, paying too much attention to the way the season came to an end would taint what this team is doing in the off-season, heading into spring.

If the Sabres are to continue a climb toward the top, the 2025 rising senior class will be very important.

Here is a look at some of those student/athletes:

Nathan Avael, Athlete, 5-10, 170 – 3.6 GPA. Transferred from Felix Varela.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16600143/6546cf51b3d2120f283433cd

Nic Castro, WR/DB, 6-2, 180 – 4.3 GPA. PSAT: 1300.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2MXyAr

Justin Hadnot, OL, 6-4, 310. Team captain. Father (Rex) played in the NFL.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17636473/65aa61a6e97ab41198a41cfe

Adam Piñeiro, K, 6-1, 200. Brother of NFL kicker Eddy Piñeiro (Carolina Panthers).

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19518486/Adam-Pineiro

AWAITING VIDEO

Joshua Costa, OL/DL, 6-3, 260. Transferred from Miami High School

HOW ABOUT THE CLASS OF 2026!
With several young prospects ready to step up and help this team continue winning, several Class of 2026 rising juniors will be solid as well.

Here are a few of them to follow:

Charlie Becker, LB, 6-1, 195 – 4.5 GPA. Elite long snapper, school ambassador.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2M3mga

Jordan Canas, TE/DL, 5-11, 200.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17831408/Jordan-Canas

Marc Naranjo, DB, 6-3, 185.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18168847/Marc-Naranjo

Brody Perez, LB, 5-8, 185.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2Maj4q

Giovanni Tabon, RB, 5-9, 170.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2MgG4e

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

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..