By Dan Mihalik 

ORLANDO – The nation’s premier high school senior football stars shined at the 2023 Under Armour Next All-America Game, highlighted by an MVP performance from Team Phantom’s Zachariah Branch, whose punt return touchdown propelled Team Phantom to a 14-7 victory over Team Speed on Tuesday night.

After a scoreless first quarter, Texas running back commit CJ Baxter got Team Phantom on the board on the first play of the second with a 13-yard touchdown run to give his squad a 7-0 advantage. Then later in the quarter, Branch, a USC commit, gave Team Phantom a 14-0 advantage with a 93-yard punt return for a touchdown, tying the record set by Amari Cooper’s in 2012.

On the ensuing possession, Team Speed cut into the lead with an eight-play drive that ended with Oklahoma quarterback commit Jackson Arnold connecting with Utah signee Michael Matthews for a 23-yard touchdown connection, making the score 14-7 at halftime and the decisive score.

Defensively, both teams had standout performers. For Team Speed, Oklahoma signee PJ Adebawore finished the game with a pair of tackles, a sack and a quarterback hurry, Michael and Andrew Harris combined for three tackles for loss, while Florida commit Kelby Collins, who earned team MVP honors, finished with three tackles, a sack and a pass breakup.

For Team Phantom, Clemson commit Peter Woods finished the game with three tackles, two for loss, and a pass breakup, Michigan State pledge Jordan Hall led the team with five tackles, including one for loss, and South Carolina signee Desmond Umeozulu recorded a pair of tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.

Also during the game, four Under Armour Next All-Americans announced their college commitments. A pair of players announced their commitments to Nebraska - cornerback Ethan Nation and defensive end Cameron Lenhardt, running back Durrell Robinson pledged to Charlotte and defensive end Ashton Porter made his commitment to Oregon.

Scoring Plays:

Phantom: 11:49, 2Q:  CJ Baxter 13 yard rush (PAT Kick by Peyton Woodring), 7-0

Phantom: 3:16, 2Q:  Zachariah Branch 93 yard punt return (PAT Kick by Woodring), 14-0

Speed: 1:28, 2Q:  Michael Matthews 23 yard reception from Jackson Arnold (PAT Kick by Blake Craig), 14-7

Notable Top 10 Performances

• Zachariah Branch’s (USC) 93 yard punt return is tied for the longest scoring play in Game history (Brian Poole 93 yard interception return and Amari Cooper’s 93 yard punt return in 2012), tied for the longest punt return in Game history (Cooper in 2012).
• Branch’s 152 all-purpose yards is fourth-most in Game history.
• Branch’s seven receptions are tied for second-most in Game history.
• Branch’s 122 punt return yards are the most in Game history.
• Jackson Arnold (Oklahoma) finished 12-of-23 passing. His 12 completions and 23 attempts each rank third in their respective categories in Game history.
• JJ Kohl (Iowa State) finished 11-of-18 passing. His 11 completions are tied for fourth and his 18 attempts are tied for sixth in Game history.

With many high school football seniors ready to take the next step in their careers, the post season offers one last opportunity to showcase their skills.

For as long as anyone can remember, the post season All-Star games have been the highlight of any season – and tonight (5:00) at Camping World Stadium, the next generation of gridiron superstars will have the opportunity to show out at the 2023 Under Armour Next All-America Football Game.

The game was created to spotlight the nation’s top high school seniors. The game was first played on January 5, 2008, and has been played annually at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg or at Camping World Stadium in Orlando. The game is sponsored by Under Armour and enjoyed a national audience thanks to broadcast partner ESPN (the first edition was broadcast on ABC opposite the U.S. Army All-American Bowl).

The game has long been a forum for some of the elite football players from Hawaii to Florida and everywhere in between to showcase their many skills as they get set to embark on a collegiate career.

Among the standouts who have taken part throughout the years include Julio Jones (2008), A. J. Green (2008), Jadeveon Clowney (2011), Jameis Winston (2012), Landon Collins (2012), Myles Garrett (2014), Leonard Fournette (2014) and Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray (2015) to name a few. Also. Kyle Pitts, Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Fields, and Nick and Joey Bosa all took part. In total, nearly 300 alumni have been selected in the NFL Draft, including four No. 1 picks and 79 first-round selections.

More than 100 of the nation’s best players are selected by Under Armour and this year several Florida high school prospects will be included in the event.

MIAMI-DADE AND BROWARD WILL BE WELL REPRESENTED

While 32 players who attended schools in the Sunshine State will join the many elite players competing this evening, several prospects from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties will be out to show just why four of the top 10 teams nationally were from this prospect-rich area.

Among those gifted standouts include Rueben Bain (Edge, 6-3, 250, Miami Central – Miami signee), Santana Fleming (WR, 5-10, 160, Davie Western – Western Carolina signee), William Fowles (WR, 6-2, 195, Hollywood Avant Garde Academy – Louisville signee) and Javin Simpkins (RB, 5-9, 183, Miami Norland).

In addition, the game will feature University of Miami signees Robert Stafford (CB, 5-11, 170, Eau Gallie) and Riley Williams (TE, 6-6, 240, Bradenton IMG Academy). Cormani McClain, a highly regarded 6-2, 170-pound cornerback from Lakeland, remains committed to the Hurricanes as well.

The early signing period has taken the stage away from the litany of prospects who used to announce their college choices at the game, but the attention will be on four players who announce their choices at the game, Four-star defensive lineman Ashton Porter of Cypress (Texas) Cy Ranch, Rosewell (Ga.) High cornerback Ethan Nation, Bradenton (Fla.) IMG edge Cameron Lenhardt and Baltimore St. Frances running back Durell Robinson will each make their college choices. Each said they already signed with their schools but waited until this game make their decisions public.

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..

For the longest time, the quarterback position in south Florida was not a place that college recruiters made a priority.

While there were some who emerged from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, there were few that truly set up a pipeline, but time have changed.

Because of so many camps, combines and instructors year-round, developing top-flight prospects at the position is no longer unusual.

While many who cover and promote high school football opt to sit home behind a computer and watch little live, we use the experience of making it to colleges, camps, combines and several games to watch and compare and not listen to what someone else is saying.

Last year, we had the opportunity to see over 5,000 Florida high school football players LIVE as we traveled across the state to see many talented young men who are competing against south Florida (Miami-Dade and Broward) prospects, and we will continue to shine the spotlight on all of them – at every level and in every class.

If there are any prospects we may be leaving out – at any position – please let us know because getting it right is the only thing, and all the college coaches who use our information as part of their recruiting process.

If you see a prospect who is not on any list, is at the wrong school or has switched position, contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PLENTY OF QUARTERBACKS TO CHOOSE FROM

As the off-season unfolds and there are many events to choose from, we take a look at some quarterbacks to keep an eye on.

The rising senior class (2024) does boast some quality signal callers like surprising Kael Alexander (Miramar), Ayden Anderson (Miami Springs) 2024 – C.J. Bailey, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, Anthony Barbar (Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy), versatile Davi Belfort (Miami Gulliver Prep), top-rated A.J. Hairston (Coconut Creek Monarch), state champion Alberto Mendoza (Miami Christopher Columbus) and emerging Michael Merdinger (Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons).

The class also boasts Jonathan Morillo (Pembroke Pines West Broward), early Auburn commit Adrian Posse (Hialeah Mater Academy), versatile Claudell Sherman (Miami Booker T. Washington), recent Miami Killian transfer Antonio Smith (Miami Central), talented Ryan Spallina (Parkland Douglas), Cecil Stone (Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian), who was injured this past season, J.T. Tabora (Fort Lauderdale Dillard) and Jett Yurgealitis (Davie NSU University School).

Also, keep an eye on Stesen Angelo (Miami Immaculata LaSalle), Isaiah Blackman (Plantation), Eric Bradley (Plantation), Ryan Castro (Miami Archbishop Carroll), Luis Cruz (Miami St. Brendan), Travis Delaney Jr. (Miramar), Charles Dell’Aira (Parkland Douglas), James Hayes (Miami Monsignor Pace) and James Hill (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas).

The class also features Sean Hill (Somerset Academy South Homestead), Matthew Ivaldi (Miami Beach), Malik Jackson (North Miami), Aidan Karsh (Miami Monsignor Pace), Julian Menedez (Miami Ferguson), Andres Miyares (Miami Belen Jesuit), Isaiah Parks (Hollywood Hills), Christian Porta (SW Ranches Archbishop McCarthy), Aaron Ridgeway (Miami St. Brendan), Andreus Rios (Coral Gables), Jorge Rodriquez (Doral Academy), Hunter Rose (Parkland Douglas), Rueben Toombs (Fort Lauderdale Stranahan), Anthony Truiolo (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas) and Lawrence Wright Jr. from Hallandale.

RISING JUNIORS WILL BE VERY TALENTED

As impressive as the rising senior class will be for the 2023 season, the Class of 2022 juniors will be gifted as well.

Some of the top prospects in the class include Jason Barket Jr. (Miami Westminster Christian), William Bell Jr. (Miami Dr. Krop), X’zayvion Clayton (Homestead South Dade), Jaryn Coleman (Davie Nova), Aden Edwards (Miami Dr. Krop), Lucas Goenaga (Miami Palmetto), Wyatt Goins (Miami Christopher Columbus), Devin Gonzalez (Weston Cypress Bay), Camden Hartzell (Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy), Andrew Indorf (6-0, 180, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas) and nationally-recognized Ennio Yapoor (Miami Norland).

The Class of 2025 also has Vinny Gonzalez (Miami Christopher Columbus), Josh Gurrero (Miami High), Rudolph Jones (Miami Booker T. Washington), Alex Lamela (Miami Ferguson), Kareem Marshall (Hollywood Hills), Felipe Mendoza (Miami Westminster Christian), Kelvin Murray Jr. (Miami Carol City), Marvin Nixon (Fort Lauderdale), Dylan Pelliccio (Miami Monsignor Pace), David Perez (Miami Jackson) and recent South Broward transfer Randy Phillips (Miami Central).

In addition, there are Brandon Mincey (Miramar Everglades), Christian Talbert (Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons), Taylor Trauth (Miami Palmetto) and Anthony Truiolo (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas).

Even the Class of 2026 has some impressive talent – such as Dia Bell (Plantation American Heritage), Bryant Carson (Plantation), Jayden Chico (Coral Springs Coral Glades), James Huard (Davie Western), Omari McNeal (Pompano Beach Blanche Ely), Javarious Robinson (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Jack Spaeder (Hollywood Avant Garde Academy) and Leon Strawder (Miami Central).

Class of 2027 rising freshmen Zac Katz (Miami True North Classical Academy) and Aiden Prywitowski (Coconut Creek North Broward Prep).

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..

Just like any other position on the football field, kickers and punters are always in play for scholarships.

With more emphasis put on the kicking game in the past five years, you are watching more events and showcases in the off-season that elevate the status of many talented kickers and punters.

No matter what instructor you use or what event you attend, special teams – including long snappers are now standing tall.

National, regional and local kickers and punters have been working overtime to ensure that they are receiving recognition.

Here is a look at some of the Miami-Dade and Broward kickers and punters to keep an eye during the off season.

If there are kicking/punting specialists that we may have missed or who have changed schools, get that information to us as soon as you can. We pass out information to over 500 colleges nationally. Just hit us up at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

2024

Andrew Abu-Akel, K/P, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

Jake Aller, K, Parkland Douglas

Jake Arteaga, K, Parkland Douglas

Elmer Baca, P/K, Miami Jackson

Jacques Blanchard, K, Miami Gulliver Prep

Kade Bryson, K, Hollywood Hills

Jacob Corredera, P/K, Miami St. Brendan

Robert Czeremcha, K, Miami Christopher Columbus 

Dylan Dinerman, P, Miami Gulliver Prep

Gerald Escobar, K/P, Coral Gables

Ian Faulkner, PK, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

Juan Galarza, PK, Miami Palmetto

Collin Goff, P/K, Miami Ransom Everglades

Kristian Hobbs, K/P, Davie Western

Michael Kern, K/P, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

Zane Knapp, K, Fort Lauderdale

Alon Kochav, K/P, Plantation American Heritage

Christian Lopez, K, Miami Braddock

David Marin, K, South Miami

Claiten Maysonet, K, Homestead Somerset Academy Silver Palms

Nicholas McCarthy, K/P, Coral Springs Coral Glades

Steven Mendivil, K, Sunrise Piper

German Parson, K, Miami Booker T. Washington

Gabriel Perez, K/P, Miami Southridge

Francisco Pileggi, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

Joshua Portillo, PK, Miami High

Brandon Rabasco, K, Hollywood South Broward

Jad Rosario, K, Miami Florida Christian

Cosme Salas, K, Miami Gulliver Prep

Demitri Stephenson, K, Miramar

Denzel Velasquez, K/P, Miramar Everglades

Jeronimo Cheff-Velez, K/P, Miami Coral Reef

2025

Lucas Avino, K, Miami Belen Jesuit

Jayden Gomez, PK/P, Miami Palmetto

Luca Guerra, PK, Doral Academy

Abraham Gutierrez, P, Miami St. Brendan

Gavin Katz, K, South Plantation

Zane Knapp, K/P, Fort Lauderdale

Salvatore Mancuso, K, Miami Gulliver Prep

Adrian Muelle, PK, Miami Belen Jesuit

Chris Murciano, Miami Gulliver Prep

Nick Navarro, PK, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

Joshua Norton, K, Miami Beach

Adam Piniero, K, Miami Ferguson

Nicholas Romero, K, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

Ethan Silva, PK/P, Miami Archbishop Carroll

Christopher Wirth, K, South Plantation

2026

Matisse Bullrich, K, Miami Gulliver Prep

Pablo Gomez, K/P, Miami Dr. Krop

Thomas Lopez, K/P, Miami High

Trace Poncev, P/K, Fort Lauderdale Dillard

Steven Cook Roberts, P/K, Miami Palmer Trinity

For the past 53 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields across 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..