With the dust settling on the 2022 season, and seniors starting to sign on the dotted line, it’s time to look toward next season.

For the 2M state champion Miami Central Rockets, a 14-0 record and fourth consecutive championship will be tough to repeat in 2023, but do not count head coach Jube Joseph and his team out.

The Rockets have never been shy to add transfers and that is something that you can expect once again this coming season.

It is said that successful football programs do not recruit – they reload, and through the years that has been the case with this nine-time state champion.

Let’s face it, prospects from throughout south Florida continue to flock to 95^th Street for a reason. Everyone wants to be a part of a winner, and you can 100 percent guarantee that this program will add several new faces that didn’t finish the year with a title.

WHAT’S COMING BACK

When this program raised the state and national championship trophy this past week, it wasn’t long before the attention started to point toward next year.

With new faces coming in over the next six to seven months, here’s a look at underclass prospects who ended the year with rings on their collective fingers.

Amazing and talented freshmen, sophomores and juniors who should be the foundation of this program.

Rising seniors such as Tyrese Avant (WR, 5-11, 170), Jai’Vyn Darby (OL, 6-0, 290), Jamarion Evariste (OL, 5-10, 260), Albert Jones (OL, 5-10, 250), gifted Earl Kulp (CB, 6-1, 180), elite Lawayne McCoy (WR/DB, 6-1, 175), Clyde Mills (WR, 6-3, 160), Luke Moise (OL, 6-3, 290), Braylon Renna (WR, 5-10, 160), Keion Reyes (OL, 6-2, 300), Johnneth Rhodes (DT, 6-0, 240), Quinton Rogers (WR/TE, 6-0, 190), William Rothmiller (OL, 6-1, 270), Jakari Russell (OT, 6-0, 220), Teko Shoats Jr. (OL, 6-4, 285) and linebacker Lamar Smith (6-2, 210).

LOADED UNDERCLASS ADDS UP TO WINS

While the rising senior class has experience and talent, the rising juniors may be as gifted as you will find – starting with impressive Randy Adiricka (DT, 6-4, 250), Anjuan Coleman Jr. (WR, 5-10, 170), Jalen Labranche (S, 5-7, 160), Jordan London (WR, 5-11, 165), Derek Manker (DT, 5-10, 240), difference maker Ezekiel Marcelin (LB, 6-0, 195), Nicholas McCall (RB, 5-11, 180), Donovan Randle (DE, 6-0, 190), Kelly Sejour Jr. (DB, 5-11, 165), Sekou Smith (WR, 6-1, 170), Seth Stanley (WR, 5-11, 185), Jayvin Tightman (DT, 5-10, 230), Deangelo Thompson (DE, 6-4, 215), Amari Wallace (S/CB, 5-10, 180) and cornerback Macai Warthen (5-10, 180).

The rising sophomore class (2026) also boasts some future standouts who learned plenty this season. Players like Steven Dawkins (OL, 6-1, 260), Xavier Flanders (WR, 5-8, 155), J’vari Flowers (DB, 5-11, 170), Karon Maycock (OLB/S, 6-1, 182) and quarterback Leon Strawder (5-11, 185).

For the past 52 years, we have spent plenty of 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..

Every Wednesday throughout the year, we bring you five prospects to keep an eye on.

Some of these Miami-Dade and Broward County standouts are prospects that many have heard about and followed for years – while others are football players receiving attention for the first time.

Because we do not concentrate and spotlight only star-rated prospects – it gives us the opportunity to promote football players at every level.

With the state finals just completed at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, we have the opportunity to bring you five talented young men who caught the attention of many:

2025 - Hector Chavez, LB, 5-9, 211, Miami Christopher Columbus. Just when you think that you know just about everyone that is headed to the state title games, this young man pops up and has one of those moments that everyone will talk about for years and years to come. In the Explorers’ overtime win against Apopka in the 4M title game, this quality talent came up with 20 tackles and gave head coach Dave Dunn and his team an opportunity to win a second ever state football crown.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16109597/Hector-Chavez

2023 – Jonathan Harris, RB, 5-9, 175, Miami Central. After coming over last year from Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, this way under the radar talent had several games that put the Rockets in the title game in 2021, and this past season – his final one at the high school level – he made an impression once again. Running for over 100 yards, he gave head coach Jube Joseph and the Rockets their fourth consecutive state title – beating Plantation American Heritage in the 2M championship game.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/13404355/Jonathan-Harris

2023 – Keyshawn Johnson, DE, 6-2, 230, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. Talk about a major contribution, here is a prospects that was responsible this season for guiding head coach Roger Harriott and his football team to their fourth consecutive state crown. With a number of tackles and key sacks in the 3M championship contest against Homestead, his name was thrust into the spotlight.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/13636355/Keyshawn-Johnson

2023 – Marcus Woodley, LB, 6-2, 210, Homestead. If you looked back over the 2022 season and checked out the reason that head coach Philip Simpson and the Broncos were so impressive, this quality football talent was indeed one of the reasons why. Talk about an under-the-radar playmaker, his 3M title game against St. Thomas Aquinas – the first ever Miami-Dade vs. Broward Private contest – he was all over the field, making plays and showcasing a skill level that many fans had already known about.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16703121/Marcus-Woodley

2024 – Jimmy Williams III, OL, 6-5, 280, Plantation American Heritage. Often times the one position that is overlooked is those quality prospects who control the trenches. With an offense that put up plenty of points and drove the ball against everyone this season, this impressive underclassman continued to turn heads with his play – as well as his size. Was one of many catalysts for first year head coach Mike Smith and his Patriots, who once again put this team into the spotlight.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15098535/JIMMY-WILLIAMS-III

For the past 52 years, we have spent plenty of 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..

When the 2022 high school football season began, many were upset that Miami Central was not the top team in south Florida.

The Rockets started the year at No. 2 right behind Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, but it only took one week – a massive win on the road against national powerhouse to change to the pre-season perception – and the Rockets were moved passed the Lions to the No. 1 spot. They held that position all year.

Last Friday night, after knocking off Plantation American Heritage, 38-31 in the 2M state title game, they completed an unbeaten season and the right to not only claim the No. 1 spot in Miami-Dade and Broward, but also in the state of Florida – and even the country.

Despite staying around the top spot all year, first year head coach Jube Joseph and Central wasn’t the unanimous No. 1 team in America, but did take home the title in two different polls – and received the nod from several national recruiters and fan websites.

While they finished No. 1, there were some quality teams right behind them locally.

Here is the final Miami-Dade rankings for the 2022 season:

1. Miami Central (2M, 14-0). Season over 2M state champs and a share of a national title. LAST WEEK: The Rockets beat No. 9 Plantation American Heritage, 38-31

2. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (3M, 14-0). Season over 3M state champs. LAST WEEK: The Raiders beat No. 14 Homestead, 38-20.

3. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1M, 13-1). Ended as 1M state champions. LAST WEEK: The Lions saw their unbeaten streak come to an end with a Geico Bowl post season contest against national power Las Vegas Bishop Gorman,

4. Miami Christopher Columbus (4M, 14-1). Finished as 4M state champions. LAST WEEK: Won an amazing and thrilling 4M overtime game against No. 10 Apopka, 16-13.

5. Plantation American Heritage (2M, 13-2). Season is over. LAST WEEK: Finished second in the competitive 2M class. LAST WEEK: Dropped a 38-31 decision to No. 1 Miami Central.

6. Homestead (3M, 11-3). Ended as the state 3M runner up. LAST WEEK: Battled down to the end in the title game, losing to powerhouse No. 2 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, 38-21.

7. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2M, 10-2). SEASON OVER.

8. Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (3M, 10-1). SEASON OVER.

9. Miramar (3M, 10-2). NEXT GAME: SEASON OVER.

10. Miami Norland (2M, 9-3). SEASON OVER.

11. Miami Northwestern (2M, 6-5). SEASON OVER.

12. Doral Academy (4M, 7-5). SEASON OVER.

13. Miami Booker T. Washington (2M, 9-3). SEASON OVER.

14. Miami True North (1M, 8-4). SEASON OVER.

16. Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (2M, 8-3). SEASON OVER.

17. Davie Western (4M, 7-4). SEASON OVER.

18. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (3M – 6-5). SEASON OVER.

19. Miami Palmer Trinity (1M, 7-6). SEASON OVER.

20. Parkland Douglas (8-4, 4M). SEASON OVER.

OTHER TEAMS WHO MADE AN IMPACT IN 2022: Coral Gables (4M, 5-4, SEASON OVER), Fort Lauderdale (3M, 6-5, SEASON OVER), Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest (2M, 8-3, SEASON OVER), Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (2M, 4-6, SEASON OVER), Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (1M, 6-2, SEASON OVER), Hialeah Barbara Goleman (4M, 5-5, SEASON OVER), Hialeah (3M, 4-5, SEASON OVER), Hollywood Avant Garde (1M, 6-4, SEASON OVER). Hollywood Hills (3M, 4-6, SEASON OVER), Hollywood McArthur (3M, 5-5, SEASON OVER), Hollywood South Broward (3M, 5-5, SEASON OVER), Miami Archbishop Carroll (1M, 8-3, SEASON OVER), Miami Belen Jesuit (3M, 5-6, SEASON OVER), Miami Braddock (Independent, 8-3, SEASON OVER), Miami Carol City (2M, 5-6, SEASON OVER), Miami Coral Reef (GMAC Independent Champion, 9-2, SEASON OVER), Miami Dr. Krop (3M, 7-5, SEASON OVER), Miami Edison (2M, 5-5, SEASON OVER), Miami Ferguson (Independent, 5-, SEASON OVER), Miami Gulliver Prep (2M, 5-5, SEASON OVER), Miami Immaculata LaSalle (2M, 4-6, SEASON OVER), Miami Palmetto (4M, 6-6, SEASON OVER), Miami Ransom Everglades, Miami Southridge (3M, 7-5, SEASON OVER), (Independent, 6-3, SEASON OVER), Miami St. Brendan (2M, 7-4, SEASON OVER), Miami Westminster Christian (1M, 6-3, SEASON OVER), Miramar Everglades (3M, 4-6, SEASON OVER), North Miami (3M, 5-6, SEASON OVER), North Miami Beach (2M, 4-6, SEASON OVER), Pembroke Pines Charter (3M, 6-4, SEASON OVER), Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy (4M, 6-5, SEASON OVER), Pembroke Pines West Broward (4M, 6-5, SEASON OVER), Plantation (3M, 7-4 – SEASON OVER), South Miami (2M, 5-4, SEASON OVER), South Plantation (3M, 7-3, SEASON OVER), Sunrise Piper (3M, 5-4, SEASON OVER), Westland Hialeah (2M, 4-6, SEASON OVER), Weston Cypress Bay (4M, 6-5, SEASON OVER).

WEEK 1 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/south-florida-top-20-it-all-gets-started-this-week

WEEK 2 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-top-20-central-shoots-into-the-top-spot

WEEK 3 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-top-20-new-teams-enter-this-week-s-rankings

WEEK 4 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-top-20-more-changes-this-week

WEEK 5 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-5-is-here-already

WEEK 6 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-6-brings-on-new-challenges

WEEK 7 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-top-teams-are-putting-it-together

WEEK 8 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-booker-t-washington-moing-on-strong

WEEK 9 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-games-get-tougher-over-the-next-two-weeks

WEEK 10 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-playoff-spots-remain-open

WEEK 11 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-the-final-week-has-arrived

WEEK 12 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-let-the-playoffs-begin

WEEK 13 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-3-state-playoff-rankings

WEEK 14 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-4-state-playoff-rankings

WEEK 15 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://prepredzone.com/2022/12/down-to-the-final-18-teams/

WEEK 16 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. LarryBlustein.com - MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD: State Championship Week, Part 2, Is Here.

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2023-2026. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects

For the past 52 years, we have spent plenty of 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.. 

Miami Gardens – Eighty standout high school athletes representing Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties school districts will compete in TRU Sports Foundation’s 12^th annual Private vs. Public All Star High School Football Showcase. The game will be played at Betty T Ferguson Sports Complex stadium on Saturday, January 7, 2023. Kick-Off is at 4:00p.m. Players will be joined on the sideline by current College Football players and former NFL players.

 

An All Star Showcase like no other. The Private vs Public All Star Showcase is a level playing field for each player that decides to try out for a roster spot. The student athletes first have to make the cut by having the necessary grade requirements. Then each student athlete has to make the roster by competing for a position, and showing great character by being on time to meetings, practice and showing great sportsmanship. “Not only are we looking to develop great football players, but we are looking to help develop and guide young men into thinking and acting in a positive manner, and helping these young men develop careers around a sport they love”, says Smith (CEO) of TRU Sports Foundation.  

 

Student athletes must register through a link that has been sent out to all coaches in the tri-county area in order to participate in the All Star showcase. Saturday, December 17th 2023, there will be a mandatory Parent/ Player meeting at 9am for Private and Charter school student athletes, and 10am for all Public School student athletes. The meeting will take place at the TRU Prep Academy 4715 nw 157th st #201 Miami Gardens Fl 33014

 

The Private vs Public All Star high school football game is an effort to provide graduating seniors an opportunity to showcase their talent among their peers, and obtain one last look by coaches and recruiters, representing colleges and universities across the country. In order to be considered for participation, students are required to maintain 2.5 Core grade point average and have taken the ACT or SAT exam.

 

“I commend TRU Sports Foundation for providing this type of opportunity and exposure to these players,” said (Denver Broncos) Cornerback Kayvon Webster, who was coached by Smith in high school. “Coming from the same neighborhood as many of these kids, programs like these are so necessary in helping to ensure talented athletes, who may have been overlooked, have an opportunity to be seen by college coaches. That second or third look might be the one to make a difference, and help them realize their dream of getting a college education and playing football.” 

 

In addition to the game, players will also participate in a number of events leading up to the game, including Media Day press event where student athletes will have an opportunity to gain interview experience and be addressed by members of the media daily. 

 

“We are extremely excited to host an All-Star Game that not only allows players, parents and fans alike, the opportunity to experience an action-packed and competitive contest between some of the state’s top ranked schools, but incorporates time in the schedule for athletes to go out and make a difference in the lives of others, truly making this a community-wide event,” said Smith. Game tickets are $15 for everyone attending the game