When the University of Miami played at Virginia last season in an ACC regular season contest, the games came down to kicking.

While kickers and punters are often overlooked until they are needed, that overtime game came down to field goals by Virginia’s Will Bettridge and Miami’s Andy Borregales.

Bettridge, who was an All-American from Miami Gulliver Prep, and Borregales, who was rated as one of the top kickers in the country after playing at Miami Booker T. Washington, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna and Hialeah Champagnat Catholic certainly shined a spotlight on south Florida.

Through the years we have been able to develop top-flight kickers and punters, but over the past few years, colleges and universities across the country have relied on what this region of the country has produced and developed.

REMEMBER, IF THE FOLLOWING LIST OF PROSPECTS HAS STUDENT/ATHLETES WHO ARE NO LONGER AT THE SCHOOL – OR IF THERE ARE ADDITIONS TO MAKE – PLEASE SEND TO: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We have hundreds of college coaches who follow and we need to get the information right!

Today, once again, we take a look some of those prospects that have a chance to land at several schools nationally.

RISING SENIOR CLASS (2024) LEADING THE WAY
Every year, you are going to find some quality punters and kickers who are ahead of the curve.

Because of the amazing year-round work ethic, the spotlight never fades.

Among the rising seniors to keep an eye on include Andrew Abu-Akel (K/P, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Kristian Hobbs (K/P, Miami Central), Michael Kern (K/P, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Alon Kochav (K/P, Plantation American Heritage), Gabriel Perez (K/P, Miami Southridge), Brandon Rabasco (K, Hollywood South Broward) and Miami Palmetto kicker Jad Rosario.

In addition, here are some other Class of 2024 specialists to keep an eye on:

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
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
Zane Knapp, K, Fort Lauderdale
Christian Lopez, K, Miami Braddock
David Marin, K, South Miami
Claiten Maysonet, K, Doral Academy
Nicholas McCarthy, K/P, Coral Springs Coral Glades
Steven Mendivil, K, Sunrise Piper
German Parson, K, Miami Booker T. Washington
Francisco Pileggi, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas
Joshua Portillo, PK, Miami High
Cosme Salas, K, Miami Gulliver Prep
Demitri Stephenson, K, Miramar
Denzel Velasquez, K/P, Miramar Everglades
Jeronimo Cheff-Velez, K/P, Miami Coral Reef

RISING JUNIOR CLASS (2025) BOASTS SOME IMPRESSIVE TALENT
In addition to what the rising senior class is bringing to the 2023 season, there are some rising juniors who are among the best in the state as well.

Prospects such as Luca Guerra (K, Doral Academy), Gavin Katz (K, South Plantation) and nationally rated Nicholas Romero (K, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas) will be in the spotlight this coming season.

The Class of 2025 will also have some others to watch this coming year as well:
Lucas Avino, K, Miami Belen Jesuit
Jacob Corredera, P/K, Miami St. Brendan
Jayden Gomez, PK/P, Miami Palmetto
Abraham Gutierrez, P, Miami St. Brendan
Zane Knapp, K/P, Fort Lauderdale
Salvatore Mancuso, K, Miami Gulliver Prep
Nathan Mocada, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy
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
Ethan Silva, PK/P, Miami Archbishop Carroll
Christopher Wirth, K, South Plantation

RISING SOPHOMORE CLASS (2026) SHOWCASES QUALITY SPECIALISTS
Like the other classes, heading into the 2023 season, the group of rising sophomores are also anxious to show what they can do as well.

Keep an eye on standouts Pablo Gomez (K/P, Miami Dr. Krop), Thomas Lopez (K/P, Miami High) and Trace Poncev (K, Fort Lauderdale Dillard).

Here are some additional 2026 prospects to watch as well:

Matisse Bullrich, K, Miami Gulliver Prep
Alan Lopez-Ortiz, K/P, South Miami
Steven Cook Roberts, P/K, Miami Palmer Trinity

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: April 11, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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.. 

If you have followed us long enough, you already know that very few promote EVERY and Broward Counties – at ALL levels.

With that in mind, colleges coaches from Hawaii to Maine and every in between keep an eye on what we produce.

We have never been in this to sell subscriptions or spotlight star-rated athletes. This is ALL about getting prospect information out to colleges and universities at every level.

With that said – and you know what we do and why we are here 365 days a year going to events, practices, camps, combines, and games and NOT sitting behind a computer – we will spend this off-season getting everyone promoted.

For over a half century, we have been honored to help football prospects across the state of Florida get some well-deserved recognition.

We not only put these prospects on this website for all fans to see and follow, but all the information that is provided to us is passed on to the over 500 college coaches that are part of our recruiting coverage. Today’s EYE ON RECRUITING will be on PLANTATION COLONELS (@PHSColonelsFB) with veteran head coach Steve Davis, whose Colonels are coming off a 7-4 season – with wins over Fort Lauderdale Stranahan, Parkland Douglas, Coconut Creek, Davie Nova, Deerfield Beach, South Plantation and Sunrise Piper in the regular season before losing to Delray Atlantic in the opening round of the state playoffs.

Coach Davis can be reached at: Contact 954-940-0614. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Recruiting Coordinator Antwuan Haynes can be reached at 754-214-1216 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

CLASS OF 2024

Isaiah Blackmon, QB/Athlete, 6-2, 215.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15313158/Isaiah-Blackmon

Chad Braddy, WR, 5-11, 150.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16460931/Chad-Braddy

Eric Bradley, S, 5-9, 160.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18636502/Eric-Bradley

Charles Brown, DB, 5-9, 155.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16786939/Charles-Brown

Giovanni David, OL, 6-5, 260.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16732115/Giovanni-David

Breion Gordon, LB.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16732964/Breion-Gordon-jr

John Jackson, LB, 5-9, 180.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17643204/John-Jackson/about

Reginald Johnson, RB, 5-9, 160.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15332671/Reginald-Johnson

Malik Kesley, RB, 5-11, 190.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15333050/Malik-Kesley

Brian Lane, WR/Athlete, 5-9, 160.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16746832/brian-lane

Kody Lane, TE, 6-6, 200.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15303559/Kody-Lane

Nikolas Maalouf, LB, 5-10, 190.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15913768/Nikolas-Maalouf

Tyjuan Gourdine-Moran, CB, 5-8, 150.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16466152/Tyjuan-Gourdinemoran

Hunter Rose, QB, 6-1, 175.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15088555/Hunter-Rose

Jakobe Striggles, LB, 5-10, 200.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15409536/Jakobe-Striggles

J.T. Tabora, QB, 5-11, 175.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15274820/Jorge-JT-Tabora-II

Jaden Williams, WR, 6-3, 192.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17332496/Jaden-Williams

AWAITING VIDEO

Ty George, WR

Nahum Jaboin, RB/DB, 5-7, 160

Shooderson Pierre, Athlete, 5-10, 190

Jamari Russell, DL, 6-3, 240

CLASS OF 2025

Andre Barrington, WR, 5-9, 160.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17660650/6287fb767bd33d09bc8e5ba1

Jermaine Jean, Athlete, 5-7, 155.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18098707/Jermaine-Jean

Joel Lettsome, DT, 5-6, 210.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16732035/Joel-Lettsome

Raymond Paolillo, LB, 5-11, 215.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17487782/Raymond-Paolillo

Jace Williams, LB.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18607213/jace-williams

Ke’Mari Wolliston, Athlete, 5-9, 160.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16732144/Kemar-Wolliston

AWAITING VIDEO

Ryan Fersoma, DB

Terence Johnson, Athlete, 5-9, 164

CLASS OF 2026

AWAITING VIDEO

Naijah Arnasalam, WR, 6-1, 175

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: April 10, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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..

As we continue to spotlight talent this off-season in Miami-Dade and Broward County, our objective is to make sure that we cover every prospect at every level.

Understanding that hundreds of college coaches visit south Florida each year and pay attention to all the athletes, we make sure that the rising standouts are recognized.

As fan websites shine the spotlight on the elite players who draw the interest, what we do is make sure that not only the Power 5 and Group of 5 athletes share the spotlight, but football talent at every level.

Even on those elite programs who are in the state and national championship mix every year, their rosters are comprised of football talent that will come nowhere near high level programs, opening up the avenue for the smaller schools to come south and change their respective program with a few players who have been around high-level competition.

The spring and off-season attract programs from national powerhouses right down to HBCU, Division 2, 3 and NAIA programs as well.

Today, we shine the spotlight on five Miami-Dade and Broward Class of 2025 rising juniors:

Nimari Brantley, LB, 6-2, 230, Coconut Creek. This is definitely a talent that we watched throughout last year as the Cougars started to leave a mark around south Florida. This is someone who will be able to play several positions because of his size and skill level on the field. He gets his large frame around the field pursuing plays and coming up with key tackles. Tremendous run stopper who is not afraid to hit you. His stock continues to rise – and for good reason.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16068496/6373e50ec11a4404dca81fca

Dylan Gill, LB, 6-3, 195, Miami Killian. When breaking down this class a few weeks ago and looking at the talent that was emerging, here is a prospect that we watched a number of times. His size, athletic ability, and his passion to play this game at a high level is something that college coaches are starting to see. He is also a prospect who could grow into an edge rusher down the line, but for now he is an outstanding linebacker that is getting better all the time.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15085517/Dylan-Gill

Hector Chavez, LB, 5-10, 210, Miami Christopher Columbus. What more can be said about this emerging national recruit who introduced himself to many during the Explorers’ 4M state title game against Apopka. A sure tackler who has a knack of coming up with big plays when his team needs it. He is part of one the strongest front seven units in the state. He is only going to get better – and that is a great thing.

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

Ezekiel Marcelin, LB, 6-1, 200, Miami Central. Like so many in this class, here is a tremendous football talent that we have watched the past two years – starting for the state champions the past two seasons. As we stated before, his playmaking abilities remind many of former Miami Northwestern, University of Miami and NFL standout Sean Spence. He does so many things right, and attending camps and combines this off-season has put a stamp on what many already knew about this big-time football player.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17070413/61b097dc386d9a07dc1faba9

Julian Mendez, LB, 6-1, 195, Davie Western. For now, he is an under-the-radar prospect, but that will change very fast. It got to the point where he was making plays all over the field, showcasing his many skills and talents. As a run stopper, he fills the hole, has tremendous vision and will get to the play first. He is also learning to drop back on passing downs, giving the Wildcats another force on an already potent defensive unit. This is a player who has the chance to step up his game in a major way this coming season as his team is expected to do some huge things.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18127310/63099106f5610109c043201b

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: April 7, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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 decades and decades, the landscape of high school football has changed from year to year.

While some coaches – like North Miami Beach High’s Jeff Bertani (28 years) have stayed around for generations, the head coaching position is somewhat a revolving door.

Every off season there are changes that are made – and most of the time the complexion of the team also changes with new coaches bringing in new philosophies and ideas.

This off-season had certainly been no different – with several Miami-Dade and Broward schools making a change, and while things will be different at some schools, others continue doing what they have done.

Here is a look at the 17 coaching changes as we head toward spring football:

Kevin Claxton, Oakland Park Northeast. Another former player gets the chance to go back home to the area (Boyd Anderson) he left a huge mark. This Wisconsin graduate brings loads of experience and discipline to the Hurricanes.

Andre Daniels, Palm Glades Prep. Working at several schools in south Miami-Dade County, this one-time Somerset Homestead South head coach looks to bring this program into the spotlight.

Matt Dixon, Somerset Silver Palms. One of the more popular assistant coaches in the area has the chance to take over his own program and there is plenty to be excited about for the Stallions – including a new on campus facility.

Michaelee Harris, Miami Northwestern. The name is familiar because this one-time Bull has come full circle after playing youth and high school football in the area as well as coaching at a few schools as well. Great hire for a program looking to get back in the mix.

Keith Hindsley, Parkland Douglas. Taking over the Eagles is someone who comes in with a long and impressive resume as he guided a solid Delray American Heritage team into the playoffs and produce a number of gifted prospects.

Brett Hood, Weston Cypress Bay. Officially takes over the Lightning after being an interim this past season. His ability to teach and relate to the players year-round is going to be an asset.

Tyrus McCloud, Davie Nova. One of the best football players ever to do it in Broward County also gets the opportunity to come back to his alma mater after a successful career at Louisville and in the NFL with the Ravens. The Titans are extremely excited about this hire.

Nick Mendelsberg, Homestead Everglades Prep. Another young head coach gets the chance to showcase what he has learned, and this landing spot is going to be perfect for this program that is still growing. Everyone is very excited by what’s ahead.

Demitris Mincey, Fort Lauderdale Dillard. After six weeks without a coach, the Panthers turned to someone who already knows about this program and the community as this team is trying to rebound from the loss of several prospects in the off-season. He is also hooked into the youth football programs in the area.

Chris Reid, Homestead South Dade. Coming home is indeed the theme this year as one of the bright coaching minds comes back to bring this team back into the spotlight. The coaching is in place and now the pipeline that was once in place needs to be tapped once again.

Marlon Robinson, Pembroke Pines Flanagan. Here is someone who knows all about this football program. He was part of the staff that won the school’s only state football title, and he fully understands what needs to be done to bring the Falcons back in the spotlight. There is plenty of optimism.

Quentin Short, Sunrise Piper. While coaches get plenty of accolades and praise, here is a coach who deserves to be mentioned as one of the best after spending a number of years making the Douglas Eagles relevant. He is well respected by players, coaches and administrators and embraces the job with the Bengals.

Art Taylor, Cooper City. An old friend comes back to a place where he showed his coaching schools and organization. With stops across south Florida, here is one of the best Xs and Os guys you will find. He is the type pf coach who can once again bring the Cowboys back into the mix.

LaQuentin Taylor, Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy. One of the new faces in south Florida, here is someone that this area will find out about – quickly. Originally from Georgia, he has already left a mark in Florida – as the head coach at Groveland South Lake. His work will truly be cut out for him with the Panthers.

Ronnie Thornton Jr., Homestead. When Philip Simpson left after the 3M state title game for Nebraska, many felt that things would change, and players may be headed out. Never happened as the Broncos hired from within and the opposite happened as players came in to make this team stronger and confident to make another return to the title game.

Patrick Wennin, Miami Westminster Christian. Back home at his alma mater, here is one of the bright young coaches we have in this area. With experience at just about every level, this is someone who will maximize what he has year-round. Has already shown that he is ready for the challenge of this coming season for the Warriors.

Vern Wilder III , Miami Carol City. With college and high school experience on his resume, the Chiefs get one of their own back. His family tradition dates back to the 1960’s at the school.

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: April 6, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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..