MIAMI GARDENS - Florida Memorial University’s Director of Athletics, Jason Horn, names a new head coach to lead the Lions' football team. Bobby Rome II will be at the helm as FMU enters its third season since the relaunch of the football program after a 62-year hiatus.
Rome, who is set to begin his tenure in May, is the second head coach in the modern era of FMU football.
Horn emphasizes the care and diligence that he and the search committee took in selecting the next head football coach, and how excited he is about what the program can achieve under Rome’s direction.
“The process was thorough and intentional as we conducted the search for our next head football coach,” Horn said. “We had a tremendous amount of solid interest in our program. Coach Rome will continue the work our team has done to build a championship-caliber football program”
A native of Norfolk, Va., Rome comes to Miami Gardens after spending two seasons serving as the head football coach at fellow HBCU, Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, and with eight years of overall experience as a collegiate head football coach.
““I am ecstatic to accept the head football coach position at Florida Memorial University,” Rome said. “President Hardrick and Athletic Director Jason Horn speak my language. My minimum standard is graduating student-athletes, but I am extremely encouraged to know that achieving excellence, across the board, with regard to the student-athlete experience, is a priority for this administration and University.”
During his time leading CSU, Rome signed a Top-100 rated recruiting class heading into the 2021 season – including the eventual 2021 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Newcomer of the Year; had players earn a combined three SIAC Player of the Week honors; and had two players participate in the FBS Tropical Senior Bowl and HBCU Legacy Bowl.
Rome’s coaching career includes two seasons as the head football coach at the University of Virginia-Lynchburg, where he also served as the institution’s athletic director. He also spent four years as the head coach at Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok, Russia. While coaching internationally, Rome directed all aspects of the program while serving as an American ambassador for the sport of football in Russia.
During his time at VUL, Rome was named the 2018 Small College Sport Report National Coach of the Year.
Prior to his coaching career, Rome enjoyed a successful playing career. He was a four-year starter at quarterback for Granby High School in Norfolk, Va., throwing more than 1,700 yards as a senior and leading Granby to the Eastern District title. He went on to play for the University of North Carolina from 2006 to 2009, playing in 49 games during his collegiate career as a fullback.
After graduating from UNC in 2009, Rome spent time in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Pittsburgh Steelers. After his stint in the NFL, Rome played internationally for the Moscow Patriots.
Rome will coach his first game with the Lions on August 27, when Florida Memorial University is set to host in-state HBCU rival Edward Waters University in the second football meeting of the “Big Cat Classic.”
“Our staff is going to do everything we can to prepare our students to become successful individuals on and off the field,” Rome said. “Our goal is to produce young men that the FMU community can be proud of.”
Florida Memorial University will host an on-campus news conference introducing Rome in May.
Follow Florida Memorial University Athletics on social media
Instagram: @GoFMULions/@FMULionsFB | Twitter: @GoFMULions/@FMULionsFB | YouTube: Official FMU Lions
Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas
THE RAIDERS FILE
Head Coach: Roger Harriott
2021 Record: 14-1 (7A State Champions)
THE SCOOP
For those thinking that this football team won’t be in the national mix once again this coming season, you may want to step back – when you have no idea what continues to happen in eastern Fort Lauderdale every year.
When Plantation had covid symptoms and had to cancel a game with St. Thomas Aquinas last year, they had to scramble to find an opponent that would give them enough games to stay in contention for a national title.
Not taking the state championship for granted, but this is a team expects to be in the national hunt every year. Enter nationally rated Tampa Jesuit. With three days to prepare for a trip to the west coast, the Raiders would lose, 24-21.
With that loss, the national title hopes went out the window – and despite narrow wins against Plantation American Heritage and district foe Fort Lauderdale Dillard, this team took care of business the rest of the way. In fact, they outscored the final six opponents, 277-54, including a third straight 7A title against Tampa Bay Tech, 42-14.
As the 2022 season gets set to unfold – with spring practice – the Raiders are ready to reload and make a run at not only a fourth straight state title, but a national crown as well.
Here are some of the prospects to keep an eye on:
CLASS OF 2023
Giovanni Alonso (DL, 5-11, 230 – 4.643 GPA)
Patrick Alston (DB, 5-10, 170 – 2.871 GPA)
Troy Antonoglou (OL, 6-3, 275)
Gamall Augustin (OL, 6-4, 255 – 2.9 GPA)
Isaac Baker (OL, 5-10, 270 – 3.167 GPA)
Jayden Bell (DB, 5-11, 170 – 3.153 GPA)
Jaylen Bonelli (WR, 5-11, 170 – 2.967 GPA)
Jack Boswell (OL, 5-10, 240 – 4.053 GPA)
Jayvant Brown (LB, 6-0, 220 – 2.861 GPA)
Aiden Caschette (PK, 5-11, 170 – 3.556 GPA)
Ayden Castillo (PK, 5-11, 170 – 3.594 GPA)
Bradley Chandler (DB, 5-10, 180 – 3.5 GPA)
Jordan Clemons (RB, 5-8, 180)
Justin Coles (LB, 6-2, 205 – 3.178 GPA)
Dominic Diaz (LS, 6-0, 215 – 3.463 GPA)
Nicholas Dou (DB, 5-9, 170 – 2.891 GPA)
Earl Evoy (DL, 6-1, 250 – 3.75 GPA)
Kamari Frederick (DT)
Harrison Green (OL, 6-3, 305 – 2.859 GPA)
Jackson Grier (WR, 6-0, 175 – 3.515 GPA)
Jason Hammond (DL, 6-3, 275 – 3.216 GPA)
Isaiah Hardge (WR, 5-11, 165 – 3.578 GPA)
Joshua Harriott (RB, 5-10, 195 – 3.094 GPA)
Rashad Henry (LB, 6-2, 225)
Conrad Hussey (DB, 6-1, 190 – 3.278 GPA)
Brian Jefferson (LB, 5-10, 185 – 2.5 GPA)
Jerry Johnson (DB, 6-2, 200 – 3.864 GPA)
Keyshawn Johnson (LB, 6-1, 245 – 3.257 GPA)
Tekai Kirby (TE, 6-4, 220 – 3.75 GPA)
Amari Lanier (DB, 5-11, 175 – 3.156 GPA)
Jake Lewin (QB, 5-10, 160 – 3.328 GPA)
Ryan Liss (DL, 6-3, 205 – 4.214 GPA)
King Mack (DB, 5-11, 185 – 3.121 GPA)
Zachary Marino (LB, 6-0, 205 – 3.662 GPA)
Tabias Meline (DL, 6-0, 265)
Ryan Mickow (OL, 6-6, 285 – 3.986 GPA)
Shamar Morgan (DB, 5-8, 155 – 2.597 GPA)
Miles Moss (WR, 5-11, 170 – 3.825 GPA)
Ryan Paradela (TE, 6-2, 225 – 4.136 GPA)
Devin Pein (DL, 6-0, 220 – 3.655 GPA)
Kimari Robinson (DB, 5-10, 175 – 3.602 GPA)
David Rosales (DL, 6-2, 300)
Zakaih Saez (DL, 6-5, 220 – 2.5 GPA)
Gemari Sands (RB, 6-1, 190)
Ethan Shawn (WR, 5-11, 160 – 4.95 GPA)
Broden Sobolewski (OL, 6-2, 275 – 4.372 GPA)
Noah Solomon (WR, 6-0, 170 – 4.295 GPA)
Kristian Strong (TE, 6-4, 225 – 4.685 GPA)
Xavier Terrell (RB, 5-9, 180 – 3.362 GPA)
James Thompson (PK, 6-1, 165 – 4.059 GPA)
David Vadala (LB, 5-10, 205 – 3.639 GPA)
Jaylin Wallace (DE, 6-2, 230 – 2.516 GPA)
Marcus Williams (WR/TE)
CLASS OF 2024
Aiden Anestor (WR – 3.586 GPA)
Tyler Aronson (QB, 6-3, 210)
Justin Bodford (DL, 6-0, 285 – 3.130 GPA)
Declan Connor (DL – 3.913 GPA)
Michael Devine (LB – 3.0 GPA)
Ryan Earle (LB/TE – 4.341 GPA)
Ian Faulkner (PK – 3.9 GPA)
Derek Groves (DL – 4.087 GPA)
Semaj Jackson (DB, 5-10, 170 – 3.542 GPA)
Michael Kern (K/P, 6-2, 160 – 3.021 GPA)
Antonio Kraus (DB, 5-10, 150 – 2.54 GPA)
Earl Kulp (DB, 6-1, 170 – 2.5 GPA)
Jayden Leevy (LB/DB – 2.839 GPA)
Nathan Ley (DL – 3.841 GPA)
Andrew Lochrie (TE – 4.556 GPA)
Marcus Lopez (DB – 4.075 GPA)
Connor Lowe (DL – 3.337 GPA)
Jordan Lyle (RB, 6-2, 195 – 2.738 GPA)
Ryan Mack (DB, 5-11, 175 – 3.833 GPA)
James Madison (WR, 6-3, 205 – 3.361 GPA)
Jake Manasse (WR/RB, 5-10, 160 – 4.556 GPA)
James McDevitt (OL, 6-3, 245 – 4.05 GPA)
Charles Metzger (DL – 3.5 GPA)
Gabriel Nunez (DL – 2.8 GPA)
Lucas Oberhelman (DL – 3.95 GPA)
David Pein (DL, 5-10, 230 – 3.316 GPA)
Jaden Rees (DL – 3.442 GPA)
Trenton Roach (DL, 6-0, 215 – 3.704 GPA)
William Roberts (OL, 6-3, 280)
Chance Robinson (WR, 6-2, 190 – 3.167 GPA)
Nicholas Rodriguez (LB/S, 6-1, 205 – 3.917 GPA)
Mathias Schneider (DB – 3.452 GPA)
Quincy Simeon (WR – 3.105 GPA)
Brian Suarez (OL, 6-3, 300 – 4.0 GPA)
Anthony Truiolo (QB – 3.208 GPA)
Cameron Williams (DB – 3.231 GPA)
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..
Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna
THE LIONS FILE
Head Coach: Dameon Jones
2021 Record: 12-1 (3A State Champions)
THE SCOOP
Take a look around the state of Florida at some of the top football programs and very few have enjoyed the success that this program has.
Winners of four of the past five 3A state titles, this is a program that is respected and regarded as one of the best – and it is nowhere from being over.
With a quality and experienced rising senior class and one of the top underclassmen you will find, this is team has once again loaded up for the 2022 season.
Looking back at a challenging but productive 2021 season, the Lions hit the spring of 2022 on a roll and college coaches and recruiting services are well aware of the amazing talent in Hollywood.
Here are some of the prospects that we will all see this coming year:
CLASS OF 2023
Deandre Duffus (OL, 6-5, 300 – 2.5 GPA)
Luke Evans (DB, 6-3, 175 – 4.0 GPA)
Jermaine Fleming (FS, 6-2, 189 – 4.1 GPA, 1240 SAT)
Elvin Harris (OL, 6-6, 290 – 2.5 GPA)
Edwin Joseph (WR, 6-0, 185 – 2.5 GPA)
Jeno Junius (SS, 5-11, 185 – 2.7 GPA)
William Larkins OL, 6-5, 290 – 2.9 GPA)
Deangelo Ponds (DB, 5-9, 170 – 2.7 GPA)
Wayne Peart (DT, 6-4, 250 – 2.5 GPA)
Duane Thomas (WR, 5-10, 170 – 3.3 GPA)
CLASS OF 2024
Cedrick Bailey (QB, 6-6, 190 – 2.6 GPA)
Jackson Campbell (OL, 6-4, 280 – 3.2 GPA)
Kendarius Frazier (DE, 6-1, 250 – 2.9 GPA)
Davion Gause (RB, 5-11, 215 – 2.8 GPA)
Curtis Janvier (DB, 5-11, 175 – 2.9 GPA)
Denzel Johnson (LB, 5-11, 185 – 2.8 GPA)
Zaquan Patterson (DB, 6-1, 200 – 2.8 GPA)
Jerremiah Smith (WR, 6-3, 185 – 2.7 GPA)
Kaleb Stewart (LB, 6-1, 210 – 3.0 GPA)
Bryce Stringer (DE, 6-1, 210 – 4,16 GPA)
Rashawn Watson (DE, 6-2, 250 – 3.0 GPA)
CLASS OF 2025
Chris Ewald (DB, 6-1, 185 – 2.8 GPA)
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..
Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons
THE CHIEFS FILE
Head Coach: Matt Dubuc
2021 Record: 11-2 (4A State Champions)
THE SCOOP
Moments after the thrilling 21-19 win against Cocoa for the 4A state title – second straight – head coach Matt Dubuc and his staff were looking toward 2022.
With several key prospects returning – along with some new faces – the season ahead would keep this train rolling.
The success of this program has not come overnight. But now that they have arrived as a state power, you can expect that this team will be in the mix every year.
Despite losses to St. Thomas Aquinas and Plantation American Heritage, the Chiefs were the only team to beat 8A state champion Venice as well as come out on top against quality playoff teams Gainesville Buchholz, Gulliver Prep and St. Petersburg Lakewood.
Here is a look at some of the prospects to keep an eye on this spring:
CLASS OF 2023
Adonis Allen (DB, 6-0, 180 – 3.032 GPA)
Jesse Anderson (WR/DB, 6-1, 180 – 2.548 GPA)
Komani Beneby (WR, 6-0, 170 – 3.597 GPA)
Jaden Blackburn (DB, 6-0, 170 – 2.855 GPA)
Dwayne Cummings (WR, 6-3, 207 – 2.790 GPA)
Romell Dorcin (LB, 5-8, 155 – 2.790 GPA)
Tre’Mone Drisdom (DB, 5-9, 175 – 2.542 GPA)
Trey Dubuc (LS, 6-1, 220 – 3.0 GPA)
Robert Hammond III (K/P, 6-1, 150 – 3.8 GPA)
Tugg Hollandsworth (WR, 6-0, 185 – 3.5 GPA)
Jeremiah Makins (DB/LB, 5-9, 175)
JoJo Mauvais (DB, 5-11, 170 – 2.879)
Torrence Miller (RB, 5-9, 170 – 2.667 GPA)
Kenneth Moore (OL, 6-3, 300 – 2.5 GPA)
Kamari Moulton (RB, 5-11, 185 – 3.242 GPA)
Greg Otten (DL, 6-1, 215 – 4.629 GPA)
Zxa’myir Pelisser (OL, 6-3, 290 – 2.5 GPA)
Willie Reed (RB, 5-9, 175 – 2.790 GPA)
Dylan Rizk (QB, 6-2, 180 – 4.441 GPA)
Jaivon Sauvuer (LB, 5-11, 196 – 3.7 GPA)
Christian Silverstein (P, 5-11, 175 – 3.953 GPA)
Patrick Stepelton (WR, 6-1, 190 – 4.274 GPA)
Kimani Thomas (DB, 5-10, 160 – 3.167 GPA)
Brayden Walker (DL, 6-2, 268 – 4.214 GPA)
Broc Weaver (DL, 6-3, 270 – 3.065 GPA)
CLASS OF 2024
Patrick Anderson Jr. (RB, 5-7, 165 – 3.263 GPA)
Zack Boehly (OL, 6-5, 260 – 3.038 GPA)
Jeremiah Chalmers (WR, 5-11, 180 – 3.053 GPA)
Carlos Dales (LB, 5-11, 200 – 3.0 GPA)
Guy Edmond (DB, 5-7, 161 – 3.9 GPA)
Casey Etienne (DB, 6-2, 170 – 3.333 GPA)
Brekien Harold (DL, 6-1, 265 – 2.971 GPA)
Colton Heinrich (TE, 6-4, 225 – 4.211 GPA)
Gavin Hooten (OC, 5-11, 275 – 4.368 GPA)
Jackson Klein (DL, 6-1, 200 – 3.316 GPA)
Antonio Lindsay (WR, 5-9, 170 – 4.0 GPA)
Tyler Livingston (OL, 6-2, 280 – 3.0 GPA)
Michael Merdinger (QB, 6-2, 185 – 5.14 GPA)
Edward McIntosh (RB, 5-11, 190 – 3.833 GPA)
Daniel Mincey (OL, 6-4, 280 – 3.167 GPA)
Zack Thompson (TE, 6-2, 220 – 2.816 GPA)
Roman Reid (DB/LB, 6-3, 200 – 4.0 GPA)
Jonathan Rodriguez (OL, 6-5, 285 – 3.7 GPA)
Bryce Webb (LB, 5-11, 185 – 3.0 GPA)
Parker West (DE/DT, 5-11, 220 – 3.5 GPA)
Christopher Williams (DE, 6-2, 205 – 2.750 GPA)
CLASS OF 2025
Jimmie Butler (DE, 6-3, 221)
Jonathan Chalmers (WR, 5-11, 160 – 3.4 GPA)
Trent Dubuc (WR, 5-11, 151 – 3.5 GPA)
Jocelyn Jean-Baetiste (DE, 5-10, 165 – 2.86 GPA)
Josiah Oliver (LB, 5-11, 192)
Anthony Ottinot (LB)
Roderick Parker Jr. (DB, 5-10, 160 – 3.0 GPA)
Samari Reed (WR, 6-3, 170 – 2.5 GPA)
Jeremiah Renoir (WR, 5-10, 177 – 3.4 GPA)
Richard Scott (DL, 6-1, 195 – 2.5 GPA)
Christian Talbert (QB, 5-11, 155 – 3.4 GPA)
Cedric Wyche (RB, 5-9, 183 – 3.2 GPA)
Jalen Young (WR, 5-10, 150 – 3.1 GPA)
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..
North Miami High School
THE PIONEERS FILE
Head Coach: Gerald Cox
2021 Record: 4-5
THE SCOOP
Check back over the past decade and you will see that this is a program that attracts the top talent and develops them for the first two years – only to lose them to other programs.
Enter head coach Gerald Cox, who comes from Miami Booker T. Washington, Coconut Creek and is totally familiar with south Florida and how everything works.
If the Pioneers are to be successful and hold on to these future stars they will have to give their student/athletes something special, and as the 2022 season will unfold with spring football, there is a sense around this campus that things are in place to win games and keep these stellar athletes who come from the City of North Miami and are groomed by Pioneer coaches.
Winning cures all and the grass, while it seems greener on the other side, is often not.
Here are some of the prospects, heading into spring:
CLASS OF 2023
Lorenzo Baptist (WR/CB, 5-11, 175 – 3.27 GPA)
Ishmael Dorvil (WR/DE, 6-3, 185)
Jensley Exalant (CB, 5-11, 160 – 3.6 GPA)
Marc Fanor (DB, 5-10, 165 – 2.68)
Jason Gabriel (WR/FS, 5-11, 185)
Cameron King (OL, 6-2, 255 – 2.4 GPA)
Eugene McElwee (OL, 6-2, 285 – 2.6 GPA)
Frederick Owens (OL, 6-2, 275 – 2.9 GPA)
Jayden Shroyer (WR/TE/LB, 6-0, 200 – 3.2 GPA)
David Vedrine (DL, 6-5, 225 – 2.5 GPA)
CLASS OF 2024
Gerson Alette (DB, 5-8 – 2.8 GPA)
Kendrick Canon (WR/DB, 5-11, 175 – 2.76 GPA)
Ryan Jean Baptiste (LB, 5-11, 180)
Malik Jackson (QB, 6-3, 185 – 3.3 GPA)
Dwayne Solomon (CB, 5-10, 155 – 2.6 GPA)
Nijah Vargas (CB, 5-10, 155)
CLASS OF 2025
Lewensky Ydore (LB, 6-3, 215)
PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTH MIAMI FOOTBALL
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..