If you were to promote and publicize every top prospect who plays football in south Florida, you could never fit them all in.

There is so much talent in this region of the country, so many athletes are routinely overlooked, and that is not a good thing. With perhaps more recruiting analysts than any other place in the country, you would think that it would hard to miss quality talent, but it happens every year.

While we bring you hundreds of talented football players every year, we sometimes miss out on some prospects that slip under the radar. But with that said, we have had the opportunity to attend more games, practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events than most.

With the many football players we get out, the one day that we shine a spotlight on prospects is Wednesday. That is a day when we get five Miami-Dade and Broward standouts. Some who have been on the radar – while others are being recognized for the first time.

Today, we look at some 2024 juniors:

Chris Wheatley Humphrey, RB/DB, Hollywood South Broward. Following in the footsteps of his father who was a standout for the Bulldogs, this is someone who is certainly performing at a different level. As a running back, his speed, vision and ability to make huge plays has already been recognized by college coaches all over the nation. Defensively, he is physical and gifted enough to lineup at cornerback or safety. There is no doubt that he is a Power 5 talent who will continue to pick up major offers over the next year.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15747625/Chris-WheatleyHumphrey

Malachi Keels, RB/S, 6-0, 180, Miami Westminster Christian. Because there are so many teams in south Florida that get plenty of the spotlight, it’s schools like this, who play a bulk of their games during the late afternoon, that almost beg for more coverage. Here is a two-way standout that is easily one of the best in the state – and as the Warriors continue to race toward a post season spot – this is a talent who will get plenty of attention. Has done it all for a program that jumped out to a 7-1 start.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/12530389/Malachi-Keel

Alberto Mendoza, QB, 6-2, 190, Miami Christopher Columbus. If anyone had reservations about this young man, the questions were all answered in the GMAC final game against top-rated Miami Central. After starting his career at Miami Belen Jesuit, he made his way over to play for the Explorers last season, won the job in the spring and has not looked back. He is developing into one of the top prospects in his class – with a strong arm and ability to make solid decisions. The best thing about this quality talent is he has a full year to continue to showcase his many abilities on the field – as well in the classroom where he has an impressive 4.85 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16144776/632f6f5f688fc10ea8f507e6

Dorian Perez, DE/TE, 6-2, 225, Miami Braddock. Here is the perfect example of a talented prospect that many have not watched or promoted. Watch him perform and you see someone who dominates from his defensive end position with a great first step and instincts that are only getting better and better. By this time next year, here is a talented student/athlete who has the chance to be one of the best in south Florida – if not the state of Florida. In a recent game against Miami Dr. Krop, he made five plays in a row – eight out of 10 and thrust himself into the spotlight. In addition, when given the opportunity to play on the offensive side of the ball, he is more than a functional tight end. Keep your eye on this impressive talent who is ready to work hard in the off-season.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16390995/Dorian-Pere

2024 – Jonathan Rodriguez, OC, 6-5, 280, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. Since coming over from Coral Springs Charter last season, this is one of the most versatile line prospects, who has made the move to center. Because her is versatile and a hard worker, you will see his recruitment soar over the next few months. He is a total package with more than solid grades in the classroom. He is one of three underclassmen that the Chiefs boast on the offensive line. Keep an eye on his progress.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/12363073/Jonathan-Rodriguez

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.. 

As we begin the final two weeks of the 2022 season, there are many schools who have already punched their collective tickets to the post season. But there are also several programs that will need these final two weeks to get themselves into a state playoff position.

With so many programs getting hot down the stretch, it will be wise to keep your eye on south Florida the past two weeks.

As we head toward Week 10, here is a look at how programs are doing in this region:

1. Miami Central (2M – 8-0). THIS WEEK: A regular season-ending game at home against Miami Monsignor Pace on Oct. 28. NEXT GAME: State Playoffs In 2 Weeks. LAST WEEK: The Rockets won a thrilling GMAC Week game against No. 5 Miami Christopher Columbus, 42-35.

2. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1M – 7-0). THIS WEEK: A home district game on Oct. 27 against Boca Raton Saint John Paul II. NEXT GAME: State Playoffs In 2 Weeks. LAST WEEK: The Lions won another district game, 63-0, against Hollywood Avant Garde Academy.

3. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (3M – 8-0). THIS WEEK: The regular season comes to an end on the road against Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson on Oct. 28. NEXT GAME: State Playoffs In 2 Weeks. LAST WEEK: The Raiders rolled against Coconut Creek Monarch, 37-6.

4. Plantation American Heritage (2M, 8-1). THIS WEEK: The regular season comes to an end at home on Oct. 28 against Hallandale. NEXT GAME: State Playoffs In 2 Weeks. LAST WEEK: The Patriots took care of Naples on the road, 35-17.

5. Miami Christopher Columbus (4M, 8-1). THIS WEEK: The regular season comes to an end with a non-district home game against Hialeah Barbara Goleman on Oct. 28. NEXT GAME: State Playoffs In 2 Weeks. LAST WEEK: The Explorers fought a gallant fight with No. 1 Miami Central in a GMAC Week contest, 42-35.

6. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2M, 8-1). THIS WEEK: The regular season comes to an end with a home district game against Fort Lauderdale Stranahan on Oct. 28. NEXT GAME: State Playoffs In 2 Weeks. LAST WEEK: The Chiefs stayed on the road with a 31-20 win against Bradenton Manatee.

7. Miramar (3M, 6-1). THIS WEEK: A Friday away district game against Miramar Everglades on Oct. 28. NEXT GAME: The regular season comes to an end with a Nov. 4 home game against Hollywood South Broward. LAST WEEK: The Patriots continued to impress with their fourth shutout of the season, 21-0, over No. 16 Davie Western.

8. Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (3M, 7-0). THIS WEEK: A home district game on Oct. 28 against West Boca Raton. NEXT GAME: It’s the annual showdown at No. 9 Fort Lauderdale Dillard on Saturday, Nov. 5. LAST WEEK: The Tigers magical season continued with a convincing 38-14 win against Sunrise Piper.

9. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (3M – 5-3). THIS WEEK:  t’s back on the road for a trip to Tallahassee Lincoln on Oct. 28. GAME: It’s the annual showdown at home against No. 8 Pompano Beach Blanche Ely on Saturday, Nov. 5.  LAST WEEK: The Panthers rolled to a 35-0 district win against Fort Lauderdale.

10. Miami Booker T. Washington (2M – 6-2). THIS WEEK: The regular season comes to an end with a Saturday road game against Westland Hialeah. NEXT GAME: State Playoffs In 2 Weeks. LAST WEEK: After a convincing loss to Miami Northwestern, the Tornadoes were back at it last week with a convincing GMAC win against Miami Southridge, 35-21.

11. Plantation (3M – 6-2). THIS WEEK: A Friday district game on the road against Sunrise Piper on Oct. 28. NEXT GAME: The regular season comes to an end with a Friday road game against No. 16 Davie Western. LAST WEEK: On Thursday, the Colonels beat Deerfield Beach, 14-7. Then last night (Monday), they beat rival South Plantation, 48-14

12. Miami Norland (2M – 5-2). THIS WEEK: A Thursday home district game on Oct. 27 against North Miami Beach. NEXT GAME: The regular season comes to an end with a Thursday, Nov. 3 home game against Miami Killian. LAST WEEK: The Vikings came up with a huge GMAC Week victory over Miami Palmetto, 35-14.

13. Homestead (3M, 6-2). THIS WEEK: The regular season comes to an end with and Oct. 28 home game against Miami Belen Jesuit. NEXT GAME: State Playoffs In 2 Weeks. LAST WEEK: The Broncos put everything into gear with a GMAC Week win against No. 17 Miami Northwestern.

14. Coconut Creek Monarch (4M, 6-2). THIS WEEK: An away district game against Coral Springs on Oct. 28. NEXT GAME: The regular season comes to an end with a Nov. 4 home game against Deerfield Beach. LAST WEEK: The Knights were soundly beaten by No. 3 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, 37-6.

15. Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (2M, 7-2). THIS WEEK: The regular season comes to an end with an Oct. 28 road game against Oakland Park Northeast. NEXT GAME: State Playoffs In 2 Weeks. LAST WEEK: The Eagles saw their six-game winning streak come to an end against North Palm Beach Benjamin, 28-21 in overtime.

16. Davie Western (4M – 4-3). THIS WEEK: A Friday night trip to Coral Springs to play Coral Glades on Oct. 28 in a district game that could give this team a title. NEXT GAME: The regular season comes to an end with a home game on Nov. 4 against No. 11 Plantation. LAST WEEK: The Wildcats were shutout by No. 7 Miramar, 21-0, in a game that surprised everyone.

17. Miami Northwestern (2M – 4-4). THIS WEEK: It’s GMAC Week and a meeting with No. 18 Homestead on Oct. 20. NEXT GAME:  The regular season comes to an end with a district game against Miami Immaculata LaSalle on Saturday, Oct. 29. LAST WEEK: Just when it appeared the Bulls were back on track, GMAC Week came and so did No. 13 Homestead – as the Broncos won, 44-28.

18. Hollywood Avant Garde (1M, 5-2). THIS WEEK: A Thursday home game against North Lauderdale Somerset Prep on Oct. 27. NEXT GAME: A season-ending regular season game at Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace. LAST WEEK: The Sharks found out how impressive No. 2 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna was. Losing 63-0 in a district game.

19. Coconut Creek (3M – 5-3). THIS WEEK: An away non-district matchup with Deerfield Beach on Oct. 28. NEXT GAME: The Cougars travel to Miami to play Palmetto on Thursday, Nov. 3. LAST WEEK: One of the hottest teams in south Florida, the Cougars rolled to their third straight win, 41-13, against Hollywood McArthur.

20. Miami Jackson (2M, 5-3). THIS WEEK: An away game against Miami Edison this Friday. NEXT GAME: The regular season comes to an end on Friday, Nov. 4 with a home game against Miami High. LAST WEEK: The Generals won for the fifth time in six games, beating Coral Gables in a GMAC Week game, 29-7.

OTHER TEAMS TO WATCH: Coral Gables (4M, 4-3), Doral Academy (4M, 5-3), Fort Lauderdale (3M, 4-4), Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (2M, 7-2), Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest (2M, 7-1), Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (2M – (4-4), Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (1M, 6-1), Hialeah Barbara Goleman (4M, 4-4), Hialeah (3M, 4-3), Hollywood McArthur (3M, 4-4), Hollywood South Broward (3M, 4-4), Miami Archbishop Carroll (1M, 7-1), Miami Belen Jesuit (3M, 4-4), Miami Braddock (Independent, 6-2), Miami Carol City (2M, 5-3) Miami Dr. Krop (3M, 4-4), Miami Edison (2M, 4-4), Miami Ferguson (Independent, 5-3), Miami Gulliver Prep (2M – (3-3), Miami Immaculata LaSalle (2M, 4-4), Miami Palmetto (4M, 4-5), Miami Ransom Everglades (Independent, 6-2), Miramar Everglades (3M, 4-4), Miami Coral Reef (Independent, 6-2), Miami Southridge (3M, 4-3), Miami St. Brendan (2M, 5-2), Miami Westminster Christian (1M, 7-1), North Miami (3M, 4-5), North Miami Beach (2M, 3-5), Parkland Douglas (4M, 5-3), Pembroke Pines Charter (3M, 4-3), Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy (4M, 4-4), Pembroke Pines West Broward (4M, 4-4), South Miami (2M, 4-3), South Plantation (3M, 6-2), Sunrise Piper (3M, 5-3), Westland Hialeah (2M, 4-4), Weston Cypress Bay (4M, 5-3).

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

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.. 

When the Greater Miami Athletic Conference (GMAC) announced last year that there would be a week dedicated to the promotion of the teams who participate in this governing body, it was met with skepticism.

After year one, some schools liked it and some frankly talked about not taking part if it was going to move forward.

Because the GMAC wanted to showcase their many teams and athletes, the decision to do it again this year, but instead of many teams playing each other as many as two teams in one season, the format was changed, and it certainly made a difference.

Highlighted by Friday night’s thrilling 35-28 win by nationally-rated Miami Central over unbeaten Miami Christopher Columbus, the objective was met.

Along with several other Thursday, Friday and Saturday matchups, this was not just a local and state thing, but some of the game – including the Rockets and Explorers – drew national attention.

With the playoffs coming up, this infusion of publicity was truly needed and while the No. 1 Rockets and the No. 4 Explorers got much of the attention, it was not the only game.

The thrilling Traz Powell Stadium contest attracted an impressive crowd that saw Central bust out to a 35-7 lead, only to hang on in the final minutes of the game to come away with a great win for the program and the GMAC.

For head coach Jube Joseph and his team, it was a final tune-up for the playoffs that start in three weeks. His team is looking for a fourth consecutive state title, moving to Class 2M this season.

Head Coach Dave Dunn and his team, picked early in the season to represent the south in 4M, certainly proved something to those who didn’t believe this team was at that elite level – even though they knocked off defending state champion Tampa Jesuit and Miami Northwestern.

Speaking of Northwestern, there was a thought that after beating Booker T. Washington they were ready for a stretch run, but No. 18 Homestead had different plans.

The Broncos and head coach Philip Simpson pulled the ultimate surprising, knocking off the No. 12 Bulls, sending head coach Max Edwards and his team 4-4 on the year with a 44-28 decision.

Other GMAC Week games included:

Hialeah 30, Miami Coral Park 13

Hialeah American 36, Miami Ferguson 7

Hialeah Barbara Goleman 35, Miami Beach 8

Hialeah Miami-Lakes 20, Miami Varela 0

No. 14 Miami Booker T. Washington 35, Miami Southridge 14

Miami Carol City 25, South Miami 18

Miami Coral Reef 30, Westland Hialeah 8

Miami Dr. Krop 32, Miami Braddock 14

Miami Edison 21, Homestead South Dade 14

Miami Jackson 27, Coral Gables 7

No. 17 Miami Norland 35, Miami Palmetto 14

Miami Springs 14, Doral Reagan 13

Miami Sunset 40, Hialeah Gardens 10

North Miami 30, Miami High 0

North Miami Mourning 17, Southwest Miami 16

North Miami Beach 32, Miami Killian 8

Here is how the rest of Miami-Dade and Broward County teams did in Week 9:

Coconut Creek 41, Hollywood McArthur 13

Coconut Creek North Broward Prep 54, Coral Springs Charter 32

Cypress Bay 39, Cooper City 0

Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons 31, Bradenton Manatee 20

Fort Lauderdale Dillard 35, Fort Lauderdale 0

Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest 55, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy 14

Fort Lauderdale Stranahan 21, Coral Springs Coral Glades 0

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas 37, Coconut Creek Monarch 6

Hallandale 28, Taravella 7

Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna 63, Hollywood Avant Garde Academy 0

Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson 8, Coral Springs 0

Marathon 67, Palm Glades Prep 28

Miami Archbishop Carroll 50, Miami Westminster Christian 15

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace 25, Miami Immaculata LaSalle 0

Miami Gulliver Prep 17, Miami Belen Jesuit 7

Miami Palmer Trinity 51, Homestead Everglades Prep 0

Miami St. Brendan 42, Somerset Academy South Homestead 14

Miramar 21, Davie Western 0

North Palm Beach Benjamin 28, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian 21

Parkland Douglas 54, Hollywood South Broward 28

Pembroke Pines Charter 32, Davie Nova 14

Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy 46, Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons 14

Pembroke Pines West Broward 33, Pembroke Pines Flanagan 0

Plantation 14, Deerfield Beach 7

Plantation American Heritage 35, Naples 17

Pompano Beach 35, West Palm Beach Berean Christian 0

Pompano Beach Blanche Ely 38, Sunrise Piper 14

Riviera Beach Inlet Grove 26, Hollywood Hills 14

South Plantation 33, Miramar Everglades 32 (OT)

Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy 21, Belle Glade Glades Day 14

West Boca Raton 35, Oakland Park Northeast 0

West Palm Beach The King’s Academy 28, Miami True North Classical Academy 23

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..

HOLLYWOOD – As South Broward and Parkland Douglas went through their pre-game warmups; a misty rain began to fall on a Thursday evening.

As the teams prepared for a non-district matchup, a tall figure in blue jeans made his way from the entrance onto the field.

As he got closer to the VIP tent that was set up in north endzone, dozens of former teammates, dignitaries and administrators made their way over to greet he and his son, who had made way down from Martin County.

For the first time in many decades, Bill Hawkins returned to where his amazing football career began. On this night, Bulldogs – new and old – welcomed back their true native son. Someone who along with Tucker Fredrickson, Travis Daniels and Danny McManus kept this school relevant when talking high school football players who had made a splash at the next level and beyond.

As players from his early 1980’s teams embraced the towering Hawkins, it was a night where the past indeed met the future as principal Patricia Brown and athletic director Boomer Bray, who both made this evening possible, were ready with open arms.

With this evening planned to retire his No. 72 jersey, dozens came out to pay their respects and congratulate a former classmate, teammates and someone who everyone was proud to call “their own”.

Now a successful attorney in Martin County, Hawkins was overwhelmed by the invitation and the outpouring.

“I thought they were kidding when they said they wanted to retire my jersey,” he said with a smile. “Much of what I am today started on this football field and in this City.”

While the Bulldogs almost didn’t get Hawkins, who began at nearby Chaminade High School as a ninth grader, it was the opposite sex that was a factor in making the move to South Broward.

“When I was there and saw the school was all boys, I said no way,” he laughed. “I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed my time here at this school and every teacher and classmate that I came in contact with.”

As former teammates came up to congratulate and say hello to this impressive student/athlete who had the highest-grade point average on the high school team and in college, many shared stories and brought up great memories. As stories were exchanged, halftime arrived, and it was the moment that been a long time in the planning.

Speaking of college, the choice to go to Miami was something he nearly regretted when he was a freshman. He recalls that he almost quit because Jimmy Johnson and the staff worked him like he had never been worked before. But it all worked out.

Hawkins was a 3-year starter for the Hurricanes at defensive end. While he redshirted in 1984, he started to make an impact in 1985 - as a backup he recorded 10 tackles and showcased some amazing skills and learned plenty from some iconic players in front of him.

The very next season, Hawkins’ career was defined as a starter when he finished with 62 tackles (10 for a loss) and 7 sacks. His junior season was also one where scouts in the NFL began to take notice.

With his towering 6-6, 265-pound frame, he had 84 tackles with 14 of them going for a loss to go with his 6.5 sacks and it set him up for a banner 1988 season.

It was during his senior year with the Hurricanes that Hawkins earned first and second team All-American honors by various outlets. He finished with 67 tackles (18 for a loss) and 7.5 sacks and earned him a spot as a finalist for the Lombardi Award. 

His work on the football field as well as in the classroom had Coach Johnson singing his praises as one of "the most consistent lineman he ever coached."

In his four years at Miami the Hurricanes had a 44-4 win–loss record and Hawkins played in four "New Years' Day" bowl games. The ‘Canes were National Champions after the 1987 season and the victory over Oklahoma.

For all his work at the University of Miami, Hawkins was selected as a member of the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame.

His collegiate success paved the way for the future – as he was the 21st selection in the 1st round of the 1989 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams.

While injuries got in the way during his professional career, he still impacted his team and teammates and set the table for his career after football.

Today, with a Law Degree from the University of Florida, Hawkins has a “Client First” approach, running his law practice with the client’s best interest in mind. He is indeed a great communicator – on and off the playing field. Hawkins also took advantage of the study abroad program in Montpellier, France studying international financial crimes (with Honors).

He finally got the sport of football out of his system as a two-year defensive line coach at Jupiter High School back in 2010-11.

“Different game than when I played it,” Hawkins said. “But it was fun while it lasted.”

In is served when we have open and frank communication. This allows me to understand their perspective and create a game plan, to make their goals possible”.

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..