When the Rivals Miami event rolled into town last weekend, hundreds of football prospects from all over the state of Florida came out to showcase their amazing talent.
From quarterbacks, running backs, receivers and linemen on offense – to secondary performers and linemen on the defensive side of the ball, there were prospects in classes 2027-2030 that were invited to give college coaches and fans across the country see what kind of talent south Florida and other areas of the Sunshine State have for the upcoming season.
If you trace the linebacker position through the years in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, you will be blown away by the elite talent that has played the position at the high school level – and have gone on to college and professionally.
When the position had an opportunity to shine on Sunday, several local prospects were recognized for what they bring to the table and to their respective teams.
As they went through testing, drills and one-on-one competition, it was indeed evident that this group had some difference makers who were ready to make an impact.
Here is a look at the prospects who made an impression – starting with the rising senior (2027) class.
Joshua Hallas, 5’11, 205, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian Academy – 3.38 GPA. This two-sport (track & field) athlete is going to be someone to keep an eye on all off-season and into the 2026 season. Put up some huge numbers.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19260633/68f7ab9407612954d34ef029
Gardi Jean-Baptiste, 6’0, 205, North Miami Beach. If you know this program, you already understand that veteran head coach Jeff Bertani uses his players at every position on both sides of the ball, and this quality talent is certainly no exception. Linebacker, defensive end, tight end and on special teams.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19673413/Gardi-JeanBaptiste
Debonaire Johnson, 6’0, 220, Hollywood McArthur – 3.3 GPA. Two Sport athlete. There is no getting around that this is one of the prospects who could emerge as the best at this position. Not only locally, but statewide with his speed, athleticism and skill.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16942162/Debonaire-Johnson
Tedrick Oatman, 6’1, 210, Fort Lauderdale Dillard – 4.0 GPA. One of the prospects who is truly under-the-radar, but that has been changing for this two-sport (track & field) as he continues to raise the bar as a versatile defensive talent who also plays safety and nickel.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19641797/68dc08718f077d595a6df80f
Jaiden Sheard, 6’0, 190, Plantation American Heritage – 4.8 GPA. Following in the footsteps of his father – a one-time Hollywood Hills, University of Pittsburgh and NFL standout (Jabaal Sheard), this two-sport (basketball) athlete is starting to come into his own. Is expected to have a huge senior year.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19685730/jaiden-sheard
Albert Smith, 6’2, 210, Miami Southridge. Yet another versatile difference maker on a defense that was one of the best in south Florida this past season. Whether it’s as a linebacker or at the defensive end position, he will be one of the many prospects that the Spartans will feature in 2026.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20931961/Albert-Smith
Artrell Vance, 6’0, 210, Miami Killian – 3.2 GPA. Put up some huge numbers for the 8-3 Cougars this season during a playoff run. 111 total tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 1 blocked punt and 1 TD.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23255797/68e29d3c9175870d02edddeb
SOME UNDERCLASSMEN TO KEEP AN EYE ON
As the rising seniors did their thing – and were very impressive, there were also some younger prospects that also made some major strides.
Here are a few of the Class of 2028 rising juniors that caught the eye on recruiting websites, media members as fans.
Khavon Gipson, 6’1, 205, Miami Northwestern. If you watched him perform this past season you already know that this is another up-and-coming prospect that also showcased his skills at the Rivals event with a solid testing session. If you watch his film from a state championship run in 2025, you will see what everyone has been talking about.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22891327/Khavon-Gipson
Zakhari Johnson, 6’0, 210, Miami Carol City. After spending time and learning at Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, here is a quality football prospect that is projected to truly come into his own this coming season for the Chiefs. He has the size, strength, athletic ability and will only get better with maturity and growth. Also participates in track & field.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22794216/6781f2289070611cabcf9b75
Keion Thomas, 6’1, 195, Miami Central. If bloodlines mean anything, and they often do, this is someone you will want to keep an eye on over the next two years/. Not only did he look good on Sunday, but the younger brother of former Central and current Los Angeles Rams standout Keir Thomas, is quick, strong and is someone who could be the next great Rocket linebacker.
Steven Moore, 6’1, 215, Miami Central – 3.2 GPA. Ever since he was in the 8th grade, here is a prospect that everyone has been watching. From his youth football days right until his sophomore season, he continues to mature and pick up more about the game. In addition, he has been a nationally ranked wrestler since grade school. Solid talent who is expected to blow up in 2026.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19498770/Steven-Moore
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 55 years, we have spent more 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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
FORT LAUDERDALE – There are so many areas of this country that produces elite high school football talent, but when it comes to south Florida, everyone agrees that the prospects are just different.
When the Rivals Miami Elite Camp came to St. Thomas Aquinas High School last Sunday, the impressive array of current and future football talent was on display in all classes.
As local, regional, statewide and national recruiting gurus came out to give their opinions on this wave of football talent that colleges and universities will look to get into their respective programs, it was time to step up and showcase a region that has long churned out impressive players that have gone on to the next level and beyond.
Among the prospects that were on display were an emerging group of linemen that have already found their way onto the radar – nationally.
With several events geared to getting the linemen more exposure and raising the talent bar, those on hand watched a number of Miami-Dade and Broward players that will be in the spotlight over the next 10 months.
Here are some of the players who stepped up their game and were talked about by all who attended.
RISING SENIORS ARE LOADED WITH DIFFERENCE MAKERS
The Class of 2027 is a place where offensive linemen will certainly make a difference, and there was no shortage of elite prospects:
Gerren Bray, 6’2, 295, Fort Lauderdale Saint Thomas Aquinas – 3.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19783194/Gerren-Bray
Amari Cherenfant, 6’2, 293, Hollywood McArthur.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19568616/68defe3b6f2932b7d6b8a40c
Jayden Dean, 6’2, 285, Fort Lauderdale Saint Thomas Aquinas – 3.75 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18274620/6944dcebfe3272e54109e373
Giovanni Garner, 6’4, 325, Miami Carol City – 3.1 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/26911829/697168c76b510df375161359
Aiden “Big Country” Hartnett, 6’3, 285, Plantation American Heritage – 3.8 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17994260/Aiden-Hartnett
Cooper Hixon, 6’5, 310, Miami Westminster Christian - 4.98 GPA-31 ACT.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19405060/Cooper-Hixon
Mark Matthews, 6’6, 305, Fort Lauderdale St Thomas Aquinas.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19972142/Mark-Matthews
Devon Munnings, 6’5, 280, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna – 3.03 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23100945/68ea95662571e8dd77a4f757
Nico Ramos, 6’6, 315, Plantation American Heritage – 4.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23679186/Nico-Ramos
Ronald Riley, 6’4, 315, Miami True North Classical Academy – 3.1 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17569464/Ronald-Riley
Mylo-Elijah Tshinkola, 6’4, 285, Coral Gables – 3.95 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26989722/MyloElijah-Tshinkola
Jamarian Wilson, 6’2, 290, Miami Central.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23512726/672ba2f386296d82767580cb
CLASS OF 2028 PROSPECTS SHOWCASE A BRIGHT FUTURE
As the rising seniors did their thing at the event, there were several local underclassmen that made a statement and showed that the future would be bright as well.
Class of 2028 rising juniors turned heads:
Semaj Robinson, 6’3, 280, Miami Carol City – 3.6 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22368838/Semaj-Robinson
Laulelei “Deuce” Sualevai, 6’5, 295, Miami Christopher Columbus.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22794729/Laulelei-Deuce-Sualevai
Nijal Thigpen, 6’6, 280, Miami Carol City – 3.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9288079/68cade4d7611e1d19f71d726
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 55 years, we have spent more 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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
One of the most popular radio shows of its kind heads toward the middle of February with another impressive show on Monday night.
Six guests filled the two hours as the South Florida High School Sports Show once again presented some interesting topics.
Each week, the FM 104.3 WQAM radio program attracts the newsmakers in high school sports, recruiting college sports – not only locally, but throughout the country.
The show gives listeners an opportunity to hear about college football programs statewide from the media that cover them. It also focuses on the coaches who use the state of Florida – Miami-Dade and Broward Counties in particular.
The program, which has run for nearly two decades and has been recognized nationally as one of the best of its kind, has become a popular listen for recruiting fans as well as high school sports purists, focusing on high sports and the newsmakers.
Here is a look at the way Monday night went:
Heading into the 10th year, the Orange Bowl High School Football Showcase has been huge for student/athletes who are still looking for financial assistance to attend college and play the sport they love. In nine years, over $9 million have gone into affording these young men an opportunity. Dave Shula has a better idea of what it takes to attain a college scholarship and he talked about it.
DAVE SHULA ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/coach-dave-shula-f85a4
NSU University School has a new head football coach and Traveon Henry is ready to continue elevating the program in Davie. He spoke about the commitment to not only winning on the field, but also getting it done in the classroom.
COACH TRAVEON HENRY ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/coach-traveon-henry-hc-nsu-university-school-2aa1f
After a losing season in 2025, the University of Central Florida football program needed a solid off-season, and head coach Scott Frost and his staff have enjoyed a solid recruiting and transfer portal off-season. Matt Murschel covers UCF and talked about what’s ahead this spring in Orlando.
MATT MURSCHEL ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/matt-murschel-orlando-sentinel-93530
After yet another national championship appearance, Keiser University used this off-season to add to the talent already on board with a huge recruiting class that features some of the top football talent from the Sunshine State. Head Coach Myles Russ talked about this very productive past month.
HEAD COACH MYLES RUSS ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/coach-myles-russ-hc-keiser-university-903f8
Coming off a national championship game appearance, the University of Miami is back in the mix as one of the best football programs in the country – and Gaby Urrutia from Inside The U dropped by to talk about the transfer portal and one of the top recruiting classes the school has had in decades.
GABY URRUTIA ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/gaby-urrutia-inside-the-u-6f6d7
The Rivals.com camp came to Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas High School over the weekend, and the stars certainly came out to showcase their talents. Nick Wilson from USA Today was on hand for the action and was impressed at the talent – at all levels – that showed out during a competitive Sunday.
NICK WILSON ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/nick-wilson-usa-today-recruiting-58c8b
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 55 years, we have spent more 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 (@PrepRedzoneFL).
Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
By Dave Brousseau
CORAL SPRINGS – All the right components came into place for the Boyd Anderson boys’ basketball team in their Class 6A regional quarterfinal against the Coral Springs Colts on Saturday.
Though the Cobras lost their past two games against the Colts, including a district tournament game nine days ago, that all changed swiftly.
Led by junior guard Hatem Chehade, he led five other teammates with 19 points for and impressive 99-83 victory.
The Cobras (16-9) to a regional semifinal game next Saturday against defending 6A state champion St. Thomas Aquinas.
“We’ve been trying to get our guys to do this all year with our size advantage,” said Boyd Anderson coach Admore White. “When we started making shots, everything sort of snowballed. We got some good looks and knocked them down.”
Historically, the Colts haven’t had the best games against the Cobras over the past 20 seasons.
The Cobras 99 points was the first time over 90 points since a 95-77 victory over Coconut Creek on Nov. 23, 2015.
As for the Colts it was the most they had allowed since district tournament loss to St. Thomas Aquinas.
The 99 points allowed to Boyd Anderson was the most since giving up 95 in a loss to Cypress Bay on Dec. 7, 2022.
Boyd Anderson built a 55-24 lead at the half and led by 25 after three quarters.
Coral Springs (19-9) did its best to narrow the gap in the final quarter. Senior guard Craig Bryant Jr. did his best to rally his team with five 3-pointers and 22 points. Despite leading all scorers with 32 points, the Colts fell short.
Brandon Jean added 18 points for the Cobras, while Jaydan Silvera had 17 points, Niteno Pierre had 15 points, Juawayne Walters 14 point and Kevin Alesis 10 points.
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS 72, MATER ACADEMY 50: Clarence Westbrook Jr’s led the Raiders (24-4) with 19 points, while Nate Accius added 19 points.
BOYS REGIOAL QUARTERFINALS
Class 7A:
Western 54, Cypress Bay 53
Coral Glades 77, West Broward 53
Class 6A:
St. Thomas Aquinas 72, Mater Academy 50
Boyd Anderson 99, Coral Springs 83
South Plantation 58, Dwyer 55
Miramar 69, Fort Lauderdale 55
Class 5A:
Pembroke Pines Charter 69, Jensen Beach 33
Plantation 73, Archbishop McCarthy 71
Class 4A:
Stranahan 73, Key West 36
Class 3A:
Cardinal Gibbons 76, Gulliver Prep 49
Class 2A:
Miami Country Day 58, Chaminade-Madonna 51
SATURDAY’S REGIONAL SEMIFINALS
Class 7A:
Western (17-8) at Columbus (22-6)
Coral Glades (20-7) at Miami Palmetto (23-5)
Class 6A:
Boyd Anderson (16-9) at St. Thomas Aquinas (24-4)
South Plantation (13-9) at Miramar (20-8)
Class 5A:
Atlantic (20-7) at Pembroke Pines Charter (18-6)
Plantation (21-6) at Belen Jesuit (23-5)
Class 4A:
Miami Northwestern (17-6) at Stranahan (13-13)
Class 3A:
Pine Crest (18-8) at Cardinal Gibbons (21-6)
Dave Brousseau is a veteran journalist who worked at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and is a longtime BCAA Correspondent. Need to reach out to him? Contact him at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
By Dave Brousseau
FORT LAUDERDALE – Of the 10 BCAA girls basketball teams that qualified for the 2026 FHSAA regional quarterfinals games on Friday, the winners proved their potential for a potential state championship run.
St. Thomas Aquinas, winners of multiple state titles, showed they are one of the remaining five teams that advanced to next week’s regional semifinals.
Led by senior Isabella Sangha’s game-high 22 points, the Raiders cruised past Homestead 69-13 for their 10th consecutive regional quarterfinal win.
Aquinas 18-8) will host Mater Academy Charter in a Class 6A regional semifinal game on Friday at 7 p.m.
“I think games like tonight are good for us for confidence booster,” said Aquinas coach Emily Williams. “This was a game we looked to get everybody in to keep our confidence up looking toward our next game.”
Aquinas led 24-2 in the first quarter holding the Broncos to its first basket with 3:53 remaining.
Sophomore forward Laila Barnett added 15 points, while sophomore guard Catalina LaFreniere had 12 points.
Sophomore guard London Thomas was a non-injury scratch.
NOVA 61, DWYER 22: Jaelynn Housey scored a game-high 22 points to lead the Titans (22-4). Ke’mora Evans added 15 points
Nova will host Martin County in their regional semifinal game on Friday.
MCARTHUR 50, JENSEN BEACH 44: Nylah Lewis led the Mustangs with 15 points, while Christie Lewis added 10 points.
GIRLS REGIONAL QUARTERFINALS
Class 7A:
Park Vista 52, Douglas 43
Western 61, Boca Raton 18
South Dade 48, Cypress Bay 32
Class 6A:
St. Thomas Aquinas 69, Homestead 13
Mater Academy 58, Coral Springs 32
Nova 61, Dwyer 21
Martin County 69, South Broward 14
Class 5A:
Blanche Ely 71, Archbishop McCarthy 17
McArthur 50, Jensen Beach 44
Class 3A:
Keys Gate Charter 62, Cardinal Gibbons 28
FRIDAY’S REGIONAL SEMIFINALS
Class 7A: South Dade (11-9) at Western (20-7)
Class 6A: Mater Academy (18-8) at St. Thomas Aquinas (18-8); Martin County (14-13) at Nova (22-4)
Class 5A: McArthur (15-9) at Blanche Ely (18-5)
Dave Brousseau is a veteran journalist who worked at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and is a longtime BCAA Correspondent. Need to reach out to him? Contact him at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.