Recruiting News

Palm Beach Gardens Saturday Spring Jamboree Showcases Area Talent

For the past few years, Palm Beach Lakes and Palm Beach Gardens High Schools have been the epicenter for spring football.

Three weeks into May, the schools have brought in several area football programs to compete in a day-long event that featured many schools and players who have gone on to the next level.

In the past, programs from the Space Coast, Indian River County, Miami-Dade and Broward as well as Palm Beach have come to compete against talent that normally wouldn’t compete against each other as college coaches from every conference and every level would set up shop for nearly 12 hours of action.

With media and fan websites on hand, the coverage has been impressive and instrumental in the recruiting process – with feature stories and evaluations taking place throughout the day.

With so many other spring games going on, here is an event that college coaches – from Miami to Kentucky, Clemson, Colorado, FSU, Florida, USF, Iowa State, Akron as well as Keiser University, FAU, FIU, St. Thomas University, Florida Memorial and countless other programs send multiple coaches to watch the talent.

“We attend an event like this because it gives our players plenty of exposure,” said Miami Palmetto head coach Mike Manasco. “Not only are there media who write, shoot and video, but college coaches who have the chance to see many of these young men perform for the first time.”

Last year, St. Petersburg Lakewood quarterback Anthony Colandrea (University of Virginia) and Edison receiver Nathaniel Joseph (Miami) came out and showcased some amazing talent that have landed them at the next level.

So many prospects had the chance – like Robby and Bobbie Washington (Miami) and linebacker Stanquan Clark (Louisville) were on hand as well.

TALENTED FOOTBALL PROSPECTS

When things get started at 10 a.m. at Palm Beach Gardens High, the host team will have the opportunity to get in a full game with the Gators playing a half against Miramar and a half against Coconut Creek.

Coach Tyrone Higgins and his Gators, Coach A.J. Scott and the Patriots and head coach Johnny Sloane and his Cougars will benefit from the experience.

SCHEDULE

Miramar vs. Palm Beach Gardens, 10 a.m.

Miramar vs. Miami Palmetto, 11:05 a.m.

Coconut Creek vs. Palm Beach Gardens, 12:10 p.m.

St. Petersburg Lakewood vs. Miami Palmetto, 1:15 p.m.

Coconut Creek vs. Port St. Lucie Treasure Coast, 2:20 p.m.

St. Petersburg Lakewood vs. Deerfield Beach, 3:25

Delray Beach Atlantic vs. Port St. Lucie Treasure Coast, 4:30 p.m.

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian vs. Deerfield Beach, 5:35 p.m.

Delray Atlantic vs. Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson, 6:40

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian vs. Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson, 7:45

TEAMS

Coconut Creek Cougars

HEAD COACH: Johnny Sloane

CLASS: 3M

2022 RECORD: 6-5

Deerfield Beach Bucks

HEAD COACH: Tremaine Hall

CLASS: 3M

2022 RECORD: 3-8

Delray Beach Atlantic Eagles

HEAD COACH: Jamelle Murray

CLASS: 3M

2022 RECORD: 8-4

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian Eagles

HEAD COACH: Kirk Hoza

CLASS: 2M

2022 RECORD: 9-3

Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson Cobras

HEAD COACH: Eddie Brown

CLASS: 3M

2022 RECORD: 1-9

Miami Palmetto Panthers

HEAD COACH: Mike Manasco

CLASS: 4M

2022 RECORD: 6-6

Miramar Patriots

HEAD COACH: A.J. Scott
CLASS:
3M

2022 RECORD: 10-2

Palm Beach Gardens Gators

HEAD COACH: Tyrone Higgins II

CLASS: 4M

2022 RECORD: 9-4

Port St. Lucie Treasure Coast Titans

HEAD COACH: Irvin Jones

CLASS: 4S

2022 RECORD: 4-7

St. Petersburg Lakewood Spartans

HEAD COACH: Cory Moore

CLASS: 2M

2022 RECORD: 9-5

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: May 18, 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..

5 Under The Radar Miami-Dade/Broward Prospects To Watch

The best thing about spring football in south Florida is no matter where you go in Miami-Dade or Broward County during the spring, there are some hidden gems.

Throughout the month of May, while the college coaches are attending practices, scrimmages and other showcase events, there are football players – many who have not gotten the publicity they deserve that are starting to turn some heads.

From now until the end of the summer, we will use our LIVE visits to practices, games, 7-on-7 competition and college camps to bring you some of the football talent that may not grab the attention of recruiting “gurus” who sit home and evaluate from their computers.

Here are five prospects who are starting to get plenty of recognition:

2025 – Logan Andrews, WR, 6-3, 190, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. Definitely one of the prospects that you will need to keep an eye on. His speed, athletic ability and knock of getting open in the secondary will truly give the Chiefs a deep threat. His size and route running will be the reasons that this young man will continue to jump into the spotlight. He comes from an athletic family – where his sister plays volleyball at the University of Miami and mother was a standout softball player at FAU.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16865389/Logan-Andrews

2026 - Anthony Brown, OG, 6-5, 315, Miami Palmetto. With all the off-season moves in Miami-Dade and Broward County perhaps the one that could turn out to pay off in huge dividends is this impressive football talent, who leaves True North to play for the Panthers. This is someone who brings everything to the table – at a young age – and with college coaches already watching him perform, you can expect everyone to turn their attention in his direction. Tremendous feet, improving strength and athleticism that is hard to teach. The Panthers got a good one here.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18142160/Anthony-Brown

2026 – Ben Gula, OL, 6-6, 250, Western Cypress Bay. The secret has started to get out, and while very few recruiting analysts and local fan websites have watched him play, college coaches who are coming through already have an idea about a very talented “big man” who has the chance to be very special. What sets him apart from anyone in his class is his athletic ability and quick feet. Leave no doubt that this is a gifted prospect who will jump onto the radar nationally over the next year.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18048207/635418b3b023010d505ca394

2025 – Darriel Harper III, WR, 5-8, 155, Miami Christopher Columbus. On a team loaded with talent – especially at the receiver position, here is another name to add to that impressive list. One of the top underclassmen in south Florida, here is a quality pass catcher who can lineup anywhere on the field and impact the Explorers. As a kick returner, his speed and ability to get through holes will be something that college coaches will watch as an enhancement to everything else he brings to the table. Solid prospect who will be fun to watch the next two years.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15189516/Darriel-Harper

2026 – Calerbe Hermane, TE/ 6-4, 205, Athlete, Davie Western. Talk about a budding prospect. The Wildcats have struck gold with this impressive young prospect, who is athletic, has size and skill and could end up on either side of the ball. Comes from Palm Beach Christian via Surge Academy, and while he flew under the radar early on, college coaches that we have talked to have been bowled over by his future and what he brings to the table.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16517371/Calerbe-Hermane

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: May 17, 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..

Cypress Bay Has Proven Leaders To Help This Year’s Team

WESTON – Coming off a 6-5 season in 2022, the objective for head coach Bret Hood and his Cypress Bay football program was to work hard in the off season and use spring as a steppingstone for the season ahead.

Throughout the months of January, February, March and April - while many prospects took part in 7-on-7 events and other showcases – the linemen visited colleges and got bigger and stronger.

After a year in which the Lightning advanced to the state playoffs, losing to rival Western, they came up with wins in the regular season against Pembroke Pines Flanagan, Davie Nova, Coral Springs Coral Glades, Cooper City and South Plantation.

What was expected this spring was to get a boost from leaders, who were healthy and ready to make a major impact. There were five student/athletes who have been impressive and pushing the younger prospects so far this month.

2025 – Craig Comrie, DE/OLB, 6-0, 210 – 3.8 GPA. Here is a prospect who is getting plenty of attention as he gets bigger and gains more experience. Heading into his junior season, college coaches already knows what this young man can do – on the football field and in the classroom.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16475348/Craig-Comrie-Jr

2024 – Joaquin Edie, Athlete, 5-10, 165. Easily one of the most versatile prospects in south Florida, college coaches are finding out what this rising senior can do on either side of the ball. Will be extremely valuable this coming year as a producer and as a role model.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14956011/Joaquin-Edie

2024 – Ryan Geary, LB, 5-11, 200 – 3.5 GPA. Make no mistake, this is an all-area performer who gets it done on the football field and in the classroom. Well respected by teammates, coaches, teachers and administrators, you get a feeling that no matter what level he plays at he will be a standout.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14740835/634438880660a008dccbf747

2025 – Devin Gonzalez, QB, 6-0, 175. One of the prospects in south Florida who has matured, grown and improved over the past two years. After spending his freshman year at Flanagan, he worked hard to establish himself as one of the premier underclassmen. He has the leadership and confidence to make so impressive things happen.

TAPE: sophomore season highlights - Devin Gonzalez highlights - Hudl

2024 – Deron Latson Jr., WR, 5-9, 160. The first time we watched this young man was two years ago at Flanagan, and he was impressive. Then, last year he was a force at Miami Norland, although the Vikings moved him to the defensive secondary. Now, back playing receiver, this is someone who is going to turn heads. He is a difference maker that will take the heat off of Edie and make the Lightning more potent.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16424623/Deron-Latson

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: May 16, 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..

Miramar Looks Toward Senior Class in 2023

MIRAMAR – Coming off an impressive 10-2 season that included three state playoff games, the bar has been set for the Miramar Patriots.

This is a program that has long relied on size, athletic ability, skill and senior leadership, which has become a trademark for the Patriots.

While that “Dark Side” Defense has been the calling card, this program has not become a team that wants to have the entire team in the spotlight – and not just one phase.

When head coach A.J. Scott and his team hosted the annual Red vs. Blue scrimmage last Friday night, he wanted to make sure that the Patriots were indeed ahead of schedule. To accomplish what the program did last season, it will be up to seniors – on both sides of the ball – who will need to step up and grab the attention of the entire team.

At the center of that attention will be four prospects who have received plenty of the spotlight this spring and will use that to their advantage.

Kael Alexander, QB, 6-4, 185 – 4.57 GPA. In his first season after making the move from Cypress Bay, this is someone who continued to learn and became the leader this offense followed. While he is still a work in progress, his work on the field and in the classroom have earned him respect – not just from the athletic community, but also teachers and administrators who continue to be impressed at the way he has balanced his high school years.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14740851/Kael-Alexander

Shamar Meilke, DE/OLB, 6-4, 220. It’s something about wearing that No. 9 that fuels defensive ends/Edge Rushers for the Patriots. This is someone who has turned heads this off-season, and while his physical growth has been impressive, so has his play on the field as he is a work in progress that has the potential to be an impact player no matter where he ends up.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15345105/Shamar-Meikle

Caleb Solomon, FS/CB, 6-1, 180 – 4.6 GPA. One of the prospects who continues to turn heads with his versatility in the defensive secondary – as a student athlete who has also found a comfortable balance between the football field and the classroom. His size and skill level has opened some valuable opportunities this spring, getting plenty of exposure and having college coaches watch what he is doing. Keep your eye on his progress. He has the chance to be special.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15970184/Caleb-Solomonedded

Jaheim Williams, 5-10, 165, CB, Miramar – 4.2 GPA. Very few prospects has grown and elevated himself to a different level like this young man has. He is indeed turning out to be one of the top secondary performers in south Florida, combining skill, physical abilities, and work in the classroom. The younger players are gravitating to him because he is so well-rounded, on and off the playing field.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15350485/Jaheim-Williams

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: May 15, 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..

Cardinal Gibbons Finding Senior Leadership

FORT LAUDERDALE – On a night when the Cardinal Gibbons football team and veteran head coach Matt Dubuc took their product into the community, it was evident that the 2M power knows exactly how success will be achieved in 2023.

Before friends, family, former players and college coaches, the Chiefs went to Carter Park for a scrimmage that was all about giving back to a community that has been instrumental in the success of this team that won the state title two of the past three years.

While so many younger players had the chance to showcase their skills and perform in front of people who can make a difference in their future, it was the rising senior class (2024) that made a statement.

While this program missed out on playing in the state title game last season, that senior leadership may not have been in place the way it had been during the runs for the state titles.

This spring has already uncovered a senior class that was not only ready to lead by example but show that they will be there to make sure that the Chiefs have a legitimate chance to make a solid run once again.

On Thursday night, there were six seniors ready for the opportunity to take that leadership role. Players who are making a mark with college coaches while getting it done in the classroom.

Here is a look at those six players, who have been instrumental so far this spring: 

Brekien Harold, DT, 6-3, 300 – 2.91 GPA. No doubt that this will be a force in the middle for this program. He is a big, strong and agile talent who is used to making big plays. He plays low and is nearly impossible to block, which is going to be a plus this season.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15359792/Brekien-Harold

Colton Heinrich, TE, 6-4, 230 – 4.4 GPA. Comes in as one of the premier tight end prospects in the state. His ability to catch the ball and use his size and athleticism is something that college coaches have continued to notice in the off-season. Here is a talented student/athlete that is someone who is willing to work hard to get better.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15011285/Colton-Heinrich

Antonio Lindsay Jr., WR, 5-9, 160 – 4.30 GPA. With all the talent that this team has at the receiver position, this is going to be a prospect that has a chance to be special. Has the speed to get open and will do his part to throw his frame into the mix as a blocker. Sets an example by his work ethic and what he accomplishes in the classroom. Keep your eye on him over the next six months.  

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15064467/Antonio-Lindsay-Jr

Michael Merdinger, QB, 6-3, 200 – 4.75 GPA. After seeing some action last season, this is a standout that has received plenty of attention this spring with his ability to read defenses and make plays. Between what he does on the football field and his work in the classroom, it is no wonder why the University of North Carolina made him one of those huge commitments for the next class. Has the opportunity to lead the Chiefs back to the state title mix in a very crowded field.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15272216/Michael-Merdinger

Jonathan Rodriguez, OC, 6-5, 280 – 4.3 GPA. When developing elite offensive linemen, there is so much that is involved, and when you watch this quality talent play the game, you can see that he gets it. Versatile enough to lineup at any position on the line while displaying technique that is truly among the best in south Florida. A very productive and hard-working lineman that is getting plenty of college looks.

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

Zach Thompson, DT, 6-4, 260 – 3.9 GPA. Here is one of the unique big men on this team. Not only is he a physical playmaker on the football field, but also a catalyst as a rugby player for this school. On the football field, this defensive tackle/end is aggressive, physical and plays with plenty of passion. The coaching staff continues to rave about his skill as a student athlete and is another of this senior leadership group that makes an impact in the classroom as well.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15568891/Zach-Thompson

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: May 12, 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..