He has played major college football at Long Beach State and the University of Miami, raised two sons who are currently in the NFL and has coached and coordinated defenses for decades. Welcome to the world of Chad Wilson.
On a Saturday morning when many youngsters are sleeping in, headed to the beach or just hanging out, Wilson is hosting over a dozen defensive backs at Ives Park in North Miami Dade County.
As they go through drills in the blazing sun and rising humidity, this impressive coach shares the decades of knowledge as a secondary specialist who knows the position as well as anyone who plays or coaches.
His All Eyes Camp is attended year round by so many in south Florida who are looking to gain an advantage at the high school, college and professional level.
As his wife Carmen shoots video for the prospects on hand to see, Wilson thrusts himself into the drills and personally shows each and every student-athlete on hand what they are doing wrong – and also things that they are doing right. There is a mutual respect on both sides of the ball, as the players on hand realize that Wilson has been there and done all this before – many times.
With his older son Quincy, a one-time Indianapolis Colts selection and current Miami Dolphin, and Marco, who was selected by the Arizona Cardinals, he has two year round students who still use dad as a major training plus. Both attended the University of Florida – much to the disappointment of Miami fans, who had hoped both would choose his alma mater.
What Chad and Carmen have always been is supportive to all their children – and trips every weekend to college games, and now to the NFL contests will show how much they care and how much they are involved.
When he was coaching at Plantation American Heritage, Chad used to hop a plane or get in a car to make Quincy’s games at Florida. He also did the same for Marco until it got too much.
Today, Chad and Carmen are a team who work together on the camps and travel together to watch their sons perform.
If you think that Carmen doesn’t know the game, you would be fooling yourself. She has watched and learned the sport through the years as a youth football parent, high school mom, college fan and now at the NFL level.
“I love doing this,” she said. “It’s all about support, and being out here in 100 degree heat is part of what we do to make sure that these young men have the chance to make it at this level and beyond.”
As the session winds down, Chad has time to reflect on all the prospects he has had the pleasure of teaching and being around.
The lists is impressive and somewhat endless. Prospects include is two sons as well as current Denver Bronco Pat Surtain Jr. (American Heritage – 2018) and current Jacksonville Jaguar Tyson Campbell (American Heritage – 2018). Both were regarded as elite prospects coming out of high school and college.
Other defensive backs standouts that Wilson worked with range from Rashard Causey (St. Thomas Aquinas) to Will Allen Jr. (American Heritage - 2017), NFL standout Chris Lammons ( Plantation - 2014), NFL draftee Damon Arnette (St. Thomas - 2015), Al Blades Jr. (University School and St. Thomas - 2018), Jarvis Brownlee (Carol City - 2019) and standout Jeremiah Dinson (Hialeah American - 2015).
Rising prospects such as Semar Melvin (St. Thomas - 2019), Chandler Jones (Miami Central 2018), Jalen Harrell (Hialeah Champagnat – 2020), Brian Edwards (Miramar – 2017) and Quadric Bullard (Chaminade – 2020) have also spent extensive time with Wilson at the All Eyes Camps).
FUTUTRE STARS WORK ON THEIR CRAFT
While Wilson’s past has opened the door for the future, his current weekly group looks like a who’s who of stars on the rise. Prospects such as Kimari Robinson (St. Thomas - 2023), Jaiden Outar (Miami Palmetto – 2023), Daniel Harris (Miami Gulliver – 2023) and Miami Monsignor Pace High’s Donovan Philord.
The weekly camps also attract prospects such as fast-rising Fort Lauderdale Dillard senior Jerry Johnson Jr., Justin Coles (St. Thomas Aquinas - 2023), Justin Bostic (Palm Beach Central – 2023), Ryan Mack (St. Thomas Aquinas – 2024) and Dillard 2024 standout Anu Stewart.
If you are interested in turning up the volume in your career in the defensive secondary, reach out to Wilson (@GridironStuds on Twitter or Instagram) and see what it can do for you.
TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2023-2026. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects
MIAMI-DADE AND BROWARD TRANSFERS. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-continues-in-miami-dade-broward
TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA FOOTBALL TEAMS. https://larryblustein.com/news/tracking-south-florida-2022
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 you know by now, our objective is to promote every class and every player possible – via individual and team profiles.
While we cannot get to every single player in the off-season, we try to shine a spotlight on the student/athletes who continue to turn heads with hard work – in and out of the classroom.
We have been very fortunate to watch a number of football players this spring and summer live – and with that knowledge of seeing them and talking with them – we continue to give valid promotion of athletes and NOT just watch a film and rank players.
We have been in this long enough to know that lists and rankings are fine, but when you do not see the prospects live, you miss so much that could end up changing the entire evaluation for the next level – good or bad.
Because we cover the entire state and have watched thousands of athletes perform at camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we have a more valid idea of what the prospect is all about.
Once again today, we take a look at four south Florida (Miami-Dade and Broward) prospects to keep an eye on this coming season:
Khamani Alexander, RB, 6-1, 185, Miami Belen Jesuit. As we have said before, it’s a shame that so many people rank and evaluate football players without seeing them and just rely off just film. Having watched this tremendous football talent a number of times live, we can honestly say that he has everything you are looking for. Size, speed, great vision and a burst to get through the hole – fast. Like so many promising prospects at this position, he also catches the ball out of the backfield. College coaches who have not watched him play need to stop listening to analysts who really do not know. This is a big-time talent that will take a major leap this season.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14592816/Khamani-Alexander
Allen Archie, LB, 6-1, 205, Coconut Creek. Like Alexander, here is another football talent on the rise. Following him since his days at Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, this is a strong, aggressive and talented prospect, who is quick and is learning more and more about all the linebacker positions. Watch him play and you will see that he has the opportunity to be very special, and the Cougars are starting to see what he will lend to a program that is trending upward as the 2022 season is right around the corner. A name to remember!
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17053130/Allen-Archi
Gerald Modest, RB, 6-0, 185, Miami Booker T. Washington. From his youth football days to his time at Miami Edison, there is no getting around the potential that this young man has. Playing for the Tornadoes will be a major advantage for someone who has already had the opportunity to be watched and evaluated by a number of colleges. He still has so much to learn, and when he gets it, the sky is indeed the limit. As he showed during the spring and on the 7-on-7 tour, he can catch the ball, too.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15254143/Gerald-G6%ef%b8%8f-Modest
Keith Thompson, LB, 6-0, 225, Fort Lauderdale Dillard. Watching this quality talent a few times during the spring, you can easily see why this is a prospect who is on the rise. He has a very high football IQ, which combines with his aggressive style, quickness, size and passion for the game. This will be a huge season for this young man as he will play a challenging schedule and will have plenty of coaching along the way. Another prospect that you are going to need to watch. Made his way over from Deerfield Beach in the off-season.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15272276/Keith-Thompson
Josh Townsend, QB, 5-10, 200, Homestead. Here is the perfect example of many NOT watching him live and using video to rank and evaluate him. In fact, before the recent 7-on-7 tournament, very few people had watched him, and now that they have, they can see what everyone has been raving about. Strong and accurate arm, great decision maker and a leader – which you just cannot see on a film clip. This is a name that you will hear plenty about in the next two years.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15269640/61ba2433b3d211039c5fb57e
TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2023-2026. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects
MIAMI-DADE AND BROWARD TRANSFERS. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-continues-in-miami-dade-broward
TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA FOOTBALL TEAMS. https://larryblustein.com/news/tracking-south-florida-2022
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..
There is no doubt that when you play football in south Florida, you have the opportunity for plenty of exposure.
The summer months in June and July give prospects an opportunity to showcase their skills – while turning heads – and in some cases – jump on the radar screen.
While the quarterback position is one of the most talented ion years in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, several athletes have had the chance to make a statement.
Today, we look at five prospects in Classes 2023, 2024 and 2025:
2024 – Kael Alexander, 6-4, 185, Miramar. One of the true surprises this off-season after making his way over from Cypress Bay. This talented player has displayed everything the Patriots have been looking for – boasting a strong and accurate arm as well as leadership. Add to what he does on the football field to his work in the classroom (4.57 GPA) and you have a junior who will be watched very closely by colleges everywhere. Head Coach A.J. Scott has two solid quarterbacks on his roster.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14740851/Kael-Alexander
2023 – Damari Charlton, 6-1, 185, Miami Southridge. Here is certainly someone who really made an impact this off-season as the Spartans rebuild under first year head coach Pierre Senatus. Solid throwing arm, very athletic and his leadership has been impressive – to say the least. What makes this young man so special is his athletic ability. He can play plenty of positions on the field, and that was an option, but with the way he has played, colleges will be watching this coming season to see his progress.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12902120/6197ae494ba92909c87d747e
2024 – A.J. Hairston, 6-4, 215, Coconut Creek Monarch. While he is certainly no secret to football fans, many who not watched him before are starting to see just why he is so highly rated. With the addition of several new weapons around him, this strong-arm passer will now get more exposure where the right people will watch and appreciate what he brings to the table. Has been on the radar for the past two years, and with plenty of college visits this summer, watch for the offers to start pouring in. He is coached by Calvin Davis.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15313088/618824575b3d390148cb03ca
2024 – Claudel Sherman, 6-0, 175, Miami Booker T. Washington. There are very few quarterbacks in south Florida who have made such a dramatic change in his game like this quality junior, who has taken advantage of a new coaching staff and additional players to make a huge statement. During his spring game, he accounted for well over 300 yards passing and running as head coach Tim “Ice” Harris returning to Overtown. With the offense and his improvement over the past year, keep an eye on this prospect – for two more years.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16040962/61eaa1770c5da60dc04db6c1
2025 – Ennio Yapoor, 6-1, 210, Miami Norland. What else can be said about this impressive talent that hasn’t been said a million times. Moving over from Hialeah Champagnat Catholic, where he led the Lions to a fifth straight 2A state title game, this talented athlete can do it all. Tremendous arm, very good mobility and is a workout fanatic – as he is as strong as any quarterback you will find at any age. When you watch him perform, you have to remind yourself that he is just a sophomore – with three full years ahead of him. A nationally-rated standout who will lead the Vikings’ offense this coming season. His off-season has been incredible with offers pouring in. One-time Vikings’ quarterback Darryle Heidelberg is his head coach.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14792479/Ennio-Yapoor
TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2023-2026. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects
MIAMI-DADE AND BROWARD TRANSFERS. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-continues-in-miami-dade-broward
TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA FOOTBALL TEAMS. https://larryblustein.com/news/tracking-south-florida-2022
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..
THE LIONS FILE
Head Coach: Frank Morales
2021 Record: 4-6
THE SCOOP
While winning four games in 2021 fell way short of the goals that this program set before the year started, there were some positives that came out of the season.
One of the big lessons learned was while there were six losses, each and every game served a purpose and this program learned from it.
The other thing that came out of the year was winning games – against Doral Reagan (30-7), Miami Varela (36-12), Miami Beach (22-21) and Hialeah (20-7). It may not be big to some programs, but to this Lions it was huge.
One of the major things that came out of 2021 was the rising seniors – those in the Class of 2023 – took leadership, added talent and gave this team and the school plenty of optimism, heading into the spring and summer.
Attending events – such as last week’s Keiser University Prospect Camp was huge, and this senior class really started to take ownership in turning this program around.
Here is a look at some of those seniors expected to make an impact this season:
CLASS OF 2023
Ahmir Britt (DL, 6-1, 210)
Kevin Chavez (OL, 5-11, 230)
Tyreese Clerveau (WR/DB, 6-0, 165)
Tyreke Clerveau (QB, 5-11, 160)
Jayden Fouquet (LB, 6-0, 190)
Jonmart Gutierrez (DB, 5-7, 140)
Rafael Hernandez (Athlete/LS, 6-2, 185)
Douglas Hernandez (DB/OLB, 5-10, 175)
Alejandro Izquierdo (Athlete, 5-9, 170)
Abraham Mairena (Athlete, 5-11, 180)
Hiovany Navarro (LB/DL, 6-3, 215)
Frank Placencio (WR, 5-11, 160)
Joshua Radcliff (OL, 5-10, 215)
Jadhiel Reyes (OL, 5-11, 275)
Jonathan Rodriguez (DL, 6-2, 245)
Lazaro Torres (WR, 5-11, 155)
Richard Varona (RB, 5-9, 180)
Juan Victoria (OL, 6-0, 255)
PHOTO COURTESY OF MATER ACADEMY FOOTBALL
TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA FOOTBALL TEAMS. https://larryblustein.com/news/tracking-south-florida-2022
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..
The one thing that may separate Miami-Dade and Broward Counties when it comes to producing kickers and punters is the year-round competition that is held.
Several exposure camps, instructors and events are taking place the help elevate many these rising special teams performers.
While we are spotlighting kickers and punters today, the long snappers in this area have also jumped into the national picture and we will highlight them as well in the coming weeks.
There are so many opportunities for kickers and punters to jump on the radar screen, and while very few recruiting services and analysts cover these events, those who run them are always in contact with college coaches across the country.
THE SENIORS HAVE THE EXPERIENCE
Unlike 10-15 years ago, kickers and punters start at a very early age, and often follow in the footsteps of siblings and friends.
With the Kornblue Summer Showcase slated for July 29-30 at Calvary Christian Academy in Fort Lauderdale, many of the seniors will have a chance to enhance their standing – with a solid showing.
Some of the seniors to keep an eye on this season includes Andres Amaya (Doral Ronald Reagan), Nicholas Caballero (Miami Christopher Columbus), Aiden Cashette (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Ayden Castillo (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Ryan Cimino (Hialeah Gardens) and showcase-tested Christian de Villiers (Miami Christopher Columbus).
Miami True Classical Academy’s Lucas Falossi, Derek Fletes (Miami Northwestern), nationally-recognized Robert Hammond III (Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons), veteran Jeffrey Hernandez (Coconut Creek), standout Patrick Keough (Miami Palmetto), Aidan Martinez (Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy) and Marcos Netto (Miami St. Brendan) are all impressive.
There is little doubt that Cardinal Gibbons has one of the best special teams in the state with a solid long snapper, a tremendous kicker and a punter (Christian Silverstein), who has been competing at a high level for quite some time. James Thompson (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Jarquez Velasquez (Fort Lauderdale Stranahan), Jason Zapata (Somerset Academy Homestead) and Ivan Zivenko (Miami Immaculata LaSalle) are all anxious to showcase their skills in 2022 as well.
CLASS OF 2024 HAS PLENTY OF PROMISE.
Just like the standouts in this current senior class, there is a wave of juniors who have an opportunity to really put themselves on the map, and as you will see today, we have a solid group to choose from.
Prospects such as Andrew Abu-Akel (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), William Rowe Allen (Miami Christopher Columbus), Jacques Blanchard (Miami Gulliver Prep), Robert Czeremcha (Miami Christopher Columbus), Dylan Dinerman (Miami Gulliver Prep) and Ian Faulkner (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas) have all made major strides.
The class also features nationally-recognized Kristian Hobbs (Davie Western) and Michael Kern (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas) as well as Alon Kochav (Plantation American Heritage), Claiten Maysonet (Homestead Somerset Academy Silver Palms), Nicholas McCarthy (Coral Springs Coral Glades) and nationally-rated Gabriel Perez from Miami Southridge.
With Brandon Rabasco (Hollywood South Broward), Cosme Salas (Miami Gulliver Prep) and Denzel Velasquez (Miramar Everglades) there is plenty to see in this junior group.
THE FUTURE LOOKS VERY BRIGHT
While you saw some of the seniors and juniors who will keep this area of the state of the map, there are some sophomores who figure to make a major impact as well. Keep an eye on these young men as well.
The Class of 2025 features rising stars such as Lucas Avino (Miami Belen Jesuit), Luca Guerra (Doral Academy), Abraham Gutierrez (Miami St. Brendan), Gavin Katz (South Plantation), Zane Knapp (Fort Lauderdale), Adrian Muelle (Miami Belen Jesuit) and St. Thomas Aquinas prospects Nick Navarro and Nicholas Romero.
Ethan Silva (Miami Archbishop Carroll) and Christopher Wirth (South Plantation) are solid and so is Fort Lauderdale Dillard Class of 2026 rising standout Trace Poncev.
ARE THERE CHANGES?
If you are not listed or have a kicker/punter to add or change, please let us know. Our objective is to promote to hundreds of colleges and universities, but it’s also to get it right. If a player is listed at a wrong school or there is someone to add, please let us know by sending the correct information to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS –https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects
MIAMI-DADE AND BROWARD TRANSFERS ARE HOT NEWS NATIONALLY –https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-continues-in-miami-dade-broward
For the past 52 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..