In the competitive world of off-season 7-on-7 football, there are several programs across the country who boast some elite talent.
As much as players and coaches across the country want to believe that the product that they put on the field – from coast-to-coast – each weekend – it’s tough to keep up with the players that come from the state of Florida.
While several 7-on-7 all-star programs use players from different state, Defcon United, a south Florida based team, is all about what the Sunshine State has to offer.
Coached by Robert Ortega (head coach at Hollywood McArthur), his assistant Noah Pressley and Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna defensive coordinator Aaron Strumski, this team is loaded with elite prospects, many who have already made a commitment to play at the next level.
With several national championships in hand, Defcon United is back at it this 7-on-7 season with some more elite prospects.
Among those competing this winter/spring are Class of 2026 players Javan Allison (DB, Miami Norland), Sam Brown Jr. (DB, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Jordan Campbell (LB, Miami Carol City), Derrek Cooper (RB/LB, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Dylan Denson (WR, Plantation American Heritage), Elijah Hardy (Athlete, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Terrance Johnson (DB, Plantation American Heritage), Bryant Junius (LB, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Dereon Coleman (QB, Orlando Jones), Leonzay Merzius (DB, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Derrick Nichols (DB, Plantation American Heritage), Robert Ortega Jr. (RB, Hollywood McArthur), and Plantation American Heritage receiver Jeffar Jean-Noel.
The Class of 2027 (rising junior) group is also big time – with Levi Champion (LB, West Palm Beach The King’s Academy), Dallas Crescenzo (WR, Lantana Santaluces), and Khamarion Young (WR, Hollywood McArthur).
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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 - BCAA Writer
DAVIE – It’s been 18 months since senior right-handed pitcher Chase Wildroudt had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.
Friday he was the starting pitcher against West Broward in the BCAA Tier 1 baseball championship game. Wildroudt made his second start of the season since his injury on October 24, 2023.
He went 5 2/3 innings allowing five hits, while striking out four to lead the Eagles to a 3-0 victory over the Bobcats at Nova High. It was also the Eagles third title in third year of the tournament.
The victory was the 12th consecutive over West Broward, while holding them to 23 consecutive scoreless innings. Douglas (7-1) has shut out the Bobcats six times during their winning streak.
“He’s about 18 months from Tommy John surgery and this was his third outing getting better and better each week,” said Douglas coach Todd FitzGerald. “He did great tonight. He was outstanding managing his pitches. He got some big strikeouts when we needed it.”
Backed by a stellar defensive effort, the Eagles allowed one base runner to get into scoring position, while Wildroudt was on the mound. Four times West Broward baserunners were called out trying to steal and advanced on a baseball hit.
Junior Jake Rizzo had a pair of RBIs, one in the bottom of the second inning and another two innings later. The third run came on a Bobcats (4-4) error in the bottom of the fourth inning.
“This feels great as I was struggling earlier in the season,” said Rizzo. “I’ve turned it up a notch and I feel like I’ve been able to help the team a lot. “
West Broward will host Douglas next Friday at 4 p.m.
“It’s baseball and right now we got it rolling pretty good,” said FitzGerald. “We got to go against them next Friday and it could be a different situation. Couldn’t be happier on how our guys handled themselves tonight.”
With the victory the Eagles haven’t suffered a second loss in the first eight games of a regular season since the 2019 season.
Senior left-hand pitcher Andrew Sarro was credited with the save.
Teir 2 Championship result: Pembroke Pines Charter 3, Nova 2.
Dave Brousseau can be reached on X at @dbrouss76 – or via e-mail at:
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The one thing about south Florida high school football prospects is they love to compete and embrace competition.
Perhaps nowhere else in the nation do prospects relish the opportunity to showcase their skills and put a stamp on the fact that when it comes to producing talent, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties are confident in what they produce every year.
During the off-season, there are camps and combines that provide a forum for these quality football players to do their thing.
On Sunday, when the Under Armour Next Football Camp Series headed to Ives Estates Park in North Miami-Dade County on Sunday, all eyes were on the gifted young men who did their thing for nearly six hours.
When the event came to an end, MVP awards were handed out to several of the players that participated, and while several players could have easily walked away with awards at each position and the automatic invited to the Under Armour All-Star contest, a select group were chosen.
We watched all day and saw so many gifted young men do their thing and came up with four players that we wanted to spotlight from the two counties.
2027 – Chase Goodrich, DL, 6-1, 265, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – 3.2 GPA. A day after qualifying for the state wrestling tournament, he came to the event to show coaches and media that he has been one of the fast-rising prospects in south Florida. Strong, agile and very smart, he brings so much to the game and will have a chance to prove it during the 2025 season as the Raiders will be in the mix once again.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16387545/677acf09e0580fc305e3f299
2026 -Desmond Johnson, LB, 6-1, 200, Miami Northwestern – 3.7 GPA. Another of the many football players in south Florida that continues to fly under the radar, but as many are finding out, he is the real deal and was a major force for the Bulls during the state championship run. As spring approaches, he will continue to pick up offers as more and more colleges will see how productive he is. Remains a prospect that many have not watched, but they will – soon!
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17981914/Desmond-Johnson
2026 – Michael Smarts, DE, 6-5, 220, Davie Nova – 3.2 GPA. After watching him this past season for the Titans, this is a football talent that is getting harder and harder to hide. He is quick off the ball and very athletic. As he gets stronger and bigger, major college coaches will enjoy what he brings to the table. This young man is the real deal and will must see during the spring and into the summer.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22768076/Michael-Smarts
2026 – Elias Sturman, OL, 6-1, 305, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. When he arrived from IMG Academy this past season a lot of people didn’t know who he was, but his work ethic and productivity up front were hard to ignore. In Sunday’s competition, his strength and technique surfaced as coaches had the chance to see for himself. He rarely loses a round during competition and was vital for the Lions.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16191625/6772666e020a50150c523b7e
2027 QUARTERBACKS SHOWCASED TLENT
Keep in mind that while several football players did their thing on Sunday – from all over the state, area 2027 quarterbacks showed why this rising junior class will be special.
Tyler Chance (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Jack Spaeder (Pembroke Pines West Broward), James Perrone (Miami Southridge), Zach Katz (Miami True North Classical Academy) and Kingston Rust (Miami Christopher Columbus) were all impressive and will be worth keeping an eye on this coming season.
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward
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..
Once again on Thursday night the South Florida High School Sports Radio Show took center stage with seven impressive guests.
Each and every week, the AM 560 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 show, which has run for nearly two decades has become a popular listen for recruiting fans as well as high school sports purists, focusing in on coaches and players in all sports.
Here is a look at the way Thursday went:
Florida Atlantic University has had 7 head coaches since 2001 season. In December they hired Zach Kittley to get the Owls to the next level. He joined the show.
COACH ZACH KITTLEY ON THURSDAY NIGHT:
https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/zach-kittley-florida-atlantic-university-head-coach-d851d
You would be surprised to find out how many former football players are now competing in rugby. Ryan Forston of South Florida Rugby talked about it.
RYAN FORSTON ON THURSDAY NIGHT:
https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/ryan-forston-south-florida-rugby-2d086
Ask any high school coach and all will tell you how poor the pay is. Dr. Andrew Ramjit from the Florida Coaches Coalition is out to change that.
DR. ANDREW RAMJIT ON THURSDAY NIGHT:
https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/dr-andrew-ramjit-florida-coaches-coalition-29916
THIS OFF SEASON GET THE JUMP ON EVERYONE. Check Out The South Florida High School Sports Radio Show Every Week. @UHealthSports @560WQAM https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward
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..
Moments after a season-ending loss in the first round of the state playoffs, first year Plantation head football coach Darrell Strong was not pleased.
While many would be satisfied with some state playoff game in year one, a consolation prize was the furthest thing from his mind.
As it would have been easy to rest of the fact that the Colonels advanced to the state playoffs in perhaps the toughest 4A district in Florida – where Plantation American Heritage would go on to win a state title – he knew that this team didn’t play well down the stretch, losing three of the final four and wanted to send a message. That message was 6-5 is NOT acceptable.
With Miami Norland, American Heritage and Archbishop McCarthy also work to get better this off-season, Plantation’s approach has been to continue to raise the bar.
With a number of key additions, and the return of some playmakers, the rising seniors (2026) will certainly lead the way with experience and talent.
Here is a look at some of those 2026 prospects:
Naijah Arnasalem, WR/S, 6’1, 185.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18032221/6728029ea953dda75e9fc7e3
Timothy Brown, DL, 6’3, 250.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19408837/67925ce8bb22bb3a616525d9
Bryant Carson, QB, 6’0, 190.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19009919/Bryant-Carson
Rayshawn Cunningham, RB, 5’9, 165.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20390824/Rayshawn-Cunningham
Christopher Damis, DB, 6’2, 180.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19679928/673ea4686a6e145fb2df3e6d
Ainsley David, OL, 6’3, 325.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18986391/Ainsley-David
Shenard Davis, DE/TE, 6’2, 190.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19032257/Shenard-Davis
Devon Pierre, WR/RB, 5’7, 140.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20038951/Devon-Pierre
Torrell Powell, DL, 5’10, 220 – 3.3 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19033171/Torrell-Powell
Zachariah Ray, RB, 5’9, 170.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18658565/67225043a161dd5921420329
Kendall Smith, LB, 5’8, 170.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23842699/Kendall-Smith
Christopher Tillman, RB/Athlete, 5’10, 170.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19529786/67374cdd8d38eae5be0c4818
AWAITING SPRING VIDEO
Jahlani Brown, OL, 6’3, 285
STRONG UNDERCLASS IS KEY TO THE 2025 SEASON
Coach Strong and his staff realize that if this program is going to take things one step further this coming season, the underclassmen will need to continue to step up.
The depth and talent will add to what the rising senior class is bringing to the games.
CLASS OF 2027
Jemari Foreman, DB, 6’1, 175.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23197049/66eb8e641c5063232295d012
Ja’tavius Groover, DB, 5’10, 165.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23197021/Jatavius-groover
Malik Henry-Wright, OL, 6-3, 325.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20391460/Malik-HenryWright
Jason Thomas, WR, 5’11, 165.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20390204/Jason-Thomas
Tory Thornton, Edge, 6’2, 180.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20390349/Tory-Thornton
CLASS OF 2028
Chanavis Chance, LB, 5’8, 180.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22769095/677dc35ed855bc12107c7f2b
Meshi Dobson, DE, 6’4, 225.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/25526973/Meshi-Dobson
Zakari Johnson, WR/DB, 6’0, 175.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/24237216/673b6b236f71d7690442b109
AWAITING SPRING VIDEO
Logan Escobedo, QB, 6’2, 175
Larry Freelove, DB, 5’10, 155
Russell George, WR, 6’1, 165
Johnathan Gillard, DB, 5’10, 155
Clarence Gillis Jr., LB, 5’8, 175
Marlin Johnson, WR, 5’10, 150
Braylen Peacock, DB, 5’10 155
Jake Warren, DE, 6’1, 210
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward
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..