When head coach Dameon Jones and his two-time defending state champions took the field on Thursday night at Cardinal Gibbons as part of a three-team kickoff classic, all eyes were the Lions.

One of the best teams in the state of Florida, this program has reached a level where reloading is the order each year, and while they are young in so many areas, this is a team that will be winning and being recognized nationally for years to come.

With so much talent to choose from, the Lions have received attention from colleges and universities at just about every position. But there’s one spot that everyone is paying the most attention – the offensive line.

Known for the protection that they have given top quarterbacks and running backs through the years, this is a line that has continued to mature and grow. This year, they are considered to be one of the best in the state.

This fortress of talent includes seniors Deandre Duffus (6-5, 314), Elvin Harris (6-6, 300), Indiana University commitment William Larkins, 6-4, 305), Matthew Cook (6-7, 290) and Giovani Marks (5-11, 240).

The junior class features Jackson Campbell (6-3, 270) and Josh Zeikowitz (6-4, 290).

Freshman Kirby Vital (6-2, 250) and Mekhi Bradley (6-2, 285) are indeed the future.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN

After Thursday night’s jamboree with host Cardinal Gibbons and Miami Palmetto, it’s time to turn the page – as the Lions and Chiefs will take part in the Broward County Football Showcase next week, and the Panthers will kick things off next Thursday against a potent Homestead team.

WHO LOOKED GOOD ON THURSDAY NIGHT

On Thursday, Chaminade-Madonna and Cardinal Gibbons were scoreless in their two quarters. The Lions went on to beat Miami Palmetto and then the Panthers beat Cardinal Gibbons in the final half.

Here is a look at some prospects who grabbed the spotlight:

2023

Derrick Bohler, WR, Miami Palmetto

Dwight Bootle, DB, Miami Palmetto

Blake Brookins, TE, Miami Palmetto

Tre’Mone Drisdom, DB, Cardinal Gibbons

Trey Dubuc, LS, Cardinal Gibbons

Luke Evans, DB, Chaminade-Madonna

Gabriel Hardman, LB, Miami Palmetto

C.J. Johnson, DE, Cardinal Gibbons

Edwin Joseph, WR/DB, Chaminade-Madonna

Jeno Julius, LB, Chaminade-Madonna

Patrick Keough, PK, Miami Palmetto

Greg Otten, OLB, Cardinal Gibbons

Jaden Outar, DB, Miami Palmetto

Wayne Peart, DL, Chaminade-Madonna

Victor Pino, OL, Miami Palmetto

D’Angelo Ponds, DB, Chaminade-Madonna

Brayden Walker, DT, Cardinal Gibbons

Bobby Washington, LB, Miami Palmetto

Robby Washington, WR, Miami Palmetto

2024

Cedrick Bailey, QB, Chaminade-Madonna

Jacory Barney, Athlete, Miami Palmetto

Zack Boehly, OL, Cardinal Gibbons

Harold Breiken, DT, Cardinal Gibbons

Darryl Doctor, OL, Miami Palmetto

Colton Heinrich, TE, Cardinal Gibbons

Willis McGahee, OLB, Miami Palmetto

Elisson Mirutil, OL, Miami Palmetto

Zaquan Patterson, S, Chaminade-Madonna

Jonathan Rodriguez, OL, Cardinal Gibbons

Jeremiah Smith, WR, Chaminade-Madonna

Kaleb Stewart, LB, Chaminade-Madonna

Bryce Stringer, DL, Chaminade-Madonna

Joshisa Trader, WR, Chaminade-Madonna

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..

With one week left before the start of the regular season everyone is anxious to show what they got out of this off-season.

Those camps, combines, conditioning and 7-on-7 events – all designed to help the athlete mature – are going to be put to the test this coming season. A record number of college events and local 7-on-7 tournaments will be revealed on football fields throughout Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

Prospects will have the chance, with so many impressive matchups this season, to showcase their game-breaking skills – for college coaches and recruiting services to check out.

In addition, many prospects this year will be part of a record number of off-season transfers that have approached 300 in just the two counties.

Once again today, we hit the defensive side of the ball with five more prospects to keep an eye on. Some have already been watched – while others are looking to get themselves on the radar for all to see.

2023 - Jeno Junius, LB/SS, 5-11, 190, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. You’ve heard over and over about an athlete who just makes plays no matter where you put them. This is that prospect, who hits like a linebacker, but plays like a safety. One that is agile, quick and gets to the ball as fast as anyone. He is always around the ball, which is something that makes the Lions very special under veteran head coach Dameon Jones.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/12991653/Jeno-Junius

2024 – Earl Kulp, CB, 6-1, 180, Miami Central. Makes his way into Miami-Dade County from Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas as one of the highest rated prospects in the class. Here is a talented young man who has speed, athletic ability and can play all secondary positions, receiver and on special teams. He will certainly enhance and already potent Rockets’ secondary under first-year head coach Jube Joseph. Is already a national recruit before the season gets started.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15984502/Earl-Kulp

2024 – Gavench Marcelin, DE, 6-3, 225, Miami Belen Jesuit. After watching this young man play live three times, he never disappoints. He has gotten bigger and stronger – and you mix that in with his skill on the football field and you have something special. Doesn’t get the publicity that he deserves for head coach Don Chaney’s Wolverines but look for that all to change this year when he will see less double teams. Had a tremendous spring as did his team.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14592831/Gavench-Marcelin

2023 – Dairo Melendez Jr., DL, 6-2, 280, Miami Immaculata LaSalle. Yet another way under the radar talent, who is committed to Coastal Carolina, but needs to be looked at by other schools who can use a high-level performer like this. Will be a three-year starter for head coach Helder Valle’s Royal Lions. Has had some serious summer battles with University of Miami commitment Frankie Tinilau, who has expressed his feeling about this quality and versatile lineman, who will have a huge season.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/12903149/Dairo-Melendez

2024 - Nick Rodriguez, LB, 6-1, 190, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. One of the true two-sport (wrestling) athletes in south Florida who continues to make a serious impact in both arenas. As a football player, this is someone who runs extremely well, is a sure tackler and plays with passion. Watch the big games that head coach Roger Harriott’s Raiders play and he is right in the middle of the action. Already a two-time state qualifier on the wrestling mat, his skill, balance and love for the sport has elevated him to the next level. Easily one of the toughest playmakers in the class, and this football team will look to his many abilities this coming season.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15316576/Nicholas-Rodriguez

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..

With kickoff classics this week and the start of the 2022 season on the horizon, we continue to shine the spotlight on Miami-Dade and Broward County athletes.

Over the past four months, our objective has been all about getting the players exposure in every class and at each level.

While the end result is making sure that all the prospects in these powerful two counties get noticed by every college and universities – from Power 5 to junior college and prep school programs.

Today, we take a look at some defensive standouts who will grab the spotlight with the opening of the season. There is plenty to be excited about:

2023 - Monroe Ingraham, S/CB, Davie Western. One of the many new faces on this football team, here is a gifted prospect who turned heads last season for then 2A power Hialeah Champagnat Catholic. This is a versatile secondary performer that the Wildcats will certainly use as the look to get to the state finals. His ability to read offenses and make plays will give him a huge advantage, having the skill level to play either cornerback or safety.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16059373/Monroe-Ingraham

2023 – D’Angelo Ponds, CB, 5-10, 160, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. One of the true under the radar players who started to make an impact in the off-season – coming off a solid junior season. This is a playmaker who is always around the ball, and if the Lions are going to be successful this coming season, it’s talented young leaders like this who will need to continue to step up.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/13578920/DAngelo-Ponds

2024 - Daylen Russell, DT/DE, 6-3, 255, Miami Christopher Columbus. Had the opportunity to watch this gifted prospect in the spring of his freshman year and came away more than impressed by his size, athletic ability and how quickly he picked things up. Has a chance over the next two years to become one of the best in the nation. This versatile defensive lineman has already shown those in the state of Florida that there are few who are in his league.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/9810163/Daylen-Russell

2025 – Jack Sawyer, DE/OLB, 6-0, 205, Miami Norland. After a spectacular freshman season at Hollywood Avant Garde, this impressive talent makes the move to play for the Vikings. Having been around the game all of his young life, this is a producer on the field – being around the ball when it counts the most. Having watched him play a number of times, he has matured and is showing how special and versatile he will be over the next three season. Keep an eye on his progress.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16251315/Jack-Sawyer

2023 – David Vadala, LB, 5-10, 205, Plantation American Heritage. After bursting on the scene as a freshman, earning all-state honors, he followed that up with another productive sophomore year – where he was a catalyst for one of the state’s top teams. Last year he made the move over to St. Thomas Aquinas where he once again came away as a champion, and now, as he is set for his final season, this impressive and hard-working talent returns to play for the Patriots, and with a new head coach, he is ready to lead this program back to the spotlight. His talent and leadership as well as his maturity has him ready for the challenge.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/9539105/David-Vadala

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 one thing you can expect this fall is plenty of first-hand prospect information.

We do not rely on just watching tape, and never will – and for those who follow us through the years – understand that we attend everything possible to give these young men a fair look for colleges and universities across the nation to see.

From film everyone can see if a prospect has talent. Everyone! But the true value of getting to see these talented prospects perform is getting the chance to see things that you cannot view from home.

Because we have found that basically every athlete can run, catch, tackle, block and make plays. What cannot be determined is character and how these gifted football players act and showcase leadership. Those are things you do not see from putting in a Hudl Video. No possible way you can.

We have watched many “analysts” put out lists and rankings without ever seeing them perform live. That’s like writing a restaurant review without ever eating the food or going their to experience the ambience and overall atmosphere.

Even with the season starting, we will not stop giving you players to watch – and today – we have five more Class of 2024 junior Miami-Dade and Broward prospects to keep an eye on:

Anthony Barbar, QB, 6-0, 165, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy. While he may not play for the largest school with plenty of attention, when he gets his chance to impress, he does. A very athletic and quality football player who made some major strides this off-season, and will have the opportunity to do it this year and next season as well.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/9899479/Anthony-Barbar 

Guy Edmond Jr., CB, 5-10, 175, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. One of the emerging stars not only in south Florida, but college coaches who have watched him play agree that his rise to the top is quick. His coaches talked about him last year – before anyone had really watched him play, and as we have seen in the off-season and into the summer, he is indeed a talent who can keep the Chiefs strong in the secondary.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17392856/Guy-Edmond-Jr

Edward Louis, WR, 5-8, 172, Fort Lauderdale Dillard. With all the talent that the Panthers have, it’s easy to overlook a football player like this. He is someone who works hard, makes the most out of every chance given – and will be a huge part of this quality program over the next two years. Keep an eye on his progress. You will also be bowled over by what he brings to the game.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16923806/Edward-Louis

Tycoolhill Luman, DL, 6-4, 245, Miami Jackson. When he and his brother arrived, they were immediately difference makers and things have not changed. This is a physical, quick, and gifted football prospect who makes plays and has everything it takes to be special at this level and beyond. Any event he attended in the off-season, he made an impact and turned heads. College coaches know that they have something special with this young man, and he has two full seasons to continue getting better. He and his twin brother are among the best you will find.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/12661548/Tycoolhill-Givens-Luman

Joaquin Reid, WR, 5-10, 160, Miami Norland. While many football players get a lot of the spotlight and attention, it’s playmakers like this who usually rise to the top. Creates mismatches with his overall skill level and knowledge of the position. Watch how fast he bursts onto the scene for the Vikings this coming season.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15300358/Joaquin-Reid

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..