During the course of spring football here in the state of Florida, we try to see as many teams and players as possible.
Because we rank players throughout the state, it is essential that we watch these prospects live to see what they have to offer.
The one thing that we have always done is see players to form our opinions so when ranking the different classes, we will have a basis why some players are rated higher or lower – and that is something we have always done.
There is getting to practices, watching scrimmages and seeing games in person that not only validate the athletes, but also uncover some players that many have not watched before.
During the summer we will shine a spotlight on several players in the two counties, hopefully giving you an insight on talent that you will be watching during the 2025 season.
Today, we will bring you five players we watched this spring:
2027 - Trezavant Boyd, DB, 5’10, 155, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy. Makes the move from Miami Booker T. Washington after a stellar sophomore season for head coach Tim “Ice” Harris and the Tornadoes. One of the skilled cover cornerbacks has speed, athleticism and the knowledge of how to play the position. Will be one of the best in Florida for his class – and as he gains weight and matures – he has a chance to dominate at this level and into college.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20189717/Trezavant-Boyd
2027 - DeMarcus Deroche, OLB/Edge/WR, 6-5, 200. Here is without hesitation one of the top prospects in the state of Florida. A versatile talent that will end up being an elite player but has an enormous upside that allows him to play multiple positions for head coach Kevin Claxton and the Cobras. Colleges and universities already know what this young man is all about. He has size, skill, and athleticism and has already been offered by a number of established college powers. Also, a basketball player.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22537928/67225b83fd10be7e12eafb5a
2028 – Damien Harvey, DT, 6’2, 250, Miami Central – 3.75 GPA. There may not be a more dominating interior defensive lineman in the state for this class. He is an athletic and instinctive playmaker and is already leading one of the top defensive units in Florida. Is always being pushed and taught by first year head coach Derrick Gibson and his staff. As he continues to grow and mature, there is no doubt that he will only enhance what he already has. Every college in America will continue to follow his progress over the next three years!
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22980313/Damien-Harvey
2026 – Jaiden Henry, LB, 6’1, 220, Miami Palmetto. While this Miami High transfer may not be on many radar screens yet, he will be soon. A big, strong and athletic talent that is just starting to emerge as college coaches watched and appreciated his toughness and ability to make plays for head coach Mike Manasco and his Panthers. Will be a catalyst for a defense that will be one of the best in south Florida. Keep your eye on this young man.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18449607/Jaiden-Henry
2028 - Za'Kari Johnson, DB/Athlete, 6’1, 175, Plantation. When coaches are already comparing this quality talent to elite players like Patrick Peterson, you know that you have something special. Has size, quickness, skill and overall athletic ability as he showed in the spring game, making play after play and giving college coaches a sneak peak of what they will be watching the next three years for head coach Darrell Strong and his Colonels.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/24237216/Zakari-Johnson
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 Monday 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 on coaches and players in all sports.
Here is a look at the way Monday went:
For the second time in three years, Plantation American Heritage brings home a state title and head coach Bruce Aven talked about the Patriots.
COACH BRUCE AVEN ON MONDAY NIGHT:
https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/american-heritage-head-baseball-coach-bruce-aven-b0b8
For only the second time in school history, Mater Academy won a state baseball title and head coach Humberto Bencomo looked back at the Lions’ 5A title.
COACH HUMBERTO BENCOMO ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/humberto-bencomo-head-baseball-coach-at-mater-academy-in-hialeah-fl-026cc
It’s been a long time since Miami Springs has won a state title in any sport, but the baseball team broke that streak, winning the school’s first ever on the diamond and David Fanshawe talked Golden Hawks.
COACH DAVID FANSHAWE ON MONDAY NIGHT:
https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/miami-spring-fl-head-baseball-coach-david-fanshawe-ba456
Things are still busy in Coral Gables with the University of Miami football program and Izubee Charles from Canesport.com took time to look at the players who are coming in.
COACH IZUBEE CHARLES ON MONDAY NIGHT:
https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/izubee-charles-canesport-dot-com-3c8e0
Jacksonville’s Edward Waters University continues to make major strides on the football field and head coach Toriano Morgan dropped by to talk about this talented program.
COACH TORIANO MORGAN ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/edward-waters-university-head-football-coach-toriano-morgan-b864c
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..
HIALEAH GARDENS – “Mater Culture”.
It may not mean much on the outside, but for a school that is looking to showcase an athletic program, the students, teachers, administrators and coaches, it is something that is building strong just to the west of the Palmetto Expressway on N.W. 103rd Street.
As the baseball team was celebrating a second ever state title; track and field athletes, wrestlers and other boys and girls who have kept Mater Academy relevant were being recognized, May 23, 2025 will be a date where this school expanded its brand.
While the school has been around for decades and has enjoyed success in all sports – including football – last Friday was yet another step in bringing this football program to another level of exposure and media attention .
As first year head coach Tim “Ice” Harris and his staff finished up their first spring - media, and former players and coaches flocked to Milander Stadium for something that many never expected.
A morning field trip brought students, cheerleaders, administrators and athletes from all sports to the spring game, where players were introduced to exposure that many had never experienced.
The Ice Harris era kicked off in grand style as hundreds of students came out and had the opportunity to support their school and all their sports programs – with the spotlight shining brightly early in the morning.
After years of winning state and national titles at Miami Booker T. Washington High School, Harris and his staff, along with some transfers, had the opportunity to close out spring with a something that everyone will remember as a spring football game became an event.
As this program continues to build as a 5A team in a competitive south Florida landscape, no promises were ever made. All that was told of this group of athletes – ranging from rising seniors to incoming freshmen – was work hard and make a commitment and positives will happen. They already have seen that in just a month.
There are several prospects who have bought in to what is happening in Hialeah Gardens, and for many, the fall cannot come soon enough.
CLAS OF 2026
Jaylen Blackwell (OL, 6’0, 245 – 3.0 GPA).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18056107/Jaylen-Blackwell
Carlos Botella (DE/LB, 6’0, 190).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17542085/Carlos-Botella
Freddie Francois (DB/WR, 5’10, 175).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19300576/Fred-Francois
Nelson Guillen (DB, 5’11, 160).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17768140/Nelson-Guillen
Kimbriq Minnis (RB, 5’11, 185).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20020951/Kimbriq-Minnis
Guicyn Noel (OL/DL, 6’2, 295).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17626232/Guicyn-Noel
Damone Peeples (DB, 5’8, 160 – 3.2 GPA).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19300558/Damone-Peeples
Erwein Varga (WR, 5’10, 160).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17541552/Erwein-Vargas
Tyre Vieux (DB, 6’0, 170).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19914171/Tyre-vieux
Taishawn Williams (LB/H-Back, 5’7, 230).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18252246/Taishawn-Williams
AWAITING VIDEO
Jaylen Kendrick (WR)
CLASS OF 2027
Trezavant Boyd (DB, 5’10, 155).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20189717/Trezavant-Boyd
Derick Hernandez (WR/FS, 5’8, 150).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15964501/Derick-Hernandez?
Rahdel Jeanbaptiste (RB, 5’7, 165).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19648650/Rahdel-Jeanbaptiste
Jarmarr Marshall Jr. (DE, 5’11, 165 – 3.2 GPA).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23459927/Jarmarr-Marshall-Jr
Naszir Maximin (DB).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23237523/Naszir-Maximin
Jamal Robinson Jr. (WR, 6’2, 175).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19947897/Jamal-Robinson-jr
Edwardo Thompson (DE, 6’1, 240 – 3.2 GPA).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19747559/Edwardo-Thompson
AWAITING VIDEO
Milton Coney (LB)
Quintin Ferguson (DL)
Eddie Hudson (WR)
CLASS OF 2028
Dontavious Kinchens (WR/QB, 5’9, 165).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23167037/Dontavious-Kinchens
King Leite (WR, 5’10, 155).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22510938/King-Leite
CLASS OF 2029
AWAITING VIDEO
Joshua Diaz (Athlete)
Rashaud Robinson (DB)
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..
HOLLYWOOD – While spring football is never a definitive of what the regular season will look like, there are things you can tell about a program that will carry over to the summer and into the new year.
For veteran head coach Mike Manasco and the Miami Palmetto Panthers, getting by Miami Christopher in Class 7A has been a major obstacle in having the opportunity to play for a state title.
On Thursday afternoon in a spring game against yearly playoff team Miramar at McArthur Stadium, there was plenty to like on both sides of the ball for Palmetto, and by the end of the four-quarter event, there was much to be pleased about, heading into the summer.
“We had a very good spring, but the summer goes fast and before you know it, the regular season will be here,” Manasco told his team. “Enjoy what you did this spring and in today’s game, but there is still plenty of work ahead.”
While this program always seems to come up short in the race for state, many who watched them this spring believe that this is a team that has what it takes to make a solid run.
Several players are back along with new faces that give the Panthers a different look than they have had in the past. They are well coached and have the playmakers to make an impact.
TALENT IN EVERY CLASS
While the senior (2026) class is loaded with talent, there are also some impressive prospects in the 2027 (juniors) and 2028 (sophomore) classes as well.
Among those seniors expected to make an impact include Samuel Althuis (first year WR, basketball standout), Andre Bailey (QB/Athlete – 3.6 GPA), heavily recruited Anthony Brown (OL), Michael Colina (DL), Willie Dannah (DB), Marko Fernandez (DB – 4.0 GPA), Charles Flowers (WR), Braylen Green (DB), Chris Green (P/K), and Jaiden Henry (OLB, top sack leader).
The senior class also has prospects such as Caleb Jones (OLB), Wynton Jones Jr. (DB), Kevin Joseph (WR), Amiel Mackey (WR/Athlete – 3.25 GPA), Matthew Marsh (OL), Lucas Martinez (OL), Miami Westminster Christian transfer Conneilus “C.J.” Miller (WR – 3.49 GPA), Nikolai Moise (DB), Dylan Ragan (DL), and Ryan Ragan (LB).
Rounding out the class going into summer are Robert Richardson (WR), Miami Southridge transfer Rylee Sawchenco (OL – 3.9 GPA), Prince Smith (LB), Varian Terry (RB – 3.0 GPA), Elijah Tillman (DB), Kevin White (DB), and receiver Willie Wilson.
CLASS OF 2027 JUNIORS READY TO CONTRIBUTE
As gifted and experienced are the 2026 seniors, the Class of 2027 juniors are also looking to make an impact in 2025.
Among those players to watch are Mathias Augustin (LB), fast-rising Aiden Butler (RB), Jahari Collier (DL – 3.1 GPA), Ari Cromartie (OL), Zion Flowers (OL – 3.7 GPA), Rashad Fuller (OL – 3.2 GPA), talented Victor Guerrero (DL – 3.4 GPA), and state-rated South Dade transfer linebacker Brandon Howard.
Also keep an eye on gifted receiver Kaiden Howard, Antonio Jackson (DL), Corey Johnson (LB),
Elijah Johnson (DL), Julian Sanchez (OL), Kelsey Vergis (DB), and Armond Weston (DB).
CLASS OF 2028 IS WELL REPRESENTED
As the summer will shine a spotlight on several players on this team, the Class of 2028 sophomores will also have an opportunity to make a splash.
Among those players include Benjamin Bailie (WR), Ahmir Barnes (WR – 4.0 GPA), Jayden Diaz (DL), Santana Rogers (RB) and Alex Urbina (OL).
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..
LAUDERDALE LAKES – While Wednesday night’s spring football classic at Boyd Anderson High School would be a barometer for schools such as Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, Davie Nova and the host Cobras, what the evening was all about is to showcase some prospects that would represent the future.
As head coach Kevin Claxton and his staff are looking to get this team back on track – the way it was for so many years, producing elite prospects who went on to the next level and beyond, the reality is that this program will have to experience the growing pains of developing talent.
We are in different times, and while the Lauderdale Lakes area is still loaded with talent, getting this program back on track will take time – even for a respected community icon like Claxton, who played at the school and understands the culture.
As there are several veteran players who are there to help lay down a solid foundation, there is no getting around the fact that the future will depend on underclass talent.
If these freshmen and sophomores buy into what is happening and succeed, more will follow and that pipeline that once flowed from the successful Lauderdale Lakes Vikings youth program will once again open up.
This is a school that has a very impressive past, and produced elite players like Claxton, Asante Samuel, Benny Sapp, JoJo Natson, Abdul Hodge, Josh Bynes, Eddie Jackson and many others.
CLASS OF 2027 TRIO READY TO IMPACT THE FUTURE
While many prospects on the current roster figure to help this team during the 2025 season, there are three players who college coaches have already started to watch and predict some great things for.
Class of 2027 rising juniors who have the respect from coaches and teammates that the Cobras are looking to showcase this off-season:
DeMarcus Deroche, OLB/Edge/WR, 6-5, 200. Here is without hesitation one of the top prospects in the state of Florida. A versatile talent that will end up being an elite player but has an enormous upside that allows him to play multiple positions. Colleges and universities already know what this young man is all about. He has size, skill, and athleticism and has already been offered by a number of established college powers. Also a basketball player.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22537928/67225b83fd10be7e12eafb5a
Devon Germeille, OLB/TE/DE, 6’4, 190. Talk about an elite prospect – like Deroche – here is someone who can lineup at multiple positions and do well at all of them. He is quick off the ball, has tremendous football skill and has an opportunity to continue growing, which will open many opportunities. Watch him play and you see someone who is always around the ball. Had 11 sacks, 13 tackles for loss and 2 interceptions as a sophomore. While he has received some accolades, this is a prospect that you have see in person to truly appreciate. He is also a basketball standout.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20795020/66df3621cb7ad8bfd69936a6
Semajay Robinson, DB, 6’2, 180. There may not be a player – in his class – that has more of an upside. This is a true physical lockdown corner who is athletic, quick and has football skills that you just cannot teach. If there is an elite receiver, this is the player who wants to cover them. He is confident and talented as college coaches have already started to notice. Has five interceptions during his sophomore season earned him a reputation of being someone that you didn’t want to throw at. His work in the classroom (3.0 GPA) is also a huge addition to what he brings to the table.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/21193348/67203093f611e8920ef623d9
PACE WINS THE DAY
Considered one of the top teams in 2A this coming season, head coach Anthony Walker and his Monsignor Pace Spartans took care of business against both Nova and Boyd Anderson to finish 2-0.
Head Coach Tyrus McCloud and his Nova Titans also showed how much improvement they made as several young prospects stepped up as they tied Boyd Anderson before losing a close contest with Pace.
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..