Old School Athletics Is No Longer The Trend
Sorry to break it to the high school and college football purists, but the landscape of building programs in Miami-Dade and Broward, and across the country has changed.
While transferring schools is nothing new, the rate that it’s happening certainly is – and there is no end in sight. Over 300 in the two counties last year, and 270 the year before.
The days of playing at your local schools are truly over, unless your school happens to be private or a public school that has enough desks to fill in this age of open enrollment.
Back in the day, families moved into a community because the schools were good, and when you moved into that district, you would attend the same elementary, junior and senior high as everyone else did, and while it still holds true in some small circles, the objective is to attend the school that offers many avenues of education – while providing balance with championship-level athletic programs.
While it happens in all sports, the mass exodus in football gets much of the publicity, not only locally, but nationally as well. Zack Poff, National Football Editor for Max Preps sees the transfers coming at a record pace and knows that two or three new faces can chance to direction of a football program fast.
“Just in the short time I have been ranking teams and players, things have changed so much,” he explained. “Athletes are jumping from one program to a winning school because of the obvious – more exposure.”
While the saying that if you are good, college coaches will find you still holds true, it’s easier to be found when you are on a national stage each week.
THE BLAME GAME
It’s easy to point your finger at a coach, athletic director or the administration at any school for the influx of transfers, but that blame game is society itself. You cannot blame a coach for not wanting to get better, and you certainly cannot lay the blame on the athlete or the parent, who has to come up with the money for college if their son/daughter doesn’t get a scholarship.
Forget about the loser’s lament of loyalty. It holds no water, especially when you look at the next level, and college coaches are not only having to recruit incoming classes, but their current team to ensure they won’t grab a lucrative Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) deal that will benefit them somewhere else.
Even the powerhouses in all collegiate sports are starting to feel the once “little” guy pulling at their coattails, and are now competing for the same athletes that once made these programs superior. It’s all about the dollar – as it should be.
I have long been an advocate to say that college athletes get paid for the revenue they assist in bringing into any college or university, but this has far exceeded putting some spending money in their pocket to be able to enjoy the social life of their collegiate experience. Making $2 and $3 million is not what any of us had in mind, but the deals are only getting larger, and the NCAA is too weak to step in now. Nobody would listen, and the lawsuits would fly. The NCAA is quick to say you can't buy a sandwhich for a potential recruit if you are a booster or put restrictions on a head coach from going out to recruit during the spring, but putting a limit on how much can be paid out to an amateur athlete, it's a whole different story.
When you are a Chaminade-Madonna (8 straight trips to state), St. Thomas Aquinas (5 straight state titles) and Miami Central (state champions 4 of the past 5 years), the only way to stay on top is to reload and not rebuild. That’s why every day, you are seeing these 15-minute of fames graphics filling the screens of every social media avenue. If you are the beneficiary of those prospects coming to your school, you simply look at them and smile. If those recruits are taken from your program, you feel otherwise.
The one thing that stinks this transfer portal process in college is when you leave a school to attend another, you should have to sit out a year - and it will change some thinking quickly!
Also, at the high school level, student/athletes are leaving in the middle of a season and playing somewhere else with the weak excuse that they are relocating. What that will create is a super team – where players who are out of playoff contention by week 5 or 6 will make moves to schools who are very much in the playoff hunt, in the sense loading up.
While the landscape continues to change, many public-school programs – in all sports – are fighting an uphill battle. Only Parkland Douglas, a public school, and the baseball program, dominate every year with several national titles. But the Eagles are indeed the exception to the reality.
While transfers are currently happening in all sports, it’s football that grabs the spotlight – with numerous players making the move during the holidays and hundreds more following over the next six months.
Colleges coaches, although are frustrated with the direction of the high school athletes, simply have no valid argument – when they are living in the ultimate glass house.
Back when we started 54 years ago, transfers were basically nonexistent, but through the years things have changed and slowly but surely, we have arrived at a place that nobody ever felt we would get to.
While many coaches will tell you that winning has replaced developing – others will argue the point by saying a talented team will provide enough competition to learn, mature and improve.
Whatever direction things are going, the conversation – on both sides – will be talked about over several cold beverages next week at the National Coaches’ Convention.
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
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..
After losing the Sunshine State Athletic Conference championship game to Oviedo Master’s Academy, Coach Ehren Wallhoff and his Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy football team looked ahead to the 2024 season.
After posting a 9-2 season, the Lions realized that several key players wouldn’t be back, it was time to concentrate on an underclass that was talented, but for the most part, lacked experience.
If this program is to remain at the top, it will be up to those rising seniors, juniors, sophomores and incoming freshmen to step up.
With several positions to fill, the off season will be vital to the success of this coming season as well as into the future.
The Lions will need to get some performance and leadership from 2025 prospects such as Marcus Baker (LB/RB), Ashaun Cross (DT/OG), Harrison Gant (RB/LB), Sean Harms (DT), Zach Rock (CB), Joey Siciliano (OG), Jeremiah Sinvil (OG) and linebacker Michael Varga (LB).
UPPER CLASS PROSPECTS WILL BE NEEDED
While the rising seniors in 2025 will be the prospects that carry this team – on and off the field, it’s those rising juniors, sophomores and freshmen who will set the table.
Class of 2026 prospects include Amari Deer (WR/CB/S), Grayson Klatman (LS), Nick Kostelidis (OLB), Luke Sauer (OLB), Jack Scott, OT/DE) and one of the state’s best athletes in Dwayne Wimbley Jr. (WR/DE).
The Class of 2027 had talent that also gave this program a push. Players like Nate Accius (CB), Luis Baker (OLB), Giovanni Boeri (OT), Hudson Gant (OL, 5-11, 200), Trey Hollandsworth (LB), D.J. Pierce (Athlete) and versatile (QB/DE) Gabe Walsh. Even rising freshman (2028) free safety Andre Jones will be needed as well.
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
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..
Within days of the new Florida high school football classifications, the reaction in south Florida was met with the good and bad.
There is no other area in the country that approaches high school football like Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.
Fans, coaches, players, and administration hang on everything that has to do with high school football in the #305 and #954. There is never a break.
While other areas of the country continue to put their collective chests out when it comes to matching the talent we produce here, the year-round passion that we have is unmatched.
Websites, message boards and much of social media has occupied the headlines since Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas and Miami Christopher Columbus all brought home state titles.
National Signing Day quickly moved into the rearview mirror as 7-on-7 tryouts and the next wave of talent started to surface.
In the society we have in south Florida, there are no more surprises. Everyone knows the top prospects to watch for in a 2024 season that is still nine months away.
Everyone wants to be an expert and tell you what players you need to watch for 2025, 2026, 2027 and yes, even the freshman class that is 2028. You would be surprised how many lists are made and rankings are produced by people who haven’t even watched all the future prospects perform, but that’s the landscape we live in.
TRANSFER SEASON HAS STARTED
There is no area in the country that has more student/athletes transferring schools that Miami-Dade and Broward. It’s not possible. Last year alone – between January 1 and August 23rd, there were 355 documented transfers that took place. Two counties!!
THE CLASSIFICATIONS HAVE BEEN RELEASED
No sooner did the five area programs come back from Tallahassee and the focus is firmly on 2024 as the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) released the new districts and classes.
Those experts have already picked the schools who will head to the state championships – and for the most part – the rosters are a long way from being finalized.
Here is a look at the schools who figure to be in the mix, although you can pretty much pick the schools who will be standing next December.
1A
Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna is looking for an amazing 9th consecutive trip to state. Other programs in the class locally include Miami Edison, Miami Archbishop Carroll and Miami True North.
2A
Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons and Miami Booker T. Washington will go in as favorites, but you also have Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian Academy (Fort Lauderdale), Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace and Miami Gulliver Prep.
3A
This is a really a two-team race. Nobody will stand in the way of these two giants Miami Central and Miami Northwestern.
4A
At first glance, it will be Plantation American Heritage and this year’s runner up Miami Norland. But there are also Fort Lauderdale Dillard, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, Plantation and Hialeah.
5A
Stopping St. Thomas Aquinas from winning a sixth straight title is nearly impossible, but Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, Coconut Creek, Deerfield Beach and Miramar have been competitive.
6A
Another class that at first glance spotlights Coconut Creek Monarch, two-time defending state runner up Homestead and Miami Southridge. But improvements by Sunrise Piper, Hollywood South Broward, Miami Dr. Krop, Pembroke Pines West Broward (Pembroke Pines) and Doral Academy will make it interesting.
7A
Two-time defending state champion Miami Christopher Columbus comes in as the usual favorite.
But Miami Palmetto and Davie Western will also be there to contend. Weston Cypress Bay, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (Miami) and Homestead South Dade will also make a run at a playoff spot.
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
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..
It should come as no surprise that the 2026 (rising junior) class is stacked with talent throughout the state of Florida. It should also not be a surprise that Miami-Dade and Broward Counties are once again leading the way.
While several football players get their start at the competitive youth football level, there is never a guarantee that just because they are rated high that things will work out.
There have been dozens of young prospects who are promoted and talked about by many who follow youth talent that never lives up to the hype. It’s been that way for 40 years.
Every year you will have football talent that moves from the youth level to high school, and while many cannot make the transition.
The 2026 class produced several prospects who impacted the varsity level as soon as they arrived, and while there are several who have already been noticed by colleges, we have five that have dominated the past two years.
Brandon Bennett, WR, 6-1, 170, Plantation American Heritage. One of the fastest football players in the state, he started to make a major impact this past season for a young Patriot’s offense. As he continues to learn about the position, you will see a player that has a chance to be one of the best in the nation. Very exciting to watch, and he will remain a huge part of this program.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17848799/Brandon-Bennett
Jabari Brady, WR, 6-3, 185, Coconut Creek Monarch. What else can be said, in two short years ago one of the nation’s best that has not been echoed dozens and dozens of times? This is an impact player that is extremely hard to cover with one player, and he showed it throughout the year, leading the Knights to the state semifinals. As elite as you will find, and he has only scratched the surface!
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14832320/637c2260ab92460b50dfb1ab
Justice Fitzpatrick, CB, 6-0, 165, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. From his key interceptions as a freshman to what he put together in the off-season and during this past year, there is little doubt that this is a major prospect that continues to get better and tested by some quality receivers. The younger brother of standout NFL secondary performer, Minkah Fitzpatrick, his growth, and maturity has been noticed by every college and university and has been an asset to the five-time defending state champion Raiders.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17955822/Justice-Fitzpatrick
Denairius Gray, WR, 6-2, 180, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. Yet another impact player for a program that is as impressive as any in the nation. Since arriving from Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons, he has offered the Lions someone who is gifted enough not only to catch passes but also play on the defensive side of the ball if needed. Will be huge in 2024 as this program reloads for a 9th straight run at a state title.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16211751/Denairius-Gray
Calvin Russell, WR/Athlete, 6-4, 185, Miami Northwestern. Without hesitation, this may be the most athletic talent in this class anywhere in the nation and it may not even be close. Not only is he a premier receiver, but also plays quarterback and is an elite basketball player. Dominated as a freshman as well as this past season when the Bulls needed him the most. He will be part of the resurgence of this program in 2024.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17878157/Calvin-Russell
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
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..
While are nine months from the start of the 2024 season, and athletes can easily change addresses between now and the end of August, there are some prospects who can grab their share of the spotlight next season.
While a number of 2025 prospects have already established themselves for the coming year, there are others who many didn’t watch, but had solid junior years.
Juniors who embraced their final year by coming up big during their 11th grade season.
While many have already shown what they can do in the spotlight, the little things that they did when nobody was watching is what this is all about.
As we know it is never easy to single one player out in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties – because of the sheer numbers of gifted football talent, we have picked 12 rising seniors to watch during the off-season, into spring and summer.
Because we spotlight so many players during the course of the year, we will eventually highlight EVERY top-Class of 2025 players.
Nimari Brantley, DL, 6-2, 260, Coconut Creek. Has an opportunity to be one of the most dominant players in the state. Too many people have never watched him, but by the start of the year, they will!
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16068496/Nimari-Brantley
Hector Chavez, LB, 5-10, 210, Miami Christopher Columbus. All this talented prospect does is make plays, leading the Explorers to a pair of state titles, colleges have already lined up to get him on their campus in a year.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16109597/654fc7e83449040b9c3fa72b
Anjuan “Ace” Coleman, WR, 5-10, 170, Miami Central. If not the most versatile player you will anywhere, he is right there. The ultimate team player who created.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17633609/Anjuan-Coleman-Jr
Darryll Desir, Edge, 6-5, 225, Miami Norland. Will be one of Florida’s premier pass rushers in 2024. Gets it done on and off the playing field – holding down a 3.6 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17646085/6578b1bf02bc8414c0cac5c7
Bryce Fitzgerald, S, 6-1, 175, Miami Christopher Columbus. When he was a sophomore at Miami Belen Jesuit, many said he could be among the nation’s best by his senior year. Has already proven what a great athlete he is.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19673313/Bryce-Fitzgerald
Caleb Harris, OL, 6-4, 265, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. Since his freshman season, he has been turning heads and talked about by college coaches throughout the nation. Huge talent who posted a 3.7 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16938550/63691093ff0cda04f430eb8
Tavius Horne, CB, 5-11, 170, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. All season long, even with the talent this program had in the defensive secondary, they talked plenty about this young man. Has a 3.4 GPA as well.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16888615/Tavius-Horne-Jr
Sterling Joseph, RB, 5-9, 180, Miami Edison. If the name sounds familiar, yet another member of the Joseph family – Ray Ray and Flex to name a few. Lightning quick and smart (4.7 GPA).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16345950/Sterling-Joseph
Jaquari Lewis, Athlete, 5-10, 186, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. No matter where you play him on the field, he comes up big and will be looked upon to come up big in 2024! A 3.36 student.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16171821/65523c6af56a2a0378f43f12
Wilnerson Telemaque, DE/TE, 6-6, 255, Miami Monsignor Pace. Here is the ultimate difference maker ever since coming in from Northwestern. He is another major prospect who will make an impact this season on the field and in the classroom (3.2 GPA).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16854324/Wilnerson-Telemaque
Kyle Washington, WR, 5-10, 165, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. With many of the big-time playmakers moving on to the next level, this huge playmaker is more than ready to be one of the star attractions.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16311449/6366a1999676cd0beca1976f
Jett White, CB, 6-2, 160, Miami Edison. Before his plane landed from California, this impressive talent was already on the national radar. Could emerge as one of the best in Florida as well as a national recruit.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16227000/Jett-White
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
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..