The best thing about young talent in south Florida is they get an opportunity to be tested right away.

From the moment prospects are thrown into the action, the learning process begins – and if you trace the history of athletes in this part of the country – you will see how much they learned from the time they are freshmen to their senior year.

The competition is amazing, and while making mistakes along the way is the norm, it’s how much you learn from those mistakes that will determine success.

Because the quarterback position has not been recognized with some of the top areas in the country, local instructors, former high school and college standouts and camps have been essential for the growth at the position.

You can start to see talent emerge from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach emerge as players that colleges have their collective eyes on.

SMITH PROFILE

PLAYER:Kevin Smith

POSITION: QB

SCHOOL: Miami Palmetto

CLASS: 2022

HEIGHT: 6-3

WEIGHT: 200

SCOUTING: As a freshman at Miami Southridge, this is someone who started to turn heads – and two years later – he and the Panthers are certainly in the conversation for a first ever state football championship.

The move to play for the Panthers last year came with plenty of hope, but the reality was this young man was starting for the first time and going through the growing pains, which took this program to the second round of the 8A state playoffs.

While mistakes were made, plenty was learned, and as this quality quarterback looks toward his junior season, there is a lot more confidence behind his throws and decisions.

While he is still a work in progress, his athleticism, size and upside has everyone down in southern Miami-Dade County excited about what lies ahead.

With some big time playmakers along with him, there is a feeling that this year will be very special for head coach Mike Manasco and the Panthers.

For Smith, learning process has been challenging, but as he looks back at 2019, things are certainly a lot more clearer as we head toward the 2020 season.

https://www.hudl.com/profile/11470569/Kevin-Smith

FOR MORE SOUTH FLORIDA PLAYER SPOTLIGHTS: https://larryblustein.com/spotlights/miami-dade-broward-counties-continue-to-churn-out-top-flight-football-talent

For the past 50 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, nobody has evaluated more football talent than we have – and as we are in the midst of a pandemic like no other time before – we will remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein- SFHSports) and Twitter (@SFHSSports - @larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..