During the course of an off-season, there are so many events that spotlight so many football prospects in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.
Because there are so many quality athletes in the two counties that are being watched by college coaches and fans throughout the nation, so many of these young men skip below the radar and often do not receive the attention they deserve.
With the national combines often leaving so many talented prospects out of the mix, there are so many football players who use other avenues – not considered to be elite camps or combines – to jump on that radar screen.
Because we have the opportunity to attend more events live than any other source throughout the off-season, we are fortunate to watch several players that may not be considered star-rated and may not be worth the attention that many national, regional and even state recruiters want to give them.
With July under way and now the focus on conditioning, upcoming media days in preparing for the 2025 season, we have the opportunity to shine that spotlight on many players who may not get that chance to be recognized.
Today, we will look at some defensive players that have enjoyed a productive off-season.
Among those are 2026 defensive backs Lagarious Tyler (Fort Lauderdale), Anthony Casseus (Coral Springs Coral Glades), Alex Gammage (Sunrise Piper), Jaiden Sheard (Plantation American Heritage), Malik Miller (Pembroke Pines Flanagan), Remmao Brown (Davie Nova), Mikael Gachelin (Miami Edison), and Maurice Dorsey (Coconut Creek Monarch).
There are Class of 2028 players talent with Gavin Meeks (Rise Prep) and Macho Walker (Pembroke Pines Flanagan).
Class of 2026 defensive linemen who grabbed some of the spotlight included Nyreeke Brown (Coconut Creek Monarch).
Also, Class of 2027 standout Edwardo Thompson and Quintin Ferguson (Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy).
The Class of 2028 also showed their group of talent with Jeff Wright (Sunrise Piper).
The spotlight also shined on linebackers – such as Class of 2026 players Julius Telefoni-Purcell (Miami Christopher Columbus), and Jack Scott (Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy).
Another player to keep an eye on will be Class of 2027 standout Nicco Humes (Pompano Beach).
Elite Miami-Dade/Broward Teams To Watch. https://larryblustein.com/news/there-are-elite-teams-in-miami-dade-broward-this-summer
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..
If you follow high school football in south Florida, you already know all about the landscape, and which programs have the talent to make a serious run at a state title.
For those who understand this game and what the objective and goals are, you are the ones who benefit each season.
While not everyone can be district champions and put themselves in a position to bring home a state title, the coaches who love the game and relish teaching and developing are the big winners.
With a talent pool that is different than any other region of the country, every program will have prospects that develop, make an impact and head off to the next level to get an education and continue playing a sport they have been around most of their young lives.
Take Coral Gables High School for a prime example. The Cavaliers have enjoyed plenty of success through the years on the football field, turning out elite players and having competitive programs.
Under Frank Welsh, the late Roger Pollard and Joe Montoya, the Cavaliers have put together some quality teams in the 2000’s, competing against some quality opponents.
When Welsh stepped down after last season, Derick Murdock was hired to continue to build and develop talent. Along with one-time standout Buddy Howell, they took over this team with the idea of working year-round and trying to make up ground in one of the toughest 7A districts in south Florida with Miami Christopher Columbus, Miami Palmetto, Homestead South Dade and longtime rival Miami High.
With a solid spring and a busy summer, the Cavaliers have indeed set down a foundation to work with, and as the 2025 season draws closer, it’s been about making a commitment to getting better.
Here is a look at a growing roster that will continue to gain experience and add film for colleges and universities to check out:
CLASS OF 2026
Israel Candia, DE, 5’6, 189 – 2.8 GPA.
TAPE: https://access.qwikcut.com/highlights/67bb051c9050d794e73af6ca
Luke Francis, DL, 6’5, 335.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19660453/Luke-Francis
Lazaro Mora, RB/LB, 5’8, 215 – 2.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://d2htis0rx2m2xo.cloudfront.net/highlights/67bb045c7ff06ca57eff28d7.mp4
Alexander Nunez, DE/OL, 6’5, 240 – 2.7 GPA.
TAPE: https://access.qwikcut.com/highlights/67acbe8761a151b5b176c988
Andy Sosa, DE, 6’3, 250 – 3.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://access.qwikcut.com/highlights/67b8b488f43223f6c232bda7
In addition, prospects on the rise in this class also include Rubin Diaz (DB, 6’1, 155 – 2.6 GPA) and Julian Valdez (DE, 6’1, 198 – 3.3 GPA).
CLASS OF 2027
James Stor, WR/DB, 5’9, 155 – 2.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://d2htis0rx2m2xo.cloudfront.net/highlights/67bb03bf2634fd5a79537a13.mp4
As Stor continues to mature and grow as a player, there are other prospects as well in the class – such as NyRell Lowe (RB/DB, 6’0, 175 – 2.6 GPA), Robert Randolph (WR/DB, 6’0, 140 – 2.5 GPA), Jake Segovia (QB, 5’11, 164 – 2.5 GPA) and Demondre Williams (WR/DB, 6’0, 170 – 2.9 GPA).
CLASS OF 2028
The future is also loading for the Cavaliers with some younger prospects like Miami High transfer Darius Bogan (WR/DB, 6’1, 160 – 3.5 GPA), Estaban Botero (OL, 6’3, 266 – 2.6 GPA) and Ricardo Villarroel (WR/DB, 5’10, 165 – 3.55 GPA).
Elite Miami-Dade/Broward Teams To Watch. https://larryblustein.com/news/there-are-elite-teams-in-miami-dade-broward-this-summer
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..
When Willie Simmons was announced as the new head football coach at Florida International University, there was a feeling that things could be different.
With his many ties to the state of Florida and the fact that he loaded his coaching staff with names that many players, coaches and fans were familiar with, it was a given that recruiting would certainly pick up - and it has.
With an emphasis on blanketing south Florida – Miami-Dade and Broward in particular, the 2026 recruiting class has certainly turned heads throughout Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.
While recruiting is the entire lifeline to any football programs, FIU and Coach Simmons made sure that the people he had out in the field watching prospects were coaches that were highly respected by football fans throughout the community.
With locals Frank Ponce, Anthony Gaitor, Jelani Berassa, Benedick Hyppolite, Edwin Pata and longtime assistant Jovan Dewitt, the Panthers had a core of assistant coaches that have made a huge impact.
With a solid camp season, it opened some eyes to those players and their coaches that had not shown interest in the program before.
Taking nothing away from the previous regimes who carved out their own path, this group has been non-stop since taking over and it has shown with the 2026 recruiting class locally.
Among the local players who have made their commitment in this class include Miami Central running back Jayden Ford (5’6, 160), who is regarded as one of the best in the state.
Ford, who will be coached by Derrick Gibson in 2025, is quick and explosive, and when healthy he is as good as you get.
In Miami True North Classical Academy receiver Malik Penson (5’10, 176), the Panthers are getting a big-time prospect with plenty of high-level experience, playing against some of the best prospects in the nation.
He will be coached by Greg Laffere with the Titans.
In big Jordan Davis (OL, 6’4, 330) from Hollywood McArthur, this program is getting a standout prospect that has improved so much over the past two years as he heads into his final year.
He is strong, agile and continues to get better technically. He has a chance to be special.
Miami Carol City running back Justin Compere (5’11, 180) was recruited by a number of Group of Five schools over the past year.
He is quick, instinctive and elusive and will be special for head coach George Stubbs and the Chiefs this coming season. Along with Ford, it gives this program a huge 1,2 punch at the position.
Safety Jakari Johnson (6’0, 190) is another quality talent who comes in from Plantation and will play for first year head coach Robert Ortega this coming season for the Mustangs.
Perhaps the best kept secret so far in this class is Pembroke Pines Flanagan Edge prospects Michael Smarts. The 6’5, 230-pounder was looked at in the spring by a number of Power 4 programs because he is long, quick and has a huge upside.
Smart is playing his first season for head coach Benjamin Rolle and the Falcons after competing for former NFL standout Tyrus McCloud at Davie Nova the past two seasons.
He is someone that before this year very few people had watched play – and it turned out to be a plus for FIU.
Another elite prospect who has been on the radar for over a year is Sunrise Piper cornerback Jahmani Chin-Suer (5’10,160).
A catalyst for head coach Quentin Short and the district champion Bengals in 2025.
Playing for his father at Fort Lauderdale Dillard, gifted Dimitris Mincey Jr. became the latest commitment for this program over this past weekend.
This is another way under-the-radar talent, who can play multiple positions at 6’1, 205. He is also an exceptional student (3.6 GPA) in the classroom.
With all the talent that is aboard so far, perhaps the biggest commitment didn’t come from an offensive or defensive difference maker.
With dozens of major college programs keeping their eye on Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna kicker Noah Sidan, he pulled the ultimate surprise when he committed to FIU.
This is a proven kicker with a strong and accurate leg and was rated as one of the best in the country.
With several other commits in this class from Florida and around the country, there is a strong feeling that the Panthers and Coach Simmons are not finished filling out this class with game-changers!
Elite Miami-Dade/Broward Teams To Watch. https://larryblustein.com/news/there-are-elite-teams-in-miami-dade-broward-this-summer
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:
While we often take special teams performers for granted, punters, kickers and long snappers have become vital to the success of football teams. Miami Gardens St. Thomas University kicking coach Oscar Castaneda talked about how this part of the game has grown.
OSCAR CASTANEDA ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/special-teams-coach-oscar-castaneda-of-st-thomas-university-5fe39
While the high school football season only lasts from August until November for many, it’s the off-season that is nearly eight months long that is important. Veteran Doral Academy head football coach Eddie Delgado talked about what his Firebirds have done to prepare for the 2025 season.
COACH EDDIE DELGADO ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/doral-academy-head-coach-eddie-delgado-fa9d6
When it comes to playing football and receiving an education, there can never be enough colleges and universities – and right here in south Florida we have several. Former West Virginia University standout Sean Walters talked about his Atlantis University program.
SEAN WALTERS ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/atlantis-university-head-coach-sean-walters-92c27
The Crib Classic hosted the Miami-Dade vs. Broward All-Star Game and the 8th Grade All-Star contest to end the 2024 season, and now they are ready to host the prestigious Second Annual summer 7-on-7 tournament and inaugural player combine. Jose Duasso stopped by to break everything down.
JOSE DUASSO ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/jose-duasso-of-the-crib-summer-classic-d5ee3
It’s no secret that there was plenty of disappointment in Tallahassee after last year’s season, but FSU has been impressive on the recruiting trail after a productive spring. Nick Carlisle covers the Seminoles and looked at it all.
NICK CARLISLE ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/nick-carlisle-fsu-football-rivals-247-56b09
With eight home games and a banner off-season, there is so much enthusiasm for the University of Miami football program as the 2025 season fast approaches. From NIL to recruiting, the Hurricanes are loading up and Geo Millian stopped by to talk about it.
GEO MILLIAN ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/geo-millian-canes-football-402c1
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..
MIAMI GARDENS – Some six hours after it began on a hot Saturday afternoon, the inaugural “King of the Gardens” 7-on-7 event at St. Thomas University came to an end.
With 14 teams entered in this event, it came down to a pair of teams who have worked very hard this off-season but have come up short a several colleges and universities across the country.
When the clock ticked down shortly before 9 p.m., Weston’s Cypress Bay had run a gauntlet and beat fellow Broward County school, Davie Nova, to hold the trophy high.
As STU head football coach Bill Rychel handed head coach Bret Hood the trophy, it capped off a day where football was indeed in the spotlight.
With over 200 offensive and defensive linemen taking part in a battle of the big men, another 200-plus talented football players battled for a title that was indeed prestigious.
With a final four that included Cypress Bay, Nova, Miramar and Miami Beach, the event was exciting as coaches and fans were treated to quite a day on campus.
The Saturday event was part of a huge weekend for the Bobcats, who attracted another 300 plus prospects on Sunday for a position camp and specialist event that coach Oscar Castaneda organized.
With St. Thomas University being one of the nation’s top NAIA programs, there were a number of players and their parents who were on the campus for the first time.
“We have traveled quite a bit this summer and have come up short in several events like this,” Hood said. “But like I told everyone all spring, this football team has really come a long way and we are super excited about the 2025 season.”
In addition to Cypress Bay, Nova (Coach Tyrus McCloud), Miami Beach (Coach Wilkie Perez) and Miramar, which had two teams under veteran head coach A.J. Scott, there were several other teams that took part – including Hollywood McArthur (Coach Robert Ortega), Boca Raton Saint John Paul II (Coach Jamaal Hunte), Hialeah Miami Lakes (Coach Julian Patrick), North Miami (Coach Gerald Cox), Miami Carol City (Coach George Stubbs), Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (Coach Jacky Candy) and head coach Maurice Russell at Fort Meade from Polk County.
Cypress Bay, which failed to make the state playoffs a year ago, have added some pieces along with some new coaches – and this spring and summer, those involved really made an impact – no matter where they went.
Among those making a statement on Saturday included Class of 2026 seniors Alex Genovese (WR, 5’9, 150), Chance Black (DB, 5’9, 165), Jayden Mendez (DB, 5’11, 190), Micah Nichols (DB, 6’0, 190), Trentin Holder (WR, 5’11, 175), James Dixon (CB, 5’11, 195), and tight end Lorenzo Lopez (6’3, 220).
There were also Class of 2027 juniors C.J. Faso (DB/WR, 6’0, 190), Will Cullen (CB, 5’10, 170), Gabe Lemoine (WR, 5’8, 155), Peyton Lamarre (LB, 5’10, 205), Logan Pelliccio (QB, 5’11, 195), Zac Hersh (WR, 6’0, 185), Michael Millar (WR, 6’0, 175), and tight end Hunter Cullen (6’1, 210).
The Lightning will also have some Class of 2028 sophomores such as Jake Bass (LB, 5’11 190), Aiden Hutchinson (CB, 5’9, 150), Kaden Langford (TE/DE), 6'5, 215), Kai Roshaven (LB, 5’8 155) and tight end Martin Lopez (6’0, 190).
There are also Class of 2029 freshmen who figure to make an impact over the next few years – like Aaden Rodrigues (WR/DB, 5’9, 150), Steven Peterson (S, 6’0, 170) and linebacker Joaquin Lopez (6’0, 170).
Among the top Cypress Bay performers in the event included Logan Pelliccio (23 touchdowns and 0 interceptions), Michael Millar, Zac Hersh, Jake Bass and James Dixon.
Elite Miami-Dade/Broward Teams To Watch. https://larryblustein.com/news/there-are-elite-teams-in-miami-dade-broward-this-summer
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..