Recruiting News

Miami Booker T. Washington Secondary Gets Plenty of Attention

 It took exactly one year for head football coach Tim “Ice” Harris to start turning heads on the high school football field again.

After spending a few years at the college level, one of the state of Florida’s best football minds ever returned to Miami Booker T. Washington and immediately started to make an impact, putting the Tornadoes in a position to compete against anyone.

What Coach Harris and his team has accomplished since last spring is put this program back on the map, building every position on the field.

One of the positions that this team has developed is the defensive secondary, where this unit is easily among the best in south Florida, and is getting plenty of statewide exposure.

Drawing raves all spring from the college coaches who came to south Florida, this secondary has been showcasing some amazing talent.

Here is a look at some of those defensive backs who have been raising the bar – with help from first year defensive coordinator Max Edwards who joined his longtime friend Ice Harris this year.

2024 – Ronald Beliard Jr., FS/CB, 5-9, 165. Here is one of the least publicized of the all the gifted prospects, but one of the most versatile. Whether it’s at the corner or safety positions he comes up big with cover skills and tackling ability. Solid football player.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17638067/Ronald-Beliard-Jr

2025 – Antonio Branch, CB/FS, 6-2, 175. 3.2 GPA. Along with his teammate Ben Hanks Jr., this is one of the emerging stars in the country. His size, athletic ability and skill have elevated his stock and is considered to be one of this nation’s dominating and versatile talents. Every college coach who came through Overtown this spring was amazed at everything this young man does.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16356296/Antonio-Branch-Jr

2025 – Ben Hanks Jr., CB, 6-1, 165. Following in the rather large footsteps of his father, who starred at Miami High and with the Florida Gators, this two-year varsity starter began his career at Doral Academy, but has made the move and has proven that no matter where you put him in the secondary, he is a major difference maker. Size, athleticism, and length are the things that college coaches talk about when raving about him.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16372248/Ben-Hanks-Jr

2024 - Leroy James III, FS, 5-11, 175. Another of the versatile prospects that the Tornadoes boast about. His ability to play safety, free safety or cornerback has put him in the spotlight where college coaches continue to watch all the things he brings to the table. Not only can he cover from the corner position, but he will hit you and create many positives.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14855983/Leroy-James-III

2024 – La’Varis Stanford, CB, 6-2, 175. 3.2 GPA. Another senior who adds to this impressive and physical secondary. Coming over from Miami Immaculata LaSalle this year, this was one of the most promising juniors in the Sunshine State last season – with tremendous ball skills as a tall corner who brought everything to the table. College coaches this spring were bowled over by everything he brings to the table as a football player and as a teammate.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14718678/LaVaris-Stanford

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: May 29, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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..