When the off-season started for high school football prospects in the state of Florida at the end of the 2023 season, that signaled 7-on-7 events, camps, combines and linemen competition would move into the spotlight.
While these athletes flock all over the country, seeking publicity and an opportunity to be seen and discovered, there is one part of the game that is missing in this exposure period – and it may be one of the most important parts of any team.
Welcome to the world of the special teamers. Kickers, punters, and long snappers who are put on the backburner until they are needed to win a football game.
Even though things have changed over the past few years, this phase of a football team is still put at the bottom of the priority list – and that’s where Dan Lundy and his group of special teams “gurus” come in.
From year-round instruction to camps and showcases, the name of the game is getting exposure.
Lundy, who is a former University of Miami kicker and owner of 4th Down University, helps to organize events to promote these high school prospects who are just looking for that opportunity.
This past weekend – while many were observing Presidents’ Day, Elite Rating Index and a group of coaches, former and current players gave two days to putting many on the map during a competition.
From Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons to Orlando (NE Regional Park), several budding kickers, punters, long snappers and special teams players received some valuable exposure.
While many of the larger fan websites and recruiting services were off at 7-on-7 events and other “popular” events, several young men did their thing.
The coaching staff was indeed impressive – with OKC Kicking - Florida, Fentress Kicking (Wyoming), Elite Winning Solutions (Michigan), Trackman Football (New York), 4th Down University (Florida), Jones Performance (Oklahoma), Punt 21 (Kansas) and 4th Down Snapping (Florida) joining some established specialists.
Led by 15-year NFL kicking veteran Shayne Graham, current University of Miami kicker, Southeastern University punter Jay Brockhaus, FIU punter Daton Montiel and USF long snapper Trey Dubuc, everyone learned and came away from each event knowing a little bit more than they came in with.
In addition, kicker Robert Hammond III (Florida Atlantic), punter Brion Ashley (Valdosta State), FIU punter Tyler Patterson and Orlando Edgewater special teams coach Eric Hougrand all got involved.
SOUTH FLORIDA’S FINEST CAME TO COMPETE
With so many quality special teams performers who are from south Florida and areas beyond, the talent that came out to compete was indeed impressive.
Among those were:
2027 - Kingston DeLoach, Kicker, West Palm Beach The King's Academy
2025 - Brent Fardette III, Kicker/Punter, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons High School
2027 - Brody Fardette, Long Snapper, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons
2028 - Jacob Fernandez, Kicker, Florida Christian Middle School
2027 - Sam Florens, Kicker, Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest
2023 – Kyle Gomez, Kicker, Delray
2024 - Kristian Hobbs, Kicker/Punter, Miami Central
2027 - Cole Rodriguez, Kicker/Punter, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons
2026 – Noah Sidan, Kicker/Punter, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna
2025 – Ethan Silva, Kicker/Punter, Miami Northwestern
2025 - Bauer Smehyl, Long Snapper, Sebring
2027 - Ethan Stein, Punter, Davie Western
2024 – University of Florida-bound kicker and punter Brandon Rabasco from Hollywood South Broward came out, but was injured from a playoff soccer game.
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For the past 54 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..