During the course of any season, there are going to be impact players that some may overlook.
On any given team, there are prospects who make plays and fill up the stat sheet, only to be taken for granted by other more high profile players.
When it comes to defense, returning an interception or fumble for a score will get you the headlines and put you into the spotlight, but what about those athletes who lead their team in tackles and are the reasons why games are won and lost?
Being a leading tackler on a team will get you mentioned, but they turn out to be the unsung heroes and should be recognized for what they bring to the table.
Today, we bring you some of the top tacklers in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties who will be back for the 2026 season. Talented game-changers who will have the chance to propel their teams into the state playoffs – and beyond:
CLASS OF 2027
Levi Champion (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas). 182 total tackles and among the most total tackles for the second straight year at West Palm Beach The King’s Academy.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18043861/Levi-Champion
Trey Hollandsworth (Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy). 136 Tackles, 128 Solo 23 TFL, 6 Sacks.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/6362144/Trey-Hollandsworth
Tedrick Oatman (Fort Lauderdale Dillard). 120 total tackles and six sacks out of his linebacker position last year at Miami Norland.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19641797/68dc08718f077d595a6df80f
Wyatt Smith (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas). Finished with 115 tackles (62 solo) and 13 sacks.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20133523/Wyatt-Smith
CLASS OF 2028
Ricky Carter (Miami True North Classical Academy). On of the elite players in Florida, he had 136 tackles and six sacks for a state playoff team.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22328895/Ricky-Cater
Chanavis Chance Jr. (Miami Christopher Columbus). 126 as a linebacker at Plantation High.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22769095/Chanavis-Chance-Jr
Ahziah Murphy (Miami Norland). Playing both defensive end/linebacker, he led the Vikings with 109 total tackles (76 solo).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23033189/Ahziah-Murphy
CLASS OF 2029
Noah Finkelstein (Coconut Creek North Broward Prep). 150 tackles, 2.5 sacks 10 tfl, 4 FR, 2 PBU.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26293095/Noah-Finkelstein
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 56 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..