MIAMI GARDENS – They came from Pensacola, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Largo and throughout Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County.

With an opportunity to attract the eye of a college football coach or two, the now annual Orange Bowl Recruiting Showcase was held at St. Thomas University, and with hundreds of seniors and juniors on hand, scholarships were extended and the opportunity to receive a college education became a reality.

With members of the Orange Bowl committee on hand along with former NFL player coach Dave Shula, NFL player and football host Brady Quinn, one time University of Florida and NFL standout Travis Taylor and countless college and high school coaches who not only came to support, but also lend a hand in helping expose many of these young men who still have dreams of extended their football playing along with an opportunity to get a college degree.

For former University of Miami center Ty Wise, the 750 mile ride from the Pensacola area (Pace) was well worth it to give his players an opportunity to have over 45 college coaches from all over the country evaluate and watch them.

“This is a huge opportunity for these young men to have a chance to get their names out there and perform in front of college coaches,” said Wise, who is an assistant coach. “I know what it’s like to go through three and four years of hard work and dedication and not have anything at the end.”

While Wise and his student/athletes did their thing, so did many others – such as local head coaches Pierre Senatus (Miami Southridge), Quentin Short (Sunrise Piper), Brian McCartney (West Broward), Rex Nottage (Coconut Creek North Broward Prep), Gene Chew (Miami Ferguson), John Downs (Alonzo & Tracy Mourning) as well as coaches from Coconut Creek, Homestead, Flanagan, and several other schools, who took advantage of this free exposure event.

St. Thomas University head coach Bill Rychel and his staff were out in full force as hosts and members of the college coaching fraternity that also included Keiser new head coach Myles Russ, Webber International, Fort Lauderdale University, Atlantis University, Palm Beach Elite Academy, MTI Prep and many NAIA, Division 2, Division 3 and Prep Schools who were on hand to stock their rosters with talent from the Sunshine State.

Over five hours brought out receivers, tight ends, quarterbacks, running backs, offensive and defensive linemen, linebackers, defensive backs and kickers & punters, who had the opportunity to test, learn and perform.

“We have found that hosting this event – from the coaches’ social on Friday night to having a combine on Saturday is something that nobody else does,” explained Chief Administrative Officer Mitch Morrall. “We have found that when the college coaches can actually see these seniors and the juniors for the first time, it is a huge recruiting advantage.”

Indeed, while there are several “small college recruiting fairs, the combine element is not included, often leaving high school coaches to show video that could be four and five months old – during a time when a growth period can change the entire recruiting process.

With the full endorsement of CEO Eric Poms and committee, this is an event that will continue to pave the way and give these young men yet another opportunity to sell themselves.

WHO CAUGHT THE EYE OF COLLEGE COACHES

With hundreds of athletes doing their thing, every player did what they could to get noticed.

When the day was over, the college coaches on hand saw many seniors who stepped up their game. In addition to those listed, we will continue to spotlight others who made their way to Miami Gardens.

QB

Jonathan Morillo, Pembroke Pines West Broward

Jett Yurgealitis, Fort Lauderdale NSU University School

RB

Corey Clay Jr., Bradenton Southeast

Manny Rodriguez, Miami Ferguson

Karl Joseph, North Miami Beach

WR

Ryan Ebersberger, Parkland Douglas

Joaquin Edie, Weston Cypress Bay

Josiah Gaynor, Sunrise Piper

Jacob Hovey, Port St. Lucie Centennial

TE

Jordan Alexandre, Miami Dr. Krop

Franklyn Johnson Jr., Pembroke Pines Flanagan

Carter Smith, TE, Pembroke Pines West Broward

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

Giovan Antoine, North Miami Beach

Jeremy Edwards, Davie Nova

Ted Paul, West Palm Beach Forest Hill

Vertis Shelby, Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep

Chasemi Smith, North Miami

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

Kenley Israel, Miramar Everglades

Kane Jones, Davenport

Johannes Mager, Homestead

Hadley Pericles, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

Ivan Quesada, Miami Archbishop Carroll

Luis Rojas, Pembroke Pines West Broward

LINEBACKERS

Damyeon Casimir, North Miami Beach

Quincy Casseus, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely

James Douse III, Coconut Creek

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Christopher Allen, Coconut Creek

Toby Aurilia, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian

Joel Tavares, North Miami Beach

KICKERS/PUNTERS

Kenneth Augilera, North Miami

Braden Kimmel, Boynton Beach Somerset Academy

Nicholas McCarthy, Davie Western

Guillermo Santiago, Lake Mary

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For the past 54 years, we have spent plenty of 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..

 If you live in south Florida and follow high school football, you already know the drill when it comes to recruiting.

While it happens everywhere in the country, a magnifying glass is set on Miami-Dade and Broward each season, and there is nothing that will change it.

Way before “school of choice”, student athletes have been moving around at a record pace, and already this off-season we are nearing 100 transfers in just two counties, and we haven’t even reached spring.

If you are the beneficiary of these transfers, you say nothing and move on. If it’s your prospects that are headed out, the “experts” tell you to move on and get over it.

Last season, head coach Greg Laffere and his Miami True North Classical Academy football program won nine times before being upset in the playoffs. The Titans were loaded with quality talent from the senior class all the way down to the eighth graders who impacted the team.

After the season ended, this program lost two of the most high-profile underclassmen, and while the losses were certainly huge and will take some time to fill, this program continues to roll along with an eye on making the state playoffs once again – in year 5.

With a solid rising senior (2025) class, experience and leadership will be key.

Part of that class includes Jacob Corredera (K, 5-6, 140 – 3.4 GPA), Brian Delrio (WR, 5-8, 165 – 4.6 GPA. 1140 SAT), Christian Garcia (CB/WR, 5-7, 152 – 3.32 GPA. PSAT 930), Hunter Martin (MLB, 5-11, 220 – 3.14 GPA), Andrew Rodriguez (WR/DB, 5-11, 150.6 – 2.95 GPA. PSAT 900), Thomas Toca (DL, 5-11, 195 – 3.34 GPA), and defensive lineman Alex Yearwood (5-11, 192, basketball standout).

UNDERCLASS IS STILL LOADED UP

While nothing can ever be predicted for the future, especially in south Florida, the Titans headed into the off-season with some impressive Class of 2026 rising juniors – such as nationally rated two sport (basketball) star Jasen Lopez (WR, 5-11, 175 – 3.3 GPA), heavily recruited Dominic Turnbull (DB, 6-2, 180) and versatile Camaul King (WR/DB, 6-0, 150).

Add in Jonathan Bejel (TE/LB, 6-1, 200 – 3.5 GPA. 870 PSAT), Nathan Bileca (LB, 5-11, 195 – 4.52 GPA. 1230 PSAT), Zach Eguizabal (DL 6-3.5, 215 – 4.35 GPA. 1180 PSAT), Aldo Fundora (OL/DL, 5-8, 255 – 3.12 GPA. 930 PSAT), Alex Jimenez (OL, 5-10, 185 – 3.9 GPA. 840 PSAT), Andy Lopez (DB, 5-6, 135 – 3.5 GPA. 960 PSAT), Christopher Macias (K, 6-0, 150 – 4.9 GPA. 1270 PSAT, and linebacker Brian Sardinas (5-10, 200 – 3.88 GPA. PSAT).

The 2027 rising sophomore class also has rising standouts like Johnathan Bueno (RB, 5-10, 170), George Harris (LB, 5-11, 191), Ronald Riley (OL, 6-3, 311) and linebacker Marcus Solomon (5-8, 181).

The depth of the class is also evident with Dante De La FE (OL, 5-9, 277), Jayden Jackson (OL, 6-0, 292), Vincent Longo (DL, 5-10, 230), Luis Quevedo (OL, 5-11, 230), Julian Regalado (WR 5-6, 120), and offensive lineman Alejandro Valdes (5-8, 237).

Even the incoming freshman (2028) class will have some prospects to keep an eye on – with Lazaro Diaz (OL, 5-9, 270), Emerson Heffernan (Athlete, 5-10, 155), Enzo Mena (WR, 5-5, 110), Jimmy Rodriguez (OL/DL, 6-0, 215), and versatile lineman Tristan Trauth (OL/DE, 6-1, 180).

In this age of the gifted athletes, even eighth graders are making a major impact – and that can happen this coming season with highly-regarded quarterback M.J. Rucker (QB, 6-1, 154) and receiver Edgar Russell III (5-7, 135).

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIAMI TRUE NORTH CLASSICAL ACADEMY

TRANSFER SEASON IN MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD. https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

For the past 54 years, we have spent plenty of 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.

It is no secret that since Alonzo and Tracy Mourning High opened its door that football has not been the centerpiece of the athletic program.

While it’s a struggle for any of the northeastern Miami-Dade area teams – with Dr. Krop, North Miami, and North Miami Beach struggling through the years, the secret has been the lack of feeder (youth) programs and transfers to other programs who have done well on the gridiron.

With a number of coaches who have tried to turn things around and give the student/athletes something to build on, perhaps head coach John Downs may have found a secret. It’s a secret that has helped Dr. Krop and Barbara Goleman move on to play for state playoffs, and continues to fuel Miami Sunset, Miami Braddock, Miami Ferguson and others.

Understand that there are only nine state champions in Florida every year, and while everyone wants that prestige, ask Ferguson head coach Gene Chew and his team who proudly show off a championship trophy in their school’s awards display – after taking home the Greater Miami Athletic Conference Independent title. The same conference that the Sharks happen to be a part of.

With that in mind, this team is coming off a 4-4 season, and is already using that as a springboard in the off-season.

HOW ABOUT THAT RISING SENIOR (2025) CLASS!

The Sharks are searching for a solid spring and summer to get ready for the upcoming season. The Class of 2025 – the rising seniors - will be counted on heavily to get this program over the .500 mark.

Here is a look at those prospects:

Helisson Atleus, FB/LB, 5-8, 175 – 2.5 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18005098/Helisson-Atelus

Malachi Davey, RB/SS/OLB, 6-1, 200 – 3.3 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16003604/Malachi-Davey

Dwayne Joseph, DB/WR, 6-1, 155 – 3.4 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18590794/Dwayne-Joseph

PLAYER: Marvin Laforest, WR/DB, 6-1, 165 – 2.5 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18005103/Marvin-Laforest

AWAITING VIDEO

Ayden Chapa, QB, 5-11, 165 – 2.7 GPA.

CLASS OF 2026 PROSPECTSM ON THE WAY

While the 2025 group will certainly be looked upon for frontline experience, the rising juniors (2026) will also be very valuable in the process:

Adrian Atoa, HB/WR, 5-8, 165 – 3.8 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19954614/Adrian-Atoa

Brandon Childs, HB/DB, 5-8, 160 – 3.5 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19989441/Brandon-Childs

Darnell Deshommes, Edge/DE/TE, 6-2, 210 – 3.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18005112/Darnell-Deshommes

James Mortimer, DB/HB, 5-7, 145 – 2.6 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18294198/James-Mortimer

AWAITING VIDEO

Mohammed Fayoumi, WR/DB/QB, 6-2, 175 – 3.5 GPA.

2024 PROSPECTS STILL NEED SOME HELP

With the Orange Bowl Recruiting Showcase coming up Saturday at St. Thomas University, this team still has a few 2024 current seniors still searching to extend their football careers at the next level:

Alvintino Charles, ILB/Edge, TE, 6-2, 200 – 3.1 GPA

Jaden Desir, HB/DB, 5-7, 165

Markenson Laforest, HB/SS, 5-10, 165 – 2.8 GPA

Rodney Mathis, OL/DL/LS, 5-8, 225 – 3.2 GPA

Nick Petrou, OL/DL, 5-11, 220 – 3.1 GPA

Wilkenson Nelson, FB/DL/LB, 5-8, 185 – 3.3 GPA

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

For the past 54 years, we have spent plenty of 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..

Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers. https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers

Over the past month, we have given you an opportunity to sign up and showcase your skills in front of college football coaches, who have the power to offer you financial assistance.

With time running down and the window starting to close, your options are becoming less and less, and parents, coaches and athletes have the chance to control their own future.

This Saturday, the Orange Bowl Football Showcase will be taking place at St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens for graduating seniors (2024 class) and current juniors (2025 class) starting at 8 a.m.

For those student athletes and their parents who have complained about not getting a chance to perform in front of colleges, you have run out of excuses. This is the day to be proactive in front of some 30 plus colleges and universities, who send their coaching staff to evaluate and look to sign prospects in the next two classes.

With the landscape of college recruiting changing dramatically with the “transfer portal” and “Name, Image, and Likeness” deals, attaining a college scholarship or getting financial assistance has taken a hit. But thank goodness there are people who understand what’s going on. 

With a rich past and solid reputation of making dreams come true, the Orange Bowl Florida High School Football Showcase presented by Baptist Health is still in place and will once again host an impressive day of showcasing talent and grades to college coaches who flock to the area to fill their rosters with Sunshine State talent.

In 2023, nearly 30 colleges/universities attended with over 200 student-athletes, representing 82 high schools taking part (with a 2.5 GPA and above), 60 participants were recruited and are on rosters of colleges who came out.

In addition to our local NAIA schools and smaller colleges, programs from as far away as Texas and throughout the New England states and midwest took part.

Since 2017, when this began at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, over $8 million in financial aid has been provided to participants in the showcase. In that time, over 400 student-athletes were recruited by colleges & universities in the first seven years.

The Showcase is a FREE, one-day event, in association with the National Football Foundation (NFF) and its local chapters, that will bring together high school seniors and educational institutions in Division II, III, and NAIA programs from across the country.

PARENTS – BE PROACTIVE

An information session will take place during the showcase to educate parents on financial aid, NCAA and NAIA eligibility requirements and much more. We encourage you to attend this session to learn more about putting your student-athlete in the best position to be successful and college-ready.

Interested in taking part in this FREE SHOWCASE? Contact - https://www.orangebowl.org/community/youthsports/showcase/

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..