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
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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.
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..
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.
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 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..
While many credit the South Florida Express for being the first nationally recognized 7-on-7 team, there is no getting around the fact that the Florida Fire has been one of the most popular.
With national championships in hand and fielding several quality teams throughout the past 14 years, founder Dennis Marroquin has always been able to field elite programs who have not only made an impact in high school, but also at the collegiate and professional level.
The branding of the Florida Fire has been as impressive as any program in the nation – with several age groups making an impact across the country.
As the 14th year started for the Fire, the high school age talent was once again ready to leave a mark from coast-to-coast.
While they didn’t compete in the Battle South Florida event, they started the year out by reaching the finals of the Pylon Pompano Beach tournament, serving notice that they will indeed be worth watching this coming off-season.
2026 – Jaylon Ammons, DB, 6-0, 160, Fort Lauderdale Stranahan. 3.4 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19636716/jaylon-ammons
2025 - Derrick Bromell, DB, 5-10, 1Miami Carol City.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16590996/636a8413a022a80530f59db7
2025 – Jade Card, WR, 6-3, 200, Miami Northwestern.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16157435/Jade-Card
2025 -Shamar Fowles, WR, 6-1, 180, Miami Carol City.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16439281/Shamar-Fowles
2025 - Mitch Joseph, Athlete, Miami Carol City.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16498777/Mitch-Joseph
2025 – Jordan Louis, DB, 6-0, 170, Plantation American Heritage.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17979855/Jordan-Louis
2025 - Max Redmon, Athlete, 6-2, 190, West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15999568/Max-Redmon
2025 - Samari Reed, WR, 6-3, 190, Coconut Creek Monarch.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16492359/6510ad472ab16404086523ed
2025 - Andrew Rodriguez, WR/DB, 6-1, 170, Miami True North Academy.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16162571/Andrew-Rodriguez
2025 - Xanai Scott, Athlete, 6-0, 185, West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman. 3.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16168157/Xanai-Scott
2027 – Jack Spaeder, QB, 6-2, 180, Coconut Creek Monarch.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18342160/6535f761ff0288093c60abd0
2025 – Greg Thomas, DB, 6-2, 190, Plantation American Heritage.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/11717315/Gregory-Zae-Thomas
2026 - Dominic Turnbull, DB, 6-2, 175, Miami True North Academy.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16260330/Dominic-Turnbull
2025 – Jaleel Walters, DB, 6-0, 175, Coconut Creek Monarch.
TAPE:
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16221807/656c9ed7ff03850d185c89a1
2025 – Antonio Ward, DB, 5-9, 175, Coconut Creek Monarch.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16336292/Antonio-Ward
2025 - Amare Whetsell, WR, 6-1, 180, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace. 3.7 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17413970/65189356dfd8460d50cb0d5d
2025 – Preston Wright, QB, 6-2, 200, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. 4.24 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16294361/657600f9176d2904dc9d85a6
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 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..