With spring under way across south Florida, college coaches will make their way south to check out all the talent that we have in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

Every year at this time, there are several prospects who confirm what many have felt all along – while others showcase their skills for the first time.

It is no secret that Florida is the place where you head to infuse your roster with talent that has been playing at a high, competitive level since youth leagues.

While there are very talented prospects across the country – as we saw this past week during the NFL Draft – but there is something about prospects, especially from south Florida who are ready for battle as soon as they reach the high school level.

Yesterday when we brought you five Class of 2027 players to keep an eye on we had plenty of feedback from fans of those programs who have yet to watch those young men and were anxious to see potential game changers.

Today, we have five more players to keep an eye on in the class this spring and summer:

Raul Alvarez, OLB/DE, 6’0, 205, Miami Immaculata LaSalle – 3.57 GPA. Playing for a program that had a banner season in 2024, here is a prospect that is versatile and makes plays as a pass rusher and as a sure tackler. His ability to read the flow of plays gives him a huge advantage. Whether coming off the edge or playing inside, this is a sold playmaker who still has two seasons to continue growing and maturing.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19517372/Raul-Ignacio-Alvarez-Eguia

Kareem Brown, WR, 6’0, 175, Miami True North Classical Academy. As this team continues to grow and pose a threat to some of the other teams in the region, it’s players like this who has the ability to break games open that will be essential. Has size, skill and knowledge of the game and position. He will make this offense better because of the many things he does – as he showed last season. When he gets the ball in his hands, he makes things happen. This coming season will be one that colleges will see what he brings to the Titans.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16930405/Kareem-Brown

Maurice Gage, OLB/SS, 5’10, 180, Miami Gulliver Prep – 3.4 GPA. Having watched this versatile defensive standout play, you can see his ball skills, ability to tackle and cover, and anticipate the flow of plays. Whether he ends up playing linebacker or safety will depend on his growth and maturity, but for now the Raiders have a talented prospect who will be fun to watch in the off-season.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19764540/Maurice-Gage

Symari Milner, DL/LB, 5’9, 205, Fort Lauderdale. When veteran head coach Richard Dunbar tells you he has someone special that is young, you listen. Over the years, the Flying Ls have churned out so impressive talent and this young man is indeed someone to keep an eye on. While he may not have the size that will bowl you over, his skill and ability to control the line of scrimmage, even against larger linemen, is what his game is all about. He is strong, physical and very smart which translates into plenty of positives. As he is a solid run stopper, please do not sleep on his talents as a pass rusher. He finds a way to get to the quarterback.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22518012/Symari-Milner

Khamarian Young, WR, 6’0, 175, Hollywood McArthur. Coming over from Davie Western this is indeed someone who has a chance to be special for first year head coach Robert Ortega and the Mustangs. He finds a way to get open and also make plays against top competition. He gives his new team a chance to score from anywhere on the field as he uses his route running ability to separate. Definitely a prospect to keep an eye on.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20363038/Khamarian-Young

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After decades and decades of watching, promoting and evaluating talent throughout the country, state and in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, we have found that when you watch talent play instead of relying on seeing film only, you have a better grasp of what athletes can do – on and off the playing field.

Throughout the course of a year, we have the pleasure of attending numerous games, practices, camps, combines and seeing athletes in different arenas.

Fresh off the 2025 NFL Draft, spring has started at high schools across the state of Florida, and while the focus is on the rising senior (2026) class, underclassmen are also receiving plenty of attention from the college coaches as well as recruiting services and the media.

We are in different times when it comes to recruiting, and while the actual game of football has not changed, the way colleges and universities evaluate the prospects has certainly taken several twists and turns.

Understanding that the transfer portal is always going to be in play, choosing the student/athlete that fits your program is perhaps the most important thing that college coaches must realize.

Character has always been important, but now when you are looking at talent, you have to go beyond 40 times and how many tackles they make and truly get to know the individual, and that you simply cannot do by sitting in front of a computer.

Talking to prospects and understanding what they are all about – away from football can make a huge difference and often means everything when they get to the next level.

Today, we take a look at five Class of 2027 prospects that have started to make their way on to the radar – and will have the chance for colleges to see many for the first time.

Damian Fisher, DL, 5’10, 225, Homestead. The first thing you notice about this impressive athlete is the way he gets off the ball and has a motor that never stops. While he isn’t the largest player on the field, he is tough and will follow up plays to the end. He plays low and it gives him a chance to be a huge factor as a run stopper. He is versatile enough to play inside, edge and nose tackle in the middle. As soon as the ball is snapped, he focuses on getting a sack, which is part of his game that continues to elevate.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19651335/Damian-Fisher

Ji’Koi Highsmith, OLB/DE, 6’2, 200, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy – 4.8 GPA. 1040 SAT. 23 PACT. Easily one of the fastest-rising prospects in the class. Here is a versatile defensive talent that is quick off the ball and reads plays extremely well. He is a very smart young man who continues to pick up more and more about his position and the game by attending off-season events as well as his leadership for the Mavericks.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20357665/672e9bd1eb3da2ca23324f18

James Klaiss Jr., WR, 6’1, 165, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna – 3.6 GPA. On a program that is loaded at the receiver position, here is someone that continues to use the off-season to get his reps and become more comfortable with getting on the football field more for the nationally-rated Lions over the next two years. Showcased his skills and got plenty of playing time on the junior varsity squad. This is someone to keep an eye on as he matures and continues to learn more about the game and position(s) he plays.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19530847/James-Klaiss-jr

Jayden Miller, QB, 6’0, 195, Fort Lauderdale NSU University School – 3.5 GPA. With so much elite rising talent at the quarterback position throughout Florida and in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, here is someone that is coming off a season in which he made a huge impact for the Sharks, taking them to the Sunshine State Athletic Association title game against Oviedo The Master’s Academy. Named to the first team all-state with huge numbers in his young career (3,145 yards and 26 touchdowns). Has very good arm strength and accuracy and his improvement against some top programs has certainly thrusted him into the spotlight and in the conversation as one of the best in his class. This program is expecting some major things this coming season.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19271336/Jayden-Miller

Edwardo Thompson, DL, 6’1, 240, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy. Makes his way over from Miami Booker T. Washington as one of the top defensive line prospects in the state of Florida. Here is a very talented player that combines strength, quickness and athletic ability, and as he continues to learn the position technically, watch out! While his objective is to get to the passer, do not underestimate his skills as a run stopper. This is one of those players that everyone needs to keep an eye on over the next two seasons as he becomes a leader and a major producer.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19747559/Edwardo-Thompson

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FORT LAUDERDALE – After a 9-3 season and a heart-breaking state playoff loss to eventual 4A state champion Plantation American Heritage, the Dillard Panthers kicked off the spring in style this past weekend.

Head Coach Demitris Mincey and his football team headed to the third annual Battle 4 Broward 7-on-7 event with plenty at stake.

Even though they went 3-0 in the opening round of the tournament on Saturday at Hollywood McArthur, there were many who doubted whether this team could come back Sunday and in their third straight “954” title.

With powers such as Delray Beach Atlantic, West Boca Raton, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, Miami Norland, West Broward and over 30 other Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and Broward County programs, the Panthers came to work, and by the time the final game rolled around against Atlantic, this team was primed to come from behind and take home a third straight title.

Among those players who made an impact for this team included rising senior quarterback Jayden Chico, who comes in for his final year from Plantation.

Chico was MVP of the tournament with 20 touchdowns and one interception as Dillard came from behind in all four victories.

In addition, there were impressive 8^th grade defensive back Jamar Brinson, two-way standout Dorian Wildgoose, and defensive back Zamari “Pop” Marquez.

THE PANTHERS ARE A DEEP TEAM

In addition to those players who led the way, there were others who grabbed the spotlight over the two days:

The rising seniors (2026) included Andrew Stickney (QB), Anthony Carey Jr. (RB), Devin Simmons (DB), Kenny Dalvirmar (LB), Tyophi Clay (WR), Amari Brutus (DB), Pierce Kinch-Young (WR/TE), Timothy Russley (CB), Demitris Mincey Jr. (Athlete), Sidney “Sid” Newkirt Jr. (LB), Tyler Coney (WR), Cordell Coffey (WR), Latavius Taylor (RB), and Quyis Daley (LB/FB).

Rising juniors (2027) also had some impressive players with Kyle Brown (WR), Tederic Oatman (Safety), Ja’Corey Rhoden (DB), Ja’Rodd  Rhoden (DB), Alexander Pinder (RB), O’Tavian Tucker (DB), and Jovensky Lully (WR).

Two rising sophomores (2028) also made an impact – with Sacari Jordan (DB) and Marcus Powell (DB), and Class of 2029 rising freshman Lamech Rucker (QB).

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MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

For the past 55 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..

As the winter off-season came to an end over the weekend to give way to spring football in south Florida, the third annual Battle 4 Broward 7-on-7 event took place at Coral Glades High School in Coral Springs, McArthur High School in Hollywood and at Cardinal Gibbons in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday and for the championships on Sunday.

Over schools from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties took part in an event that would crown two different championships when play ended late Sunday afternoon.

Miami Carol City came back from a 1-2 start on Saturday to win the “754” crown – while for the third straight year, the Fort Lauderdale Dillard Panthers took home the “954” team title.

Several elite prospects filled the fields over the two days – with established prospects getting much of the attention as they showcased their many skills that will surface this off-season and into 2025.

There were also some players that may not be household names by prospects that are on the rise and will certainly help their programs this season.

2027 – Santana Blount, 5’9, 155, Miami Carol City. One of the fast-rising slot prospects in south Florida. Someone who is tough to cover, and while he doesn’t have Tutu Atwell speed, he certainly has a game that is similar to the Los Angeles Rams’ standout. At the 7-on-7 tournament, he proved to be sure handed and elite when it came to running pass patterns. Will be one of many players the Chiefs used to capture the “754” title this past weekend.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22468691/Santana-Blount

2026 – Robert Ortega, RB, 5’6, 175, Hollywood McArthur – 4.1 GPA. Since he was an 8^th grader at Hollywood Avant Garde Academy, he has shown that he is a back that is tough, quick and versatile. He not only runs the ball, but catches and is physical when it comes to blocking and adding that extra dimension to his game. While being the son of a coach is never easy, he moves over from Davie Western to play for the Mustangs this coming season. Is headed to the Ivy League next year – most likely choosing Brown University in Rhode Island.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18274649/677f01b3002acf25bc553d15

2026 – Anton Smith, WR, 5’6, 155, Miami Killian. One of the impact prospects heads down south to play for the Cougars and after making a lasting impression at Miami Booker T. Washington. He can do it all as a receiver and on special teams – and if needed – can get behind center and play quarterback as well. One of the under-the-radar student/athletes who gets it done in the classroom as well. Keep an eye on his play this coming season.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18032820/Anton-Smith

2027 – Joshua Sylvain, WR, 6’3, 180, Pembroke Pines Charter. While there were a number of gifted prospects during the two days of the event, very few who attended knew much about this impressive young man, who is about to have a breakout season. While he has things to work on, his size and ability to go up and get balls are things that will continue to thrust himself into the spotlight. In addition to catching passes, he is learning more about playing the position, and this spring college coaches who watch him play will like the fact that he is willing to roll up his sleeves and put in the work for the Jaguars.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19740803/Joshua-Sylvain

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

MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

For the past 55 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..