The one thing about south Florida high school football prospects is they love to compete and embrace competition.
Perhaps nowhere else in the nation do prospects relish the opportunity to showcase their skills and put a stamp on the fact that when it comes to producing talent, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties are confident in what they produce every year.
During the off-season, there are camps and combines that provide a forum for these quality football players to do their thing.
On Sunday, when the Under Armour Next Football Camp Series headed to Ives Estates Park in North Miami-Dade County on Sunday, all eyes were on the gifted young men who did their thing for nearly six hours.
When the event came to an end, MVP awards were handed out to several of the players that participated, and while several players could have easily walked away with awards at each position and the automatic invited to the Under Armour All-Star contest, a select group were chosen.
We watched all day and saw so many gifted young men do their thing and came up with four players that we wanted to spotlight from the two counties.
2027 – Chase Goodrich, DL, 6-1, 265, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – 3.2 GPA. A day after qualifying for the state wrestling tournament, he came to the event to show coaches and media that he has been one of the fast-rising prospects in south Florida. Strong, agile and very smart, he brings so much to the game and will have a chance to prove it during the 2025 season as the Raiders will be in the mix once again.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16387545/677acf09e0580fc305e3f299
2026 -Desmond Johnson, LB, 6-1, 200, Miami Northwestern – 3.7 GPA. Another of the many football players in south Florida that continues to fly under the radar, but as many are finding out, he is the real deal and was a major force for the Bulls during the state championship run. As spring approaches, he will continue to pick up offers as more and more colleges will see how productive he is. Remains a prospect that many have not watched, but they will – soon!
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17981914/Desmond-Johnson
2026 – Michael Smarts, DE, 6-5, 220, Davie Nova – 3.2 GPA. After watching him this past season for the Titans, this is a football talent that is getting harder and harder to hide. He is quick off the ball and very athletic. As he gets stronger and bigger, major college coaches will enjoy what he brings to the table. This young man is the real deal and will must see during the spring and into the summer.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22768076/Michael-Smarts
2026 – Elias Sturman, OL, 6-1, 305, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. When he arrived from IMG Academy this past season a lot of people didn’t know who he was, but his work ethic and productivity up front were hard to ignore. In Sunday’s competition, his strength and technique surfaced as coaches had the chance to see for himself. He rarely loses a round during competition and was vital for the Lions.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16191625/6772666e020a50150c523b7e
2027 QUARTERBACKS SHOWCASED TLENT
Keep in mind that while several football players did their thing on Sunday – from all over the state, area 2027 quarterbacks showed why this rising junior class will be special.
Tyler Chance (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Jack Spaeder (Pembroke Pines West Broward), James Perrone (Miami Southridge), Zach Katz (Miami True North Classical Academy) and Kingston Rust (Miami Christopher Columbus) were all impressive and will be worth keeping an eye on this coming season.
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..
Once again on Thursday night the South Florida High School Sports Radio Show took center stage with seven impressive guests.
Each and every week, the AM 560 WQAM radio program attracts the newsmakers in high school sports, recruiting college sports – not only locally, but throughout the country.
The show gives listeners an opportunity to hear about college football programs statewide from the media that cover them. It also focuses on the coaches who use the state of Florida – Miami-Dade and Broward Counties in particular.
The show, which has run for nearly two decades has become a popular listen for recruiting fans as well as high school sports purists, focusing in on coaches and players in all sports.
Here is a look at the way Thursday went:
Florida Atlantic University has had 7 head coaches since 2001 season. In December they hired Zach Kittley to get the Owls to the next level. He joined the show.
COACH ZACH KITTLEY ON THURSDAY NIGHT:
https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/zach-kittley-florida-atlantic-university-head-coach-d851d
You would be surprised to find out how many former football players are now competing in rugby. Ryan Forston of South Florida Rugby talked about it.
RYAN FORSTON ON THURSDAY NIGHT:
https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/ryan-forston-south-florida-rugby-2d086
Ask any high school coach and all will tell you how poor the pay is. Dr. Andrew Ramjit from the Florida Coaches Coalition is out to change that.
DR. ANDREW RAMJIT ON THURSDAY NIGHT:
https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/dr-andrew-ramjit-florida-coaches-coalition-29916
THIS OFF SEASON GET THE JUMP ON EVERYONE. Check Out The South Florida High School Sports Radio Show Every Week. @UHealthSports @560WQAM https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98
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..
Moments after a season-ending loss in the first round of the state playoffs, first year Plantation head football coach Darrell Strong was not pleased.
While many would be satisfied with some state playoff game in year one, a consolation prize was the furthest thing from his mind.
As it would have been easy to rest of the fact that the Colonels advanced to the state playoffs in perhaps the toughest 4A district in Florida – where Plantation American Heritage would go on to win a state title – he knew that this team didn’t play well down the stretch, losing three of the final four and wanted to send a message. That message was 6-5 is NOT acceptable.
With Miami Norland, American Heritage and Archbishop McCarthy also work to get better this off-season, Plantation’s approach has been to continue to raise the bar.
With a number of key additions, and the return of some playmakers, the rising seniors (2026) will certainly lead the way with experience and talent.
Here is a look at some of those 2026 prospects:
Naijah Arnasalem, WR/S, 6’1, 185.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18032221/6728029ea953dda75e9fc7e3
Timothy Brown, DL, 6’3, 250.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19408837/67925ce8bb22bb3a616525d9
Bryant Carson, QB, 6’0, 190.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19009919/Bryant-Carson
Rayshawn Cunningham, RB, 5’9, 165.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20390824/Rayshawn-Cunningham
Christopher Damis, DB, 6’2, 180.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19679928/673ea4686a6e145fb2df3e6d
Ainsley David, OL, 6’3, 325.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18986391/Ainsley-David
Shenard Davis, DE/TE, 6’2, 190.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19032257/Shenard-Davis
Devon Pierre, WR/RB, 5’7, 140.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20038951/Devon-Pierre
Torrell Powell, DL, 5’10, 220 – 3.3 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19033171/Torrell-Powell
Zachariah Ray, RB, 5’9, 170.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18658565/67225043a161dd5921420329
Kendall Smith, LB, 5’8, 170.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23842699/Kendall-Smith
Christopher Tillman, RB/Athlete, 5’10, 170.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19529786/67374cdd8d38eae5be0c4818
AWAITING SPRING VIDEO
Jahlani Brown, OL, 6’3, 285
STRONG UNDERCLASS IS KEY TO THE 2025 SEASON
Coach Strong and his staff realize that if this program is going to take things one step further this coming season, the underclassmen will need to continue to step up.
The depth and talent will add to what the rising senior class is bringing to the games.
CLASS OF 2027
Jemari Foreman, DB, 6’1, 175.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23197049/66eb8e641c5063232295d012
Ja’tavius Groover, DB, 5’10, 165.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23197021/Jatavius-groover
Malik Henry-Wright, OL, 6-3, 325.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20391460/Malik-HenryWright
Jason Thomas, WR, 5’11, 165.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20390204/Jason-Thomas
Tory Thornton, Edge, 6’2, 180.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20390349/Tory-Thornton
CLASS OF 2028
Chanavis Chance, LB, 5’8, 180.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22769095/677dc35ed855bc12107c7f2b
Meshi Dobson, DE, 6’4, 225.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/25526973/Meshi-Dobson
Zakari Johnson, WR/DB, 6’0, 175.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/24237216/673b6b236f71d7690442b109
AWAITING SPRING VIDEO
Logan Escobedo, QB, 6’2, 175
Larry Freelove, DB, 5’10, 155
Russell George, WR, 6’1, 165
Johnathan Gillard, DB, 5’10, 155
Clarence Gillis Jr., LB, 5’8, 175
Marlin Johnson, WR, 5’10, 150
Braylen Peacock, DB, 5’10 155
Jake Warren, DE, 6’1, 210
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..
If you follow high school football in south Florida, it’s no secret. If you are a larger program and intend on having a chance to play for a state title, it all goes through Miami Christopher Columbus.
Even on a “down” year, the Explorers came within a touchdown of playing for another 7A state title – as they waltzed to a District 16-7A crown and into the regionals.
When Columbus and Miami Palmetto squared off on Sept. 13 – just three weeks into the season – the Panthers had their chances, but like it has been the case for many years, that loss not only wrapped up a district title, but even though head coach Mike Manasco’s team played well, winning six straight, they would never get another chance at Columbus.
When Davie Western beat Palmetto in the opening round of the state playoffs, it once again sealed the fate of this program.
While you can go back and look at the close games that the Panthers could have won – Columbus (17-14) included – the season ended and sent the team into the off-season once again shaking their collective heads.
As many times as this team has left one season and looked forward to another, there was always a sense that things may be different, and with the addition of some key players as a solid rising senior (2026) class, this is the most excited the Panthers have been in a long time.
That rising senior class is stacked with prospects and is up for the challenge once again.
Here is a look at some of those 2026 players:
Andre Bailey, QB, 5'9, 165 - 3.45 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/13294599/Andre-Bailey
Anthony Brown, OL, 6'5, 325 - 3.50 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18142160/Anthony-Brown
Marko Fernandez, DB, 5'11, 175 - 3.50.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/13488167/Marko-Fernandez
Braylen Green, 5'11, 170 - 2.63 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21396759/Braylen-Green
Chris Green, K/P, 6'2, 170 - 3.53 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20797756/Christopher-Green
Caleb Jones, LB, 6'1, 185 - 2.97 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16419957/Caleb-Jones
Wynton Jones, DB, 5'10, 165 - 2.80 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18651809/Wynton-Jones-Jr
Amiel Mackey, Athlete, 5'10, 180 - 2.50 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20025070/amiel-mackey
Matt Marsh, OL, 6'2, 290 - 2.72 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17548776/Matthew-Marsh
Lucas Martinez, OL, 5'11, 230 - 3.56 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16045176/Lucas-Martinez
Conneilus Miller, WR/DB, 6'0, 175 - 3.49 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18628445/Conneilus-Miller-Jr
Nikolai Moise, DB, 5'9 150 - 2.74 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19132065/Nikolai-Moise
Riley Sawchenco, LS, 6'1, 245 - 3.11 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18664425/Rylee-Sawchenco
Prince Smith, Edge/LB, 6'0, 205 - 3.95 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19369040/Prince-Smith
Corey Swint, WR/DB, 5'11, 165 - 2.50 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19665801/Corey-Swint
Varian Terry, RB, 5'8, 170 - 2.78.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19126825/Varian-Terry
Kevin White Jr., CB, 6'1, 175 - 2.62 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17803174/Kevin-White-Jr
AWAITING SPRING VIDEO
Willie Dannah, DB, 5'10, 155
Charles Flowers, Athlete, 5'10, 165 - 2.77 GPA
TALENTED GROUP OF UNDERCLASSMEN COULD CHANGE THE DIRECTION
As the 2026 class will have experience, talent and provide leadership, there are some young prospects who will also have a chance to make a major contribution.
CLASS OF 2027
Jahari Collier, DL, 6'2, 235 - 2.77 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19937707/Jahari-Collier
Zion Flowers, OL, 6'2, 255 - 3.64 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22407090/Zion-Flowers
Rashad Fuller, OL, 6'3, 285 - 3.25 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19947397/Rashad-Fuller
Ezekiel Herring, WR/DB, 5'10, 165.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19947332/Ezekiel-Herring
Brandon Howard, LB, 6'1, 220 - 2.67 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20590410/Brandon-Howard
Kaden Howard, CB/WR, 6'0, 160 - 3.80 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19438407/Kaden-Howard
AWAITING SPRING VIDEO
Mathias Augustin, LB, 6'0, 195 - 3.33 GPA
Aiden Butler, RB, 5'9, 165
Angel Irizarry, OL/DL, 6'1, 275 - 2.57 GPA
Antonio Jackson, OL/DL, 6'0, 235 - 2.45 GPA
Elijah Johnson, OL, 6'2, 305 - 2.72 GPA
Joaquin Mejia, OL, 6'3, 325 - 2.55 GPA
Julian Sanchez, OL, 5'11, 245 - 2.88 GPA
CLASS OF 2028
Ahmir Barnes, WR, 5'9, 160 - 3.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20185498/Ahmir-Barnes
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..
When Weston Cypress Bay lost a 46-0 game to a District 15-7A contest to Davie Western in the second week of October, it dropped the Lightning to 3-4.
With three games left in the season, head coach Bret Hood and his team knew that they had dug themselves in a hole that would be hard to get out from.
Even though they would run off three straight to end the regular season at 6-4, the setback against Western and Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman in district play ended up keep them from playing in the post season.
When the season ended in the first week of November there was an empty feeling. Even though they would finish strong, what they did during the early part of the year proved to be the reason that the senior class would go out without a chance to take part in a state playoff game.
That sour feeling has become a rallying point for this program – and the theme as they approach 2025 is to never put the fate of your team in someone else’s hands.
With perhaps the strongest team coming back that they have had for a long while, it will be up to this rising senior (2026) class to go after a district title with talent, leadership and experience.
Here is a look at some of those 2026 players:
Chance Black, DB, 5’9, 170.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18505855/chance-black
James Dixon, Athlete, 5’11, 180.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23680890/james-dixon
Ben Gula, LT, 6’5, 295 – 3.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18048207/Ben-Gula
Lorenzo Lopez, 6’2, 195 – 4.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18613107/Lorenzo-Lopez
Jayden Mendez, Athlete, 5’10, 185.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19374252/Jayden-Mendez
Sushanth Mortala, RT, 6’3, 280. Basketball.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19381374/Sushanth-Mortala
Jaylan Reid, RB, 5’8, 175.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19352357/jaylan-reid
Ronald Thomas, WR/DB, 6’4, 176.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19227296/Ronald-Thomas
Marcus White, RB, 5’10, 195.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22825092/Marcus-White-Jr
AWAITING SPRING VIDEO
Charif El Churafa, LB, 5’9, 185
Joshua Gamberg, WR, 5’9, 160
Micah Nicholls, FS, 6’0, 190
Democratis Thiakos, LG, 6’2, 275
THE FUTURE IS IN THE HANDS OF THE UNDERCLASSMEN
While there are a few quality football players in the Class of 2026, there are some impressive underclassmen that have the chance to lead this team this coming season and into the future.
CLASS OF 2027
Santiago Gurwitz, QB, 5’9, 170.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18736180/Santiago-Gurwitz
Peyton Lamarre, LB, 5’10, 190.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22056832/Peyton-Lamarre
Logan Pelliccio, QB, 5’10, 185 – 4.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19530849/Logan-Pelliccio
AWAITING SPRING VIDEO
Hunter Cullen, TE, 5’11, 210 – 4.2 GPA
Will Cullen, Athlete, 5’9, 165
David Jones, RG, 5’11, 225
Gabriel Lemoine, WR, 5’7, 160
Michael Millar, WR/DB, 5’10, 160
Evan Saff, DT, 5’11, 265
CLASS OF 2028
Beckett Couch, OC, 6’2, 220.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22880089/beckett-couch
AWAITING SPRING VIDEO
Jake Bass, Athlete, 5’10, 185
Kaden Langford, DE, 6’3, 195
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..