Earlier this week, in preparation for tonight’s first round of the National Football League Draft, there was a graphic that was posted, and it certainly told the story of how potent south Florida is when it comes to producing talent that finds it way to professional football.

What that graphic showed was in the last decade, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (17), Plantation American Heritage (10), Miami Central (7) and Miami Northwestern (7) sent 41 players into the NFL. That doesn’t include some of the other schools that have produced one, two, three, four, five and six.

When the bell sounds this evening, signaling the three-day event from Kansas City, Fort Lauderdale University School and Northwestern are predicted to add to that total.

Daniel Luque remembers it like it was yesterday. A three-star prospect coming out of University School, Zay Flowers was used him everywhere, and he shined.

Receiver, defensive back, special teams performer, he did it all, and while colleges were interested, it was Boston College that offered this 5-11, 170-pound speedster an opportunity to do his thing right away.

As a freshman in 2019, Flowers established himself as a player to keep an eye on, playing in all 13 games with two starts, rushing for 195 yards, and catching 22 passes for 341 yards and three touchdowns.

In the coming years, he started to do the very thing that Luque and his high school coaches predicted. His ability to do so much on the football field, set him apart, and for those colleges who didn’t look in his direction, they learned fast.

Flowers has been talked about as a first-round selection tonight. Not transferring this past year showed NFL teams a lot. For a 3-9 team, he caught 78 balls for 1,077 yards and 12 touchdowns.

With teams such as the Texans, Ravens, Bills, Vikings, Giants and Chiefs being mentioned, this south Florida talent will add his name to a growing list of Miami-Dade and Broward standouts to make an impact at the next level.

PITT KNEW ALL ABOUT CANCEY

When nationally recognized recruiter Charlie Partridge was adamant about Northwestern’s Calijah Kancey, he was indeed in the minority.

Partridge and the University of Pittsburgh were sold on the under 6-foot defensive lineman, drawing comparison to a decent Panther, Aaron Donald, who was also someone who didn’t have the “measurements” for the NFL.

While many schools – including Miami were not sold on his height – Partridge and Pitt felt that over time this way under-the-radar talent would be special.

For those who didn’t believe in what he brought to the table, it was 2021 when things began to fall into place as he started all 14 games at defensive tackle, earned first team All-ACC honors and third team Associated Press All-American. Coming up with 13 tackles for loss and seven sacks, he firmly placed himself in an elite group.

From that year, it was evident that dozens of college recruiters and coaches had blown their evaluation, never taking into consideration that he was dominant in one of the most talent-rich areas in the country.

This evening, with many pre-draft predictions in place, this impressive defensive lineman has been linked to every team from New Orleans to the Jets, Eagles, Tampa Bay and several other teams in search of a playmaker who had talent and ran the fastest combine ever for a defensive tackle!

SOUTH FLORIDIANS ARE DRAFT ELIGIBLE

As much of the attention will focus on Kancey and Flowers, there are others from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties who are eligible for this draft.

There are several prospects who will have their opportunity via the draft or free agency.

Yasir Abdullah (Edge, Louisville, Miami Carol City)

Deslin Alexandre (Edge, Pittsburgh, Deerfield Beach)

Jordan Battle (S, Alabama, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas).

Kemore Gamble (TE, Florida/UCF, Miami Southridge)

Dorian Hall (S, FIU, Hollywood South Broward)

D.J. Ivey (CB, University of Miami, Homestead South Dade)

Anthony Johnson (CB, University of Virginia, Hollywood Chaminader-Madonna)

Mikel Jones (OLB, Syracuse, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy).

Kenny McIntosh, RB, Georgia, Fort Lauderdale University School).

Kris Mull (LB, Washington, UAB, Coral Gables).

Taiwan Mullen (CB, Indiana, Coconut Creek).

D.J. Scaife (OG, University of Miami, Miami Killian)

Shaun Shivers (RB, Indiana/Auburn, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna)

Tyler Steen (OT, Alabama/Vanderbilt, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas).

Tyrique Stevenson (CB, University of Miami, Miami Southridge)

Kadeem Telfort (OL, UAB, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas).

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: April 27, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For the past 53 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. 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..

Less than three weeks after Vernon Wilder III returned to coach his alma mater, Miami Carol City, the Coral Park Rams turned to an energetic and knowledgeable football coach and teacher.

Growing up in Palm Beach County and attending Glades Day in Belle Glade, Remington Young brings plenty of experience to Miami-Dade County to get Coral Park back on track.

While Wilder started to get the ball rolling, the Rams believe that Young is someone who has a passion for the game and will put 12 months a year into helping to put this program back on the landscape in the competitive world of south Florida football. He is ready to compete in 7-on-7 events as well as sending his players to camps and combines – starting this summer.

With 13 years of coaching experience, Young has been around programs that were in a rebuilding mode, so he is eager to get started as spring is under way.

“I’ve had an opportunity to develop and teach while setting the table for the future,” Young explained. “From Wellington to Jupiter Christian and Oxbridge Academy, I helped to change cultures at schools that have not been in the mix for a while.

Young is an offensive oriented coach, so is now starting to build a coaching staff and give the Rams an opportunity to learn and compete. This will be his first head coach opportunity.

Over the past two years, the Rams have finished 10-9 after an 0-3 Covid season. Since 2004, they have finished 27-79.

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: April 27, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For the past 53 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. 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.. 

You can tell the state of high school football recruiting by the way colleges and universities are planning ahead.

It used to be the upcoming senior class was the only thing that coaches worried about, but as spring football is getting started this week, every class is being watched and evaluated as colleges now plan rosters two and three years in advance.

One of the easiest things about recruiting Miami-Dade and Broward Counties is on any given year there will be an abundance of major college football talent on display.

While many gravitate toward the more recognized programs, it’s the lesser known and publicized programs that have talent that is often hidden as well.

As we continue to uncover and promote football talent from all the events we see live, the fans and college coaches benefit from getting firsthand information instead of relying on those who sit home and watch videos on computer.

Today, we bring you some of the Class of 2025 rising juniors who continue to receive their share of the spotlight. Not only locally, but throughout the nation.

Here are some gifted football players to keep an eye on over the next two years:

OFFENSIVE PROSPECTS ARE STILL AMAZING

There is no getting around that when colleges talk about the offensive prospects in this region, they run out of words.

Each and every year, quarterbacks, running backs, receivers and linemen from the two counties emerge and make a statement.

Among the quarterbacks who have emerged include Ennio Yapoor (6-0, 210, Miami Norland), Devin Gonzalez (6-1, 180, Weston Cypress Bay), recent transfer Bekkem Kritza (Miami Central, 6-5, 195) and Camden Hartzell (6-1, 180, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian).

Running backs are also stepping up their game – with Deandre Desinor (5-10, 180, Plantation American Heritage), Nicholas McCall (Miami Central), Byron Louis (6-1, 205, Plantation American Heritage), Jaquari Lewis (5-10, 175, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), King Davis (5-10, 175, Miami Northwestern) and Sterling Joseph (5-8, 180, Miami Edison).

Receivers are always going to be plentiful - with Jahmari Smith (Miami Northwestern), versatile Jade Card (6-3, 200, Miami Norland), Cortez Mills (6-1, 170, Homestead), newcomer Kamare Williams (6-3, 185, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Joshua Moore (6-3, 180, Pembroke Pines West Broward), Kyle Washington (5-10, 165, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Terrence Honeywood (Miami Norland, 6-0, 150), Darriel Harper III (5-9, 150, Miami Christopher Columbus), Anjuan ‘Ace’ Coleman (5-11, 165, Miami Central), Samari Reed (6-3, 180, Coconut Creek Monarch), Ronald Towns (5-10, 165, Miami Dr. Krop), Sedric Melvin (5-8, 170, Homestead South Dade), Kha’leal Sterling (Miami Central), Shamar Fowles (6-1, 175, Hialeah American), Cameron Sapp (5-9, 175, Miami Palmetto), Kenny Williams (5-10, 160, Miami Gulliver Prep), Darius Johnson (5-11, 160, Miami Edison), Johnny Arneus (6-0, 180, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Andre Barrington (5-9, 160, Plantation), Kareem Glass (5-10, 175, Miami Northwestern) and Darius Clements (5-11, 165, Miami Southridge).

There are always going to be some emerging offensive line talent – and with Caleb Harris (6-3, 265, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Dayen Marouf-Araibi (6-3, 275, Plantation American Heritage), Michael Dean (6-5, 305, Homestead) and Darius Curington (6-2, 280, Miami Jackson), the table is set for the future.

THE DEFENSE STILL IMPRESSES

Check any college roster across the state, region and country and you will find plenty of Miami-Dade and Broward talent on the defensive side of the ball.

So many gifted linemen, linebackers and secondary standouts used the two counties as a springboard to the next level – and beyond.

The 2025 class boasts some quality linemen – led by four Miami Central prospects in the nation’s No. 1 prospect Armondo Blount (6-3, 250), Anthony Smith (6-2, 290), Randy Adirika (6-4, 248) and Deangelo Thompson (6-3, 215). Recent Notre Dame commit Davion Dixon (6-3, 305, Miami Belen Jesuit), Jacob Joseph (6-2, 215, Davie Western), Craig Comrie (6-0, 217, Weston Cypress Bay) and Tarrell Greene (6-3, 250, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna).

Linebackers have also picked up steam and recognition with Hector Chavez (5-10, 210, Miami Christopher Columbus), Ezekiel Marcelin (6-0, 190, Miami Central), Dylan Gill (OLB, 6-3, 210, Miami Killian), Jack Sawyer (OLB, 6-1, 220, Hialeah) and Nimari Brantley (OLB, 6-2, 230, Coconut Creek). 

The secondary is always talented – and college coaches come away with dozens every year. This year there is Ben Hanks Jr. (CB, 6-1, 160, Miami Booker T. Washington), Michigan commit Chris Ewald (CB, 6-0, 170, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Amari Wallace (S, 5-11, 165, Miami Central), Jordan Rich (CB, 5-10, 170, Plantation American Heritage), Lance Grant (CB, Homestead), Antonio Branch (S, 6-2, 175, Miami Booker T. Washington), Sekou Smith (S, 5-11, 155, Miami Central), Tywan Cox (CB, 5-11, 160, Hollywood-Chaminade-Madonna), Davaris Lawson (CB, 5-10, 170, Sunrise Piper), Tavius Horne Jr. (CB, 5-11, 155, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Travares Daniels II (S, 6-1, 190, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas) and Bryce Fitzgerald (Athlete, 6-1, 175, Miami Belen Jesuit).

 SPECIAL TEAMS

Kickers and punters are also on a fast-track with plenty of national recognition. Among those receiving attention include Jacob Corredera (P/K, 5-7, 145, Miami St. Brendan), Brent Fardette (K/P, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons), Luca Guerra (PK, Doral Academy), Gavin Katz (K, 5-11, 150, South Plantation), Salvatore Mancuso (K, Miami Gulliver Prep), Nathan Mocada (Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy), Adrian Muelle (PK/P, Miami Belen Jesuit) and Nicholas Romero (K, 5-8, 145, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas).

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: April 26, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For the past 53 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. 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..

Throughout the course of a year, we do our best to bring you as many football prospects as we can.

With more talent in the Miami-Dade and Broward County areas than any other region in the nation, getting to showcase every player at every level is never an easy task, but we do it.

From team profiles to position, class and individual spotlights, we continue to expose our many athletes – no matter what level they play at now or will compete at in the near future.

Today we bring you a FILM STUDY of 20 Class of 2024 football players in the two counties. We are giving you the chance to see exactly what they look like on film.

Check out these impressive rising seniors:

Jacory Barney, Athlete, 6-1, 160, Miami Palmetto – 2.91 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15237259/Jacory-Barney

Keon Daceus, OL, 6-2, 321, Coconut Creek – 3.13 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16005379/Keon-Daceus

Hansel DeBeche, OL/DL, 6-2, 270, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2HNLsn

Jabari Dukes, OL/DL, 6-3, 280, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace – 3.1 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14856180/Jabari-Dukes

Joaquin Edie, CB/WR, 5-11, 175, Weston Cypress Bay.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14956011/Joaquin-Edie

Dinellson Exume, DL, 6-4, 235, Miami Edison – 2.7 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15301074/Dinellson-Exume

Widley Jean Francois, RB, 5-9, 185, Miami St. Brendan.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16213303/Widley-Jean-Francois

Jamaal Haggins, QB/WR, 6-1, 185, Miami Dr. Krop.

TAPE: https://access.qwikcut.com/hub/detail/6279ceff14540c6598ddaf55/Jamaal-Haggins)

Brian Lane, WR/Athlete, 5-9, 160, Plantation.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16746832/brian-lane

Jose Leon, WR, 5-10, 170, Miami Christopher Columbus.

TAPE:

Jordan Lyle, RB, 6-0, 200, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15321847/639f2435b53f6608c8125604

Gavench Marcelin, DE, 6-3, 240, Miami Belen Jesuit.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14592831/Gavench-Marcelin

Jonathan Morillo, QB, 6-3, 190, Pembroke Pines West Broward.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15293036/Jonathan-Morillo

James Randle, WR, 6-1, 170, Homestead.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16486811/61928f7538634e09304c9e53

Brandon Rosenthal, DE/TE, 6-1, 210, Miami Gulliver Prep – 4.6 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13305113/638941c83deb6409c8c1a9c5

Lamar Smith, LB, 6-2, 210, Miami Central.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16334333/Lamar-Smith

Marcus Striggles, WR, 5-9, 175, Fort Lauderdale Dillard – 3.4 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15165130/Marcus-Striggles/highlights

Jimmy Williams III, OL, 6-5, 280, Plantation American Heritage.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15098535/63a9a6da16008203f8ea3ccc

Marcel Williams, WR, 6-0, 180, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16020160/Marcel-Williams

Jett Yurgealitis, QB, 6-1, 190, Fort Lauderdale NSU University School – 4.5 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13454791/636671e6b3c8cd0ab8682896

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: April 25, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For the past 53 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. 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..