When it comes to the off-season 7-on-7 season, nobody has to tell you how important it has become.

What began in south Florida well over a decade ago has now morphed into a national craze – with impressive talent from coast-to-coast.

What once featured a handful of post-season teams is now something that is being played every weekend from south Florida to California and everywhere in between.

With prize money, trophies, and bragging rights at stake for these sponsored programs who must travel, be transported, eat and stay in hotels, this is as competitive as you get.

What this time of year is all about for these young men and coaches is bringing the best of the best together, and one of the teams who has done just that is coach Chris Ewald and DEFCON South Florida.

One of the most talented teams in the country, here is a group of prospects who come from several different areas to form what many believe is one of the most gifted teams anywhere.

Among those offensive players include receiver Waden Charles (Palm Beach Central, 2025), receiver Kamare Williams (Palm Beach Central, 2025), receiver Kyle Washington (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, 2025), running back Jaquari Lewis (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, 2025 – 3.3 GPA), receiver Denairius Gray (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, 2026), receiver Willie Anderson (Miami Gardens Monsignor Miami Pace), receiver Jamar Denson (Plantation American Heritage, 2026 – 3.5 GPA), and receiver Branden Hoch (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, 2025 – 3.8 GPA).

Also on the offensive side of the ball are Davie Western running back Robert Ortega Jr.,  - Western, 2026 – 4.1 GPA, receiver Koby Howard (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, 2025), Millard North, Nebraska quarterback Sebastian Circo - Millard North, Nebraska – 2025), Pembroke Pines West Broward quarterback Tyler Shattuck, 2025 and nationally rated Lake Mary quarterback Noah Grubbs, Lake Mary, 2026.

THE DEFENSE IS ALSO LOADED WITH DIFFERENCE MAKERS

As potent as the offense is, DEFCON also have more than its share of defensive prospects who colleges and universities have been checking on for a few years now.

Among those impressive players include recent Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons secondary transfer Leonzay Merzius (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, 2026 – 3.5 GPA), Jaydin Broadnax (DB, West Boca Raton, 2026), Tywan Cox (DB, Miami Northwestern, 2025), Tony Williams (DB, Palm Beach Central, 2025), standout defensive back Chris Ewald (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, 2025 - 4.0 GPA), Vero Beach linebacker T.J. Alford,  - Vero Beach, 2025), Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna defensive back Camari Hall, a recent Hollywood McArthur transfer (2025 – 3.1 GPA, and Bradenton IMG Academy secondary standout Kallen Martinez, 2026.

The defensive also features Kelly Sejour Jr. (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, 2025 – 3.9 GPA), Miami Norland’s Jordan Campbell (DB), versatile (baseball prospect) DB Jordan Rich (Plantation American Heritage, 2025 – 3.4 GPA), John Bosco, California prospect Tay Lockett Bellflower Saint John Bosco, 2025. There are also Caden Gordon (Lantana Santaluces, 2025), Max Redmon (Lantana Santaluces), West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman athlete Max Redmon, 2025, and one of the nation’s premier Class of 2025 running backs DeAndre Desinor (Plantation American Heritage, 2025 – 3.6 GPA).

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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..

At a time when the off season belongs to 7-on-7 events and other skill position exposure camps, it was refreshing for the spotlight to shine on offensive and defensive linemen.

On Saturday, Boyd Anderson High School in Lauderdale Lakes, it was the “big men” who stole the show for the National 5 vs. 5 battle that brought gifted rising seniors, juniors, sophomores, and freshmen together for nearly three hours to compete and see what they need to work on as we head toward spring.

From California, Georgia and throughout Florida, offensive and defensive linemen battled during 5-on-5 competition in sometimes heated confrontations.

When the event ended Giant Skills - Team California took home the title – and rising senior (2025) defensive lineman Mason Laano (Giant Skills - 6-0, 250 -3.2 GPA) from Las Alamitos was voted as MVP. He was impressive all day – winning more than his fair share of battles.

In addition to Laano, Giant Skills - Team California also included Class of 2025 prospects Alex Bleszynski (OC, 6-3, 290, Archbishop Middy – 3.4 GPA), Kameron Brown (Edge, 6-3, 235, Norco), Diego Chavez (OL, 6-5, 275, Santa Margarita – 4.0 GPA), Marshawn Dunning (DL, 6-2, 270, Norco), Sydney Dupoy (Cathedral Catholic), Solofa Lutu-Luapitofanuau (DE, Norco), Jireh Moe (DL, 6-2, 280, Orange Lutheran), Julius Patton (DL/OL, 6-4, 240, La Jolla Country Day – 3.83 GPA) and Santa Margarita’s Elijah Vaikona.

Class of 2026 performers included Maddux Sorensen (OL, 6-3, 270, Bellflower St. John Bosco), who was one of four underclassmen who made the trip east. The 2026 rising junior was joined by class of 2027 standouts Julian Bailey (OL/DL, 5-11, 300, Poway – 3.3 GPA), Caleb Joy (DT, Orange Lutheran) and Ontario Christian’s Kellan Kirkpatrick (6-2, 285).

TRENCH MOB TRAVELS WELL

While most of the team came from Georgia, Trench Mob also brought in California, Florida and North Carolina, and more than held their own.

Among the Class of 2025 talent on hand were Damola Ajidahun (OL/DL, 6-6, 290, Duluth, Georgia), Mi’kel Bellamy (DL, 6-2, 330, Huntersville North Mecklenburg), Canaan Edwards (Edge, 6-5, 230, Lawrenceville Archer, Georgia – 3.0 GPA), Cameron Foley (Edge/OL, 6-2, 245, Decatur Cedar Grove), Jake Jocks (OL/DL, 6-1, 300, Stuart Martin County, Florida), Sean Poret (OL/DL, 6-6, 280, Sandy Springs Riverwood, Georgia), Jamal Rowell (DL/OL, 6-1, 315, Hialeah American, Florida) and Chatsworth Sierra Canyon, California offensive lineman Ashdon Wnetrzak (6-9, 330,)

There are also 2026 standouts Omaria Baltazar (OL/DL, 6-2, 300, Lilburn Barkmar, Georgia), Wade Cobbs IV (OL, 6-6, 370, Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, California), Ahmad Dortch (Edge, 6-4, 210, Snellville Shiloh, Georgia – Baseball Prospect) and Zayden Walters (OL/DL, 6-5, 330, Snellville Brookwood, Georgia – 3.0 GPA).

TEAM WEST BOCA

One of the fast-rising programs in south Florida was also on hand – competing as a time and not with prospects from across the region.

Head Coach Dylan Potts and the Bulls brought some quality talent and battled all day.

Among those on hand were Class of 2025 prospects including Luan Freitas (DT, 6-0, 220), Alex Overfelt (OG, 5-11, 215) and defensive end Trey Vestal (6-0, 195).

This program is all about underclassmen with 20 starters coming back for the 2024 season.

Class of 2026 standouts feature Dequan Bradley (OG, 6-1, 290), fast-rising standout Demetrius Geathers (Edge, 6-4, 215), Malique Joseph (OL) and impressive defensive tackle Xavier Reid (6-0, 265).

The Class of 2027 is also going to be special with Gerran Bray (OL, 6-2, 300 – 3.75 GPA), Gavin Cigale (OL, 5-10, 210), offensive lineman Rojhan Dorcin and linebacker Max Reid (5-10, 185).

EAT FACE MIAMI

Another group of local south Florida prospects who certainly made the most of the event, sending some young players into a talented mix of national prospects.

There are several prospects you will want to keep an eye on during the off-season – through spring and summer and see how they develop.

On Saturday there were a number of quality performers – which included Class of 2025 rising seniors Jamy Eme (OL/DL, 6-4, 265, Miami Killian – 2.8 GPA), Johannes Mager (DL, 6-4, 215, Homestead), Christopher Hughes (DT/RG, 6-0, 240, Miami Central), James Johnson (OL/DL, 6-2, 290, Homestead – 3.1 GPA), Bernard Oliva (OL/DL, 6-3, 230, Miami St. Brendan – 3.2 GPA), Luis Pruneda (OL, 6-3, 295, Miami Killian – 3.6 GPA), Jeremy Smith (OL/DL, 6-6, 255, Miami Central – 2.9 GPA), Shawn Smith (DL, 6-1, 228, Miami Norland – 3.0 GPA) and defensive lineman Olivier Zamor (5-11, 260, Pembroke Pines Charter).

There were also some impressive underclassmen such as 2026 rising juniors Anthony Brown (OL, 6-5, 315, Miami Palmetto – 3.7 GPA) and Sushanth Mortala (OL/DL, 6-3, 260, Weston Cypress Bay), and elite 2027 rising sophomores Logan Clason (OL, 6-5, 290, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy – 3.2 GPA) and Ronald Riley (OL, 6-3, 282, Miami True North Classical Academy)

If you want to see some future stars you will need to keep an eye on versatile and athletic Steven Moore (OLB, 6-0, 215, Miami Central) and Antonio Wilcher (DL, 6-3, 255, Homestead)

STARS MENTOR PROGRAM

The other south Florida group that made a positive showing at the event, there were plenty of prospects in every class.

Several line performers on both sides made a huge impact.

Among the Class of 2025 players included Jaymin Blake (OL, 6-5, 330, Wellington Palm Beach Central), Tyrese Bryant (OL, 6-3, 300, Miami Central – 3.0 GPA), Michael Dean (OL, 6-5, 302, Wellington Palm Beach Central – 3.1 GPA), Adrian Farrow (DL, 6-4, 245, Miami Norland – 3.0 GPA), Romando Johnson (Edge, 6-3, 240, Coconut Creek Monarch), Donavan Randle (DL, 6-2, 215, Miami Central), Ethan Rowe (OL, 6-3, 300, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna) and offensive lineman Nasarius Ware (6-2, 304, Wellington Palm Beach Central).

Rising juniors (2026) such as DeCarlo Alvarez (OL, 6-2, 297, Wellington Palm Beach Central – 3.6 GPA),  Mekhi Bradley (OL, 6-3, 250, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Elias Sturman (OC, 6-1, 310, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna) and two-year varsity starter Kerby Vital (OL, 6-2, 275, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna) were also singled out by many of the coaches on hand.

The future of linemen in south Florida is certainly in great hands with Class of 2027 rising sophomores Angel Irizarry (OL, 6-0, 265, Miami Palmetto), Jamir Johnson (DL, 6-1, 210, Delray Beach Atlantic) and versatile offensive lineman and defensive lineman Terrence Jones (6-2, 260, Miami Gulliver Prep – 3.5 GPA).

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..

No matter where you travel in south Florida these days, college football coaches are visiting schools and taking photos with head football coaches.

Miami, FSU, Florida, UCF, USF, FAU and FIU are hitting campuses hard and handing out offers, battling some of the best programs in the country. 

In the final days before the second national signing day, seeds are being planted not only for the 2024 class, but well into the future – 2025 and 2026.

Rutgers, Kentucky, Illinois, Alabama, Auburn, SMU, Coastal Carolina, Louisville, Arkansas, West Virginia, Indiana, Maryland and Georgia to name a few. 

PROSPECTS ARE BEING PURSUED

Go on social media and student/athletes are listing their offer sheets at a record pace.

Area 2025 prospects such as defensive Tywan Cox and WR Darius Johnson (Miami Northwestern), DB Zion Paret and LB Ezekiel Marcelin (Miami Central), Miami Norland receiver Jade Card and DE Adrian Farrow, Coconut Creek DL Nimari Brantley, Bryan Auguste and Edge Romando Johnson (Monarch), TE Cameron Roberts and Rich Scott III (St. Thomas Aquinas), and Monsignor Pace DE Wilnerson Telemaque to name a few.

CLASS 2026 IS IN THE GAME TOO

Even the Class of 2026 is in play – with Plantation American Heritage QB Dia Bell, Athlete Bryant Junius and Edge R.J. Alphonse (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), WR Elijah Hardy and DE Jemel Bonica (Miami Northwestern), South Broward DB Shmar Akanda, DB Tedarius Hughes (Homestead South Dade), and LB Cleveland Gary III (Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace) to name a few.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WEST BROWARD FOOTBALL

 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..

It’s that time once again for high school football seniors (2024) who still have nowhere to head to college in the summer and fall, and junior (2025) who want to get a jump on next year.

With years of practice, games, camps, combines and many sacrifices, it never seems fair that all the work put in has hit a dead end -for so many current seniors and juniors.

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 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 the next two classes.

On Saturday, February 24, St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens will once again host an event like no other.

As small college recruiting fairs are held throughout Florida and the nation, there are none like this – which begins at 8 a.m. and runs through the early afternoon.

The Friday night before the showcase, the Orange Bowl hosts a Meet & Greet at the Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood and is free to high school coaches and college coaches to attend, meet, and discuss student-athletes that will be competing in the showcase on Saturday. The Meet & Greet allows high school coaches to present information on their participating student-athletes to enhance their recruitment and build relationships with attending college coaches.

With college coaches surrounding AutoNation Field on Saturday in tents, they have the chance to showcase their programs and promote their schools while watching the players go through combine drills live.

“There is nothing like this anywhere,” said Coral Glades head coach Rocco Casullo. “I think that the small college fairs they hold around this state have become obsolete, and showing film and talking with athletes can be done from their offices on Zoom and other forms of communication. But this event continues to add a whole different dimension by having the prospects performing right in front of the coaches.”

Indeed. In 2023, nearly 30 colleges/universities attended with over 200 student-athletes, representing 82 high schools taking part (with a 3.0 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.

“When you look at what the Orange Bowl continues to do for the student/athlete who still have that dream, it’s amazing what this showcase represents,” Miami Southridge head coach Pierre Senatus pointed out. “I have been a part of several high school programs in Miami-Dade and Broward as well using this event when I was a coach at Florida Memorial University. This is something that these young men need to take full advantage of, and the addition of juniors who are looking to get on the map early enough is a tremendous idea."

The Orange Bowl’s mission and vision is to promote and serve south Florida in order to inspire youth, engage the community and enhance the economy. The Showcase meets that mission and vision by providing an opportunity for young student-athletes to use their football and academic skills to attend college and ultimately earn a degree. This effectively has the profound effect of changing young people’s lives.

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.

HOW YOU CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE

All student-athletes must pre-register. The participant must be a graduating high school senior or a junior who has not accepted a scholarship offer from a Division I football program. In addition, Orange Bowl recommends the following qualifications:

Have a 2.5 GPA or higher in 16 Core Courses (please visit http://www.ncaa.org/student-athletes/future/core-courses for a description of NCAA Eligible Core Courses).

* Have an SAT score of 920 (math and verbal only) or higher.

* Or have a composite ACT Score of 18 or higher or a sum score of 68 or higher.

* Students must provide their own transportation to and from the venue.

* Students are encouraged to bring two pairs of shoes (football shoes and running shoes).

* Students are encouraged to bring extra copies of transcripts and test scores.

Event t-shirts and water will be provided.

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. Further information regarding the parent information session will be sent out close to event day.

Interested in taking part? Contact - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScoxLcKPP1jf26pAz82QH33fGDRfD--xZgWwQj8i0UI2hOHkg/viewform

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..