MIAMI GARDENS – Some six hours after it began on a hot Saturday afternoon, the inaugural “King of the Gardens” 7-on-7 event at St. Thomas University came to an end.

With 14 teams entered in this event, it came down to a pair of teams who have worked very hard this off-season but have come up short a several colleges and universities across the country.

When the clock ticked down shortly before 9 p.m., Weston’s Cypress Bay had run a gauntlet and beat fellow Broward County school, Davie Nova, to hold the trophy high.

As STU head football coach Bill Rychel handed head coach Bret Hood the trophy, it capped off a day where football was indeed in the spotlight.

With over 200 offensive and defensive linemen taking part in a battle of the big men, another 200-plus talented football players battled for a title that was indeed prestigious.

With a final four that included Cypress Bay, Nova, Miramar and Miami Beach, the event was exciting as coaches and fans were treated to quite a day on campus.

The Saturday event was part of a huge weekend for the Bobcats, who attracted another 300 plus prospects on Sunday for a position camp and specialist event that coach Oscar Castaneda organized.

With St. Thomas University being one of the nation’s top NAIA programs, there were a number of players and their parents who were on the campus for the first time.

“We have traveled quite a bit this summer and have come up short in several events like this,” Hood said. “But like I told everyone all spring, this football team has really come a long way and we are super excited about the 2025 season.”

In addition to Cypress Bay, Nova (Coach Tyrus McCloud), Miami Beach (Coach Wilkie Perez) and Miramar, which had two teams under veteran head coach A.J. Scott, there were several other teams that took part – including Hollywood McArthur (Coach Robert Ortega), Boca Raton Saint John Paul II (Coach Jamaal Hunte), Hialeah Miami Lakes (Coach Julian Patrick), North Miami (Coach Gerald Cox), Miami Carol City (Coach George Stubbs), Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (Coach Jacky Candy) and head coach Maurice Russell at Fort Meade from Polk County.

Cypress Bay, which failed to make the state playoffs a year ago, have added some pieces along with some new coaches – and this spring and summer, those involved really made an impact – no matter where they went.

Among those making a statement on Saturday included Class of 2026 seniors Alex Genovese (WR, 5’9, 150), Chance Black (DB, 5’9, 165),  Jayden Mendez (DB, 5’11, 190), Micah Nichols (DB, 6’0, 190), Trentin Holder (WR, 5’11, 175), James Dixon (CB, 5’11, 195), and tight end Lorenzo Lopez (6’3, 220).

There were also Class of 2027 juniors C.J. Faso (DB/WR, 6’0, 190), Will Cullen (CB, 5’10, 170), Gabe Lemoine (WR, 5’8, 155), Peyton Lamarre (LB, 5’10, 205), Logan Pelliccio (QB, 5’11, 195), Zac Hersh (WR, 6’0, 185), Michael Millar (WR, 6’0, 175), and tight end Hunter Cullen (6’1, 210).

The Lightning will also have some Class of 2028 sophomores such as Jake Bass (LB, 5’11 190), Aiden Hutchinson (CB, 5’9, 150), Kaden Langford (TE/DE), 6'5, 215), Kai Roshaven (LB, 5’8 155) and tight end Martin Lopez (6’0, 190).

There are also Class of 2029 freshmen who figure to make an impact over the next few years – like Aaden Rodrigues (WR/DB, 5’9, 150), Steven Peterson (S, 6’0, 170) and linebacker Joaquin Lopez (6’0, 170).

Among the top Cypress Bay performers in the event included Logan Pelliccio (23 touchdowns and 0 interceptions), Michael Millar, Zac Hersh, Jake Bass and James Dixon.

Elite Miami-Dade/Broward Teams To Watch. https://larryblustein.com/news/there-are-elite-teams-in-miami-dade-broward-this-summer

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..

After one of the worst seasons in recent history, when the Florida State University football program finished 2-10, fingers were being pointed, and coaches were starting to feel uncomfortable about their future in Tallahassee.

In a time when the transfer portal and NIL deals can turn your program around in a year, there was no getting around the fact that the Seminoles, which had so much success with the portal in the first few years of the Mike Norvell regime, saw that way of building a program start go south.

The truth, especially in Florida is you can use the portal and strike up NIL deals, but you better be able to recruit – and that means going into hotbeds and coming away several program changers.

With several coaching changes being made, the one that may have been the key to turning this program back around was bringing in Tim Harris Jr. from the University of Central Florida.

If you have followed his career in coaching, you already know that no matter where he has gone – Miami Booker T. Washington High School to Florida International University, University of Central Florida, University of Miami and back to UCF – he has made an impact as a running back, receiver coach, offensive coordinator as well as being an amazing recruiter.

Harris joined FSU this off-season with the idea that if he could spark the recruiting in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, there was a chance that this program would start the upward climb. They have so far!

Harris Jr., who has followed in the footsteps of his father, Tim “Ice” Harris Sr., has become one of the best at what he does and has put himself in a position where a head college coaching job is just a matter of time.

Harris and one-time Plantation American Heritage head coach and Miami Dolphins’ standout Pat Surtain have certainly helped to increase he spotlight in the two-county area.

With the commitment of one of Florida’s elite football players and athletes – Jasen Lopez on Thursday – he added to what this team is doing to get back into an area that over the years has been more than instrumental in the Seminoles’ success.

Lopez, from Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna is perhaps the best two-sport (basketball) athlete in Florida after a tremendous season in 2024, helping to lead the Lions to another 1A state title.

Playing his first season with Chaminade-Madonna, he had more than laid the groundwork for his future for previous three seasons at Miami True North Classical Academy, and while there was plenty of hype, it was this past year when everything became a reality as he more than held his own against some of the top competition in Florida and nationally.

While Lopez made news with his commitment, it was not the first prospect that announced they would be heading to the state capitol from the loaded #305 and #954.

Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman standout athlete Darryl Bell III (6’0, 192, S) was the first to come aboard – before Harris arrived on the scene. He fell in love with the school in Oct. 2023 during a banner year, and even though they had a bad season in ‘24, remained loyal and will be very much a part of this 2026 class.

When speedy Brandon Bennett (6’1, 180, Plantation American Heritage) made his commitment back in early June, the Seminole landed a top-flight football talent, who had made major strides on the football field.

Once known for his blazing track speed, he had shown last year for the Patriots that he was also an impressive football talent, helping to lead the team to a 4A state championship.

With a need to make the defensive secondary stronger, safety Tedarius Hughes also jumped aboard in the summer of 2024, before the rough season, when he was at Homestead South Dade.

The 6’2, 180-pound safety made his move to attend defending 3A state champion Miami Northwestern in the off-season, and even though his stock as a player soared over the past four months, he also remained loyal and has stayed true to his original commitment.

The Seminoles also received commitments here in 2025 for the future from two players that many had not heard much about.

Miami Central linebacker Karon Maycock (6’1, 200) was a rising star that had plenty to prove, and even though he committed before the spring, it was during the months of April and May that college coaches from all over the nation watched him mature and showcase skills that many had never watched before.

Part of his growth can be attributed to one-time Seminole standout Derrick Gibson, who took over as Central’s head coach this spring and helped to influence a number of players the Rockets have.

If Maycock was an unknown, the commitment from Coral Gables 6’4.5, 335-pound offensive lineman Luke Francis came way out of right field.

The London, England native spent the 2024 season at the NFL Academy where he worked primarily on the defensive side of the ball before transferring to Coral Gables for his final high school season.

The Seminoles have done well with European talent over the years.

Elite Miami-Dade/Broward Teams To Watch. https://larryblustein.com/news/there-are-elite-teams-in-miami-dade-broward-this-summer

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..

MIAMI GARDENS – As the NCAA member schools are now on vacation for most of July, it’s the other colleges and universities throughout the state of Florida who are opening their doors wide.

From Pensacola to the central Florida area, the colleges are making good use of this coming month as they will be the only show in town.

The University of West Florida in Pensacola, Southeastern University in Lakeland, Warner University in Lake Wales, Ave Maria and Keiser University in West Palm Beach have fully taken advantage with on campus events that attract high school talent from across the state of Florida.

This Saturday and Sunday will be head coach Bill Reichel and St. Thomas University’s turn to open their doors for a number of events that will put the Bobcats and their outstanding facility in the spotlight.

This Saturday, June 28, a “Big Man” Line Camp will be held, starting at 2 p.m. at AutoNation Field (NW 37/42 Av Connector & NW 159 St, Miami Gardens, FL 33054) and will be open to Offensive and Defensive Line, Grades 6th-12th.

On Sunday, June 29th from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., there will be a Prospect Camp open to all positions - Grades 6th-12th.

The camps are non-padded, just bring cleats and a mouthpiece

Preregister by contacting Steve Everson (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 770-265-6419).

There will also be a specialist camp on Sunday 11 a.m. with Oscar Castaneda and few surprise kickers and punters coming out.

7-ON-7 EVENT ON SATURDAY

In addition to the line, prospect and specialist camps going on, there will also be a 7-on-7 with teams from throughout south Florida competing starting at 3:00 on Saturday.

Among the schools will be Hialeah-Miami Lakes, North Miami Beach, Monsignor Pace, Miramar, Boca Raton Saint John Paul II, Nova, Hollywood McArthur, Stranahan, Carol City, Cypress Bay and Miami Beach.

Elite Miami-Dade/Broward Teams To Watch. https://larryblustein.com/news/there-are-elite-teams-in-miami-dade-broward-this-summer

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..

While many recruiting websites across the country are thrusting their own area talent into the national spotlight, the same old beat continues in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

As some regions of the country boast some impressive prospects for the upcoming season, the reality is when it comes to the late spring and early summer in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, the sheer volume of elite football talent – in every class – is always going to take center stage.

With camps, combines, 7-on-7 events and other exposure opportunities going on nearly every day, the competition that that the prospects come up against is simply matched by no other area of the country, and that is a fact that continues to get backed up year after year.

No matter where you go or what event you happen to attend, you are going to see potential elite football talent, many under-the-radar players who weren’t invited to the Under Armour Showcase or Rival Camps, which means those national analysts never had the chance to watch them.

Everyone knows the “star-rated” players locally, regionally and nationally. If you are a football fan and you have the internet, you have watched what every expert sees. But if you don’t attend summer events, there is no way you will ever lay eyes on these prospects who are overlooked – and that’s why many of these player class rankings are often not valid. They cannot be!

All summer, we have traveled the entire state, watching teams and players and uncovering many prospects that nobody has watched – and we continue to bring them to you.

Today, we have the opportunity to shine the spotlight on five more players to keep an eye on in the #305 and #954:

2026 – Shane Rochelle, LB, 6’2, 205, Miami Northwestern. Making his way south into Miami-Dade County from 5A state champion Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, here is someone who had his coming out party in the spring after making an impression for the Raiders in 2024. When you look at the strength of head coach Teddy Bridgewater’s defense this coming season, here is one of the reasons why. This is a big-time player who will fill up the stat sheets, making play after play for the Bulls. He also has gotten done in the classroom (4.2 GPA) as well.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17995967/shane-rochelle

2026 - John Jones, WR/Athlete, 5’9, 175, Miami Edison. Haven’t heard about this elite playmaker yet? This is someone who has a chance to light it up this coming season for head coach Luther Campbell and his Red Raiders with his quickness, route running abilities and a knack of making big plays – no matter who is covering him. Watch him perform and you will be sold – guaranteed!

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21048816/John-Jones

2027 – Tyre Lloyd, DB, 6’3, 180, Pembroke Pines Flanagan. One of the teams that was busy in the off-season – getting some playmakers on board to make a push for the post season, Head Coach Benjamin Rolle and his Falcons will look to this young man for production with his size, physicality and ability to showcase ball skills as a cover corner. Comes over from Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace where he was indeed one of the top prospects for the Spartans.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22361058/Tyre-Lloyd

2026 – Florentino Lopez, QB, 6’3, 220, Coconut Creek Monarch. Yet another under-the-radar talent who began at Hollywood McArthur, moved on to Miami Northwestern and has found a home with head coach Calvin Davis and the Knights. This is a big, physical prospect who can throw the ball with accuracy and velocity and use his large frame to get yards on the ground. He is just starting to live up to the potential that many predicted for him three years ago. This program will count on him to step up.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18248982/Florentino-Lopez

2027 – Trae Proctor, TE, 6’5, 215, Miami Norland. Yet another prospect who began his career at Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, he is growing and maturing into something special for head coach Darryl Heidelburg’s Vikings as a pass catcher that college coaches have watched and are quite impressed at what he is now – and what he will become. He is indeed the total package – getting it done in the classroom (3.9 GPA) as well.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22956226/Trae-Proctor

Elite Miami-Dade/Broward This Summer. https://larryblustein.com/news/there-are-elite-teams-in-miami-dade-broward-this-summer

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..