Let’s face it. There is so much football talent in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties in all classes, it’s easy to overlook even the brightest stars.

It may seem crazy with the year-round coverage and events that are held – away from the actual football field, but there are several gifted prospects who are overlooked, maybe temporary, but still may not be getting the attention they deserve.

Today, on Christmas Eve, we give you some quality 2026 players that you will want to keep an eye on during the 7-on-7 season, camps, combines and other events designed for exposure.

If you have followed us long enough, we shine a spotlight on EVERY prospect in the #305 and #954, so if there are players that we don’t mention in each blog that we write – please be patient. We will indeed promote every student/athlete at all levels.

Here are some of those players to start watching this off-season:

We began with versatile Phillip Goodrich (LB, 5-11, 205, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Camaul King (S, 6-0, 170, Miami True North Classical Academy), Jeffar Jean-Noel (WR, 5-10, 170, Plantation American Heritage), Jermiyah Douglas (CB, 5-9, 160, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas) and impressive Miami Northwestern athlete Elijah Hardy (5-10, 165) and continue with standout Liam Marley (DL, 6-4, 230, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian).

The class also features talent such as Teddy Welch (OL, 6-1, 285, Plantation American Heritage), way under the radar linebacker Ethan Barosela (6-1, 215, Miami Christopher Columbus), Anthony Brown (OL, 6-3, 315, Miami Palmetto), Benjamin Lamas (Athlete, 6-0, 180, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Tyre Vieux (DB, 6-0, 160, Edison), Wynton Jones (DB, 5-11, 160, Miami Palmetto) and Jesiyah Miguel (DB, 6-1, 165, Plantation American Heritage).

The talent continues with leader Bryan Granger (OL, 6-3, 270, Pembroke Pines West Broward), experienced Cleveland Gary (OLB/Edge, 6-0, 215, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace), Khyze Smith (OL, 6-4, 301, Miami Norland), David James (WR, 6-1, 180, Hollywood South Broward), Terrell Evans Jr. (DL, 6-5, 220, Hialeah), Isaac Tanis (OL, 6-3, 240, Plantation American Heritage), Jayden Torres (QB, 6-2, 185, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons), Jakari Johnson (DB/WR, 6-0, 180, Plantation), and Corey Swint (WR, 5-10, 165, Miami Palmetto).

Rounding out today’s look at the class are Kendall Brown (WR, 6-1, 167, SW Ranches Archbishop McCarthy), J.J. Rochford (OL, 6-3, 300, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian Academy), Reginald Camille (DL, 6-4, 220, Plantation American Heritage), Arron Power Jr. (QB, 5-9, 165, Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson), and fast rising Cory Simon (DL, 6-2, 250, Plantation American Heritage).

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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

As we approach the holidays and the new year, there are still some Class of 2025 seniors who are still looking for a place to attend college and play football.

There is no getting around that these are not easy times when searching for financial assistance – with the portal filling several spots on college rosters – but as we have found over the past few years, if you are patient, there are always going to someplace for high school student/athletes to head to.

Remember, there are always going to be exposure events that are being held where college coaches are going to check our many athletes out.

While there are several options – with small college recruiting fairs being held, perhaps the most successful event that has been held here in the state of Florida is The Orange Bowl Florida High School Football Showcase, which is not only open to the seniors, but also the 2026 juniors who are looking to get a jump on the process.

The Showcase, which is presented by Baptist Health is a FREE one-day event, in association with the National Football Foundation (NFF) and its local chapters. It will be held this year at St. Thomas University once again on Saturday, Feb. 14-15, 2025.

As the event draws closer, we will provide all the information needed.

MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD PROSPECTS ARE STILL OUT THERE

The one thing that we have been able to do over the past few decades is to post the student/athletes who are still looking.

Here are some of those who can certainly help at any college or university:

Dante Alexander, S, 6’4, 200, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19187592/65a294c5d225dc06d857e163

Jacques Dixson, RB, 5’9, 175, Fort Lauderdale NSU University School.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/v/2QAMSQ

James Johnson, OL/DL, 6-2, 290, Homestead – 3.1 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/v/2QStye

Christian Lima, TE, 6’4, 195, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy – 3.6 GPA.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/22012797

Mahximus Lott, LB/DE, 6’0, 200, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy – 2.8 GPA.

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

Joel Lugo, LB/TE, 6’, 210, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy – 3.7 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/v/2QGk3x

Bernard Oliva, OL/DL, 6’3, 255, Miami Killian – 3.2 GPA.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/16349619

Sean Ponder, QB, 6’1, 205, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16890758/Sean-Ponder

Shawn Smith, LB, 6-1, 228, Miami Norland – 3.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/v/2QC8pH

Justin St-Ange, LB, 5’10, 210, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy - 3.1 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/v/2QFmH3

If you have any 2025 seniors who are academically qualified and have nothing yet, let us assist you in this process. Send us the information to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

What last week’s state championship football games at Pitbull Stadium at FIU proved was when it came to getting the best 14 teams together over four days, Florida was indeed in a unique spotlight.

While other states and regions can boast some top teams with plenty of talent, the sheer numbers that the Sunshine State churns out every year is indeed mind boggling.

As they say, the proof is in the final product, and all you have to do is turn on your TV or computer every Saturday and Sunday throughout the football season and you will see those very athletes who got their start right here in Florida.

SOUTH FLORIDA GRABS THE SPOTLIGHT

While the rest of the state did their thing – with Venice (7A) and Cocoa (2A) winning state titles, it was pretty much about Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach – with Chaminade-Madonna (1A, Coach Dameon Jones), Miami Northwestern (3A, Coach Teddy Bridgewater), Plantation American Heritage (4A, Coach Mike Smith), Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (5A, Coach Roger Harriott) and West Boca Raton (6A, Coach Dylan Potts) that pretty much stole the show.

As we continue to promote football prospects in all classes throughout the course of a year, today, we look back at five prospects that turned some heads. 

2026 - Jamar Denson, WR, 5-10, 182, Plantation American Heritage. One of the promising receivers in the class had the opportunity to showcase his skills on a large stage and came out and more than held his own. A track & field standout that also gets it done in the classroom, holding down a 3.6 GPA. Caught six balls for 86 yards and a score in the win over Orlando Jones.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19484710/6543c218689883045cc9eb3a

2026 – Mark Hanniford Jr., WR, 6-2, 180, West Boca Raton. While this was a prospect that many knew after a solid season this year and his past at Delray Beach Atlantic as a sophomore, his performance in the state championship game was indeed head turning as several college coaches and fans saw him catch two long touchdown passes for 140 yards. In addition, he also gets it done in the classroom (3.8 GPA).

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18325926/Mark-Hanniford

2026 - Jaiden Roper, LB, 6-1, 207. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. As soon as he arrived on campus after coming over from Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, the Lions knew they had something very special – and they were right. Instrumental in getting this program to its record ninth consecutive state title appearance. A 3.8 (GPA) student in the classroom, his state title game was indeed at another level with a game-leading 10 tackles, which included two tackles for loss.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19239806/Jaiden-Roper

2026 - Leon Strawder, QB, 6-1, 200, Miami Northwestern. Where do we start with this gifted prospect, who opened the season in the Broward County Showcase with four touchdown passes and 400 yards and simply never stopped putting up the numbers and giving the state champion Bulls a chance in every game. His 45 touchdowns and over 3,000 yards were only added to in the season finale where he threw for 361 yards and four touchdowns. Will be one of the most productive quarterbacks coming back for 2025.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19082566/Leon-Strawder

2027 - Ah’Mari Stevens, WR/Athlete, 6-0, 165, Plantation American Heritage. Sometime during the Raiders dominating performance against Lakeland to win their sixth straight state football title, the mention of the future started to surface, and if you are thinking about the players who will keep this program at the top, here is a player you need to put at the head of that list. This is one of the fastest players on a team loaded with amazing talent. A track & field standout, his performance in the title game was tremendous with five catches and impressive play on special teams. Announced he was transferring from St. Thomas Aquinas after the season ended.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19739206/AhMari-Stevens

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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 For the next few months, we will take a look at what Miami-Dade and Broward County football programs have coming back for 2025.

While we know the rosters will change with additions and subtractions, this gives college coaches and fans an opportunity to see some of the prospects who will have a chance to make an impact this coming year.

We will start with our state finalists and then continue with the other teams in the #305 and #954.

Today, we bring with the 1A state champion Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna Lions, who just won their fourth straight state title on their ninth consecutive trip to the championship game.

Head Coach Dameon Jones and his team will once again be loaded up – with more prospects on the way.

CLASS OF 2026

There are several impressive and gifted juniors who will step up and keep this train rolling.

Prospects such as Jeremiah Adras (DB), R.J. Alphonse (DE), Ekeem Atehortua (OL), Damani Atkinson (OL), Travano Baptiste Jr. (OL), Bernard Blanks (ILB), nationally rated Derrek Cooper (RB/LB), Mohammed Fayoumi (DE), Christian Gilbert (OL), heavily recruited Denairius Gray (WR), Hudson Harris (DB), standout Bryant Junius (LB), national recruit Jasen Lopez (WR), Massimo Lucero (OL), productive Leonzay Merzius (DB), state championship game leader Jaiden Roper (LB), state-rated Noah Sidan (PK/P), Elias Sturman (OL) and Matthew Utter (DL).

CLASS OF 2027 ADDS DEPTH

As the rising senior class will be loaded with talented players, this rising junior (2027) class will also be stacked with proven players – like Guliani Blaise (OL), Tyler Chance (QB), John Gay (DB). Two-year varsity player Arwin Jackson (RB), James Klaiss Jr (WR), Angelo Smith (Athlete), Caleb Saint Fleur (DE) and Willie Walker III (OL).

CLASS OF 2028 READY TO STEP UP

The success of this program is to continue the pipeline of talent, and the rising sophomore class has those football players who are anxious to make an impact.

Players such as Jeremiah Arnoux (DB), Alexander Beltran (DE), Ron’Christopher Gonzalez (DT), Peter Pierre (DE/TE) and Dwayne Ray III (CB).

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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..