You can sit home and watch film or call a coach and talk about a player, but the only way that you can fairly evaluate a prospects is to see them live.
You can make any excuse you want, but at the end of the day, if you don’t truly evaluate a prospect, your credibility will go down the drain – no matter how much you argue or defend the process.
Over the years – because we were fortunate to see every prospect that we evaluate live and in person – our record of promoting and sending these young men on to the next level has helped to keep up relevant for six decades.
Understanding that every 4 and 5 star rated student/athlete is already in the spotlight and does not need help with exposure, our objective in seeing parts of 100 games a year and over 4,000 athletes perform right in front of us, it needs to be said that when we make a list or ranking, it is based on seeing athletes and having the opportunity to truly compare them.
Once again this had to be said so many fans who follow the sport and listen to “recruiting experts” who may not see as much as you do, being held in high esteem. You can make your own decision on who to listen to, but at the end of the day, it’s those who watch more than film who will be able to give you a FULL evaluation.
With that said, going to several games, practices, camps, combines and other events gives you an opportunity to see a prospect perform on several levels.
With spring right around the corner, there are a number of football players in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties who are not getting the attention they deserve.
Here are five “slept on” football players you will want to keep an eye on – and unless you’ve watched them perform, you may not have picked up the little things that have made them special.
2025 – Johnny Arneus Jr., WR, 6-0, 180, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. This impressive talent is a student/athlete (3.0 GPA) that we saw for the first time as a sophomore at Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy and there was no getting around the fact that was a special talent. In the off-season, during 7-on-7 competition, he turned heads, and then showcased his many skills for the Raiders during yet another state championship. Even surrounded by so much talent, he found a way to be a factor as a slot receiver. Even last week during the Under Armour Miami event, many who watched felt that he was as good as anyone on hand. That is very high praise.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16222376/Johnny-Arneus-Jr
2025 – Devin Gonzalez, QB, 6-0, 185, Coconut Creek. As a freshman at Flanagan and the past two years at Weston Cypress Bay, here is a talented prospect who continues to get better as he matures. Strong arm who reads defenses very well. Will fit in with what the Cougars are doing – because of his experience and ability to pick things up quickly.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16423482/Devin-Gonzalez?_gl=1*1d4564v*_ga*MjE0MTk3NjUxMC4xNjIwNjc0NjY0*_ga_29LPHS2HWC*MTcwOTg0ODA0Mi42ODAuMS4xNzA5ODUwNzYyLjAuMC4w
2025 – Ydore Lewinsky, DE/OLB, 6-3, 225, North Miami. Will be a four-year starter this season for the Pioneers and head coach Gerald Cox. Was a linebacker who is growing into an Edge/Defensive End. Having watched him perform, this is indeed a difference maker who is skilled – and while he hasn’t been in the spotlight in the past – that will change. At the Under Armour event – with everyone watching, his name continued to pop up during the drills and the skill competition. Will be one of the most productive prospects on the defensive side of the ball in 2024.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16528628/Lewenski-Ydore
2026 – Tyrel Snelling, LB, 5-10, 175, Miami High. After watching he and his brother the past two years at Miami Carol City and then Miami High last season, there is no getting around the fact that this is a prospect who is certainly on his way up. A sure tackler who has the athletic ability to make plays against the run as well as drop into pass coverage. Love his passion for the game. He is a total team player!
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17915815/658465647bdd270df835c42f
2025 – Jeremy Smith, OL, 6-6, 250, Miami Central. A year ago, he made his way over from Coral Gables and has leaned so much about the position. With some of the best line coaches in Florida, it’s a matter of making progress and picking up things that will be needed as head coach Jube Joseph and the Rockets are looking to get back in the state championship mix this coming season. Keep your eye on this quality talent that is getting better and better. Also has a 2.9 grade point average in the classroom.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16737128/Jeremy-Smith
PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTH MIAMI FOOTBALL
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For the past 54 years, we have spent plenty of 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..
When it comes to football talent in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, if you know this sport and how to evaluate talent, there is no question that these two areas have no equal when it comes to producing high level athletes.
While other parts of the country contend that they can match the state of Florida, that may be true, but the #305 and #954 is a much different conversation.
During the course of a year, there is more attention paid to these two areas than anywhere in the country. College coaches flock to this area at a record pace and continue to keep an eye on the progress of athletes throughout the course of a year.
During spring, the sheer number of coaches who are at daily practices from the Florida Keys to the Palm Beach/Broward County line.
Last weekend, Under Armour brought their combine to Miami along with coaches and analysts, and while the same speech that the instructors use at every stop across the country: “This is best talent anywhere in the nation” – when they say it here in south Florida, there are NO lies being told.
At every position, there were prospects who are already being coveted by some of the best college programs in the country.
While the objective is to spotlight the star-rated athletes, which sells subscriptions for these fan websites, often times it’s those under-the-radar football players that use an event like this to steal some of the thunder.
As we watched all that talent perform, there were several athletes that did a tremendous job away from the cameras and videos.
Here are five Miami-Dade and Broward football players who many never watched before, but stepped up their game:
2025 – Bryan Auguste, OT/NG, 6-6, 285, Coconut Creek Monarch. One of the major prospects that the Knights will have this coming season, and if you combine his size with his skill and athletic ability, this program has a versatile big man, who has continued to pick up college interest this off season. At the combine, he showed off his technique and ability to win drills, impressing those who had never watched him perform before.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17665973/Bryan-Auguste
2026 – Justice Fitzpatrick, CB, 6-2, 185, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. One of those impressive football players who made his mark as a freshman when he intercepted a pass in the state title game. The younger brother of current NFL standout Minkah Fitzpatrick, he put on a show at the event – coming up with several huge plays. His size is impressive and the ability to cover is also something that college coaches have already seen in this rising junior. Big time potential.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17955822/Justice-Fitzpatrick
2025 - Nicholas McCall, RB, 5-11, 192, Miami Central. Two years ago, when the Rockets won yet another state title, this then sophomore was a major catalyst in the success of the time. While he split time this past season, look for this quality runner step back into a position where he will once again be that dependable back. Also happens to carry a 3.2 grade point average in the classroom. Performed very well during the drills and competition.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18610103/Nicholas-McCall
Randy Phillips III, QB, 6-5, 175, Miramar. Ever since his freshman season at Hollywood South Broward this is someone that grabbed the attention of recruiting analysts and college coaches who were impressed by his size and arm strength. This past season he was one of the most productive quarterbacks in the state – putting up huge numbers and leading the Bulldogs to their first district title in nearly 30 years. Make the move for his final season to Miramar to play for a quality Patriots’ program.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16916662/Randy-Phillips
Jahmari Smith, WR/Athlete, 6-0, 160, Miami Norland. With much attention being paid to so many of the other receivers who were hyped up prior to the combine, here is someone who continued to get the job done – just like he has for the past three years. This may be one of the most overlooked football players in south Florida – as he is not only a tremendous receiver, but also is a force in the secondary. College coaches also love the fact that he gets it done in the classroom as well, holding down a 3.6 grade point average.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15869623/Jahmari-Smith
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For the past 54 years, we have spent plenty of 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..
After jumping out to a 5-1 start in 2023, the Miami Southridge Spartans were a team that football fans were watching – every week.
Winning the district the year before over 3M state runner up Homestead, there was a feeling that the Spartans were slowly putting together something special and bringing back memories of the past.
But this is south Florida, and while it’s great to have talent, depth is the reason that many of these programs step to the front.
Finishing 7-5 after a heart-wrenching second round state playoff loss (35-33) to Homestead, this is a program that started to show football fans that they are indeed a program that is on the rise.
With the off-season under way and spring around the corner, head coach Pierre Senatus and his team believe that with a few additions and maturity this is the year they get over that hump and become a true contender.
If this team is to make it to that next level, the rising senior class (2025) will be the reason.
With talent and experience along with leadership, this is a group that could make a major statement.
Among those prospects include Bobby Brooks (RB, 5-10, 170 – 3.6 GPA), Curtis Bryant (DB, 5-11, 170 – 3.27 GPA), Darius Clements (WR, 5-11, 165 – 3.2 GPA), Joshua McDowell (LB, 5-11, 210 – 3.12 GPA), Hernan Mora (LB, 6-0, 225 – 4.4 GPA), Xyeim Pitter (DB, 5-10, 155 – 2.75 GPA), Shandon Smith (RB, 5-9, 235 – 3.2 GPA), and linebacker Corey Waters (6-0, 225 – 3.0 GPA).
UNDERCLASSMEN ARE MORE THAN READY
The success of this program in 2024 will certainly be what the rising senior class does, but also what the rising junior class (2026) will be able to accomplish.
Among those prospects include Samuel Coleman (DB, 6-0, 158 – 2.85 GPA), William Favors (DB, 6-0, 150 – 2.9 GPA), Antwone Francois (DB, 5-6, 125 – 2.5 GPA), Donye Fussell (DB, 6-0, 170 – 2.5 GPA), Jhakari Johnson (WR, 5-11, 160 – 2.86 GPA), emerging standout Ryan Miret (DL/OL, 6-3.5, 265 – 4.4 GPA), and running back William Williams (5-9, 160 – 3.1 GPA).
Even the 2027 class looks like a group that can add plenty to this team – led by quarterback James Perrone (5-10, 165 – 3.5 GPA), who is very talented. The Spartans also have Darius Jones (RB, 5-9, 167 – 3.0 GPA), Marquest Mitchell (WR/DB, 6-0, 165 – 3.0 GPA), Albert Stevenson (LB, 6-2, 184 – 3.5 GPA), and gifted receiver Tyree Williams (5-7, 150 – 3.0 GPA).
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For the past 54 years, we have spent plenty of 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..
Any time you take over a high school football program in south Florida there are never any guarantees that you can turn things around right away.
With players transferring at a record pace, building a program comes down to teaching and winning.
With a solid reputation as a winning football coach, Quentin Short made the move last season from Douglas to Piper, and while there were growing pains, his Bengals not only won the district with a perfect 3-0 record, but also advanced to the state playoffs, losing to power Coconut Creek and finishing 6-5.
If this team is to continue growing and making major strides, off-season work, which includes camps, combines, 7-on-7 events are essential.
With the rising senior class (2025) embracing the upcoming season, there is reason to believe that this program will continue the process.
Among those players in the class include Jeric Chance (DL, 6-1, 265 – 2.7 GPA), Julien Halley (RB, 5-10, 175 – 4.0 GPA), Antonio Harris (WR/DB, 5-7, 150 – 2.5 GPA), Latron Hickson (DB, 5-11, 160 – 3.3 GPA), Ojackins Jerome Jr. (OL/DL, 6-2, 270 – 2.8 GPA), and versatile Jordan London (WR/KR, 6-0, 165 – 3.6 GPA).
The 2025 group will also watch prospects such as Christian Mata (QB, 5-8, 160 – 3.4 GPA), Carter McCrary (PK, 6-2, 150 – 3.1 GPA), standout Jahmar Midi (DL, 6-1, 240 – 2.8 GPA), and running back Rylan Sincllair (5-10, 160 – 4.0 GPA).
THERE IS SOME QUALITY TALENT ON THE WAY
With the rising senior class embracing the leadership and experience role, keep an eye on the rising junior (2026) class – which features Franso Adderly (WR/DB, 6-0, 155 – 2.5 GPA), Tyler Akins (WR, 5-10, 160 – 2.5 GPA), Jayden Daley (S, 6-0, 170 – 2.75 GPA), Alex Gammage (WR, 5-11, 165 – 3.5 GPA), Kenneth Pierre (DL/OLB, 5-10, 200 – 3.7 GPA), and running back Dylan Senior (5-10, 160 – 4.0 GPA).
The 2027 prospects are also going to be talented – with Alijah Pessoa (Athlete, 5-10, 130 – 2.8 GPA), and linebacker Jaytoin Thomas (6-0, 200 – 2.6 GPA).
PHOTO COURTESY OF SUNRISE PIPER HIGH SCHOOL
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For the past 54 years, we have spent plenty of 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..
MIAMI – For decades, this time of year, late February, and March – we see camps and combines throughout the country that shine the spotlight on high school football prospects that are on the radar, and of course those who are trying to catch the attention of recruiting and fan websites.
For many companies, the investment of hosting these talent showcases comes down to advertising their product to potential future customers.
While the result for many will be a college scholarship, attending these events has become the thing to do – competing against talent that athletes read about and watch throughout the year.
Because of social media, everything has been magnified as photos, interviews and videos show up all over the internet – as fans, writers and recruiting analysts expose and evaluate potential stars of the gridiron.
Having been around these showcase events since they began well over 30 years ago, they do serve a purpose.
On Saturday and Sunday, Under Armour rolled into Miami and Ives Park for two days of exposure and showing off some of the amazing talent we have in this region.
High school coaches, parents, athletes, and fans poured into Northern Miami-Dade as this ritual took place – and while everyone wasn’t recognized or singled out – it was something that many will remember for a lifetime.
Under Armour, Nike, Rivals and just about every other company you can think about hosts these events, and while colleges follow along and watch film and see the testing numbers that are posted, it’s the months of May and June that they are consumed with when they can watch these student/athletes up close during spring and summer camps.
WHO LOOKED GOOD
Because we promote and expose these athletes year-round, the prospects who emerge from an event such as Under Armour, is great, but nothing that those who follow this year-round, are surprised by.
With national writers and analysts on hand, the focus was on prospects from all over the country and in the state of Florida.
Our objective at these showcases is to check out the Miami-Dade and Broward prospects.
On this day, players such as Pembroke Pines West Broward receiver Joshua Moore, Homestead receiver Cortez Mills, Miami Booker T. Washington standout defensive back Miami Central defensive tackle newcomer Floyd Boucard (Mobile Christian, Alabama), Miami Northwestern receiver Jade Card and his teammate, defensive back Zion Paret were watched by everyone on hand.
Moore and Mills are among the best in the nation.
This past season, while covering many teams, you come across prospects that very few know about or watch.
Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy receiver Dwayne Wimbley Jr. is one of those prospects we had the pleasure of watching live. He is not only an emerging football talent but is also a stellar basketball prospect.
While several positions are always watched, the south Florida stop always features some impressive receivers.
In addition to Moore, Mills and Wimbley, prospects such as Miami Central’s Kha’leal Sterling and West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman transfer, Naeshaun Montgomery - Coconut Creek Monarch's Antwaun Parham, and Miami Northwestern 2026 athlete Calvin Russell were also impressive.
One of the running back prospects we have been watching for several years, following him to Cardinal Gibbons as a freshman is Derrek Cooper, who was singled out as a top running back. He is now at Chaminade-Madonna, and while he is a running back, the thing that has always made him special is his ability to lineup just about anywhere.
Other locals who turned heads on Sunday were Miami Norland twins Darryll Desir and Mandrell Desir, who have everything going for them – on and off the playing field.
Another standout we had the pleasure of watching since the 8th grade is USF commit Caleb Harris, a technically sound offensive linemen from St. Thomas Aquinas.
Monarch’s Bryan Auguste – another prospect we spotlighted during the off-season – was impressive as those who had no prior knowledge of his talents were bowled over.
Rising senior Miami Central linebacker Ezekiel Marcelin was also a head-turner, which everyone figured. He is quick, can cover and get it done in the classroom.
The future is also bright with Miami Carol City Class of 2026 standout Jordan Campbell, who committed to Miami.
Watching the defensive backs was also plenty of fun, and beside Hanks, there were others who have already made a lasting impression. St. Thomas Aquinas 2026 cornerback Justice Fitzpatrick is the younger brother of NFL defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Chris Ewald was also someone who stood out as he is getting bigger and more physical as a corner at Chaminade-Madonna. He also gets it done in the classroom. Pembroke Pines Flanagan safety Jonathan Carter, and versatile Miami Christopher Columbus safety Bryce Fitzgerald.
The quarterback position had numerous standouts – and 2026 Plantation American Heritage prospect Dia Bell continues to showcase some major skills.
Last year at this time, there was some buzz with Bekkem Kritza competing for the starting job at Miami Central. He left, but now as a Penn State commitment is back and will play for the Rockets in 2024.
Miami Norland athlete Jahmari "Smitty" Smith did his thing on both sides of the ball. A true im[pact player,
MORE LOCALS DID THEIR THING
With hundreds of athletes, trying to spotlight every one of them is not easy, and the fact that we do spotlight EVERY football player in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties during a year, we did see some talent that grabbed some of the spotlight.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
Randy Adirika (2025 - Miami Central)
Adrian Farrow (2025 - Miami Norland)
Julian Terry (2025 - Miami Gulliver Prep)
Romando Johnson (2025 - Coconut Creek Monarch)
Richard Scott (2025 - Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas)
Donta Simpson Jr. (2025 - Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna)
Wilnerson Telemaque (2025 - Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace)
Lewenski Ydore (2025 - North Miami)
LINEBACKERS
Dylan Gill (2025 – Homestead South Dade)
Jacob Joseph (2025 – Davie Western)
Patrick Lawrence II (2025 – Miami Palmetto)
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Kenton Dopson III (2027 - Miami Norland)
J’Vari Flowers (2026 – Miami Northwestern)
Camari Hall (2025 – Chaminade-Madonna)
Jaylyn Jones (2027 – Davie Western)
Teddrick Lee (2026 – Homestead South Dade)
Leonzay Merzius (2026 – Chaminade-Madonna)
Amari Wallace (2025 – Miami Central)
Jaleel Walters (2025 – Coconut Creek Monarch)
QUARTERBACKS
Zachary Katz (2027 – Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna)
Dylan Pelliccio (2025 – Pembroke Pines West Broward)
Tyler Shattuck (2025 – Pembroke Pines West Broward)
Jack Spaeder (2027 – Coconut Creek Monarch)
Ennio Yapoor (2025 – Miami Norland)
RUNNING BACKS
Agyeman Addae (2025 – Miami Christopher Columbus)
King Davis (2025 – Miami Northwestern)
Elijah Hardy (2026 – Miami Northwestern)
Sterling Joseph (2025 – Miami Edison)
Nicholas McCall (2025 – Miami Central)
RECEIVERS
Willie Anderson (2025 – Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace)
Johnny Arneus (2025 - Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas)
Anjuan Coleman Jr (2025 – Miami Central)
Shamar Fowles (2025 – Miami Carol City)
Darius Johnson (2025 – Miami Northwestern)
Si’mor Price (2025 – Hollywood South Broward)
Cameron Sapp (2025 – Miami Palmetto)
Kyle Washington (2025 – Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna)
AWARDS HANDED OUT
At the completion of the camp, the following athletes received invitations to 2025 Under Armour Next All-America Games:
2025 Under Armour Next All-America Game Invitees:
Class of 2025
DB Chris Ewald
DB Tae Harris
One player from the Class of 2025 that has already committed to the Under Armour Next All-America Game was also recognized:
WR Nae’shaun Montgomery
Other players recognized following their performances at Sunday’s camp include:
Defensive Line MVP
Floyd Boucard (2025)
Offensive Line MVPs
Caleb Harris (2025)
Kerby Vital (2026)
Running Back MVPs
Derrek Cooper (2026)
Shawn Simeon (2025)
Linebacker MVP
Adam Balogoun-Ali (2026)
Quarterback MVP
Jordan Durham (2025)
Wide Receiver MVPs
Jayvan Boggs (2025)
Winston Watkins (2025)
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 54 years, we have spent plenty of 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..