Recruiting News

Hotbed World Media Day Ushers In 2024 Season

HOLLYWOOD – As Owner & Founder of the nationally-recognized Hotbed brand of football, Brandon Odoi get several Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County teams ready for the upcoming season.

Hosting their third media day, Hotbed welcomed several local, regional, statewide and national members of the media on Saturday.

With practice under way across the state, 38 schools came to talk about the season ahead – while providing a forum for those teams who will once again be in the mix for a state title.

As head coach Jube Joseph and his Miami Central Rockets kicked things off, the media day was about getting several prospects out there as well as enhancing others who already have established themselves.

While the Rockets figure to make a run back to the state title game after missing out last season, Plantation American Heritage and head coach Mike Smith were edged out in the state semifinals and believes the Patriots have the talent to get back.

For two-time defending state champion Miami Christopher Columbus and head coach Dave Dunn, it is a reloading year for this well coached program. While they are reloading, the Explorers will be a force in 7A.

One of the programs that all eyes will be on this coming season is head coach Adam Ratkevitch and his Davie Western Wildcats, who may have as much talent and depth as any 7A school in the state.

Other schools on hand who believe they can make a run include veteran head coach Darryle Heidelburg and Miami Norland. The Vikings fell short in the 2M state title game last season.

Two-time defending state runner up Homestead and head coach Ronnie Thornton are primed for another run.

Mike Manasco and his Miami Palmetto Panthers have been in the mix the past few seasons and believe they have enough to get the job done.

Speaking of getting the job done, First-year head coach Teddy Bridgewater returns to his alma mater – Miami Northwestern – setting the table for the future.

Teams that are ready to turn the corner will be Coconut Creek Monarch and head coach Calvin Davis, who guided the Knights to their best season in school history, advancing to the state semifinals.

While winning the district and hosting a state title game was exciting, Pembroke Pines West Broward and head coach Brian McCartney are loaded up again.

Also, keep an eye on the always well coached Miami Booker T. Washington Tornadoes and Tim “Ice” Harris, who will have his team ready for another run in the state playoffs.

Palm Beach County also made their way to the media event – with the always talented Eagles of Delray Beach with Jamelle Murray putting together quite a program.

For several seasons, the Palm Beach Central Broncos and head coach Kevin Thompson have once again set themselves up.

One of the Palm Beach County schools that has joined the powers in the #561 are the Bulls of West Boca Raton – with head coach Dylan Potts and his staff building things up where this team believes they have a legitimate shot to reach the 6A state title game.

Among the other talented programs making their way to Hollywood for the media day included Doral Academy (Coach Eddie Delgado), Coconut Creek (Coach Johnnie Sloan), Miami Southridge (Coach Pierre Senatus), Plantation with first year head coach Darrell Strong, Miami Jackson with the popular first-year head coach Max Edwards.

Other schools with high hopes in 2024 include Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (Ariel Cribeiro), Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (Coach Matt Dubuc), North Miami (Coach Gerald Cox), Parkland Douglas (Coach Christian Baldwin), Miami Killian with first-year head coach Rudy Trevino, first-year head coach George Stubbs, who looks to turn Miami Carol City around.

Media Day also brought out Miami Edison (Coach Luther Campbell), Fort Lauderdale Dillard (Demitris Mincey Sr.), Deerfield Beach (Cameron Thomas), Miramar, who has been very successful under head coach A.J. Scott, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (Coach Anthony Walker Sr.), Pembroke Pines Flanagan (Coach Benjamin Rolle), Hialeah (Tony Smith), Miami Belen Jesuit (Nick Oyarzun), Homestead South Dade (Chris Reid), Fort Lauderdale NSU University School (Coach Michael Norman) and Somerset Academy Silver Palms (Matt Dixon).

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

Miami-Dade/Broward Summer Top 20. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-summer-top-20


Are You Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers? https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers

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..

BCAA Football Media Day In The Spotlight

When it comes to hosting events and rewarding and promoting their athletes, nobody in the country comes close to what the Broward County Athletic Association.

With Patty Brown and Rocky Gillis leading the way, the BCAA hosts all-star events for all sports as well as recognizing students who not only get it done in athletics but also in the classroom.

With the start of the 2024 football season only weeks away, the BCAA will promote all their schools with a Media Day on Friday at Dave & Busters in Hollywood (3000 Oakwood Blvd., Hollywood, FL 33020).

The Media Day will host players and coaches who will answer questions from media members from throughout the state of Florida.

The event – which will run from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. – will be streamed live on You Tube (BCAA/MSAA).

THE BCAA WILL BE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Once again, this season, several of the top prospects, teams and coaches will be on hand.

Here is the schedule for Friday:

8:00 AM – Cooper City Cowboys (Coach Art Taylor)

8:30 AM – Pompano Beach Tornadoes (Coach Raya McCray)

8:45 – Hollywood Hills Spartans (Coach Brandon Graham)

9:00 AM – Pembroke Pines Charter Jaguars (Coach Keidran Willis)

9:15 AM – Pembroke Pines Flanagan Falcons (Coach Benjamin Rolle)

9:30 AM – Sunrise Piper Bengals (Coach Quentin Short)

9:45 AM – Davie Nova Titans (Coach Tyrus McCloud)

10:00 AM – Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders (Coach Roger Harriott)

10:15 AM – South Plantation Paladins (Coach Colby Erskin)

10:30 AM – Coconut Creek Cougars (Coach Johnnie Sloan)

10:45 AM – McArthur Mustangs (Coach Alex Barron)

11:00 AM – Plantation American Heritage Patriots (Coach Mike Smith)

11:15 AM – Miramar Patriots (Coach A.J. Scott)

11:30 AM – Coconut Creek Monarch Knights (Coach Calvin Davis)

11:45 AM - Pompano Beach Blanche Ely Tigers (Coach Terence McFadden)

12:30 PM – Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna Lions (Coach Dameon Jones)

12:45 PM – Plantation Colonels (Coach Darrell Strong)

1:00 PM – Coral Springs Taravella (Coach Clyde Parry)

2:00 PM – Coral Springs Coral Glades Jaguars (Christopher Haire)

2:15 PM – Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (Coach Matt Dubuc)

2:30 PM – Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson (Coach Kevin Claxton)

2:45 PM – Miramar Everglades Gators (Coach Rodney Rumph)

3:00 PM – Parkland Douglas Eagles (Coach Chris Baldwin)

3:15 PM – Davie Western Wildcats (Coach Adam Ratkevich)

3:30 PM – Fort Lauderdale Stranahan Dragons (Coach Jacky Candy)

4:00 PM – Hallandale Chargers (Coach Joshua Bush)

4:15 PM – Fort Lauderdale Flying Ls (Coach Richard Dunbar)

4:30 PM – Oakland Park Northeast Hurricanes (Coach Neil Nelson)

4:45 PM – Hollywood South Broward Bulldogs (Coach Charles McCrae)

5:00 PM – Coral Springs Colts (TBA)

5:30 PM – Coral Springs Charter Panthers (Christopher Haire)

5:45 PM – Deerfield Beach Bucks (Coach Cam Thomas)

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

Miami-Dade/Broward Summer Top 20. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-summer-top-20


Are You Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers? https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers

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..

Coaching Pay Is An Embarrassment – To Say The Least

Enough walking on eggshells with the coaching “stipend” joke.

It’s time to stop sweeping this issue under the rug and meet it head on. How can administrators sleep at night when their coaches, who work 12 months a year are being paid a lot less than minimum wage to shape the future of this country.

While many believe that it’s all about sports, this is where you show how little you know about this vital subject.

What our head coaches and their assistants, in all sports, are doing, is influencing young men and women – in and out of the sports arena.

Coaches spend far more time with their student/athletes than parents and teachers combined. They are there to guide these young students and help them solve life’s problems in addition to leading by example as mentors.

When professional athletes talk about their high school coaches and how they played such a major part in their life, many just pass those comments over and pay no attention to the facts.

No matter what sport it is, it’s a good bet that they are working year-round. Whether it’s off-season conditioning and helping raise money to travel and participating in important events at colleges and universities, there are so many demands made – in and out of the classroom – our coaches and their staffs are putting in the time, often spending hours and hours away from their own family.

When you are an administrator and making a comfortable income, the last thing before you go to bed at night is to think about how vital coaches are to the schools and your students.

It's almost disgusting that we even have to talk about this – while other states and private schools are compensating coaches for what they do around the year.

Perhaps the recent slap in the face that high school athletes will be able to strike up their own Name, Image and Likeness deals is a further embarrassment to this coaching profession.

While our athletes are not leaving the state, and most likely will never move away, our more than capable teachers/coaches are departing from communities that they have been a huge part in – some all their lives.

The state of Florida, south Florida in general, has some of the worst pay in the nation. You wonder why we have a teaching shortage? Our loyal and longtime teachers – especially in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties – must beg for a raise. That is truly sad and speaks volumes about how many local and state school districts could care less.

IS THERE IS A SOLUTION?

Instead of closing their collective ears when this subject comes up, it may be time to listen and not just continue to push things off – again and again.

Since the student/athletes are going to make money, it may be time for athletic directors to loosen rules and give these coaches an opportunity to be compensated as well and have some well-earned dignity.

In several school districts in the Midwest and other progressive areas, they are letting their sports teams sell uniform advertising with patches, tastefully, placed on jerseys like they do in NASCAR. The revenue is passed on directly to the coaches and not grabbed by the athletic department.

Here is a suggestion to administrators. Maybe it would be in your best interest to reach out to other parts of the nation and see what they are doing to at least keep their coaches home. In many cases, it’s local boosters that help fund local schools, but no matter what it is, lets find out.

While this is just another waste of time article, attempting to reach those who really care and have the power to do something about this issue, we will leave you with this. The average stipend for coaches in south Florida – at public schools – is a whopping $12 per day!

 

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

Miami-Dade/Broward Summer Top 20. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-summer-top-20


Are You Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers? https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers

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..

Miami-Dade/Broward Loaded With Talent 10 Years Ago

When football fans across the country feel that their area is the best when it comes to producing talent, Florida fans have to laugh.

When it comes to loading up college and NFL rosters, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties take a backseat to nobody!

While we are used to the train of talent that runs through the #305 and #954, we rarely step back and look at all the talent that is produced from the amazing youth programs to high school rosters.

As we are waiting for the start of the 2024 season, today we will take you back 10 years to 2014 and check out prospects we all knew were going to be special.

The No. 1 player in the state was certainly no mistake as Miami Central running back Dalvin Cook gave everyone a glimpse of a future at FSU and into the NFL.

But as great as Cook was, and he showcased some running talent that turned heads every week, he was not alone 10 years ago.

South Florida also boasted players such as DE Chad Thomas (Booker T. Washington/Miami), WR Ermon Lane (Homestead/FSU), DL Travonte Valentine (Hialeah Champagnat Catholic/LSU), RB Sony Michel (Plantation American Heritage/Georgia), QB Sean White (University School/Auburn), OT Trevor Darling (Miami Central/Miami) and RB Joseph Yearby (Miami Central/Miami) among the top 20 in Florida.

There were some other football talent in that class that also made a major impact like WR Isaiah McKenzie (Plantation American Heritage/Georgia), QB Treon Harris (Miami Booker T. Washington/Florida), DT Khairi Clark (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna/Florida), WR C.J. Worton (Homestead South Dade/Florida), S John Battle (Hallandale/LSU) DT Anthony Moten (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas/Miami), DE Demetrius Jackson (Miami Booker T. Washington/Miami), WR Corey Holmes (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas/Notre Dame), CB Chris Lammons (Plantation/South Carolina), DE Richard Yeargin III (University School/Clemson), OLB Mike Smith (Miami Central/Miami), S Michael Johnson (Hialeah Champagnat Catholic/Louisville), OT Yodny Cajuste (Miramar/West Virginia), CB Nigel Bethel (Miami Booker T. Washington/Texas Tech), QB Quinton Flowers (Miami Jackson/USF), QB Peyton Bender (Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons/Washington State), WR Jojo Robinson (Miami Northwestern/Arkansas), WR Trevon Lee (Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons/Duke), and CB Deatrick Nichols (Miami Central/USF).

There were also prospects like DT Edgar Cerenord (Plantation American Heritage/Duke), TE Ravian Pierce (Plantation/Mississippi State), CB Al Harris (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas/South Carolina), CB Ryan Mayes (Miami Northwestern/Miami), WR George Rushing (Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons/Wisconsin), WR Steve Ishmael (North Miami Beach/Syracuse), WR Kendrick Edwards (Miami Norland/Arkansas), WR Trye Brady (Homestead South Dade/Marshall), Athlete Trayone Gray (Miami Carol City/Miami), CB Quincy Wilson (University School/Florida), OC A’lique Terry (Hialeah/Wake Forest), S Andre Godfrey (Miramar/Utah), WR Gilbert Johnson (Homestead/Georgia), RB Brandon Powell (Deerfield Beach/Florida), RB Madre London (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas/Michigan State), WR Jacob McCrary (Miami Coral Reef/West Virginia) and CB Juwan Dowels (Plantation American Heritage/Syracuse) to name prospects in the Top 100. 

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

Miami-Dade/Broward Summer Top 20. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-summer-top-20


Are You Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers? https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers

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..

Several Key Miami-Dade/Broward Transfers Start The Season

As summer camp opened Monday throughout the state of Florida, there were a few notable transfers that took place in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

The two areas which have watched nearly 200 prospects come and go in just the two counties, the last minute push to secure a spot in the state playoffs sparked some impressive moves.

As the season is just a little more than two weeks away, some teams felt a need to strengthen their rosters as the most competitive season in a generation will see basically every state championship contender improve their schedules perhaps like never before.

While schools across the country have solved the major issue with being in the national championship hunt, it all points to strengthening their schedule, and as the opponents get tougher, more talent is needed to compete.

Here are some of the moves made just this past week as the scramble is on to have the best rosters possible:

CLASS OF 2025

Cortland Brownfield, QB, 6-1, 185, Miami Edison. Transferring from Baton Rouge, Louisiana – 3.5 GPA. The Red Raiders just got a huge addition with a gifted football player who has it all – on and off the field.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15226086/Cortland-Brownfield

Zachary Davis, LB, 6-0, 255, Homestead. Transferring from Portland Central Catholic, Oregon. A major talent who comes across country with many big-time schools looking in his direction. The Broncos landed a real prospect.

TAPE:  https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16855562/653da364da5c260cc400261a

Lorenzo Diaz, OL/DL, 5-10, 230, Doral Academy. Transferring from Doral Ronald Reagan – 3.2 GPA. There is no getting around the fact that the Firebirds needed someone with his versatility and experience.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16587580/Lazaro-Diaz

Jesse Hinojosa, DE, 6-0, 260, Miami Palmetto. Transferring from Miami Archbishop Carroll. Was key in sending the Bulldogs to the 1M state semifinal. Had a huge off-season.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16522046/Jesse-Hinojosa

Zion Lancaster, DE/TE, 6-6, 200, Miami Edison. Transferring from Tolleson, Arizona. Game changing highly regarded prospect who already has plenty of schools watching.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20163159/Zion-Lancaster

Adrian Lima, PK, 5-10, 176, Homestead. Transferring from Miami Felix Varela. Gives the Broncos a much-needed weapon on field goals and extra points.

TAPE: https://x.com/i/status/1811510670447317395

Deion Macon, LB, 6-0, 180, Coconut Creek Monarch. Transferring from Coral Springs – 3.0 GPA. Solid player who provides quality depth for a team that is ready to challenge again in 6A.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19680700/Deion-Macon

Sebastian Marrero, WR/FS, 6-1, 170, Coconut Creek. Transferring from Coral Springs – 3.1 GPA. Track & Field.  Another quick athlete who could play on either side of the ball.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18145065/Sebastian-Marrero

Elijah McDowell, WR, 5-11, 173, Coconut Creek. Transferring from Hollywood McArthur. This is a hungry football player who will help the Cougars.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18642490/Elijah-Mcdowell

Miguerson Renelus, DL/OL, 6-1, 285, Coconut Creek Monarch. Transferring from Parkland Douglas – 3.5 GPA. Another player with size and technique to add depth.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18604193/Miguerson-Renelus

Jefferson Saintcius, LB, 6-0, 190, Sunrise Piper – 2.7 GPA. Transferring from Coral Springs Coral Glades. Solid football talent who only adds to what the Bengals are building.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16616323/Jefferson-Saintcius

Terrance Smith II, WR/Athlete, 5-9, 170, Miami Immaculata LaSalle. Transferring from Lehigh. Solid two-way prospect who fits right in with the Royal Lions.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16904506/6553f1ef9a90f2077800ff8c

Eric Thomas, DT, 6-5, 305, Miami Northwestern. Transferring from Lehigh Acres East Lee. Major addition to the Bulls. Great size and athletic ability.

TAPE:  https://www.hudl.com/profile/17884577/Eric-Thomas

Zequan Wright, RB, 5-9, 175, Miami Norland. Transferring from Palm Beach Central – 3.8 GPA. Major talent – huge addition to the Vikings.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19253179/Zequan-Wright

CLASS OF 2026

Reginald Camille, DL, 6-4, 220, Plantation American Heritage. Transferring from Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. Special player who is expected to make a huge impact.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19379576/664e7e2ccf12c1cba4f86baf

Kallen Martinez, DB, 6-3, 170, Davie Western. Transferring from Bradenton IMG Academy.  Big time 4-star athlete who has a chance to push the Wildcats to their first ever state football final.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17854309/Kallen-Martinez

CLASS OF 2027

2027 Ethan Bradford, 6-0, 180, RB/LB, Pembroke Pines West Broward. Transferring from Belle Glade Glades Day. The Bobcats continue to add some future players to an already gifted team. Keep an eye on this program in 2024.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16677103/Amos-Bradford

Jayson “Bam Bam” Farfan, DE, Miami Northwestern. Transferring from Jacksonville Raines. This one-time youth standout is headed back to south Florida and is yet another piece of the Bulls’ puzzle.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21060479/Jayson-Farfan

Jayden Jackson, DL, 6-2, 265, Coconut Creek. Transferring from Davie Nova. Only adds to what the Cougars already have up front on what will certainly be a stingy defense.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19727852/Jayden-Jackson

Cedric Mitchell Jr., WR, 6-0, 165, Pembroke Pines West Broward. Transferring from Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. Here is one of those young prospects that will only add to what this program is doing on offense.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19671978/Cedric-Mitchell-Jr

Jamal Robinson Jr., WR, 6-3, 170, Miami Booker T. Washington. Transferring from Miami Killian. Keep an eye on this gifted football player who has the chance to be very special in what the Tornadoes are putting together.

TAPE:  https://www.hudl.com/profile/19947897/Jamal-Robinson-jr

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

Miami-Dade/Broward Summer Top 20. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-summer-top-20


Are You Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers? https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers

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..