GAINESVILLE – It is certainly no secret that when it comes to recruiting football talent, the Miami-Dade and Broward County areas must be in the equation. Just look at the successful programs across the country.
Throughout the years the 305 and 954 have been at the center of sending elite talent – difference makers – to schools across the nation.
With Billy Napier still feeling his way back into the state of Florida, he is slowly trying to get back into south Florida with coaches who know the area and have the respect from high school coaches who are warming up to what the Gators are doing in the competitive Southeastern Conference.
While the team is doing well nationally and throughout the rest of the country, getting marquee prospects and teams on campus is essential. The name of the game is to have top-flight student/athletes and their families on campus.
On Wednesday, the Gators started to wind down the summer camp schedule with a pair of 7-on-7 tournaments that included national powerhouse Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna and talented Miramar. Two programs that continue to produce quality athletes that can help to infuse Florida with the type of talent that will bring them back to the top of SEC.
GATORS TRY TO SPARK A PIPELINE
While the schools has had its share of talented south Florida talent in the past, things are going slow in this recruiting cycle, but Napier and his staff are banking that the exposure this past spring and summer will pay off - as several prospects and teams came to campus and saw the amazing new facility that was finished last summer and is considered to be one of the of the best in the nation – with state-of-art services everywhere you look.
One step into the beautiful new facility reveals that there are just a handful of players on the current roster that actually come from a loaded south Florida area, and everyone knows that there needs to be a push to continue to add to the number. Relationships with the coaching staff is the most important part. The days of schools selling themselves are over. Now, the job lies with the coaching staff to keep recruiting flames alive.
Here is a look at the Miami-Dade and Broward players on the summer roster:
Jackson Crozier, Fr. OL, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. A walk on player who made a huge impact at the high school level. Was a three-time Florida State Champion and served as a team captain. Earned All-State and All-County three times.
Andy Jean, WR, Fr., Miami Northwestern. Has a chance to be one of the nation’s best after a solid spring. Caught 19 passes for a team-leading 409 yards with three scores during his high school senior year.
Carlson Joseph, RB, Plantation American Heritage. Played in one game, making his collegiate debut, and rushing two times for five yards in the victory vs. Eastern Washington (Oct. 2). SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll.
Jason Marshall Jr., CB, Jr., Miami Palmetto. Started at cornerback in thirteen games… Finished the season with 29 tackles, 8 pass breakups, 1 TFL, 1 interception, and a quarterback hurry.
Cahron Rackley, S, So., Miami Palmetto. Another walk on player who was a quality high school player.
Tyreak Sapp, DL, So., Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. Saw action on the defensive line in all 13 games of the season, totaling 20 tackles (eight solo), 0.5 TFL and two quarterback hurries. SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll (2022).
Derek Wingo, ILB, Jr., Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. Saw action in 12 games with back-to-back starts to end the season… Totaled 24 tackles with 2.0 TFLs, sacks and quarterback hurries.
SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: June 22, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Transfer Season Heats Up In Miami-Dade & Broward. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-heats-up-in-miami-dade-broward
For the past 53 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. 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..
CORAL SPRINGS - On the same day that Coral Glades head football coach Cameron Thomas broke the news to his team, parents and student body that he was stepping down to head in a different direction, the Jaguars quickly filled the head football position.
After helping to turn this program around, Thomas took his team to a post season and injected a winning formula. He developed talent on and off the field and gave this program something it hadn’t had – a winner!
Casullo, who has won state and national titles at Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas as well lifting Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy into the spotlight, comes to the Coral Springs area after a short stint at Cypress Bay in Weston. While with the Lightning he started to get the program back on track.
His hiring, while it was a surprise to many, is something that Principal Dr. Mark Kaplan and new Athletic Director Howie Schrager believe is a perfect fit for a program that not only has one of the finest facilities but also a unique drawing power from throughout Northwest Broward County.
“This is a great opportunity for me at this time in my career,” Casullo said. “I am surrounded by an amazing administration and a community that had a taste of winning football.”
The one thing that Casullo has that many south Florida coaches may lack are college contacts. His nearly two decades of coaching and teaching gave him the opportunity to make friends with many college coaches across the country who have recruited his players.
What Casullo represents is someone who has plenty of experience – coming from a family that has been involved in the game all of his life. His father Bob is a former coach at the collegiate level for 15 years, also spending 9 years in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders, New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Bucs. He also had the opportunity to coach in 2 Super Bowls.
“I have learned so much about this game from being around some great people,” Casullo said. “From my dad to Coach George Smith at St. Thomas Aquinas, there aren’t two more established and better teachers of this sport.”
During Casullo’s overall tenure (15 years) with St. Thomas Aquinas, the Raiders won 5 state titles and 2 national championships.
CORAL GLADES THROUGH THE YEARS
While Thomas elevated the Jaguars in 2021, the program has long struggled to maintain a winner. Over the past 10 years, they had just one winning season and compiled a 26-66 record:
2022 (2-8)
2021 (6-3)
2020 (2-2). Covid Season.
2019 (3-7)
2018 (2-8)
2017 (3-6)
2016 (4-6)
2015 (2-8)
2014 (2-8)
2013 (0-10)
SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: June 20, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Transfer Season Heats Up In Miami-Dade & Broward. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-heats-up-in-miami-dade-broward
For the past 53 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. 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..
Throughout the month of June, high school football programs from across the country headed on a trip to various colleges as part of a caravan to check out schools.
This ritual, which is gaining in popularity, has been going on for nearly a decade, and while the purpose is to compete and see different schools, the experience for players and coaches becomes something they will remember for the rest of their lives.
Whether it’s in the state of Florida, to the northeast, southeast or Midwest, these caravans are not only providing these student/athletes with a chance to meet college coaches, but also visit cities and states that most only read about in their U.S. history classes.
For many of these football players, this is the first time they have been away from home, and in many ways, prepares them for life after high school – when they do make the choice to attend a school away from home.
With many schools heading out from south Florida this summer, one of the programs to get this opportunity of a lifetime was Dr. Michael Krop High.
Based in northern Miami-Dade County, head coach Tom Caporale and his team set off on a bus tour that would include North Carolina, North Carolina State, Auburn, Alabama, Tennessee, Tusculum, Georgia, Georgia State, Western Carolina, FSU, and the University of Central Florida. Even schools such as Buffalo and Arkansas State were at one of the multiple camp stops.
The college visits gave the coaches a chance to see some of the Lightning prospects – in all classes.
Rising senior (2024) quarterback/athlete Jamaal Haggins showed out well in the N.C. State and University of Tennessee camps, showing good measurables at 6-0, 180 with long arms, quick release and very accurate deep balls.
At the University of Georgia 7-on-7 camp he was also turning heads – including head coach Kirby Smart.
It was also in Georgia that Class of 2026 WR Jaden Page started to make a name for himself.
Also using the trip to further enhance his stock was 2024 defensive back Kal-el Pascal, who already holds multiple big time offers.
The 6-0, 185-pounder showed exactly why he is one of the best in Florida, showcasing his skills in front of coaches like former University of Miami and Hollywood Hills High product Willie Martinez (Tennessee) and veteran coach Wesley McGriff at Auburn, Even Fran Brown from Georgia raved about Pascal’s toughness and mindset as well as his phenomenal ball skills.
Some of the other players who truly watched their stock rise included 2024 LB/EGDE Caleb Turner-Allen. The 6-2, 230-pounder made an impression during drills. He ran a blazing 4.58 in the 40, which certainly brought a few offers in his direction.
Rising 2025 receiver/return specialist Xayvion Quarterman was another prospect that dazzled at Georgia and Tennessee. He will be a major part of the offense and is starting to get traction in recruiting!
SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: June 20, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Transfer Season Heats Up In Miami-Dade & Broward. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-heats-up-in-miami-dade-broward
For the past 53 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. 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 how many years you go back, south Florida has always been home to some top receivers.
Look in college and in the NFL and you will find elite prospects from Miami-Dade and Broward County who are making an impact.
As the off-season is producing some quality talent that colleges and universities are finding out about.
One of the programs that continues to inch back to among the powers in the region is Miami Southridge. The Spartans were a major power back in the 80s and 90s, and with head coach Pierre Senatus and his staff working hard to build that tradition back, several prospects are turning heads.
The defending district champions, who beat a Homestead team that advanced to the 3M state finals in 2022, have a receiving corps that has turned heads this summer. At the head of that list are seniors Glenn Smith III and Jayquan Reid.
Coming off solid junior seasons, both are poised for a huge final season for the Spartans and colleges already know who they are.
Jayquan Reid, 6-0, 175. His speed and athleticism makes him very dangerous and extremely tough to cover. From his freshman season, he has been impacting the offense with his ability to run routes and make a difference. His maturity and knowledge of the position surfaces when he gets into space. Whether it was during the spring or here in the summer, you can see how he continues to develop into one of the premier receivers in the region.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14311055/Jayquan-Reid
Glenn Smith III, 5-10, 165. Since he arrived on campus, this is definitely a gifted prospect who created mismatches and gave opponents a major headache. Last year during the state playoffs, he was a huge asset – not only as a pass catcher who stretched the defense, but also as a kicker returner that set the Spartans up in good field position. Like Reid, this is an elite prospect, leader and someone who can change the outcome of a game with his game-breaking skills.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14807706/Glenn-Smith-III
TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: June 19, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Transfer Season Heats Up In Miami-Dade & Broward. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-heats-up-in-miami-dade-broward
For the past 53 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. 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..
Over the past few weeks, Florida International University and head football coach Mike MacIntyre rolled out the red carpet for high school players and teams throughout the state.
On Thursday, the Panthers once again hosted another 7-on-7 and lineman camp that attracted 20 programs over 150 line prospects.
While Fort Pierce Westwood took home the team title, there were a number of programs who got better and competed in the event.
From No. 1 Miami Southridge to No. 17 South Miami, No. 8 Hollywood South Broward, No. 9 Hialeah ABF, No. 4 Homestead Somerset Silver Palms, No. 13 Miami Immaculata LaSalle, No. 20 Miami Varela, No. 2 Miami Jackson, No. 15 Somerset Academy South Homestead, No. 6 Miami Killian, No. 11 Hollywood Hills, No. 14 Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson, No. 19 Goulds Palm Glades, No. 10 Homestead South Dade, No. 18 Coral Springs Charter and No. 7 Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy, the theme of the day was competition.
FIU coaches such as David Yost, Jovan Dewitt, Joshua Eargle, Eric Hickson, Zac Roper, George Frazier, Jay MacIntyre, Nate Taye, Anthony Gaitor and DeMarcus Van Dyke evaluated, coached and taught some quality talent for over four hours.
When they began play in the elimination round, No. 1 seed Southridge and head coach Pierre Senatus were upended by a young South Miami program that head coach Arties Knight is trying to build.
TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: June 16, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Transfer Season Heats Up In Miami-Dade & Broward. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-heats-up-in-miami-dade-broward
For the past 53 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. 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..