Recruiting, as we all know, has changed so much in just the past five years.
Transfer portal, NIL and other tools that are used in recruiting have changed the way colleges are now looking at high school prospects.
Back in the day, most of the concentration was being paid to the current senior class, but because of a year-round quest for exposure, every athlete that lines up and plays a high school varsity game is now on the radar.
Because the scholarships are now focusing on experienced transfers, the high school athlete must start selling themselves way before the process is supposed to begin.
More and more freshmen, sophomores and juniors are just as important in the process as the seniors are – as relationships are formed earlier than they used to.
While the current senior (2025) class is getting ready for the upcoming season, they are also making commitments that will certainly thrust them into that spotlight.
As summer practice begins today to get ready for the 2024 season, we will check in on some 2026 juniors, who are still turning heads in south Florida.
Keep an eye on some of these impressive prospects in Miami-Dade and Broward County football players.
Starting on offense, there are University of Texas commitment Dia Bell (QB, 6-3, 190, Plantation American Heritage), Calvin Russell III (WR, 6-4, 180, Miami Northwestern), Jabari Brady (WR, 6-2, 185, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), University of Miami commit Malachi Toney (WR, 5-10, 185, Plantation American Heritage), Jasen Lopez (WR, 6-0, 175, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Brandon Bennett (WR, 6-0, 180, Plantation American Heritage), Denairius Gray (WR, 6-1, 170, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Calerbe Hermane (TE, 6-4, 205, Davie Western), Ryan Miret (OL, 6-4, 285, Miami Southridge), Jordan Davis (OL, 6-3, 330, Davie Western) and Elijah Hardy (WR, 6-0, 180, Miami Northwestern).
There are also Anthony Brown (OL, 6-3, 315, Miami Palmetto), Jaborree Riggins (WR, 6-4, 185, Coconut Creek Monarch), Jeffar Jean-Louis (WR, 5-10, 170, Plantation American Heritage), Jayden Ford (RB, 5-5, 150, Miami Central), Bryan Granger (OL, 6-3, 270, Pembroke Pines West Broward), Jamar Denson (WR, 5-10, 175, Plantation American Heritage) and Khyze Smith (OL, 6-4, 301, Miami Norland).
KEEP AN EYE ON SOME ELITE DEFENSIVE TALENT
Throughout the course of the upcoming season, we will be bringing more emerging stars – like these defensive prospects Justice Fitzpatrick (CB, 6-2, 185, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), J’Vari Flowers (CB, 5-11, 170, Miami Northwestern), Jordan Campbell (LB, 6-3, 235, Miami Carol City), FSU commit Tedarius Hughes (DB, 6-3, 175, Homestead South Dade), Dominic Turnbull (CB, 6-2, 175, Miami True North Classical Academy), Tedrick Lee (S, 6-0, 180, Homestead South Dade), Shmar Akande (CB, 6-2, 180, Miami International Academy), Phillip Goodrich (LB, 6-0, 210, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Aldarius Johnson Jr. (S, 6-2, 175, Plantation American Heritage), Herlin Perry Jr. (CB, 6-1, 170, Miami Central), Karon Maycock (S, 6-2, 210, Miami Central), Leonzay Merzius (DB, 6-0, 181, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Liam Marley (DL, 6-3, 240, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian), Jemel Bonica (DE, 6-4, 225, Miami Northwestern), Tyre Vieux (DB, 6-0, 160, Edison), Wynton Jones Jr. (DB, 5-11, 165, Miami Palmetto), Dylan Bennett (MLB, 5-11, 210, Plantation American Heritage), R.J. Alphonse (DE, 6-3, 220, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna) and Cleveland Gary III (OLB, 6-0, 210, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace).
Also watch elite athletes such as fast-rising Derrek Cooper (6-1, 195, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), FSU commit Darryl Bell III (5-11, 175, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman), Bryant Junius (DB, 6-1, 190, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Terrence Campbell (6-2, 225, Miami Central) and speedy Kaj Baker (5-7, 160, Pembroke Pines Somerset).
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..
When you attend a 7-on-7 event, there is a tendency to watch many of the star-rated prospects who have already grabbed the spotlight.
But in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, there is so much talent, you can never uncover and promote enough.
What we do year-round is see athletes play live, which is something that others don’t do, but still rank and break down these quality football players.
On Saturday, the first #305/#954 The Crib 7-on-7 Classic was held at Miami’s Ransom Everglades. While Miami Norland came away with the title, beating Miami Central, there were other teams and players who made an impact.
Today, we look at five prospects who may have been overlooked, but still peg the talent meter.
This has been a long summer – and there have been many events, which have provided a canvas for these young men to grab some of that spotlight.
2026 - Jamar Denson, WR, 5-10, 182, Plantation American Heritage – 3.6 GPA. This two-sport (track) athlete has turned into one of the more dangerous prospects in south Florida. Solid route runner, who enhances his entire game with speed and great vision. Is dangerous coming out of the slot position – all he needs is his hands on the ball and he will do the rest. The more you watch him play, the more you are impressed at what he brings to the football field,
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19484710/6543c218689883045cc9eb3a
2025 - Devin Gonzalez, QB, 6-0, 180, Coconut Creek. As we have looked at this quality talent in the past – following him from Pembroke Pines Flanagan to Weston Cypress Bay and now with the Cougars. One of the top returning senior quarterbacks who combines football intelligence with skill and making the most of the athletes around him. Has worked on being a total quarterback, making all the throws and extending plays – when needed – with his legs. While college coaches are watching, it will be his final season that should determine where he attends college.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16423482/Devin-Gonzalez
2027 - James Perrone, QB, 6-2, 170, Miami Southridge. After a sensational freshman season, here is someone who has indeed put himself on the map as one of the top young prospects. While the Spartans fell short last season, you can guarantee that this offense will be very tough to stop with this impressive young man leading the way. Has shown the ability to throw short, intermediate and long passes with accuracy. Colleges are already watching his progress.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19687356/6531667b8cd5620af8bd6b20
2026 - Herlin Perry Jr., DB, 6-1, 170, Miami Central. Comes to play for the Rockets from LaSalle Academy in Providence, Rhode Island and has already made an impact. He is long, athletic and instinctive. This is a young player who has an opportunity to elevate this program over the next two years and do it at a high level. With the gifted receivers this program has, you will continue to see him get better and better.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16690138/Herlin-Perry-Jr
2025 - Kyjuan Taylor, RB/DB, 6-0, 195, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman. As the Gators continue to make a push to be competitive against some of the areas top programs, it’s players like this who can get it done on both sides of the ball. As a runner, he has the explosion and vision to get to the second level and has the speed to get to the outside as well as run tackle-to-tackle. He not only had a solid spring, but also made the most of his team camp experiences – with college coaches looking on.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16153200/6674a0dae310896670948team 289
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..
After months of 7-on-7 tournaments, camps and combines, the summer came to an end in style on Saturday at Ransom Everglades School in Miami.
Teams from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties came out to compete in the first ever #305/#954 The Crib 7-on-7 Classic, and in the end, Miami Norland came out on top, beating rival Miami Central.
While there was so much elite talent on the field, it was tough to cover everyone who was competing in this day-long event.
Today, we look at some of the game-changers who made their way to Coconut Grove.
COCONUT CREEK COUGARS
Jahar Brown (2025, DB)
Elijah Calixte (2025, LB)
Javion Francois (2028, WR)
Devin Gonzalez (2025, QB)
Standley Pierre-Louis (2025, WR)
DELRAY BEACH ATLANTIC EAGLES
Deandre Desinor (2025, RB)
Lincoln Graf (2025, QB)
Horace Glenn III (2026, CB)
James Jones (2026, WR)
Terrell Williams (2026, CB)
DORAL ACADEMY FIREBIRDS
Marcus Antello (2025, WR)
Samuel Catalan (2025, WR)
Jordan Lleo (2026, QB)
Joshua Lleo (2026, RB/WR)
Jayson Lopez (2025, WR)
HOMESTEAD BRONCOS
Kevin Cascudo (2025, WR)
Lance Grant (2025, DB)
Malachi Lewis (2025, QB)
Malik Penson (2026, WR)
Cecil Smith (2027, RB)
Ronnie Thornton III (2026, LB)
Marquise Williams (2026, Athlete)
HOMESTEAD SOUTH DADE BUCS
Jean Calixte (2026, QB)
Tedarius Hughes (2026, DB)
Montr’Ey Jackson (2026, DB/WR)
Tedrick Lee (2026, DB)
Quartavius Lyons Jr. (2028, WR/DB)
Sedric Melvin (2025, WR/RB)
MIAMI CAROL CITY CHIEFS
Derrick Bromell (2025, Athlete)
Jashon Chaneton (2027, DB)
Keyshawn Cones (2025, WR)
Shamar Fowles (2025, WR)
Randy Phillips III (2025, QB)
MIAMI CENTRAL ROCKETS
Bekkem Kritza (2025, QB)
Naeshaun Montgomery (2025, WR)
Zion Paret (2025, DB)
Herlin Perry (2026, DB)
Sekou Smith Jr. (2025, WR)
MIAMI IMMACULATA LSALLE ROYAL LIONS)
Wendell Copeland (2026, Athlete)
Tavarus Jones Jr. (2026, DB)
Brandon Kinsey (2026, Athlete)
Torrance Smith Jr. (2025, WR)
Taylor Trauth (2025, QB)
MIAMI LAKES BARBARA GOLEMAN GATORS
Adrian Atoa (2026, WR)
Darryl Bell III (2026, FS)
Christian Rust (2027, WR)
Kingston Rust (2027, QB)
Kyjuan Taylor (2025, RB/DB)
MIAMI NORLAND VIKINGS
Javan Allison (2026, DB)
Jade Card (2025, WR)
Kenton Dopson III (2027, DB)
Jamari Smith (2025, WR)
Ennio Yapoor Jr. (2025, QB)
MIAMI SOUTHRIDGE SPARTANS
Curtis Bryant (2025, DB)
Darius Clemens (2025, WR)
Jhakari Johnson (2026, WR)
Joshua McDowell (2025, LB)
James Perrone (2027)
PALM BEACH CENTRAL BRONCOS
Nedrick Boldin, Jr. (2025, WR)
Waden Charles (2025, WR)
Tiago Mendez (2026, Athlete)
Preston Parker (2025, WR)
Chance Routson (2026, QB)
Kamare Williams (2025, WR)
PLANTATION COLONELS
Andre Barrington (2025, WR)
Jayden Chico (2026, QB)
Taurus Damon (2025, CB)
Jakari Johnson (2026, DB/WR)
Oliver Laing (2025, WR)
Zachariah Ray (RB, 2026)
PLANTATION AMERICAN HERITAGE PATRIOTS
Dia Bell (2026, QB)
Brandon Bennett (2026, WR)
Jamar Denson (2026, WR)
Jeffar Jean-Noel (2026, WR)
Malachi Toney (2026, WR)
WEST BOCA RATON BULLS
Billy Clancy III (2027, WR)
Mark Hanniford (2026, WR)
Mason Mallory (2026, QB)
Jacorrion McCrary (2027, RB/WR)
Max Reid (2027, LB)
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..
Ever since they lost the 2M state title game last December in Tallahassee, Miami Norland has had a chip on their collective shoulders.
Letting that game against Tampa Berkeley Prep get away was something that not only stood in the way of a perfect season but winning a state championship that head coach Daryle Heidelburg and his Vikings had earned.
During this off-season, this team worked hard, winning twice in the spring game in West Palm Beach and enjoying a satisfying summer, traveling to colleges and universities, competing.
On Saturday at Miami Ransom Everglades at the 1st ever #305/#954 The Crib 7-on-7 Classic, Norland stood tall with a 14-6 win against rival Miami Central and took home $5,000 for the program.
With the Vikings winning this impressive event and the Rockets and head coach Jube Joseph finishing second, Coach Ronnie Thornton and the Homestead Broncos, and Daryl Strong and the much-improved Plantation Colonels were part of the Final 4.
The Vikings boasted some quality football talent in the event – among those were offensive standouts Ennio Yapoor (QB 2025 6’1 210), Kai Moore (QB 2027 6’1 160), Damani Downs (WR 2026 6’2 175), Leon Sullivan (WR 2026 6’1 178), Jamari Smith (WR 2025 5’11 175), Terrance Honeywood (WR 2025 6’1 170), Ronald Towns (WR 2025 5’11 170), Trae Proctor (TE 2027 6’5 185), Jaden Page (WR 2026 5’11 170), Dawson Quarterman (WR 2026 6’4 190), Omar Jefferies (RB 2025 5’10 155), Zequan Wright (RB 2025 5’8 155), Jade Card (WR 2025 6’3 185), Elijah McDowell and (WR 2025 5’10 160), Pharrell Nelson (WR 2026 6’3 165).
Defensive prospects who made an impact included Kenton Dopson (DB 2027 6’1 180), Jerrard Smith (DB 2026 5’9 155), Javan Allison (DB 2026 5’11 165), Jahiem Hines (DB 2025 5’10 155), Reggie Owens (DB 2027 6’2 170), Alan Blackshear (DB 2026 5’11 155), Isiah Rock (DB 2025 6’0 180), Keyon Bryant (2027 5’11 175), Jaden Daniels (DB 2026 5’9 160), Joel Mintze (DB), Hadley Ohenhen (DB 2027 6’2 190), Avier Jordan (DB 2027 6’5 170), Dormey Joseph (OLB 2025 6’2.5 180), Kemani Lawhorn OLB 2027 5’8 170) and Amor Coachman (2027 DB 5’9 140).
The event, which was well run from start to finish also included Coconut Creek, Delray Beach Atlantic, Doral Academy, Homestead South Dade, Miami Carol City, Miami Immaculate LaSalle, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman, Miami Southridge, Palm Beach Central, Plantation American Heritage and West Boca Raton.
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..
When the University of Miami lost out on nationally rated 5-star cornerback recruit D.J. Pickett from Zephyrhills, it hurt. But if you are a fan and take a step back and look at the entire picture, there is simply nothing to be upset about.
Recruiting the past two years with a 13-13 record as a calling card, what head coach Mario Cristobal and his staff have done is nothing short of amazing.
Think about it. Outside of south Florida and throughout the state of Florida, the Hurricanes are truly a non-factor. Since 2014, this program has a 73-53 record, which is not what the fans of the 80’s, 90’s and early 2000’s are used to.
Since 2008, they are 1-10 in bowl games and have finished in the Top 20 just three times.
The negatives could go on, but that points out what has happened in Coral Gables. When Cristobal arrived, he didn’t look back one time. What was done – is something you can never get back. It was all about moving forward.
Any other coach, who had a less than spectacular program to sell would certainly be mired in the same old thing. Fighting for a .500 record and wishing to play in a bowl game.
With a top five recruiting class last year, and so far, a top 10 in this 2025 cycle, the average fans need to pinch themselves that they are winning battles against FSU, Ohio State, Alabama and several other top programs across the country.
No longer are they battling against low-end programs to get prospects that will keep them below .500. The ‘Canes are recruiting with the big boys and add to the fact that they are killing it in the transfer portal and the competitive world of NIL, it only increases the expectations for this year and into the future.
THE 2025 CLASS IS FILLING NEEDS
While the portal and NIL fill immediate needs, there also must be athletes that you are going to develop and mold into your style of football player.
This 2025 class has it all, and they are not finished.
On offense, they have high “star” rankings such as lineman Seuseu Alofaituli (6-3, 280, Las Vegas Bishop Gorman), tight end Brock Schott (6-3, 215, Leo, Indiana), running back Gerard Pringle Jr. (5-10, 182, Seffner Armwood), tight end Luka Gilbert (6-7, 233, West Chester Lakota West, Ohio), quarterback Luke Nickel (QB, 6-2, 215, Alpharetta, Georgia), receiver Daylyn Upshaw (5-11, 180, Phenix City Central, Alabama), linemen Max Buchanan (6-4, 275, Sanford Seminole), Demetrius Campbell (6-6, 300, Orlando Christian Prep), Takaylen Muex (6-3, 340, Neptune Beach Fletcher) and Jaden Wilkerson (6-6, 330, Orlando Edgewater).
Defensively, there are loading up a well with linebacker Gavin Nix (6-0, 225, Bradenton IMG Academy), defensive back Hylton Stubbs (6-1, 190, Jacksonville Mandarin), cornerback Amari Wallace (5-10, 172, Miami Central), cornerback Chris Ewald (6-0, 165, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), linebackers Ezekiel Marcelin (Miami Central) and Elijah Melendez (Kissimmee Osceola), and Edge Herbert Scroggins (6-3, 235, Savannah Benedictine Military).
OWARD 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.