MIRAMAR – Coming off an impressive 10-2 season that included three state playoff games, the bar has been set for the Miramar Patriots.

This is a program that has long relied on size, athletic ability, skill and senior leadership, which has become a trademark for the Patriots.

While that “Dark Side” Defense has been the calling card, this program has not become a team that wants to have the entire team in the spotlight – and not just one phase.

When head coach A.J. Scott and his team hosted the annual Red vs. Blue scrimmage last Friday night, he wanted to make sure that the Patriots were indeed ahead of schedule. To accomplish what the program did last season, it will be up to seniors – on both sides of the ball – who will need to step up and grab the attention of the entire team.

At the center of that attention will be four prospects who have received plenty of the spotlight this spring and will use that to their advantage.

Kael Alexander, QB, 6-4, 185 – 4.57 GPA. In his first season after making the move from Cypress Bay, this is someone who continued to learn and became the leader this offense followed. While he is still a work in progress, his work on the field and in the classroom have earned him respect – not just from the athletic community, but also teachers and administrators who continue to be impressed at the way he has balanced his high school years.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14740851/Kael-Alexander

Shamar Meilke, DE/OLB, 6-4, 220. It’s something about wearing that No. 9 that fuels defensive ends/Edge Rushers for the Patriots. This is someone who has turned heads this off-season, and while his physical growth has been impressive, so has his play on the field as he is a work in progress that has the potential to be an impact player no matter where he ends up.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15345105/Shamar-Meikle

Caleb Solomon, FS/CB, 6-1, 180 – 4.6 GPA. One of the prospects who continues to turn heads with his versatility in the defensive secondary – as a student athlete who has also found a comfortable balance between the football field and the classroom. His size and skill level has opened some valuable opportunities this spring, getting plenty of exposure and having college coaches watch what he is doing. Keep your eye on his progress. He has the chance to be special.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15970184/Caleb-Solomonedded

Jaheim Williams, 5-10, 165, CB, Miramar – 4.2 GPA. Very few prospects has grown and elevated himself to a different level like this young man has. He is indeed turning out to be one of the top secondary performers in south Florida, combining skill, physical abilities, and work in the classroom. The younger players are gravitating to him because he is so well-rounded, on and off the playing field.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15350485/Jaheim-Williams

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: May 15, 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..

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..

FORT LAUDERDALE – On a night when the Cardinal Gibbons football team and veteran head coach Matt Dubuc took their product into the community, it was evident that the 2M power knows exactly how success will be achieved in 2023.

Before friends, family, former players and college coaches, the Chiefs went to Carter Park for a scrimmage that was all about giving back to a community that has been instrumental in the success of this team that won the state title two of the past three years.

While so many younger players had the chance to showcase their skills and perform in front of people who can make a difference in their future, it was the rising senior class (2024) that made a statement.

While this program missed out on playing in the state title game last season, that senior leadership may not have been in place the way it had been during the runs for the state titles.

This spring has already uncovered a senior class that was not only ready to lead by example but show that they will be there to make sure that the Chiefs have a legitimate chance to make a solid run once again.

On Thursday night, there were six seniors ready for the opportunity to take that leadership role. Players who are making a mark with college coaches while getting it done in the classroom.

Here is a look at those six players, who have been instrumental so far this spring: 

Brekien Harold, DT, 6-3, 300 – 2.91 GPA. No doubt that this will be a force in the middle for this program. He is a big, strong and agile talent who is used to making big plays. He plays low and is nearly impossible to block, which is going to be a plus this season.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15359792/Brekien-Harold

Colton Heinrich, TE, 6-4, 230 – 4.4 GPA. Comes in as one of the premier tight end prospects in the state. His ability to catch the ball and use his size and athleticism is something that college coaches have continued to notice in the off-season. Here is a talented student/athlete that is someone who is willing to work hard to get better.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15011285/Colton-Heinrich

Antonio Lindsay Jr., WR, 5-9, 160 – 4.30 GPA. With all the talent that this team has at the receiver position, this is going to be a prospect that has a chance to be special. Has the speed to get open and will do his part to throw his frame into the mix as a blocker. Sets an example by his work ethic and what he accomplishes in the classroom. Keep your eye on him over the next six months.  

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15064467/Antonio-Lindsay-Jr

Michael Merdinger, QB, 6-3, 200 – 4.75 GPA. After seeing some action last season, this is a standout that has received plenty of attention this spring with his ability to read defenses and make plays. Between what he does on the football field and his work in the classroom, it is no wonder why the University of North Carolina made him one of those huge commitments for the next class. Has the opportunity to lead the Chiefs back to the state title mix in a very crowded field.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15272216/Michael-Merdinger

Jonathan Rodriguez, OC, 6-5, 280 – 4.3 GPA. When developing elite offensive linemen, there is so much that is involved, and when you watch this quality talent play the game, you can see that he gets it. Versatile enough to lineup at any position on the line while displaying technique that is truly among the best in south Florida. A very productive and hard-working lineman that is getting plenty of college looks.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/12363073/Jonathan-Rodriguez

Zach Thompson, DT, 6-4, 260 – 3.9 GPA. Here is one of the unique big men on this team. Not only is he a physical playmaker on the football field, but also a catalyst as a rugby player for this school. On the football field, this defensive tackle/end is aggressive, physical and plays with plenty of passion. The coaching staff continues to rave about his skill as a student athlete and is another of this senior leadership group that makes an impact in the classroom as well.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15568891/Zach-Thompson

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: May 12, 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..

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..

If you’ve noticed over the past week, college coaches are starting to pop up across south Florida to check out some of the prospects.

Miami-Dade and Broward have been showcasing some impressive talent that colleges and universities are very much interested in.

While many of the current rising senior class (2024) have already been discovered and are set, there are other football players who are using this month to put themselves out there.

With the Transfer Portal and NIL taking much of the college spotlight, there are still schools who are doing things the old way – using high school athletes to build their programs, and what a better way to make that happen than using the #305 and #954 to infuse their respective rosters with game-changing talent.

As we have talked plenty about the future classes, it’s 2024 that has been shifted to the front-burner this spring.

Here are five Class of 2024 student/athletes who have gotten plenty of looks so far:

Jermaine Dalias, S, 6-3, 190, Coconut Creek Monarch. On a team stacked with talent and playmakers, here is one of those versatile football prospects who is big and physical enough to play the safety position and support the run. But he is also gifted and athletic enough to become a major factor as a pass defender. Great anticipation with ball skills that have grabbed the attention of several college coaches who have left very impressed at what this talented prospect brings to the table.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15313095/633514486899190ed876608c

Brandon Lowe, WR, 6-1, 178, Miami Edison. You can take a list of all the receiving prospects in this region and fill several college rosters several times. It has always been that way, and while many of the marquee prospects are getting much of the attention, it’s players like this who are starting to pick up steam with several college coaches who are looking for that “under-the-radar” talent. Not only does he runs impressive patterns and has the speed to get open, but this is an athletic prospect who will block you and do his part to become that all-around football players that helps his team win.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17650705/Brandon-Lowe

Shamar Meikle, DE, 6-5, 220, Miramar. As college coaches watched this tremendous talent this spring, they became sold on not just his play-making abilities, but also how athletic and physical he is. The Patriots have been fortunate to have more than their share of quality defensive ends and Edge rushers throughout the past few years, and you can add this name to that list. His quickness off the ball overwhelms offensive linemen and puts him and his teammates in a position to make a game-changing play. This month will continue to open eyes of college coaches who have not had the pleasure of watching him perform.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15345105/shamar-meikle

Daniel Mincey, OL, 6-5, 280, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. Following in the rather large footsteps of his older brother, this is a versatile and gifted lineman who can play anywhere on the offensive line – and that is where he separates himself from most linemen. He is agile, athletic and continues to get stronger, and helps to anchor one of the top units in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. He is also physical and plays this game with a mean streak.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14962691/Daniel-Mincey

Teko Shoats Jr., OL, 6-3, 285, Miami Central. The one thing that you can always count on when watching the Rockets is they will always be loaded with talent up front on the offensive line. Not just from an overall talent aspect, but technically as well, and that is where this quality student/athlete has a major advantage. Could be as polished as any rising senior prospect in the region – with tremendous footwork and a high IQ. His 3.8 GPA only enhances what this young man is all about.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16274532/Teko-Shoats-Jr

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: May 11, 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..

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..

As we have stated all along, with spring football under way, college coaches are headed south to check up on the rising senior class (2024) and the Class of 2025 juniors, but they are surprised to find that Miami-Dade and Broward Counties will be loaded with Class of 2026 rising sophomores as well.

No matter what position you check out in this class, you will find some impressive talent that is ready to make an impact in 2023 – if they haven’t already.

Talking to college coaches this spring, they are anxious to see some of the talent in this region. They know they can check out the rising juniors and seniors, who are about to dominate the football landscape – as well as peak into the future.

Today, with those college coaches roaming fields in both counties – as well as the entire state – much of the focus will be on those prospects. We checked out some running backs who figure to impact their teams – if they haven’t already.

Remember, college coaches check out our daily information, so if there is a prospect that needs to be added or an athlete has changed schools, please let us know.

Among those 2024 running backs to keep track of during the spring and into the summer includes marquee prospects such as the St. Thomas Aquinas tandem of Ohio State commit Jordan Lyle and Stacy Gage, who could be the best duo in the nation. Gage has offers from Alabama, Oklahoma, USC, Ohio State and several others.

Chaminade-Madonna standout Davion Gause has been an impact player since the ninth grade. The University of North Carolina commitment is indeed one of the nation’s finest.

When the University of Miami received a commitment from South Broward standout Chris Wheatley-Humphrey, they got someone who can change the game from the line of scrimmage as well as out of the backfield.

The Miami Booker T. Washington’s version of Thunder (Antwan Smith) and Lightning (Gerald Modest) are also prospects worth keeping an eye on as well.

In addition to those impact performers, other south Florida players are also ready to leave a mark in 2023. Standouts such as Roger Adam III (Miami Monsignor Pace), Khamani Alexander (Miami Belen Jesuit), Isaac Brown (Homestead), Widley Jean-Francois (Miami St. Brendan), Ralph Gilbert (Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian), Mark Harris (Coconut Creek Monarch), Jamarie Hostzclaw (Coconut Creek) and Reginald Johnson (Plantation) are solid. So are Jordan Jones (Miramar), versatile Ricky Joseph (Miami Beach) and Malachi Keels (Miami Westminster Christian).

The 2024 class also features recent Piper transfer Malik Kesley (Plantation), former Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy and Stranahan prospect Tovani Mizell (Davie Western), who returned from Hyattsville DeMatha in Maryland. Juan Rodriguez (Miami Norland) and hard-running Jack Gonzalez-Whitehouse (Miami Gulliver Prep) are also players to watch.

RISING SENIORS CONTINUE TO EMERGE

While those prospects continue to be discovered by colleges and universities, there are others who are beginning to emerge across the two counties.

Here are some more gifted players to watch:

London Adams, Sunrise Piper

Gerson Alette, North Miami

Edward Bandy, Miami Christopher Columbus

Mehki Bethel, Miami Southridge

Ryan Bienstock, Miami Ransom Everglades

Ron Burke, Miami Archbishop Carroll

Nasumbie “Bo” Charles, Miami Belen Jesuit

Christian Frias, Miami Ferguson (Athlete)

Dukenson Henry, Hialeah Barbara Goleman

Waverly Herminal, North Miami

Shemar Irvin, Miami Palmetto

Alejandro Isaza, Miami Archbishop Carroll (Athlete)

Nahum Jaboin, Plantation

Steve Jeannitton, North Miami

Tony Jones, South Miami

James Louis, Miami Southridge

William Lufiau, Miami Jackson

Mykel Marshall, Davie Western

Darien Martinez, Miami Ferguson (Athlete)

Nathan McBridge, Deerfield Beach

Ottis McCoy Jr., Miami Sunset

Edward McIntosh, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely

Ceabon McKinney, Miramar

Nick Mekras, Miami Westminster Christian (Athlete)

Chaz Milton Jr., Somerset Academy South Homestead

Carlos Morales, Pembroke Pines West Broward (FB)

Michael Nozile II, Miami Monsignor Pace

Parnell Partee, Homestead South Dade

Delroy Paul, Hollywood Hills

Robert Reddish, Somerset Silver Palms

Joshua Reyes, Miami True North Classical Academy

Clinton Riley, Homestead

Keymari Robiou, Doral Academy

Manuel Rodriguez, Miami Ferguson (Athlete)

Edson SaintFort, Pompano Beach

Teymoor Siahpoosh, Miami Ransom Everglades

Ortavius Stewart, Homestead

Dylan Taylor, Miramar

Jeffery Thomas, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy

Santonio Wallace, Homestead

Jermaine Walton, Miami Southridge

Andres Williams, Miami Palmer Trinity

Demetrius Williams, Homestead

Jylin Williams, Miami High

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: May 10, 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..

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..