When it comes to the receiver position in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, there are always elite players who are spotlighted and promoted. But what about those prospects who are productive and headed to the next level?
Sometimes have too much talent stands in the way of gifted players who are also regarded as top-flight players.
South Florida has long been known for the many under-the-radar football talent that get overlooked, only to make a huge splash at the next level and beyond.
As we have the opportunity to see plenty of talent year-round, we often come across talent that is not getting a share of that spotlight.
Today, we look at some of the many receivers who are flying under the big-time radar.
In the Class of 2025, several of the elite players are certainly getting the attention – statewide and nationally, but there are others who also deserve the same respect.
Prospects such as FAU commitment Branden Hoch (6-3, 195, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Cameron Sapp (5-10, 160, Miami Palmetto), Georgia Southern commit Kyle Washington (5-10, 165, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Coastal Carolina commit Shamar Fowles (6-1, 155, Miami Carol City), Troy State commitment Darius Johnson (5-11, 160, Miami Northwestern), Ace Coleman (5-11, 170, Miami Central), FIU commitment Kenny Williams (5-10, 170, Miami Gulliver Prep) and Pittsburgh commit Kha’leal Sterling (5-9, 175, Miami Central).
In addition, Darriel Harper III (5-8, 160, Homestead) is returning after being injured, Darius Clements (5-11, 165, Miami Southridge), Ronald Towns (5-10, 165, Miami Norland), Logan Andrews (6-3, 185, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Mitch Joseph (6-2, 175, Miami Carol City) and Trent Dubuc (6-0, 180, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons) are all solid as well.
WHAT ABOUT THE TALENTED 2026 CLASS
As many talented prospects as we have in the 2025 class, there are also receivers in the junior class who also have flown beneath the radar.
Among those to keep an eye on this coming season include Elijah Hardy (6-0, 180, Miami Northwestern), Jaborree Riggins (6-4, 185, Coconut Creek Monarch), Jaffar Jean-Noel (5-10, 170, Plantation American Heritage), Jamar Denson (5-10, 175, Plantation American Heritage), Corey Swint (5-10, 165, Miami Palmetto), and Kendall Brown (6-1, 167, SW Ranches Archbishop McCarthy).
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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 think about a football team, the first thing that comes to mind are the position players, linemen and kickers. The last position mentioned is the long snappers.
The least publicized turn out to be the most important.
Welcome to the world of a long snapper. Kicks and punts don’t ever win games without someone to the holder and punter the ball – quickly and on target.
Back in the day, this is a position that was never taken seriously, but then a snap goes over the punter’s head and results in a safety or an opponent’s touchdown. A low snap that the holder must scoop off the ground, wasting valuable seconds and often resulting in something that does not end well.
No matter what game you attend, the focus is never on a long snapper until the focus is on a long snapper. They have become such an important part of the game.
While many who follow recruiting never pay attention to special teams, less focus on the long snapper – and whether you attend a showcase or a game – this is a position that is now more important than ever.
As we attend several showcase events, there is no getting around how much work goes into being a long snapper.
While we have so many in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, we bring you five today to keep an eye on with the 2024 season right around the corner:
2026 – Charlie Becker, 6-0, 205, Miami St. Brendan. LB/TE. In addition to being one of the best long snappers in the state, this is someone who also makes an impact as a hard-hitting linebacker and producer on offensive side of the ball.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16260331/Charlie-Becker
2025 – Chase Ortiz, 6-2, 205, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas 4.8 GPA. Easily one of the best in the state and is considered a top prospect nationally. Has been fortunate to work with some quality special teams’ performers. Elite student in the classroom – which has opened doors for the five-time defending state champions.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18162752/Chase-Ortiz/about
2026 - Joshua Silverstein, 6-2, 285, Plantation American Heritage – 3.0 GPA. Has been around the process before he entered high school. Has long been viewed as one of the emerging stars. Made the move from Cardinal Gibbons and has settled in well for the Patriots.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18387541/Joshua-Silverstein
2025 – Damani Spence, 5-7, 200, Davie Western. Made the move from Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy and is expected to be an important part of a program that has a chance to be very special in 2024.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16057796/Damani-Spence
2025 - Chase White, 6-4, 240, Miami Ransom Everglades – 3.45 GPA. OL. Another versatile talent, who not on excels in his craft as a long snapper but has given his team someone who gets it done on the line of scrimmage. He also has been impressive in the classroom.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16041779/Chase-White
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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..
We are now less than two months away from the start of the 2024 season and Class of 2025 prospects are still putting their best foot forward.
With recruiting much different than it has ever been, spring and summer may not have been enough exposure for some. Remember, the amount talent that south Florida has to offer is sometimes a curse when it comes to exposure.
While the scholarship window is getting smaller, there are those who are still working overtime to ensure when they have the chance to perform, they will be ready. You never know who is watching who can make the difference in your future on the gridiron and in the classroom.
While many can put out lists with no film or explanation other than name, school and position, breaking down the student/athletes is what its all about.
Throughout the course of a year, we have the pleasure of bringing you Miami-Dade and Broward prospects we have the chance to see – and that is something we have done for over a half century and still see these prospects, giving the many college coaches who follow us an opportunity to read analysis and see videos.
Today, we bring you five more players to keep an eye on:
Shaddai Carter Jr., DB/KR, 5-11, 180, Miami Christopher Columbus. Here is one of those under the radar prospects that the Explorers roll out every year. While he is a solid secondary performer, his ability to make plays as a member of the special teams has gone a long way in helping this program win two straight state titles. This is an old school football player. No frills – just brings everything to the football field.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16201790/Shaddai-Carter
Kevin Cascudo, WR, 5-8, 150, Homestead. Here is a football prospect we have been watching the past few seasons, and when he headed to Homestead it was a natural fit for a sure-handed route runner who made a major impact for the Broncos during the state championship run. Had a productive spring – helping to break in a new quarterback. This is someone to keep an eye on as colleges are seeing exactly what he brings to the table.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14848120/kevin-cascudo
Benjamin “Ben” Diaz, OL, 6-1, 285, Plantation American Heritage Plantation – 4.0 GPA. While the trenches never grab the spotlight that is never the case for the Patriots who continue to roll out some quality linemen every season. With the offense they run, a versatile prospect like this is essential. A hard worker who has watched his game improve each season, this is the kind of player you want on the football field and in the classroom. Will be tested in a major way this coming season with a more than competitive schedule. College coaches need to keep their eye on this young man.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15713283/Ben-Diaz
Bernard Olivia, DL, 6-3, 240, Miami Killian. There are very few prospects in south Florida that helped themselves more than this impressive talent that started to attract college attention because of his size, quickness and ability to play this game. Coming over from Miami St. Brendan/TRU Prep Academy, where he established as a force on both sides of the ball. This is a prospect that you are going to check out. While he impacts the game on defense, he has shown that playing offensive guard may be an option as well.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16349619/Bernard-Oliva
Santi Paz, WR, 5-9, 170, Weston Cypress Bay. The best thing about not just being consumed with hyped star athletes is that you never can watch prospects that are under the radar. He is one of those football players who gets the job done and elevates those around him. A quality pass catcher who knows how to get open. Runs solid routes and has impressive hands as he showed in the spring game and throughout much of the off-season. Another south Florida talent to keep an eye on in 2024.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17624988/Santi-Paz
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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..
Last week, we continued our promotion of football prospects in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties with a look at over 80 Class of 2027 football prospects that we have had the pleasure of watching – live.
It is important to see any prospect live because there are a million things that colleges look for that you cannot see on film.
Being five feet away from any football player will reveal what they bring to the table as a total prospect and not just what anyone can pick up on film.
Prospects love to be promoted and talked about, but you are doing colleges and universities a disservice by posting just names and not knowing what they are all about – on the football field and in the classroom.
Whether people want to admit it or not, football recruiting is NOT just about the Xs and Os – and that is not up for discussion. Character is often more vital than 40 times how many tackles are made.
With that in mind, we take a look at five Class of 2027 sophomores who will continue to impact their programs:
Cory Brown, DL, 5-7, 260, Coconut Creek North Broward Prep – 2.8 GPA. Forget his size, here is someone who gets off the ball as quickly as anyone and he's strong and physical. This is a superb athlete who will line up where he’s needed. He was dominating in his first varsity season. Definitely a young prospect to keep an eye on for head coach Rex Nottage and the Eagles.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19755471/Cory-Brown
Jonathan Bueno Jr., RB, 5-10, 175, Davie Western – 3.5 GPA. Having watched this quality football prospect play last season at Miami True North Classical Academy a few times, there is no getting around the fact that he is indeed special. Making the move into Broward County and playing for head coach Adam Ratkevich and the Wildcats, this is going to be a special year. He is a runner who hits the hole fast, has tremendous instincts and he continues to mature, which is going to be an asset for someone who is only going to be a sophomore.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19355080/Jonathan-Bueno-Jr
Damien Grant, RB/Athlete, 5-7, 165, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy – 3.0 GPA. Another of the many prospects in this class that we have had the pleasure of seeing in game conditions, he is quick, instinctive and is coming off a huge freshman season for the Mavericks. In the spring, he showed his speed and the reasons why many are watching his progress this coming season as the team will have its work cut out in a competitive district. He represents what this program is all about.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20312279/Damien-Grantanthony
Anthony Jennings III, WR, KR, 6-0, 160, Fort Lauderdale Dillard – 3.0 GPA. This is an overlooked football that can explode onto the scene this coming year. Watch him perform as a receiver and you can see how he uses his track speed to separate from the defense. As kick returner, all he needs is that one hole to run through and he is gone. There is no doubt that many who have never watched him will see exactly what he brings to the table. A potential difference maker!
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18231676/Anthony-Jennings-III
Debonaire Johnson, LB, 6-0, 220, Hollywood South Broward. Getting a chance to see head coach Charles McCrae and the Bulldogs several times a year ago, the first thing you notice on the defensive side of the ball is this quality playmaker. The fact that he was playing his first year at the varsity level was hard to believe. His ball skills, ability to make key tackles and use his overall athletic ability was impressive. Has a chance over the next few years to be one of the best in the state – having watched dozens of you prospects throughout Florida. He is fun to watch.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16942162/Debonaire-Johnson
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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..
As you already know, our objective is to promote every player in each class – no matter how many “stars” have.
During the course of a year, we are honored to cover the most talented and deepest pool of athletes anywhere in the country, and while those elite prospects often do not need exposure, we spend a lot of time giving other prospects the spotlight.
Throughout the year we receive texts, calls and messages from college coaches all over the country who are seeking football talent from south Florida. They know that the players we have here in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties can turn their programs around.
But as they are looking for athletes, they are also searching for prospects who have grades. No matter what anyone tells you, grades are what can send you to college or leave you home to watch your dreams evaporate.
Today, we continue to concentrate on those Class of 2025 seniors who are still searching for that exposure that can help them get to that next level.
Here are five more to keep an eye on:
Sebastian Circo, QB, 6-1, 185, Davie Western. Comes south from Nebraska for his final high school season and he has been everything as advertised. This is indeed a student of the game who embraces the opportunity to play for a program that has a great chance of advancing to their first ever state football championship. He is not only a talented passer but can extend plays with his legs as he showed with four touchdown drives in the spring for the Wildcats. Plenty of colleges are already trying to lock him down.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15559301/64f5269edfd9da0238645f03
Darius Curington, OL, 6-2, 260, Miami Edison. Here is yet another prospect that still is flying beneath the radar as he heads to play for the Red Raiders after spending time with Hialeah American and Miami Jackson. Watch him play and you will see what makes the “Bigworm” so special. He has that mean streak on the field and never stops until the whistle blows. Will play interior at the next level because of his strength and athleticism. Defensive linemen better be on their toes.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15869701/655015fdc11a7e045c439bf2
Dylan Gill, LB, 6-4, 220, Homestead South Dade. Yet another football player that has put himself on the radar makes the move from Miami Killian to play for a contender. His size, quickness and ability to make plays is what the Buccaneers will be getting for the 2024 season. He has the opportunity to be a part of a defense that will certainly be among the most talented in south Florida this coming season. Many are anxious to watch what he does this coming season.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15085517/Dylan-Gill
James Johnson, OL, 6-2, 285, Homestead. It’s safe to say that when it comes to being under the radar, here is the player that fits that description 100 percent. Comes over from Miami St. Brendan as a gifted lineman who brings everything to the table. Talent, strength, quickness and leadership. If the Broncos are going to get back to the state championship game for the third straight year, prospects like this will be responsible. During the spring, his new teammates saw exactly what he brings to a table that has been set for the past two years. Puts a lot of time into competing in the off-season.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16186425/James-Johnson
Sean Burke, DL, 6-6, 215, Hollywood South Broward. Becomes the third member of his family to attend South Broward and receive a college scholarship. His father was a standout football and baseball player who attended Bethune Cookman. His older brother is an offensive lineman and Florida International University, and now this four-year varsity performer will also be headed to FIU next year. There are very few who put in the work he does. He has size, athleticism and a passion to play this game at a high level. Will be huge for the Bulldogs this season as they go for another district title.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16198393/Sean-Burke
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..