MIAMI – It was a homecoming that so many will remember for a long time.

Tutu Atwell, who starred at Liberty City Optimist. Miami Northwestern, University of Louisville and the world champion Los Angeles Rams returned home Saturday at Charles Hadley Park, where he grew up and got ready for his athletic career.

Welcoming youngsters for a sports camp as well as several south Florida high school football teams for an afternoon 7-on-7, it was a win/win all the way around.

As youngsters competed in all sports and ate some great foods that vendors prepared, a rather large crowd came out to support one of their own.

THE STARS WERE OUT

With many area dignitaries on hand along with several sponsors, it was a day of celebration for the Tutu Atwell Junior Foundation, and by the end of the day-long event – children, adults and fans of all ages left with a great feeling.

“Plenty of hard work went into this,” Atwell said. “I have always been the kind of person who wanted to give back to the community who made it possible to get where I am today.”

Atwell’s foundation included so many residents of Liberty City and throughout south Florida, who helped put on a tremendous show.

Among those on hand were Dwight Jackson. One of the biggest supporters of youth athletics and community philanthropy, Jackson, a longtime coach at Miami Central and 1976 Miami Beach High graduate always steps up for the community – and Saturday was certainly no exception.

Along with Jackson was Commissioner Keon Hardemon, who has been huge to the community and is one of the major supporters in the City of Miami.

NFL STARS CAME TO SUPPORT

When ever an NFL players hosts and event, athletes cannot be far behind to help support.

On Saturday, former Miami Northwestern stars Teddy Bridgewater (Miami Dolphins) and Lavonte David (Tampa Bay Bucs) were joined by other local legends Duane Starks (Miami Beach High, University of Miami, Baltimore Ravens), Sony Michel (Plantation American Heritage), Anthony Walker Jr. (Miami Monsignor Pace) were joined by former Dolphins Oronde Gadsden and Anthony Harris, and Atwell’s longtime friend Jakobi Meyers of the New England Patriots.

In addition, current NFL stars Allen Robinson (Los Angeles Rams) and Dolphins’ star Jaylen Waddle came out to support.

MIAMI CENTRAL COMES UP BIG

When the 7-on-7 rolled around, all the attention was on the Liberty City Optimist football field.

With first year head coach Jube Joseph leading the way, the Miami Central Rockets came away with the team title – and a $5,000 first place prize that will be awarded to the school to help in running a program that has won three consecutive state titles and eight overall.

Central beat an emerging Fort Lauderdale Stranahan team that is coached by Travis Harden.

In addition to Miami Central and Stranahan, other programs competing were Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, Hialeah American, Miami Booker T. Washington

Miami Carol City, Miami Dade Christian, Miami Jackson, Miami Killian, Miami Norland and Atwell’s alma mater Miami Northwestern.

For the past 52 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..

It happens every year. Coaches taking new positions across south Florida, and Miami-Dade and Broward Counties are once again in the spotlight.

While everyone knows that football coaches in south Florida are not in this for the money. It is a huge joke. They coach because they love the game and teaching and developing the student/athletes

While several jobs were filled this off-season, two that pegged the interest meter came with the hiring of longtime coaching icon Tim “Ice” Harris, who returned to Miami Booker T. Washington once again, and Jube Joseph, who takes the reigns of the 8-time state champion Miami Central Rockets.

Harris, who has had so much success with the Tornadoes, comes in to bring this football team to the top after laying down the foundation at Florida Memorial University – bringing back the sport to the Miami Gardens campus for the first time in 60 years.

In coming back to Overtown, Harris spent the spring and summer getting his young team back to work with plenty of camps, combines and 7-on-7 events.

For Coach Joseph, who takes over for the legendary Roland Smith, it was all about maintaining the excellence this program has been used to.

With Smith now at his alma mater (University of Miami), the transition was seamless as the Rockets are looking forward to another banner season with some quality players as well as tremendous coaching staff.

IMPRESSIVE COACHES MOVE IN

In addition to Harris and Joseph, Miami-Dade and Broward will welcome some quality and experienced faces that many know in this region.

Here is a look at some of the new faces on the sidelines for 2022:

Bridgeprep Academy (Rav Maisonet). A successful coach who has been involved with a number of programs in the past. Tremendous teach who knows how to elevate talent and get the most out of his players.

Coral Springs (Fred Flowers). Having been around some impressive head coaches in the past, making the move out west from Fort Lauderdale Dillard will give this passionate teacher a huge advantage. He knows the game and is a solid teacher. Getting talent to buy into his vision is important for the Colts.

Deerfield Beach (Tramaine Hall). It is never easy taking over your alma mater, but this is someone who comes home with plenty of credentials as a player at North Carolina State and as a football mind. This spring and summer has been about developing and teacher prospects who have plenty of potential.

Doral Ronald Reagan (Frank Rojas). One of the veteran coaches who has been around the game in south Florida for decades. His ability to teach and develop players is something that this program has to look forward to. Has worked with FBU for several years, so his contacts are vast.

Homestead Everglades Prep (Carlos Fonseca). Taking over a program that is still growing and building was the perfect position who has been teach and producing talent for years - most recently at the now closed Hialeah Champagnat Catholic. He is the newest coaching change in south Florida.

Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson (Eddie Brown). This is his second go around with the Cobras, and this time around, he is just as optimistic that he can turn things around like he did the first time around. Having played the game and being around it for decades, this was the perfect choice to help this program.

Miami Coral Park (Vernon Wilder III). If the name sounds familiar, it should. This is a family that has enjoyed success for many decades as tremendous coaches, teachers and developers. Has surrounded himself with plenty of coaches who share his same passion.

Miami Killian (Bryce Bishop). Another coach who came home, and while things have been rough so far, there is light at the end of the tunnel. This former Ohio State standout is the perfect person to bring into a program that finished 12-1 a year ago. For those who may not know his background, it’s wise to watch and see how much he knows about the game. For those who left, they are missing out on some valuable experience.

Miami Monsignor Pace (Anthony Walker). While he took over at the end of last season, he is officially the head man for the Spartans, and you can see the amazing things that he has already been able to do with this program. Tremendous coaching and quality football talent that has a chance to surprise some people. They have had a great off-season.

Miami Southridge (Pierre Senatus). Miami Booker T. Washington, Miramar, McArthur and Florida Memorial University are three of the stops this knowledgeable and quality coach has on his resume. Coming to a situation that has the chance to turn around in the coming years, parents, students and fellow coaches will see what experience looks like – and he has proven to be very special and popular in the past.

North Miami (Gerald Cox). While he can use Coconut Creek and Miami Booker T. Washington on his resume, this is certainly someone who knows the game and is well connected. One of the passionate teachers in south Florida, he has an opportunity to harness a Pioneer program that just needs to hold on to the student/athletes they develop and teach the game.

Plantation American Heritage (Mike Smith). Taking over one of the most successful teams in the state of Florida, here is someone who is well respected and knows the game very well. Steps into the head job after years as Pat Surtain’s reliable assistant. Definitely a coach that players love to compete for.

South Plantation (Colby Erskin). As this program has not been successful in a number of years, here is a detailed coach who loves the game and is a teacher that the Paladins have been looking for. Time will tell, but so far, the off-season has been productive. There has been plenty of  work this spring and summer.

Southwest Miami (Mario Menendez). Takes over a program that has been building with some impressive talent, and this is someone who is willing to make an effort to revive the Eagles – as they also search for answers to keep some of the gifted prospects who begin at the school in the 9^th and 10^th grade.

Sunshine Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (Dino Mangiero). After years of veteran head coach Byron Walker developing and teaching some quality talent, this is a coach who is like so many – looking for ways to enhance the program. With several quality coaches who have had past experience, getting athletes who buy into what the Mavericks want to do is essential. This is a team that has shown they can win if things fall into place.

For the past 52 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..

While many rank and evaluate athletes via video, the one thing that we have always done is see the prospects in person.

Using tape as an enhancement, seeing everything that a football player does – from five-feet away is certainly something that needs to be done.

Anyone can judge whether a talented prospect can play the game by just watching film. The same film that millions of others have the opportunity to view. But to watch them and see their character, the way they handle themselves during a game or practice and what kind of teammate they are, cannot be watched on a Hudl video.

Because we have the pleasure of watching  EVERY player at all levels during the course of a year, we see things that many others may not get the chance to watch, and that is something that we have been able to do for a long period of time.

While everyone misses out on rating prospects, you have a better chance of predicting what these young men will do when you are standing right next to them and being a part of their maturity and learning process.

Today, we shine the spotlight on five impressive Class of 2024 football players from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties:

Khamani Alexander, RB, 6-1, 185, Miami Belen Jesuit. For those who have never watched him play, you are missing something very special. While many have not rated him high in the class, they are underselling this quality talent who can do it all. His vision, strength, quickness and ability to pick up the tough yards will certainly thrust him into the major spotlight this coming year. College coaches who have watched him play are already sold and believe that he will only get better.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14592816/Khamani-Alexander

Jacory Barney, WR/FS, 6-1, 160, Miami Palmetto. In a region of the country where there are plenty of elite football prospects, here is another one to add to that mix. No matter where you put him, he is going to come up big – and after a tremendous spring where college coaches and recruiting fan websites had the opportunity to see him – this is indeed someone who will be in the spotlight every time this team plays in 2022.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15237259/Jacory-Barney

Chance Robinson, WR, 6-2, 180, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. On a team loaded with elite playmakers, here is a gifted football talent who has been getting it done the past two years and continues to impress. Because he picks things up quickly, his game changes all the time – and that is a great thing for the Raiders who begin the season in the national spotlight once again. Talk to anyone who has played with or against him and all will agree that his game is among the best in south Florida – in any class.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15300614/Chance-Robinson

Antwan “A.J.” Smith, RB, 6-0, 220, Miami Booker T. Washington. Every time people talk about the Tornadoes, this is one of the players that they talk about, and for good reason. His size, strength and ability to run the ball against anyone is the reason that college coaches have been paying close attention. After a solid spring, his summer drew praise everywhere this team went during the college camp season. He and fellow junior Gerald Modest are as good a duo as you will find, and opponents will find that out.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15483994/Antwan-Smith

Bryce Stringer, DE, 6-2, 220, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. Ever since he arrived on campus all this quality talent has done is make plays and produce. Fits right into one of the best defensive units in Florida – because his athletic, smart and has a passion to play this game at a high level. Keep an eye on his play the next two seasons. Has big time potential that he has already tapped into.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15102364/BRYCE-STRINGER-52

For the past 52 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..

Because we get to watch as many prospects in south Florida live as anyone throughout the course of a year, there is more of an opportunity to discover prospects that many get a chance to see.

While the marquee players are always in the spotlight – whether it’s games, practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, there is a large group that never gets the spotlight they deserve.

Over the past five plus decades, we have had the opportunity to watch, evaluate and track all levels of quarterback, it is wise to understand that a very small percentage of these young men really have the opportunity to compete at a major college. That’s why hundreds of colleges and universities across the country read our prospect information that includes EVERYONE. It’s a reputation that we are indeed proud about.

Anyone can talk about a star-rated athlete, but what about those athletes who will play at the D2, D3, NAIA or Junior College level? There are 30 times as many of those athletes than the ones being covered by every recruiting service, fan website and media agency.

Today, we take a look at some of the south Florida running backs to keep an eye on – in all classes. Remember, if there are prospects here that are not in the right places or anyone who should be added, please let us know (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Countless college coaches - at every level - read our database.

STEPPING UP THIS COMING SEASON

Obviously this is a huge year for running backs in this area of the state.

The Class of 2023 has been on the radar for two solid seasons – with several of them getting plenty of interest from colleges and universities throughout the country.

Among those seniors for this upcoming season include Jason Demetrius (Doral Academy), veteran Jeremy Dinkins III and his Ohio State-bound Plantation American Heritage teammate Mark Fletcher, Plantation. The class also boasts one of the state’s elite backs in Jamari Ford (Miami Northwestern) and Miami Gulliver Prep transfer and Stanford commit Sedric Irvin (Miami Christopher Columbus).

The Class also has fast rising Fort Lauderdale Dillard speedster Chris Johnson, Jaden Miller (Homestead South Dade), three-year varsity starter Levy Miller (South Miami), elite back Kamari Moulton (Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons), elusive and talented Ean Pope (Miami Central), gifted Gemari Sands (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas) and soon to be three-year starter Javin Simpkins (Miami Norland).

The depth at the position in this class is certainly represented with Amari Swain (Coconut Creek Monarch, versatile all-purpose runner Xavier Terrell (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), North Miami transfer Omarion Williams (Miami Central) and Parkland Douglas transfer Matthew Wilson (Davie Western).

As solid as 2023 is with so many impressive football players, the Class of 2024 is also impressive – to say the least.

Among the prospects to keep an eye on are versatile Isaac Brown (Homestead), elusive Roger Adam III (Miami Dr. Krop), way under the radar Khamani Alexander (Miami Belen Jesuit), nationally-rated Davion Gause (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), super versatile Ricky Joseph (Miami Beach) and under publicized Malachi Keels (Miami Westminster Christian), who is a big time athletes, and Sunrise Piper workhorse Malik Kelsey.

The class also boasts quality runner Jordan Lyle from Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, and Miami Booker T. Washington teammates Gerald Modest and Antwan Smith.

We already know how impressive the underclassmen will be in south Florida – with Class of 2025 standouts King Davis (Miami Northwestern), Chance Washington (Davie Western) and Byron Louis (Plantation American Heritage) already turning heads. Also, speedy 2026 prospect Kaj “Nitro” Baker Jr. (Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy) is truly one to watch this coming season.

THERE ARE MORE PROSPECTS TO WATCH IN 2022

The productivity in south Florida at the running back position is endless.

As we track all the prospects, we have a chance to put everyone in the spotlight – and as we stated – it’s something that others cannot do.

We urge you to keep an eye on this group of prospects – as well as others we will uncover as they emerge in 2022:

2024 – London Adams, Plantation

2023– Lucas Amaya, Miami Belen Jesuit

2023 - Falique Andrus, Miami Palmetto

2023 – Jeremiah Avrilien, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

2025 – Christian Bailey, Fort Lauderdale

2023 – A.J. Balsera, Miami Belen Jesuit

2024 – Edward Bandy, Miami Christopher Columbus

2023 – Mitchell Beckford, Davie Nova (Athlete)

2023 – Cesareo Beruvides, Miami Braddock

2024 – Mehki Bethel, Somerset Academy Silver Palms

2023 – Aaron Boffill, Hialeah Barbara Goleman

2023 – Caesar Boyd, Sunrise Piper

2023 – Tramain Brown, Miami Northwestern

2023 – Ryan Bullard, Homestead

2023 – Mike Caldwell Jr., Hialeah Champagnat Catholic

2023 – Clayton Cannon, Parkland Douglas

2023 – Jeremiah Cannon, Oakland Park Northeast (Athlete)

2023 – Raequan Cannon, North Miami

2023 – Shawn Carrero, Miami Ferguson (Athlete)

2023 - Quincy Casimir, Deerfield Beach

2025 – Darius Clements, Miami Southridge

2023 – Jordan Clemons, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

2023 – Marlin Cochran, Miami Northwestern

2023 - Cornelius Colzie, Miami Westminster Christian (Athlete)

2024 – Wardell Dean, Miami Palmetto

2025 – Deandre Desinor, Coconut Creek North Broward Prep

2025 – Elijah DeWoskin, Pembroke Pines West Broward

2023 – Jordan Faison, Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest

2023 – Lemmie Faulk, Miami Norland

2023 – Marcos Fernandez, Hialeah Gardens (Athlete)

2023 - Jaferris Finley, Fort Lauderdale Dillard

2023 – Reggie Foster, Plantation American Heritage                   

2024 – Widley Jean-Franco, Miami St. Brendan

2023 – Amara Franklin, Miami Northwestern (FB)

2023 – Alex Garcia, Miami Westminster Christian (Athlete)

2024 – Ralph Gilbert, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian

2023 – Evan Gill, SW Ranches Archbishop McCarthy

2023 – Rennie Gittens, Miami Carol City

2023 – Ryan Gonzalez, Doral Academy

2023 – Jaquan Gordon, Hollywood Avant Garde Academy

2023 – Giovanni Grillo, Hialeah Gardens

2023 – Andre Hall, Hialeah-Miami Lakes

2023 – D.J. Hall, Plantation

2023 – Joshua Harriott, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

2023 – Jonathan Harris, Miami Central

2024 – Mark Harris, Coconut Creek Monarch

2023 – Jordan Henry, Sunrise Piper

2023 – Nathaniel Henry, Miramar

2023 – Reggie Heywood, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian

2024 – Jamarie Holtzclaw, Coconut Creek

2024 – Chris Wheatley-Humphrey, Hollywood South Broward (Athlete)

2025 – Markel Irene, Miramar

2023 – Walter Jackson, Fort Lauderdale Dillard

2023 – Joshua Jennings, Plantation

2023 – Andre Johnson, Miami Booker T. Washington

2024 - Reginald Johnson, Fort Lauderdale

2024 - Jordan Jones, Miramar

2023 – Ke’shawn Jones, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely

2023 - Ernest Joseph, Fort Lauderdale

2023 – Joshua Joseph, Parkland Douglas

2023 - Marc Joseph, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely

2025 – Sterling Joseph, Miami Edison

2023 – Kervens Saint Juste, Pompano Beach

2023 – Kyle Kesley, Miami Palmer Trinity

2023 – Nicholas Lardizabal, Miami Coral Reef (Athlete)

2023 – Jalen Lewis, Plantation

2025 - Jaquari Lewis Jr., Fort Lauderdale Dillard

2023 – Dontrell Lipscomb, Coral Gables

2023 – Rasheim Lipscomb, Somerset Academy South Homestead

2023 – Alex Lleras, Miami St. Brendan

2023 – Ernesto Lopez, Miami Carol City

2024 – William Lufiau, Miami Jackson

2023 – Gabe Macies, Pembroke Pines West Broward

2023 – Antonio Martin, Lauderdale Lake Boyd Anderson

2024 – Darien Martinez, Miami Ferguson (Athlete)

2024 - Ottis McCoy Jr., Miami Sunset

2024 – Edward McIntosh, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely

2024 – Ceabon McKinney, Hollywood Avant Garde Academy

2024 – Nick Mekras, Miami Westminster Christian (Athlete)

2023 – Torrence Miller, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons

2023 – Travon Miller, Miami Springs

2024 – Chaz Milton Jr., Somerset Academy South Homestead

2025 – Tristan Moedlus, Hialeah American

2024 – Carlos Morales, Pembroke Pines West Broward (FB)

2025 – Sinorice Moss Jr., Davie Western

2024 – Michael Nozile II, Miami Monsignor Pace

2023 – Eli Daniel Ogiomizo, Miramar Everglades

2025 – Abdul Olawale, Miramar

2026 – Robert Ortega Jr., Hollywood Avant Garde Academy

2023 – Derwin Packer, Plantation

2023 – Rene Paez, Miami Palmer Trinity

2023 – Nelson Parker, Davie Western

2024 – Delroy Paul, Hollywood Hills

2023 – Reydjon Petion, RB, Coconut Creek Monarch

2023 – Marquis Pierre, Homestead Everglades Prep (Athlete)

2023 – Ladarius Pitts, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely

2023 – Robert Reddish, Somerset Academy Silver Palms

2023 – Willie Reed, Coconut Creek Monarch

2023 – Nate Renie, Coral Springs Coral Glades

2024 – Joshua Reyes, Miami True North

2023 – Justin Reyes, Homestead Somerset Silver Palms

2024 – Clinton Riley, Homestead

2024 – Keymari Robiou, North Miami Beach

2024 – Manuel Rodriguez, Miami Ferguson (Athlete)

2025 – Elias Romero, Miami Ferguson

2023 – Anthony Rubio, Miami Belen Jesuit

2024 – Edson SaintFort, Pompano Beach

2023 – Dorian Sampson, Pembroke Pines Flanagan

2023 – Ismael Seda, Hialeah Gardens

2023 – Justin Spano, Parkland Douglas

2023 – Lucas Stefano, Miami Westminster Christian (Athlete)

2023 - Gerome Steward, South Miami

2023 – Jake Summer, Miami True North (Athlete)

2024 – Jeffery Thomas, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy

2024 – Jermaine Walton, Miami Southridge

2023 – Cedric Ward, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely

2023 – Mark Wilder Jr., Doral Academy

2024 – Andres Williams, Miami Palmer Trinity

2023 – Jacory Williams, Sunrise Piper

2024 – Jylin Williams, Miami High

2023 – Shawn Williams, Plantation

2025 – Tyrique Williams, Miami Booker T. Washington

2023 – Santana Wooten, Miami Palmetto

2025 – Cedric Wyche, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons

2025 – Cayson Young, Miramar

For the past 52 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..