High School Sports Blog

Stephen Morris is a Hurricane

He burst onto the scene in the spring of his junior year when at a University of Michigan camp, Stephen Morris was voted as the MVP.

Now, over a year later, the talented Miami Monsignor Pace product, will have the chance to stay home and play for the University of Miami.

On Friday, two days after a visit to Coral Gables with his parents, the talented Morris (6-2, 185), who was one of the top prospects in South Florida, told the Hurricanes that he was coming to “U”.

“Miami just felt like the perfect place for me,” Morris said. “It fit me both academically and athletically. I’m 100% committed. I’m sure I made the right decision.”

After a solid junior season for the Spartans, Morris was active in the off season with visits to the D1 Camp in Davie, the Elite Scouting Combine in Fort Lauderdale and several other stops along the way. But the opportunity to stay close to him and future playing time was a selling point.

Charles Fishbein of ESS, who has watched Morris since the first time he went under center for Pace, believes that this is a perfect fit for the Hurricanes, who were looking for a quarterback in this class.

“Stephen is the kind of young man who has the physical tools to be a very good quarterback,” Fishbein pointed out. “He is also a tremendous student in the classroom.”

Morris, who also played baseball for the Spartans, had narrowed down his choices to Miami, Purdue, Virginia and UCF, who is still going after Miami Central quarterback prospect Jeffrey Godfrey.

Have a commitment to announce. Just e-mail Larry Blustein with the information and a contact name and number and we will get something up on our statewide list. Whether it's D1 or junior college, we want to let everyone know about it. LBlustein@miamiherald.com.

Catch up on all our stories, rankings, commitments and all other archived information by clicking on Miami Herald Recruiting Information:

HERALD RECRUITING INFORMATION

Taravella's Brandon Steg off to U-Conn

When you talk about overlooked athletes in the state of Florida, one of the players that comes to mind is Coral Springs Taravella standout linebacker/tight end Brandon Steg.

The 6-3, 220-pounder, who along with teammate Devon Wright, has helped to put the Trojans back in the spotlight, committed to attend the University of Connecticut.

"Great pick up for U-Conn," said Charles Fishbein of Elite Scouting Services. "This is a young man we have watched the past two years, and while many have paid little attention, we have long said that this is going to be one of the top players in Broward County for 2009."

Steg was a catalyst on coach Dan Marguriet's squad last year, and is expected to play a major role again this year.

At the Elite Scouting Combine in April, Steg turned plenty of heads. His speed, strength and ability to play the game of football had many at the event at Cardinal Gibbons talking about his future.

"This was a kid that we put on our watch list as an athlete to put on the map," point out Corey Long of Friday Night Football Florida Magazine. "He was very impressive in the spring as well."

Have a commitment to announce. Just e-mail Larry Blustein with the information and a contact name and number and we will get something up on our statewide list. Whether it's D1 or junior college, we want to let everyone know about it. LBlustein@miamiherald.com.

Catch up on all our stories, rankings, commitments and all other archived information by clicking on Miami Herald Recruiting Information:

HERALD RECRUITING INFORMATION

Byrd makes commitment to Tulane

One of the fastest-rising linebacker prospects in the state of Florida for the Class of 2010 has found a home for the future.

Kerchal Byrd Jr., a 6-1, 220-pounder from Palmetto High near Bradenton verbally committed to play college football at Tulane University.

Last season, Byrd helped anchor a strong Tigers defense, totaling 39 tackles, 14.5 sacks and four tackles for a loss.

He had the opportunity for colleges to keep an eye on his progress when they came to see defensive end Kedric Johnson, who will play for the University of Florida this fall.

"When I had the chance to watch Palmetto, Kerchal was one of the players I wrote down as an athlete for the watch list," said Corey Long of Friday Night Football Florida Magazine. "This is a program that had a number of talented football players for the present and the future who were flying way under the radar screen.

It was no surprise that Byrd chose an academic-oriented program like Tulane, which also received a verbal commitment from Miami Gulliver Prep quarterback Michael Strauss earlier in the summer. His 3.8 grade point average had schools such as Stanford, Wake Forest and Western Kentucky watching his progress as well.

Byrd told the Bradenton Herald that with his verbal commitment behind him, he can focus on the upcoming season and be fully committed to making a return to the state playoffs.

Have a commitment to announce. Just e-mail Larry Blustein with the information and a contact name and number and we will get something up on our statewide list. Whether it's D1 or junior college, we want to let everyone know about it. LBlustein@miamiherald.com.

Catch up on all our stories, rankings, commitments and all other archived information by clicking on Miami Herald Recruiting Information:

HERALD RECRUITING INFORMATION

Locals standout at Mastrole Passing event

Mastrole Passing Academy held the first annual South Florida Summer Showcase at St. Andrew's Prep School in Boca Raton, last weekend. Mastrole Passing Academy brought in some of the states top talent and future stars at quarterback, wide receiver, tight end, and defensive back.

The camp was highlighted by fast pace and up tempo coaching by Ken Mastrole and his staff, which also included former Miami Dolphin Jim Jensen. Athletes were put through an advanced curriculum that featured some of the most advanced training techniques in todays game. Film study, offensive and defensive breakdowns, fundamentals, recruiting/exposure, and the Showcase Challenge all highlighted one of the top Florida football camps in 2009.


Sundays QB, WR, & DB challenge brought out the talent in some of the best athletes at their position. The Miami Herald, Scout.com and Elite Scouting Services were in attendence. All evaluated players, collected film, and answered questions from parents and players on college recruiting.


Saturday was filled with fundamental training, defensive recogniton, 1 on 1's, and 2 receivers vs. 3 defensive backs. St. Thomas Aquinas quarterbacks Jake Rudock (2011) and Max Lescano (2012) displayed quick releases and pin point accuracy hooking up with one of the top flight receivers in the state (Cardinal Gibbons) Shawn Corker (Texas Tech commit) multiple times.
Jupiter Christian's future 1-2 punch quarterback Kedric Bostic and receiver Austin Talbott showed why theses two will form a high powered ariel attack over the next three years.


Another tandem to look out for over the next three years will be quarterback Abe Coleman and Caylin McBeth from American Senior High School. Abe showed why he will be one of the top prospects in the state of Florida at the quarterback position with his size, speed, and arm strength. Caylin won the Best Hands receiver challange outlasting stiff competition from receivers Robbie Anderson and Arione Scott (Nova).


Alex Pratkas (West Boca), a 6-4, quarterback, also showed why he could potentially be one of Florida's top quarterbacks with his size and strong right arm. Senior quarterback Chris Rapka (Cardinal Gibbons) and junior quarterback C.J. Hart (Cardinal Gibbons), the brother of former Rutgers standout Ryan Hart, displayed strong arms and accurate throws throughout the drills and competitions.

Look for quarterbacks Brock Bukowski (Royal Palm Beach) and Evan Hart (Fort Myers) to move up the charts in 2009. Sophomore quarterback Evan Lassiter (Coral Springs) could be one of the biggest suprises over the next two years. The 6-foot-4 sophomore southpaw showed good footwork and a strong arm.

Bostic and Lescano won the Quarterback Leadership Award for their work ethic while grading out with the highest written test scores. McBeth (American) and Dan Ring (Cardinal Gibbons) both won the receiver challenges. Defensive back Conor Armstrong (St. Thomas Aquinas) won the defensive back coverman challenge.

Results from the TOP GUN QB Challenge. 
Rudock stole the show. The 6-3, 180-pounder won the Jr/Sr Division, showing the strongest arm, quickest release, most accurate, and fastest time in the obstacle course. For the Fr/So Division, Gardner Knight won the TOP GUN challenge with consistency and accuracy.

Results for the Jr/Sr TOP GUN Challenge
Quick Release (3 step-5 step-release)

1. Jake Rudock (St. Thomas Aquinas): .88 sec 3 step 1.40 sec 5 step

2. Rafi Montalvo (Miami LaSalle): 1.09 sec 3 step 1.50 sec 5 step

3. Alex Pratkas (West Boca): 1.18 sec 3 step 1.97 sec 5 step

Longest Throw

1. Jake Rudock (St. Thomas Aquinas): 62 yards

2. C.J. Hart (Cardinal Gibbons): 52.5 yards

3. Rafi Montalvo (Miami LaSalle): 51.5 yards

Accuracy Drill

1. Jake Rudock (St. Thomas Aquinas): 28 total points

2. Alex Pratkas (West Boca): 22 total points

3. C.J. Hart (Cardinal Gibbons): 19 total points

QB Obstacle Course with Targets

1. Jake Rudock (St. Thomas Aquinas): 14.50 sec

2. Rafi Montalvo (Miami LaSalle): 16.25 sec

3. Alex Pratkas (West Boca): 16.68 sec

Results for the Fr/So TOP GUN Challenge
Quick Release (3 step-5 step-release)

1. Max Lescano (St. Thomas Aquinas): 1.07 sec 3 step 1.52 sec 5 step

2. Tyler Jones (Pompano): 1.08 sec 3 step 1.60 sec 5 step

3. Abe Coleman (American Senior) 1.14 sec 3 step 1.58 sec 5 step

Longest Throw

1. Gardner Knight (Palm Bay): 54 yards

2. Max Lescano (St. Thomas Aquinas): 52.5 yards

3. Evan Hart (Fort Myers) 52 yards

Accuracy Drill

1. Gardner Knight (Palm Bay): 24 total points

2. Kedric Bostic (Jupiter Christian): 19 total points

3. 6 players tied at: 18 total points

QB Obstacle Course with Targets

1. Kedric Bostic (Jupiter Christian): 15.50 sec

2. Gardner Knight (Palm Bay): 17.22 sec

3. Brock Bukowski (Royal Palm): 17.35 sec

For more information on future events and session times and dates, click on mastrolepassing.com.

Catch up on all our stories, rankings, commitments and all other archived information by clicking on Miami Herald Recruiting Information:

HERALD RECRUITING INFORMATION

Miami Herald 2010 Commitment List

By now, you understand that our commitment to cover the state of Florida and the athletes who compete in the Sunshine State is simply unmatched. While others continue to rely on other sources for information, we have made a strong effort to see players we talk about live, which gives you the opportunity to ask any of our writers and evaluators questions with firsthand results.

Throughout the next six months, the Miami Herald, Elite Scouting Services and Friday Night Football Florida Magazine will bring you all the commitments from Miami-Dade and Broward County as well as those throughout the state to better give our many readers a chance to follow their favorite schools and athletes.

If you have any commitment to send on to us at any level of college, please send the information to Larry Blustein at LBlustein@miamiherald.com. Our objective is to get the most accurate information to you.

LAST UPDATED: Dec. 2, 2009

MIAMI-DADE
FLORIDA GATORS
Gideon Ajagbe, S, 6-2, 200, Ransom Everglades
Quinton Dunbar, WR, 6-2, 180, Booker T. Washington
Lynden Trail, DE, 6-7, 210, Booker T. Washington

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY PANTHERS
Wade Isaac, DL, 6-2, 255, Norland
Richard Leonard, DB, 5-8, 160, Killian
Khambrell McGee, CB, 5-9, 170, Northwestern
Sam Miller, Jr., DB, 5-10, 175, LaSalle
Randy Williams, S, 6-1, 195, Miami Springs

IOWA HAWKEYES
DeAndre Johnson, RB, 5-8, 210, Monsignor Pace

LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY TIGERS
Martavious Lee, WR, 6-2, 185, Coral Gables (Palomar Community College)

MEMPHIS TIGERS
Dejarrius Adams, WR, 6-1, 200, Killian (Torrance (Cal.) El Camino College)
Alphonso Bruton, LB, 6-2, 220, Killian (Torrance (Cal.) El Camino College)

MIAMI HURRICANES
Todd Chandler, DT, 6-0, 200, Northwestern
Eduardo Clements, RB, 5-11, 185, Booker T. Washington
Allen Hurns, WR, 6-2, 180, Carol City

MINNESOTA GOLDEN GOPHERS
Jonathan Ragoo, OL, 6-7, 320, Monsignor Pace

MISSISSIPPI REBELS
Jeff Scott, RB, 5-8, 170, Archbishop Carroll

OREGON DUCKS
Isaac Dixon, S, 5-11, 195, Monsignor Pace

PURDUE BOILERMAKERS
Isaiah Williams, WR, 6-2, 190, Monsignor Pace

STANFORD CARDINAL
Torrian Wilson, OL, 6-4, 315, Northwestern

SYRACUSE ORANGE
Gareef Glashen, DB, 5-11, 180, Carol City

TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
Delvin Jones, DE, 6-6, 220, Palmetto
Jose Jose, OG, 6-1, 335, Central
Ted Meline, WR, 6-3, 175, North Miami
Kenbrell Thompkins, WR, 6-3, 190, Northwestern (El Camino CC - California)
Ralph Williams, LB, 6-1, 215, Southridge

TULANE GREEN WAVE
Michael Strauss, QB, 6-3, 215, Gulliver Prep

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA GOLDEN KNIGHTS
Jordan McCray, OL, 6-4, 290, Southridge
Justin McCray, OL, 6-4, 290, Southridge
Perry Meiklejohn, OL, 6-3, 315, Westminster Christian
Zach Soto, OL, 6-6, 260, Monsignor Pace

VIRGINIA CAVALIERS
Pablo Alvarez, CB, 6-3, 190, Belen Jesuit

BROWARD
BUFFALO BULLS
Dwellie Striggles, DB, 5-10, 175, University School

CINCINNATI BEARCATS
Dimetri Beal, CB, 5-11, 175, Chaminade Madonna

CONNECTICUT HUSKIES
Brandon Steg, LB/TE, 6-3, 220, Taravella
Gilbert St. Louis, S, 5-10, 175, Plantation

FLORIDA GATORS
Demar Dorsey, S, 6-2, 195, Boyd Anderson

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY PANTHERS
David Delsoin, OL/DL, 6-6, 265, Sheridan Hills
Caleb Vincent, LB, 6-2, 225, Hollywood Hills

MIAMI HURRICANES
Jonathan Feliciano, OL, 6-4, 300, Western
Keion Payne, DB, 5-11, 175, St. Thomas Aquinas
David Perry, DE, 6-6, 230, University School

MISSISSIPPI REBELS
Cliff Coleman, DB, 6-0, 180, Boyd Anderson

NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH
Gio Bernard, RB, 5-9, 200, St. Thomas Aquinas

NORTH CAROLINA TAR HEELS
Jabari Price, DB, 5-11, 180, Ely

OREGON DUCKS
Ethan Grant, WR/RB, 5-10, 170, North Broward Prep

RUTGERS SCARLET KNIGHTS
Marcus Thompson, RB/LB, 6-2, 225, Boyd Anderson

STANFORD CARDINAL
Joseph McNamara, OG, 6-2, 270, Cypress Bay

SYRACUSE ORANGE
Max Beaulieu, DL, 6-3, 240, University School
Brice Hawkes, OLB, 6-3, 210, University School

TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
Michael Palardy, PK, 6-2, 180, St. Thomas Aquinas

TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS
Shawn Corker, WR, 6-1, 175, Cardinal Gibbons

STATE
ALABAMA-BIRMINGHAM BLAZERS
Brian O'Leary, OL, 6-2, 270, Venice
Darnell Williams, WR, 6-2, 200, Winter Park (Athens, Tx. Trinity Community College

ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS
Montaque Mack, LB, 6-2, 225, Jacksonville Andrew Jackson
Darrell Smith, S, 6-2, 185, Port St. Joe
Marquel Wade, WR, 5-11, 180, Jacksonville Andrew Jackson

AUBURN TIGERS
Cody Parkey, PK, 6-0, 190, Jupiter

BUFFALO BULLS
James Potts, RB, 5-11, 175, Delray American Heritage

CINCINNATI BEARCATS
Tre Boston, S, 6-1, 175, North Fort Myers

COLORADO STATE RAMS
Shaq Bell, DB, 5-10, 170, Kissimmee Osceola
Bobby Borcky, QB, 6-2, 200, Orlando Lake Highland Prep
Marvin Ford, RB, 5-9, 189, Orlando Dr. Phillips
Marquis Hood, LB, 6-1, 210, Orlando Dr. Phillips
Jay James, WR, 6-2, 210, Orlando Jones
Najee James, DB, 5-11, 180, Orlando Evans
Ra'shawde Meyers, DE, 6-3, 220, Cocoa

EAST CAROLINA PIRATES
Dominic Davis, QB, 6-3, 200, Lakeland Kathleen (Fort Scott CC – Kansas)
Drew Gentry, OL, 6-6, 310, Tallahassee North Florida Christian
Mack Helms, DL, 6-3, 275, Tallahassee Leon

FLORIDA GATORS
Trey Burton, QB, 6-3, 210, Venice
Gerald Christian, DE/TE, 6-3, 230, Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer
Jon Dowling, S, 6-3, 205, Bradenton Southeast
Matt Elam, S, 6-0, 200, Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer
Mike McFarland, TE, 6-6, 225, Tampa Blake
Leon Orr, OL, 6-5, 290, New Port Richey Gulf
Ian Silberman, OL, 6-4, 255, Orange Park Fleming Island
Jaylen Watkins, DB, 6-0, 185, Cape Coral

FLORIDA ATLANTIC OWLS
Alex DeLeon, S, 6-4, 190, Belleview

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY PANTHERS
Mac Brown, DB, 6-0, 155, St. Petersburg Gibbs
Mark Grant, DL, 6-2, 255, Tampa Bay Tech
Justin Halley, S, 6-2, 181, Boca Raton
Jake Medlock, QB, 6-3, 220, Neptune Beach Fletcher
Kedric Rhodes, RB, 5-10, 185, Ocala Trinity Catholic
Casey Turner, RB, 5-11, 190, Jacksonville Ed White
Mitchell Wozniak, WR, 6-3, 170, Wesley Chapel

FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES
Chad Abrams, 5-11, 190, Lakeland Kathleen
Tavaris Barnes, DL, 6-5, 260, Jacksonville First Coast
Terrence Brooks, CB, 5-10, 160, Dunnellon
Darius Cummings, DE, 6-2, 260, Titusville Astronaut
Greg Dent, WR/DB, 5-11, 180, Belle Glade Glades Central
Jarred Haggins, DB, 5-11, 180, Lakeland
DeJoshua Johnson, WR, 5-11, 160, Pahokee
Clint Trickett, QB, 6-2, 180, Tallahassee N. Florida Christian

GEORGIA BULLDOGS
Demetre Baker, OLB, 6-2, 210, Orange Park
B.J. Butler, DE, 6-2, 235, Kissimmee Osceola
Marc Deas, S/LB, 6-1, 190, Kissimmee Osceola
Brent Benedict, OL, 6-5, 300, Jacksonville Bolles
Derek Owens, CB, 5-11, 190, Jacksonville Andrew Jackson
Nickell Robey, CB/WR, 5-8, 165, Frostproof
Deon Rogers, LB, 6-3, 215, Port St. Lucie Treasure Coast

GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES
T.J. Denson, DB, 5-9, 175, Lakeland
Xavier Mothersill, DT, 5-11, 295, Lakeland

ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI
Mark Wilson, LB, 6-2, 220, Tallahassee Lincoln

IOWA STATE CYCLONES
Jeremiah George, LB, 5-11, 210, Clearwater
T.J. McCullough, WR/DB, 6-2, 190, Citra North Marion
Clifford Morgan, S, 5-11, 185, Frostproof
Jarvis West, RB, 5-6, 140, St. Petersburg Gibbs

KANSAS STATE WILDCATS
Javonta Boyd, DT, 6-3, 315, St. Petersburg Northeast (Butler, Ks. Community College)

LOUISIANA LAFAYETTE RAGIN CAJUNS
Amari Williams, TE, 6-2, 230, Daytona Beach Mainland

MARSHALL THUNDERING HERD
Rashad Jackson, CB, 5-9, 180, Belle Glade Glades Central (Joliet, Ill. Community College)

MEMPHIS TIGERS
Dramon Grady, WR, 6-6, 205, DeLand
Henley Griffon, TE, 6-5, 215, Apopka
Michael Lindsey, WR, 6-3, 195, Gulfport Boca Ciega (Northwest Mississippi CC)

MIAMI HURRICANES
Raheam Buxton, CB, 6-0, 180, Pahokee
Devont'a Davis, DB, 6-1, 180, Gainesville
Jeremy Davis, CB, 6-0, 175, Cape Coral
Tavadis Glenn, DL, 6-5, 260, Jacksonville Raines
Maurice Hagens, FB, 5-11, 230, Tampa Bay Tech
Darion Hall, RB, 6-0, 210, Naples Lely
Kevin Nelson, LB, 6-1, 215, Gainesville
Shane McDermott, OC, 6-3, 260, Wellington Palm Beach Central
Clive Walford, TE, 6-6, 230, Belle Glade Glades Central

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES
Marvin Robinson, S, 6-1, 210, Eagle Lake Lake Region

MINNESOTA GOLDEN GOPHERS
Tyrone Bouie, DB, 6-0, 160, Sanford Seminole
Darnell Kirkwood, RB, 5-9, 195, Delray Beach Atlantic
Doral Willis, OG/DT, 6-1, 325, Pahokee

MISSISSIPPI REBELS
Quadrius Mireles, WR/S, 5-11, 175, Delray Atlantic
Eric Mitchell, RB/DB, 5-11, 175, Cape Coral Mariner

MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS
Antwon Chisholm, WR, 5-8, 170, Glades Central

MISSOURI TIGERS
Darvin Ruise, WR, 6-2, 215, Glen St. Mary Baker

NAVY MIDSHIPMEN
Thomas Stone, OL, 6-2, 285, Melbourne Central Catholic

NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS
Shontrelle Johnson, RB, 5-10, 175, DeLand
Daniel Jones, DB, 5-10, 165, Tallahassee Florida State University
Rashad Lawrence, WR, 6-2, 180, Orlando Olympia
Trevor Siemian, QB, 6-3, 190, Orlando Olympia

NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH
Spencer Boyd, S, 5-10, 175, Cape Coral
Louis Nix, DL, 6-2, 325, Jacksonville Raines
Lo Wood, CB, 5-11, 165, Apopka

OHIO UNIVERSITY BOBCATS
Mark Smith, OL, 6-3, 275, Sarasota Cardinal Mooney

OHIO STATE BUCKEYES
James Louis, WR, 5-11, 180, Delray Beach Atlantic

OKLAHOMA SOONERS
Roy Finch, RB, 5-9, 190, Niceville

OKLAHOMA STATE COWBOYS
Dan Koenig, OL, 6-6, 250, Cape Coral

PURDUE BOILERMAKERS
Ricardo Allen, DB, 5-9, 176, Daytona Beach Mainland
Chevin Davis, WR, 5-11, 155, Daytona Beach Mainland
Jhony Faustin, DB, 170, Naples Lely
E.J. Johnson, S, 6-1, 180, Cocoa
Will Lucas, LB, 5-11, 210, Lakeland
O.J. Ross, WR, 5-10, 176, Daytona Beach Mainland

SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS
Cody Gibson, OT, 6-6, 260, Tallahassee Lincoln
Ronald Patrick, OG, 6-2, 270, Cocoa
Sean Tapley, WR, 6-0, 175, Jacksonville Raines
Tramell Williams, OG, 6-1, 265, Jacksonville Lee

SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI GOLDEN EAGLES
Jeremy Hester, RB, 5-8, 180, Panama City Arnold

TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
John Brown, DL, 6-2, 285, Lakeland (Northeast Mississippi Community College)

TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS
Kadron Boone, WR, 6-1, 195, Ocala Trinity Catholic

TROY TROJANS
Luke Barnes, QB, 6-2, 190, Fort Walton Beach
Dalton Bennett, DL, 6-3, 270, Marianna
Brach Bessent, LB, 6-1, 230, Lake City Columbia
Talris Brown, LB, 6-1, 235, Milton (Coffeyville, Ks. Community College)
Justin Hughes, DB, 5-9, 155, Port St. Lucie Treasure Coast
Greg Jenkins, QB, 6-2, 210, Wesley Chapel (Mississippi Gulf Coast CC)
Joe Lofton, S, 6-2, 185, Fort Walton Beach
Fidel Montgomery, DB, 5-11, 175, Marianna
Tommy Stephens, DL, 6-4, 245, Marianna

TULANE GREEN WAVE
Kerchal Byrd Jr., 6-1, 220, Palmetto

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA GOLDEN KNIGHTS
Blake Bortles, QB, 6-4, 215, Oviedo
Woodley Cadet, S, 6-2, 195, Loxahatchee Seminole Ridge
E.J. Dunston, DL, 6-2, 275, Orlando Edgewater
Jordan Ozerities, S, 5-10, 180, Mount Dora
Andrew Rice, DL, 6-2, 265, Lake Mary
Glenn Stanley, LB, 6-2, 245, Ocala Trinity Catholic (Eastern Arizona CC)
Cornelius Whitehead, S/WR, 6-1, 170, Mount Dora

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA BULLS
Josh Bellamy, S, 6-1, 210, Gulfport Boca Ciega
Brion Carnes, QB, 6-1, 180, Bradenton Manatee
Claude Gibson, DE, 6-4, 230, Lakeland Lake Gibson (E. Minnesota CC)
Justin Green, OL, 6-4, 310, Palm Beach Gardens (Pearl River, Ms. Community College)
Mark Joyce, S, 6-0, 200, DeLand
Tony Kibler, OL, 6-5, 320, Belle Glade Glades Day
Tiger Powell, RB, 6-0, 215, Lake City Columbia
Daron Rose, OL, 6-4, 310, Tampa Jefferson (ASA Institute, N.Y.)
Marcus Shaw, RB, 5-10, 180, Arcadia DeSoto
Chris Veron, PK, 6-3, 200, Ocala Forest
Brandon Wilkinson, DE/TE, 6-5, 235, Venice

UTAH STATE AGGIES
Nevin Lawson, DB, 5-9, 180, Piper

VANDERBILT COMMODORES
Thomas Ryan, DE, 6-4, 245, Marathon

VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES
Mark Leal, QB, 6-0, 190, Delray Beach Atlantic

WAKE FOREST DEMON DEACONS
Zach Allen, LB, 6-2, 215, Pahokee
Neil Basford, TE, 6-4, 230, Jacksonville Bishop Kenny
Desmond Cooper, S, 6-2, 195, Jacksonville Bolles
Antonio Ford, OL, 6-3, 260, Pahokee
Jonathan Garcia, TE/DE, 6-3, 230, Ida Baker
Merrill Noel, CB, 5-8, 170, Pahokee
Eddie Sullivan, 6-1, 185, Boca Raton

WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS
Travis Bell, DB, 6-0, 180, Glades Central
Robert Clark, CB, 5-10, 175, Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer
Darius Millines, S, 5-11, 180, American Heritage - Delray Beach
Fred Pickett, WR, 5-10, 165, Pahokee

WESTERN KENTUCKY HILLTOPPERS
Dominique Roberts, WR, 6-0, 200, Daytona Beach Seabreeze

WESTERN MICHIGAN BRONCOS
Peter Terrana, TE, 6-5, 220, St. Petersburg Northeast

WISCONSIN BADGERS
Peniel Jean, DB, 5-11, 185, Palm Beach Central
Jameson Wright, S, 6-2, 180, Fort Pierce Westwood

WYOMING COWBOYS
C.J. Bennett, QB, 6-0, 195, Tampa Alonso

Catch up on all our stories, rankings, commitments and all other archived information by clicking on Miami Herald Recruiting Information:

HERALD RECRUITING INFORMATION

Heart problem sidelines Frankie Telfort

University of Southern California freshman Frankie Telfort from Gulliver Prep, has been diagnosed with serious genetic heart condition that will prevent him from playing football.

"This is obviously very difficult news for Frankie, his family and all of us in the football program," USC head coach Pete Carroll said in a statement. "But we're very thankful doctors discovered the issue before it led to anything worse."

Discovering the problem at this stage most likely saved Telfort's life. According to a release from USC:

Telfort was examined by several of L.A.'s top heart specialists before flying to the Minneapolis Heart Institute last week for a final opinion. Cardiologists determined the 17-year-old had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition that affects 1 in 500 Americans and is the most common cardiovascular cause of sudden death in the world.

USC said it would still honor Telfort's scholarship through 2013.

"Everybody's football career unfortunately ends at some point and no one's ever ready for it," Carroll said in the statement. "For some guys, it comes sooner than expected. But you're a football player and a Trojan for life, and Frankie is definitely both."

Telfort was the first Miami-Dade County player ever to attend USC to play football.

Catch up on all our stories, rankings, commitments and all other archived information by clicking on Miami Herald Recruiting Information:

HERALD RECRUITING INFORMATION

Louis heading to Ohio State

More and more, Ohio State is making a solid impact in the state of Florida, and on Wednesday, the Buckeyes came in and took one of the Sunshine State’s best players.

James Louis (6-0, 185), who was rumored to have committed to Florida as reported by a number of sources, made it official that he will head to Columbus for the 2010 season.

The Talented Louis, who is No. 34 on the Miami Herald, Elite Scouting Services and Friday Night Football Florida Magazine Pre Summer Top 100, played on both sides of the ball for Delray Beach Atlantic.

Earlier this summer, Josh Newberg of ESS caught up with Louis at the UCF team camp after his Eagles went head-to-head with Seffner Armwood.

“When I commit, it will be to a school that will fit my style,” Louis said. “I am in no rush, but when I feel comfortable, I will decide.”

Many of the teams on hand for the event were very impressed with Louis, especially Armwood assistant coach Chris Taylor, who watched him play for two straight days.

“He was a tremendous receiver who had great moves and plenty of speed,” Taylor pointed out. “You could tell he was one of those elite players.”

Louis chose Ohio State over Florida, North Carolina, Oregon, Pittsburgh, Ole Miss, South Carolina, USF, Miami, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, Georgia, West Virginia, FSU and Alabama.

“We watched him a number of times during the summer,” said Newberg. “He was indeed a very special football player.”

Last year, Louis caught 56 passes for 1,128 yards.

Have a commitment to announce. Just e-mail Larry Blustein with the information and a contact name and number and we will get something up on our statewide list. Whether it's D1 or junior college, we want to let everyone know about it. LBlustein@miamiherald.com.

Catch up on all our stories, rankings, commitments and all other archived information by clicking on Miami Herald Recruiting Information:

HERALD RECRUITING INFORMATION

Robert Clark is a Mountaineer

At the end of his sophomore season, when head coach Jack Daniels was promoting some of his future standouts at Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer High, he spoke about a talented, quick athlete who could get it done on both sides of the ball, as a receiver and as a defensive back.

On Monday, Robert Clark, a 5-10, 170-pounder, who electrified fans the past two seasons, announced that he would be attending West Virginia University.

Having watched him seven times over the past two years, Charles Fishbein of EliteScoutingServices.com, was instrumental in getting the impressive athlete's name out to schools as early as the start of his junior season after watching him at a 7-on-7 event at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.

"This was a young man who broke on the ball, had tremendous anticipation and was extremely quick," said Fishbein. "As soon as we saw him for the first time two years ago, I passed his name, film and my evaluation onto dozens of colleges."

Clark, who also played receiver, chose West Virginia over Kentucky, Wisconsin, Louisville, Purdue and Vanderbilt.

"We saw him three times this summer and after speaking with Coach Daniels, we agreed that he was indeed a BCS type of player who would make a solid impact," Fishbein explained. "Dwyer is loaded with athletes, and with Matt Elam and Gerald Christian going to Florida, and Clark on the way to WVU, it shows how impressive this program is."

Have a commitment to announce. Just e-mail Larry Blustein with the information and a contact name and number and we will get something up on our statewide list. Whether it's D1 or junior college, we want to let everyone know about it. LBlustein@miamiherald.com.

Catch up on all our stories, rankings, commitments and all other archived information by clicking on Miami Herald Recruiting Information:

HERALD RECRUITING INFORMATION

Pablo Alvarez commits to Virginia

While Belen Jesuit's football team has earned a reputation for being the pipeline to Ivy League schools, senior defensive back Pablo Alvarez broke that tradition – temporarily last week – when the 6-3, 190-pound speedster announced that he would be attending the University of Virginia.

The first team All-Dade selection, and 2009 pre-season All-Dade County defensive back in Friday Night Football Florida Magazine, who was also one of the top rack performers in the state the past two years, has been impressive on the football field.

"Pablo is one of those young men who started to showcase his football skills as a sophomore, made major strides last year and is well on his way to having a great senior season," said longtime Wolverines head coach Richard Stuart. "He is such an impressive athlete and has turned into a real team leader for us."

Alvarez, who chose Virginia over Tulane, Marshall, Northwestern, Iowa, Colorado State, Kansas State and Duke, also gets it done in the classroom as well.

Have a commitment to announce. Just e-mail Larry Blustein with the information and a contact name and number and we will get something up on our statewide list. Whether it's D1 or junior college, we want to let everyone know about it. LBlustein@miamiherald.com.

Catch up on all our stories, rankings, commitments and all other archived information by clicking on Miami Herald Recruiting Information:

HERALD RECRUITING INFORMATION

Joyce headed to USF; Johnson to Purdue

During spring practice, the Miami Herald, Elite Scouting Services and Friday Night Football Magazine had the opportunity to check out coach Kevin Pettis and the Deland Bulldogs on the Florida Spring recruiting and evaluation tour.

As the players went through their workouts and schools such as the University of Miami, Tennessee and South Carolina were on hand, the one player they had all singled out was safety Mark Joyce.

On Tuesday, the 2009 All Daytona Beach region standout committed to join head coach Jim Leavitt and and the University of South Florida as the Bulls continue to add to and impressive group of players.

"Tremendous pickup for USF," said Josh Newberg of Elite Scouting Services. "Here's an athlete who turned heads last year as a junior and continued to do so during the spring. This is a major addition to the program."

Newberg, who had the chance to watch Joyce, felt the 6-1, 210-pounder, who many felt could play outside linebacker, would be a great addition to a program that had one of its best recruiting years in school history in 2009.

"We had the chance to watch him before his junior year," said Charles Fishbein of ESS. "This is no surprise that a program like USF would get a commitment from him. The Bulls have really worked this state, believing that they can recruit with the best in the country."

Joyce had been pursued by coach Lincoln Riley and Texas Tech as well.

COCOA’S JOHNSON TO PURDUE
While many want to focus on the state championship game last year against Tallahassee Godby, when Cocoa safety E.J. Johnson came up with three interceptions in the win, many are forgetting that this talented football player had a tremendous season as well, coming up with 8 interceptions and 56 tackles.

On Tuesday, the 6-1, 175-pounder announced that he would be attending Purdue University and will enter with other Boilermakers in the Class of 2010.

Johnson chose Purdue over Michigan State, Northern Illinois, Indiana, Iowa State and East Carolina.

Purdue and head coach Danny Hope, a one-time Miami Killian High product, continues to recruit the state of Florida with former FAU assistant coach Gary Nord leading the charge in the Sunshine State.

Have a commitment to announce. Just e-mail Larry Blustein with the information and a contact name and number and we will get something up on our statewide list. Whether it's D1 or junior college, we want to let everyone know about it. LBlustein@miamiherald.com.

Catch up on all our stories, rankings, commitments and all other archived information by clicking on Miami Herald Recruiting Information:

HERALD RECRUITING INFORMATION