High School Sports Blog

HERALD SPOTLIGHT: Ken Hankerson

Having the opportunity to watch many of the athletes in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties when they begin playing football at the youth football level, the Miami Herald will shine the spotlight on many athletes during the spring and summer.

With the chance to see the athletes away from the football field as well, we can bring you up close and personal with some of the top prospects in the nation - right here in our own backyard.

PLAYER: Ken Hankerson
YEAR: 2011
SCHOOL: St. Thomas Aquinas
CITY: Fort Lauderdale
POSITION: LB
HEIGHT: 6-1.5
WEIGHT: 200
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH: George Smith

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Over the past three years, this is a player that every class before him talked about as a future star, and now that his senior season is on the horizon, they were all right.

Here is a very athletic, strong talent who has been getting it done since his sophomore year when he was a member of the national champions. A very impressive football player who runs well and is one of the top play-makers on a very good team.

Colleges have been watching his progress over the past year, and this spring, most have started to get serious about his future.

One of the few sophomore starters this program has had over the past few years. That's how impressive he has been for the Raiders.

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HERALD SPOTLIGHT: Robenson Therezie

Having the opportunity to watch many of the athletes in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties when they begin playing football at the youth football level, the Miami Herald will shine the spotlight on many athletes during the spring and summer.

With the chance to see the athletes away from the football field as well, we can bring you up close and personal with some of the top prospects in the nation - right here in our own backyard.

PLAYER: Robenson Therezie
YEAR: 2011
SCHOOL: Jackson
CITY: Miami
POSITION: DB/RB
HEIGHT: 5-10
WEIGHT: 180
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH: Nigel Dunn

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: For the past two years, this is an athlete who has simply captivated all who have had the pleasure of watching him play.

One of the most versatile football players in this class, here is an athlete who could lineup at 5 different positions for the Generals and make a major impact at all of them.

Here represents the new breed of player that this program has started to produce.

For many who continue to watch him play throughout the course of a season, there is little doubt that he has the potential to be one of the best running backs in the region and throughout the state of Florida. His speed, instincts and athletic ability gives him a huge advantage.

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HERALD SPOTLIGHT: Conard Johnson

Having the opportunity to watch many of the athletes in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties when they begin playing football at the youth football level, the Miami Herald will shine the spotlight on many athletes during the spring and summer.

With the chance to see the athletes away from the football field as well, we can bring you up close and personal with some of the top prospects in the nation - right here in our own backyard.

PLAYER: Conard Johnson
YEAR: 2011
SCHOOL: Blanche Ely
CITY: Pompano Beach
POSITION: LB
HEIGHT: 5-11
WEIGHT: 205
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH: Rodney Gray

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: In a region loaded with athletic ability, there are some players who seem to fly beneath the radar screen until he is noticed.

While Johnson has been a standout for the Panthers over the past two years, watching him play in a game, practice or even at a camp or combine will reveal what type of football talent he really is.

Here is a quality athlete who not only uses his physical abilities, but happens to be a very smart player in the field, reacting to plays that many at this level never achieve.

Colleges have already started to notice that he is a D1 player. Now, as his final season unfold, expect more schools to make offers as Johnson leaves Dillard for nearby Blanche Ely.

HERALD STATEWIDE INFORMATION
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2011 Herald Local/Statewide Information

As we continue to cover the state of Florida from Key West to Pensacola with recruiting analysts that travel to see players live and in person, the Miami Herald will stay on top of the action 365 days a year to update our many readers with information that comes directly from those who see these players up close and personal.

As you can see from our many lists and names, our dedication to following recruiting is something the is simply unmatched in this state!

Thank you for making the Miami Herald the No. 1 spot for recruiting in the state of Florida. Just watch how we bring you more information from every corner of the state than any other source.

We are also looking for the top players for the Classes 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 by position, so send us all your information and we will continue to provide exposure!

LBlustein@miamiherald.com or www.twitter.com/larryblustein

FACEBOOK (Herald Recruiting).

Here is a list of information to keep an eye on:

TRACKING FLORIDA'S CLASSES
CLASS OF 2012
CLASS OF 2013
CLASS OF 2014
CLASS OF 2015

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT - 2012
LEO ALBA, UNIVERSITY SCHOOL
IMARJAYE ALBURY, NORTHWESTERN
DARRIEN ALLEN, ELY
JARVON ANDERSON, BRADDOCK
JORDAN ARMSTRONG, VARELA
WILLIE BAILEY, HALLANDALE
DARNELL BLOOM, HALLANDALE
STEVE BRADDY, FERGUSON
DANIEL BRAVERMAN, UNIVERSITY SCHOOL
JOHN BUCHANAN, CARDINAL GIBBONS
JAMES BURGESS, JR., HOMESTEAD
DEON BUSH, CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS
KEVON CAFFEY, BOOKER T. WASHINGTON
KEVIN CARABEO, MIAMI SENIOR
TAD CATO, MIAMI SENIOR
JEAN MARC CHARLES, HOLLYWOOD HILLS
TORRY CLAYTON, SOUTH DADE
COLE CHAMPION, ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
ABE COLEMAN, HALLANDALE
TREVON COLEY, MIRAMAR
ROBERT CONYERS, BRADDOCK
AMARI COOPER, NORTHWESTERN
ZACHARY DAISE, DILLARD
FEDDIE DAVEY, NORLAND
CLEVONNE DAVIS, MIRAMAR
IMANI DAVIS, BELEN JESUIT
VERNON DAVIS, CORAL REEF
JEREMY DONALDSON, PINES CHARTER
ROOSEVELT DONALDSON, SOUTHRIDGE
JOHNNIE DURANTE, DR. KROP
ERECK FLOWERS, NORLAND
NATHANIEL FLOWERS, MIAMI JACKSON
ERNEST FREEMAN, CAROL CITY
HANSLEY FLEUREJUS, HIALEAH
ANDY GARCIA, HIALEAH
JEREMY GLINTON, NORTHEAST
GARRETT GOINS, WESTERN
DANIEL GRAY, BOYD ANDERSON
KOLBY GRAY, FORT LAUDERDALE
JOHN GREEN, VARELA
TRENTON GREENE, MONSIGNOR PACE
RICKY GUTIERREZ, AMERICAN
ERICK HALLMON, CARDINAL GIBBONS
DELROY HAMILTON
JELANI HAMILTON, ST. THOMAS
TERRY HARDEN, JR., HOLLYWOOD HILLS
RASHEED HARRELL, NORTHWESTERN
ANTONIO HARRIS, SOUTH BROWARD
FRANKIE HERNANDEZ, BELEN JESUIT
CHRISTIAN HILL, SOUTH DADE
E.J. HILLIARD, NORTHWESTERN
JORDAN HINOJOSA, CENTRAL
LARRY HOPE, AMERICAN
ALFONSO HORNER, BELEN JESUIT
TRACEY HOWARD, MIRAMAR
CAMREN HUDGE, MIRAMAR
SANYO JEAN, SOUTH DADE
JEFFREY JEANTY, ARCHBISHOP CURLEY
AVERY JOHNSON, BLANCHE ELY
DUKE JOHNSON, NORLAND
SHERROD JOHNSON, HALLANDALE
KEVIS JONES, NORTHEAST
NEP JOSEPH, BRADDOCK
MACGARRETT KINGS, UNIVERSITY SCHOOL
ERIC KINSEY, CHAMINADE-MADONNA
GABRIEL LABRADOR, BRADDOCK
EVAN LASSITER, CORAL SPRINGS
A.J. LEGGETT, HOMESTEAD
MAX LESCANO, ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
RICARDO LOUIS, MIAMI BEACH
DERRICK MACKEY, BOOKER T. WASHINGTON
DEON MANN, CENTRAL
DEVONTE MATHIS, MIRAMAR
DONALDVEN MANNING, MIAMI CENTRAL
JOSEPH MCCLARY, ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
JEREMIAH MCKINNON, SOUTHRIDGE
FABIAN MOREAU, WESTERN
MARSHALL MORGAN, ARCHBISHOP MCCARTHY
DINERO MOSS, PIPER
BRUCE NATSON, BOYD ANDERSON
CORRY OMEALLY, NORTH MIAMI BEACH
NEQUAN PHILLIPS, SOUTHRIDGE
MARQUISE PITON, WEST BROWARD
BRANDON RADCLIFF, CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS
CODY RAY, NORTH MIAMI BEACH
DAVID REED, MIAMI BEACH
JAMES RICHARDSON, MONSIGNOR PACE
GAVIN RICKETTS, WESTERN
PAUL ROYAL, CAROL CITY
JARED SANDERS, HALLANDALE
JAVAN SHASHATY, CALVARY CHRISTIAN
GAVIN SINCLAIR, ST. THOMAS
MOLIK SLADE, PLANTATION
CAMERON SMITH, TARAVELLA
JEREMY SMITH, FLANAGAN
AUSTIN STOCK, CENTRAL
HOY THOMPSON, SOUTH PLANTATION
GHEIRRY VAN DER KUYP, HIALEAH
TYLER VICKERS, SOUTHRIDGE
KEVIN VIERA, BELEN JESUIT
DERRICK WALKER, MCARTHUR
SEAN WALTERS, HALLANDALE
TRASHAUN WARD, CORAL REEF
HERBERT WATERS, HOMESTEAD
DYLAN WELLY, TARAVELLA
ELDRIDGE WILCOX, PALMETTO
JOSH WITT, CYPRESS BAY
DION WITTY, CORAL SPRINGS
JAVON WOOTEN, BOOKER T. WASHINGTON

2013
STACEY COLEY, NORTHEAST

2010 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP BLOGS
1B Finals
1A Finals
2B Finals
2A Finals
3A Finals
4A Finals
5A Finals
6A Finals

YOUTH FOOTBALL COVERAGE
Generation Nexxt
South Florida Youth Football League
American Youth Football League
Miami Extreme Youth Football League
Greater Miami Pop Warner Youth Football League

HERALD SPOTLIGHT: Johnathan Aiken

Having the opportunity to watch many of the athletes in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties when they begin playing football at the youth football level, the Miami Herald will shine the spotlight on many athletes during the spring and summer.

With the chance to see the athletes away from the football field as well, we can bring you up close and personal with some of the top prospects in the nation - right here in our own backyard.

PLAYER: Johnathan Aiken
YEAR: 2011
SCHOOL: Chaminade-Madonna
CITY: Hollywood
POSITION: DB
HEIGHT: 5-10
WEIGHT: 170
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH: Tim Tyrell

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: During the stretch run last year, when the Lions made a push for a spot in the 2B state championship game, this was one of the players on the defensive side of the ball who grabbed the attention of everyone.

A quick, athletic defensive back who has pushed himself into the spotlight in the off season as has been a huge cog on a 7-on-7 team that did extremely well at a Tampa event.

In the spring, some of the top colleges in the nation have been equally as impressed with the way this tremendous talent can play either cornerback or safety. His options are definitely open as he looks to lead the Lions back into contention.

HERALD STATEWIDE INFORMATION
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HERALD SPOTLIGHT: Jabari Gorman

Having the opportunity to watch many of the athletes in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties when they begin playing football at the youth football level, the Miami Herald will shine the spotlight on many athletes during the spring and summer.

With the chance to see the athletes away from the football field as well, we can bring you up close and personal with some of the top prospects in the nation - right here in our own backyard.

PLAYER: Jabari Gorman
YEAR: 2011
SCHOOL: Monsignor Pace
CITY: Miami Gardens
POSITION: DB
HEIGHT: 5-11
WEIGHT: 180
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH: Alvin Slaughter

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: After a solid sophomore season, this impressive athlete was one of the top football players on a very good team last year.

His speed and athletic ability gave him an edge on both sides of the ball as well as being a kick and punt returner who has been able to turn heads.

From the first time they saw him in a spring game against Miami Booker T. Washington last year to this off season when schools have been impressed at all the things he does, this is easily one of the region's top prospects who will compete at the BCS level.

Has enjoyed a productive off season, competing against some of the best in the state.

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HERALD SPOTLIGHT: Ryan Shazier

Having the opportunity to watch many of the athletes in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties when they begin playing football at the youth football level, the Miami Herald will shine the spotlight on many athletes during the spring and summer.

With the chance to see the athletes away from the football field as well, we can bring you up close and personal with some of the top prospects in the nation - right here in our own backyard.

PLAYER: Ryan Shazier
YEAR: 2011
SCHOOL: Plantation
CITY: Plantation
POSITION: DE/OLB
HEIGHT: 6-2.5
WEIGHT: 210
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH: Steve Davis

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: After a solid sophomore season and then a strong spring and summer, this was a player everyone was anxious to watch last season, and by the end of the year, his was one of the best in the state.

Shazier finished his junior season with 87 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 19 sacks, two fumbles caused, two fumbles recovered (one for a touchdown) and one blocked kick, which began to open the eyes of college coaches across the country.

Was one of the toughest players to block last year, and while some colleges believe he would fit their defense as a linebacker, a number of schools see him as a serious pass rusher with quickness and strength that could translate to the next level.

Has been impressive at combines and other football related events in the off season, which signal a very productive spring and summer ahead.

HERALD STATEWIDE INFORMATION
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HERALD SPOTLIGHT: Teddy Bridgewater

Having the opportunity to watch many of the athletes in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties when they begin playing football at the youth football level, the Miami Herald will shine the spotlight on many athletes during the spring and summer.

With the chance to see the athletes away from the football field as well, we can bring you up close and personal with some of the top prospects in the nation - right here in our own backyard.

PLAYER: Teddy Bridgewater
YEAR: 2011
SCHOOL: Northwestern
CITY: Miami
POSITION: QB
HEIGHT: 6-3
WEIGHT: 185
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH: Billy Rolle

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: For the past three years, this has been the face of wide open offensive football in Miami-Dade County, and his numbers have been explosive to say the least.

One of the most athletic football players to compete in this area in a long time, there is no getting around the fact that this versatile performer can play quarterback and receiver at the next level and never skip a beat. Colleges have already projected his bright future.

After a tremendous youth baseball and football career, Bridgewater has been the center of attention since getting to high school. Last summer he led his 7-on-7 team to the national championship at the Nike event in Oregon.

This is a special season for Bridgewater and the Bulls as they battle rival Central for not only the district crown, but the opportunity to once again give Miami-Dade a team in the 6A state finals.

HERALD STATEWIDE INFORMATION
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HERALD SPOTLIGHT: Steven Montgomery

Having the opportunity to watch many of the athletes in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties when they begin playing football at the youth football level, the Miami Herald will shine the spotlight on many athletes during the spring and summer.

With the chance to see the athletes away from the football field as well, we can bring you up close and personal with some of the top prospects in the nation - right here in our own backyard.

PLAYER: Steven Montgomery
YEAR: 2011
SCHOOL: Miramar
CITY: Miramar
POSITION: S
HEIGHT: 5-11
WEIGHT: 185
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH: Damon Cogdell

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: For the past two years, this impressive athlete was working hard to try and turn heads at McArthur. Now, as he heads toward his senior season, one of the top safety prospects in the state moves over to Miramar.

After watching him during the pre season in 2009 as he went to places such as Orlando, Tampa and other places with his teammates, competing in 7-on-7 events, it was evident that this was a football player that really needed to be pushed out there for colleges to see.

Every college we had the pleasure of putting him on to was bowled over by his quickness, knack of being around the ball and coming up with the big hits from his safety position.

When you watch him play in a game it's easy to see why colleges have viewed him as a safety or even as a cornerback because of his ability to cover and make plays.

Yet another top prospect who will get plenty of looks throughout the course of a summer and his senior season with the defending 6A state champions.

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HERALD SPOTLIGHT: Ryan Janvion

Having the opportunity to watch many of the athletes in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties when they begin playing football at the youth football level, the Miami Herald will shine the spotlight on many athletes during the spring and summer.

With the chance to see the athletes away from the football field as well, we can bring you up close and personal with some of the top prospects in the nation - right here in our own backyard.

PLAYER: Ryan Janvion
YEAR: 2012
SCHOOL: Dade Christian
CITY: Miami
POSITION: RB/LB
HEIGHT: 5-11
WEIGHT: 180
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH: Mike Sonneborn

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: When you talk about small school football across the country, it's hard to imagine how some of those programs can compete with larger schools, but when it comes to Florida, especially this region of the state, classification often means nothing.

On a regular basis, players from 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B schools end up at major colleges.

Here is an athlete who certainly is in the mold of being able to compete against any player at any level as proven during the his sophomore season, where we had the chance to watch him play, as well as his appearances at camps and combines.

While combines never qualify a player to be considered a football prospect, his MVP at the Shuman's Underclassman Combine, which was held at Cooper City High School in February, produced a 38.5 vertical, 3.97 shuttle and a 10.7 broad jump.  You can verify it if you google his name. 

On the football field, he was responsible for coming up with 10.9 tackles per game for the Crusaders this past season.

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