High School Sports Blog

HERALD SPOTLIGHT: Ritchy Desir

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: Ritchy Desir
YEAR: 2011
SCHOOL: North Miami Beach
CITY: North Miami Beach
POSITION: Athlete
HEIGHT: 6-0
WEIGHT: 180
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH: Jeff Bertani

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The first time anyone got a look at this impressive athlete was at the end of his 9th grade season when he helped the Chargers defeat Northwestern, 25-0, in a spring game.

His ability to catch, throw, run and cover has made him one of the top all around athletes in South Florida.

The Chargers have always produced athletes like this going back to Doug Wiggins, Louis Delmas and E.J. Biggers. Make no mistake, any position Desir plays at the next level, he will make a major difference because of his ability to play the sport of football and his tremendous athletic ability.

Although he plays quarterback and receiver at the high school level, many who have watched him through the years feel that he will be a quality defensive back.

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Butch Jones, Sean McVay on radio

Summer football is now in full swing and the High School Gridiron Show is right on top of all the action, following teams, players and coaches as they compete in events across the state of Florida.

This Wednesday night from 9-10, Larry Blustein and Kevin Rogers will talk about last weekend's Heath Evans 7-on-7 event in West Palm Beach as well as preview this Saturday's Miami Dolphins Third Annual 7-on-7 tournament in Central Park on Plantation.

The WQAM (560 AM) show will also welcome University of Cincinnati first year head coach Butch Jones and Miramar High senior receiver Sean McVay to the show.

Jones, who has joined the show in the past when he was at Central Michigan University, will talk about how he plans to continue recruiting South Florida with the Bearcats, who advanced to the Sugar Bowl last season.

McVay, a transfer from McArthur High, has made quite an impact with the defending 6A state champion Patriots this spring and into the summer.

In last week's Heath Evans tournament, McVay caught four touchdown passes in the final two games against Miami Belen Jesuit and Glades Central as the Patriots won the event.

HERALD SPOTLIGHT: Sean McVay

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: Sean McVay
YEAR: 2011
SCHOOL: Miramar
CITY: Miramar
POSITION: WR
HEIGHT: 5-10.5
WEIGHT: 175
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH: Damon Cogdell

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Yet another prospect that has been on our radar for over a year now after watching him during his junior season at Hollywood McArthur. This is a talented athlete that just needed a forum against top-flight competition to showcase his many skills.

Was singled out at the start of his junior season as a player to keep an eye on, and after watching him perform a number of times, there is no doubt that his quickness, route running abilities and tremendous hands will keep him in the spotlight throughout the rest of the summer and into his final season.

While offers have been coming in slower than many expected, there is a sense that now schools will see how impressive this talented athlete is after a positive showing in the Fifth Annual Heath Evans 7-on-7 event. There are many college coaches who are starting to hear about McVay from dependable sources, which will also help in the recruiting phase of his senior season.

His quickness and athletic ability certainly helps him to create mismatches against some of the elite defensive backs, which has Miramar coaches believing that he will be a huge factor in the success of the defending 6A state champions.

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HERALD SPOTLIGHT: Joe Henry

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: Joe Henry
YEAR: 2011
SCHOOL: Everglades
CITY: Miramar
POSITION: DT
HEIGHT: 6-4
WEIGHT: 235
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH: Josh Shapiro

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Another one of those players who attracted plenty of attention from college coaches across the country this spring.

After watching him a number of times, there is no doubt that as he learns more and more technique, he is going to be a solid football player. He already has the size, quickness and strength to compete at this level and beyond.

This is a program that always exposes its players to top level competition and training, and while attending camps and other events will never guarantee that an athlete will compete at a high level, it does give them a chance to showcase their many skills.

His strength and ability to play the position is something that college coaches have talked about in evaluating his overall ability on the field. He is still working hard in the classroom to get his grades in order.

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HERALD SPOTLIGHT: Curt Evans

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: Curt Evans
YEAR: 2011
SCHOOL: Chaminade-Madonna
CITY: Hollywood
POSITION: WR/RB/DB
HEIGHT: 5-11
WEIGHT: 180
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH: Tim Tyrell

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: From the first time he handled the ball at the youth football level at Northeast Hollywood, there was little doubt that this was going to be a future standout on the gridiron.

Speed, athletic ability and a knack of reading defenses has provided this quality football player an opportunity to get noticed.

After starting his career at Hollywood South Broward, his decision to attend Chaminade-Madonna has worked out as college coaches have had the chance to watch him catch balls and lead the team on offense, and now as he heads toward his final year, look for him to play defensive back and fill a void at running back.

Players such as Evans, who have been getting it done on the football field for seven years already, are starting to surface and making a major impact!

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HERALD SPOTLIGHT: Amos "A.J." Leggett

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: Amos "A.J." Leggett
YEAR: 2012
SCHOOL: Booker T. Washington
CITY: Miami
POSITION: DB
HEIGHT: 5-11
WEIGHT: 175
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH: Earl Tillman

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: After watching this program over the past few years, new stars seem to emerge all the time. After a solid sophomore season, leading Miami-Dade County in interceptions, here is one of those athletes who immediately attracted the attention of colleges.

Quickness, athletic ability and the knowledge of how to play the position has given him an edge over the rest from the day he stepped onto the football field.

While many felt he was a surprise a year ago when he came on to lead this team, the coaches had actually predicted his success as far back as his ninth grade year when many spoke about his advanced play on the field.

Is a major part of the best defensive secondary in the state of Florida, heading into the 2010 season.

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HERALD SPOTLIGHT: DeAndre Jasper

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: DeAndre Jasper
YEAR: 2012
SCHOOL: Jackson
CITY: Miami
POSITION: WR
HEIGHT: 5-9
WEIGHT: 175
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH: Nigel Dunn

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Since this quality talent was in the eighth grade, we have watched his progress, checking out his rise toward the top, and now that he is ready to enter his junior year, the country is beginning to hear about him as well.

His speed, athletic ability and knowledge of the offense and defense has put him in a position where this impressive football talent will not only be one of the best in Miami-Dade County and South Florida, but nationally as well.

From the time he was in the ninth grade, this was a talent who could more than hold his own against some of the best talent around.

He not only tests well at camps, but his on the field play is the thing that had colleges buzzing throughout the spring, writing his name down, collecting his tape and highlight football.

Two years ago, he competed for North Miami High in a summer event, which opened the doors for his career at the high school level. He can play a number of positions.

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Pre Summer – Class of 2012 Top 50

The Miami Herald continues to keep an eye on all the talent across the state of Florida. From camps, 7-on-7 events and combines to practices and a games, we have put ourselves in a position to see each and every athlete this state has to offer.

The amount of colleges who continue to use this website as a source to find players and read evaluations is growing every day.

Remember, this is the first of many lists for this upcoming junior class. There will be a number of changes made as more players are evaluated. This is simply a first list.

Leading the statewide Pre-Summer Top 50 list is Seffner Armwood running back Matt Jones (PICTURED).

1. Matt Jones, RB, 6-3, 210, Seffner Armwood
2. Avery Johnson, WR, 6-2, 180, Pompano Beach Ely
3. Ty Darlington, OL, 6-3, 260, Apopka
4. Eddie Williams, ATH., 6-4, 195, Panama City Arnold
5. DeAndre Jasper, WR, 5-10, 175, Miami Jackson
6. Nelson Agholor, ATH, 6-1, 180, Tampa Berkeley Prep
7. Dalvon Stuckey, DE, 6-2, 285, Defuniak Springs Walton
8. A.J. Leggett, DB, 5-10, 180, Miami Booker T. Washington
9. Tyriq McCord, DE, 6-3, 210, Tampa Jefferson
10. Omari Phillips, OL, 6-5, 290, Venice
11. Tracey Howard, DB, 6-0, 165, Miramar
12. Avery Young, OL, 6-5, 270, Palm Beach Gardens
13. Travis Blanks, S, 6-1, 180, Tallahassee North Florida Christian
14. Jelani Hamilton, DL, 6-5, 230, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas
15. Chris Black, WR, 6-0, 170, Jacksonville First Coast
16. Angelo Jean Louis, WR, 6-0, 180, Palm Beach Central
17. John Theus, OL, 6-6, 275, Jacksonville Bolles
18. Eric Kinsey, DE, 6-3, 215, Miami Northwestern
19. Abraham Garcia, OL, 6-5, 310, Davie University School
20. Kelvin Rainey, S, 6-1, 160, Yulee
21. Tavares Copeland, QB, 6-0, 180, Fort Pierce Westwood
22. Randy "Duke" Johnson, 5-9, 170, Miami Norland
23. Colby Watson, OL, 6-5, 320, Pensacola Pine Forest
24. Brian Poole, DB, 5-11, 178, Bradenton Southeast
25. Bennie Coney, QB, 6-2, 205, Plant City
26. Earl Moore, DT, 6-3, 260, Tampa Hillsborough
27. Alton Eliphar, DB, 6-1, 170, Palm Bay Bayside
28. Dion Bush, S, 6-0, 170, Miami Christopher Columbus
29. Dante Fowler, DE, 6-3, 225, St. Petersburg Lakewood
30. Brandon Butler, S, 5-11, 175, Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson
31. Latroy Pittman, S, 6-1, 190, Citra North Marion
32. Nathan Peterman, QB, 6-2, 205, St. John's Bartram Trail
33. Gary Holmes, ATH, 5-9, 165, Loxahatchee Seminole Ridge
34. Ricardo Louis, QB, 6-2, 185, Miami Beach
35. Jordan Diggs, S, 6-1, 185, Fort Myers Bishop Verot
36. Cody Waldrop, OL, 6-3, 310, Seffner Armwood
37. DeAngelo Dawes, DT, 6-0, 260, Bradenton Southeast
38. Darius White, LB, 6-1, 200, Bradenton Manatee
39. Ernest Freeman, RB, 5-11, 185, Miami Carol City
40. Brian Nicholson, LB, 6-1 215, Miami Killian
41. Clinton Heaven, LB, 6-1, 184, Bradenton Manatee
42. Gabe Johnson, RB, 5-9, 190, St. Johns Bartram Trail
43. Edens Sineace, OL, 6-5, 260, Palm Beach Central
44. Jamie Wilson, WR, 6-0, 180, Belle Glade Glades Central
45. Devonte Terrell, DL, 6-1, 235, Lake Gibson
46. Sean Price, TE, 6-4, 220, Citra North Marion
47. Davian Stuarts, LB, 5-11, 195, Punta Gorda Charlotte
48. Ezra Robinson, DB, 6-0, 170, Sarasota Booker
49. Erick Hallmon, LB, 6-0, 200, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons
50. Brandon Crutchfield, OL, 6-6, 320, Jacksonville Arlington Country Day

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Stakes are high at Heath Evans event

ROYAL PALM BEACH – Starting fullback Heath Evans of the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints has always dreamed big. The prestigious 7-on-7 tournament that bears his name is proof of that when it was asked to partner with the USA Today 7ON7 National Tournament.

Because of the partnership, the winner of the fifth annual Heath Evans Foundation 7-on-7 Championships earns a trip to the USA Today 7ON7 National Tournament June 26-27 in Williamsburg, Virginia.

It is the only qualifying tournament in Florida for the 10-team USA Today 7ON7.

The invitation-only Heath Evans Foundation 7-on-7, which will be held on Saturday (June 12) at The King’s Academy in West Palm Beach, features five reigning state champions and more than 50 major college prospects. At least 16 teams are expected to compete.

“Being a qualifier for the USA Today 7ON7 is a testament to the quality of our event,” said Evans, who is entering his 10th NFL season and second with the Saints. “We are proud to constantly provide a tournament for some of the best high school players in the country to showcase their talent.”

Highlighting the Heath Evans Foundation field are the five reigning state champions – Miramar (6A), Tampa Plant (5A), Dwyer (4A), American Heritage-Delray (1A) and Glades Day (1B) – who are joined by finalists Miami-Belen Jesuit (Class 3A) and Glades Central (2A).

Other top teams include defending champion Booker T. Washington of Miami, Broward County powerhouse Boyd Anderson and Daytona Mainland. Host King’s Academy, Park Vista, Olympic Heights, South Dade, Carol City, Royal Palm Beach and John I. Leonard round out the field.

The Heath Evans Foundation 7-on-7 Championships, presented by Hulett Environmental, is open to the public. Tickets are $5 person and available at the gate. There is also a KidZone, which includes bounce houses and football throwing games. The King’s Academy is located at 8401 Belvedere Road, approximately one mile east of 441.

Proceeds from this tournament will benefit the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit Heath Evans Foundation, which is dedicated to fostering hope and healing in the lives of children and families affected by sexual abuse. It is committed to breaking the cycle of abuse through healing the psychological, physical, and spiritual wounds inflicted on innocent children; to bring hope and healing to the young victims of sexual abuse.

For information on the Heath Evans Foundation 7-on-7 Championships, visit www.HeathEvans.org.

Past Champions:
2009 – Booker T. Washington
2008 – Jupiter Christian
2007 – Pahokee
2006 – Glades Central

Pace to Host South Florida Football Camp

Monsignor Pace High School will serve as the host venue as South Florida Football Camps, LLC, a non-contact skills teaching camp, hosts a three-day football camp beginning Wednesday, June 23 and concluding Friday, June 25.

Camp will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at a cost of $150 for the week and all kids ages 8-18 are eligible to participate. Registration will open at 8 a.m. on June 23. Each athlete will be issued a Camp T-shirt (must be worn daily) and water. Campers must bring lunch or money for the concession stand.

Required workout gear includes:
• Cleats and tennis shoes
• Football helmet if possible
• Linemen shoulder pads if possible
• Practice shirt and shorts. Payment by money orders, cashier's checks or credit card. No personal checks will be accepted.

For more information, contact coach Mike Eaton at 305-823-2134 or email
meaton@southfloridafootballcamps.com.