High School Sports Blog

Field is set for Dolphins' 7-on-7 event

The 4th Annual Miami Dolphins Academy 7 on 7 High School and Youth Football Tournament Presented by Under Armour, AT&T and the National Guard.

Friday, June 17 - HS
10 a.m.-12 p.m. - Half-day seminar held on the public campus of Nova High Schools 3600 College Avenue, Davie FL 33314
2 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Half day of 7 on 7 games at Central Park in Plantation (9151 NW 2nd Street, Plantation, FL 33324)

Saturday, June 18 – HS and Youth
8 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Full day of 7 on 7 games at Central Park in Plantation for HS and Youth Football players (9151 NW 2nd Street, Plantation, FL 33324)
11:00a.m. – Half day of 7 on 7 games at Central Park in Plantation (9151 NW 2nd Street, Plantation, FL 33324)

Sunday June 19th
Rain Day is need only
                                   
                               
The purpose of the NFL’s High School Player Development (HSPD) program is to help high school players learn what it takes to become a successful collegiate student-athlete on and off the football field.

The two day event begins on Friday, June 17 with a symposium focusing on character development and specific skill training.  The character development portion includes guest speakers, including NFL players and coaches and members of the Florida National Guard. The high school players will be taught practical life lessons and preparation for standardized tests, along with discussions on life after high school, personal development and community service. 

On-field components of the HSPD program include fundamental skill development by position, reviews, and individual competitions. As part of on-field training, players focus on both an offensive and a defensive position and eventually apply their newly-learned fundamentals to live drills. Participants have access to innovative teaching and drills developed by leading NCAA and NFL coaches. 

The tournament begins on Saturday, June 18 with Round Robin play and then single elimination. The winning team will represent South Florida and the Miami Dolphins in the 2011 HSPD National Championships in Cleveland Ohio, July 7th – 10th.

Over 64 high school teams from Tri-county area will be represented at the event, including:  Plantation American Heritage, Hialeah American, Miami Archbishop Curley, Hialeah Barbara Goleman, Boca Raton, Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson, W. Palm Beach Cardinal Newman, Miami Carol City A, Miami Carol City B, Miami Christopher Columbus, Coral Springs Charter, Coral Springs, Parkland Douglas, Miami Dr. Krop, Estero, Pembroke Pines Flanagan, Fort Pierce Central, Miami Braddock, Belle Glade Glades Central, Hollywood Hills, Immokalee, Coral Springs Taravella, Jupiter Christian, Jupiter, Greenacres John I. Leonard, Hollywood McArthur, Miami Jackson, Miami Palmetto, Miami Springs, Miramar II, Coconut Creek North Broward Prep, North Miami, Pahokee, Palm Beach Lakes, Sunrise Piper, Pompano, Hollywood South Broward, Miami Southridge, Fort Lauderdale Stranahan, Davie University School, Delray Beach Village Academy, Davie Western, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy and Miami Westminster Christian.

The youth football tournament will begin on Saturday, June 18 at 11:00a.m. with Round Robin play and then single elimination starting at 2:00 p.m. that will crown three champions.

HERALD SPOTLIGHT: Hansley Fleurejus

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 continue to shine the spotlight on many athletes during the pre-spring, 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.

Don't forget that the exposure continues on FACEBOOK (Herald Recruiting) and via Twitter @ larryblustein.

PLAYER: Hansley Fleurejus

YEAR: 2012

SCHOOL: Hialeah

CITY: Hialeah

POSITION: RB

HEIGHT: 5-6

WEIGHT: 180
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH: Marc Berman

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: If you've followed high school football the past three years, you've heard of this quick, energetic play maker who began his career at Braddock and is now slated to make a mark in the T-Breds backfield.

After spelling Vanderbilt-bound Jerron Seymour last season, this is the year that he finally gets the opportunity to use that explosive running styles that has had him turning heads at nearly every off season event his team has been to.

Being part of that 7-on-7 experience has made him more attractive in the eyes of college coaches who want athletes to be versatile and come to the next level, playing several positions.

Whether it's from the line of scrimmage or out of the backfield, this is certainly a player can help you win games. A very versatile performer who has the speed to help on special teams. Many have hinted he could be a quality defensive back at the next level as well.

HERALD STATEWIDE INFORMATION
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Daniel Thomas visits area 7-on-7 event

Like most players selected in April’s NFL Player Draft, Daniel Thomas has tried to find ways to stay busy and in shape during the lockout.

While there are many things to see and do in South Florida while waiting for the lockout to end, attending a high school 7-on-7, is usually not on many lists of things to accomplish.

On Saturday, as 12 area high school teams competed in the Red Bull 7-on-7 event at Flamingo Park on Miami Beach, Thomas, the Dolphins’ second selection out of Kansas State, came out with a close friend to check out some of the action.

“Great players out here, I bet” said Thomas, who has now moved his training from Boca Raton to Miami. “A lot of good young athletes trying to be noticed.”

As the 6-1, 230-pounder made his way around to watch teams such as Christopher Columbus, Miramar, Coral Glades, Miami High, South Miami, Southridge, South Broward, Hialeah, Taravella, Northeast, Miami High and host Miami Beach, he reflected about his own brilliant high school career in Hilliard.

Located just outside of Jacksonville, the small town of Hilliard has long been home to some amazing talent. Thomas is easily one of the best players the Flashes have ever produced, but his respect for the athletes of the past and future, is evident.

“This community with one stop light, a Wendy’s and a new Winn Dixie is proud and rich with tradition,” Thomas said. “There have been some great athletes in the past, and I hear they even a kid now (Marcus Allen), who is being looked at by everyone.”

Before we posed for a photo that our own Melissa Arteaga Marti was nice enough to snap while she was watching here husband, Pete, and the Columbus Explorers, I asked Thomas about the lockout and what it’s doing to the game!

“I know everyone just wants to get out and do their jobs,” he said. “I cannot tell you how excited I am to have the opportunity to play in my home state with a great organization like Miami.”

MIRAMAR COMES UP SHORT
Red Bull did a tremendous job putting the double-elimination tournament together as Hialeah, Miami Beach, Miramar and Columbus all came down to the final four.

Columbus had soundly beaten Miramar with nationally rated defensive back Tracy Howard and receiver Malcolm Lewis, as rising junior running back Lorenzo Woodley and receiver/defensive back Jesus Wilson doing a lot of the damage.

Miramar would return the favor by beating the Explorers soundly, setting up the finals that would end in overtime and Columbus on top of a long day of football on Miami Beach.

The day was loaded with talented players - present and future. Among those players were Southridge junior safety Jamal Carter. Out of action since last October with an injury, Carter was playing his first actual football in nearly nine months.

“Felt great,” he said. “I went out there and did what I could do. It was like I never left. It felt great.”

Carter will be one of the top Class of 2013 players nationally, and because many haven‘t had the chance to watch him, they will be missing out on national recruit, who is easily one of the best in his class - anywhere in the country.

Miami Beach seniors Ricardo Louis (receiver) and David Reed (safety) guided the team to a final four appearance, which was impressive for a Wing-T offensive team. Louis caught everything thrown at him.

Northeast’s Class of 2013 standout receiver Stacey Coley was simply brilliant, catching 8 touchdowns on the day and showing that he is indeed for real.

Marc Berman and his Hialeah T-Breds finished third with athlete Ghierry van der Kuyp, running back Hansley Fleurejus, receiver/defensive back Robert Moore and defensive back Sony Sanon showcasing their skills.

Schools such as Taravella (Cameron Smith, Dylan Welly and Kingston Saintil) and South Broward (Antonio Harris) also brought out some talent.

HERALD SPOTLIGHT: Steven Braddy

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 continue to shine the spotlight on many athletes during the pre-spring, 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.

Don't forget that the exposure continues on FACEBOOK (Herald Recruiting) and via Twitter @ larryblustein.

PLAYER: Steven Braddy

YEAR: 2012

SCHOOL: Ferguson

CITY: Miami

POSITION: RB

HEIGHT: 5-11

WEIGHT: 195

HEAD FOOTBALL COACH: Gene Chew

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: This is a big, powerful back who definitely wears the defenses down during the course of a game. He is strong, aggressive and will punish you whether he has the ball in his hands or not.

Prepared to touch the ball at least 20-25 times per game (via the run or out of the backfield on passing downs), this is a quality runner who is not that breakaway threat, but a workhorse who plugs into the game for all four quarters.

Has probably carried the ball as much as any rising senior in South Florida, having shattered the 1,000 yard plateau the past two years, showcasing his durability as a complete back.

If put in the correct offense, this is truly a back who can make a difference. His versatility added to his passion for the game are hard to ignore!

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HERALD SPOTLIGHT: Camren Hudge

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 continue to shine the spotlight on many athletes during the pre-spring, 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.

Don't forget that the exposure continues on FACEBOOK (Herald Recruiting) and via Twitter @ larryblustein.

PLAYER: Camren Hudge

YEAR: 2012

SCHOOL: Miramar

CITY: Miramar

POSITION: QB

HEIGHT: 5-9

WEIGHT: 175
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH: Damon Cogdell

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: First of all, when it comes to work ethic, you may not find anyone who has spent more time improving and working to get better than this young man.

A very accurate passer who has good speed and enough experience reading defenses where he makes things happen. Has also learned what he needs to do to make his offense more balanced.

Having watched him for the past few years, he makes good decisions, using the talent that is around him. He also understands that with quality receivers and one of the best offensive lines in the state, he rarely has to rush anything.

Before you start trying to compare him to some of the quarterbacks the Patriots have had in the past, keep in mind that his style is one that could certainly push this team toward Orlando again in December, but there is a long way to go before that happens.

HERALD STATEWIDE INFORMATION
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Red Bull Game Breakers 7-on-7, Saturday

Red Bull Game Breakers will return this summer for another year of intensely competitive 7-on-7 high school football, featuring some of the very best young talent in the country and Super Bowl Champion Reggie Bush providing inspiration from the sidelines. More than 5,000 players from 256 of the most prestigious high school football programs in the nation will participate, including eight of the top 40 ranked teams in the country according to the final 2010 ESPN Rise rankings. The tournament began in late May with qualifier rounds held in 16 cities, including Dallas, Houston, Austin, Denver, New Orleans, Miami, Stillwater, Pittsburgh and Minneapolis. The winners from each qualifier will advance to the Red Bull Game Breakers Finals on July 15-16 at Gerald J. Ford Stadium at Southern Methodist University in the heart of Dallas.

MIAMI BEACH THIS WEEKEND
On Saturday, the Red Bull game Breakers will head to Flamingo Park (1245 Michigan Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139-3807) on Miami Beach for the Miami qualifier. Starting at 11 a.m., the field of local teams includes some quality local teams who will have the chance to showcase their talents.

There will be plenty of talent on display this Saturday, including several of the Miami Herald's top-rated players for the Classes of 2012, 2013, 2014 and even 2015. Among the schools entered are Miami Senior, Miami Southridge, Miami Christopher Columbus, South Miami, Hialeah American, Hialeah, Miramar, Hollywood South Broward, Coral Springs Coral Glades, Coconut Creek North Broward Prep and rising power Oakland Park Northeast.

Red Bull Game Breakers isn’t your average 7-on-7 tournament. The format is designed to reward points for both offensive and defensive plays. Using half the length of a traditional football field, teams can score points for each game-breaking moment, including first downs, touchdowns, PATs, interceptions, defensive stops, and Red Bull Red Zone stops. For the low down on all the tournament rules, visit www.redbullusa.com/gamebreakers.

Last year, St. Augustine High School, “St. Aug,” powered past 15 teams at their regional qualifier in New Orleans to advance to the Finals in Dallas. With strength and determination in the face of stiff competition from Texas and Oklahoma teams, the Purple Knights prevailed and were crowned the first ever Red Bull Game Breakers Champions.

This year, St. Aug. will return to defend their title. But the competition, this time from all over the U.S., is even tougher. The rules have been tweaked to encourage more action. Teams that would never have the chance to play will face off and new rivalries are sure to emerge - Jenks vs. Lake Travis or Highland Park vs. Marquette, perhaps? We will once again, in bigger and better fashion, separate the players from the game breakers.

Red Bull Game Breakers Qualifiers
June 14 - Fort Worth Qualifier - OD Wyatt High School
June 17 - Dallas Qualifier - Cedar Hill High School
June 11 – Miami Qualifier
June 18 – Birmingham Qualifier – University of Alabama-Birmingham
June 21 - Houston Qualifier - Alief Taylor High School
June 25 - Denver Qualifier - Chaparral High School
June 26 – Tampa Qualifier
June 28 - Austin Qualifier – Round Rock High School
June 28 – Minneapolis Qualifier
June 30 - San Antonio Qualifier - South San High School
July 1 – Milwaukee Qualifier – Hart Park, Wauwatosa
Red Bull Game Breakers Finals
July 15-16: Dallas, Gerald J. Ford Stadium – Southern Methodist University


Follow us on Twitter at @RedBull and join the conversation with #gamebreakers.
Like us on facebook at facebook.com/redbull.

For frequent tournament updates, news stories, photos, video clips, the official rules and the full roster of participating teams and players, visit www.redbullusa.com/gamebreakers.

HERALD SPOTLIGHT: Imarjaye Albury

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 continue to shine the spotlight on many athletes during the pre-spring, 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.

Don't forget that the exposure continues on FACEBOOK (Herald Recruiting) and via Twitter @ larryblustein.

PLAYER: Imarjaye Albury

YEAR: 2012

SCHOOL: Northwestern

CITY: Miami

POSITION: DT

HEIGHT: 6-0

WEIGHT: 280

HEAD FOOTBALL COACH: Billy Rolle

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Was one of the first players in the class to make his college intentions known, choosing West Virginia before much of the country had ever really watched him play.

An aggressive play maker who clogs up the middle with his ability to play the run as well as put pressure on the interior offensive line to get to the offensive backfield.

Will be a key player up front as the Bulls look to shore up that front 7, giving the young and talented secondary a chance to make plays and dictate the outcome of games.

While he turned heads last year with his quickness, strength and ability to get things done for the Bulls, college coaches we spoke to were waiting to see what he did in 2011 before making that decision. Besides WVU, he has had a number of schools looking in his direction.

HERALD STATEWIDE INFORMATION
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Hope, Jones and Holliday on radio

With the Miami Heat in a battle for the NBA title, the Maroone High School Gridiron Report gets the summer off on a positive note this Thursday night between 9-10 on WQAM (560 AM).

Joining Larry Blustein on the show this week are Hialeah American defensive back Larry Hope, Hallandale High head coach Dameon Jones and Marshall University head coach Doc Holliday.

HEADED TO THE "U"
He had been an instrumental part of the American High defensive backfield for the past two years, but until he turned heads with his aggressive off season play, Hope was being overlooked by several schools.

That all changed for the 6-0, 160-pounder as the University of Miami loved what they saw from this talented rising senior and offered him to attend school and play football for the Hurricanes.

Following in the footsteps of his father, a one time standout at North Miami High, Hope heads into the summer as one of the prospects that will continue to receive plenty of attention.

STILL GETTING THE JOB DONE
When he returned to coach his alma mater four years ago, Jones was not going to watch his Hallandale Chargers play under .500 and hope for a chance to win games.

What Jones has done since coming home is establish this program as one of the best in South Florida, and with the top defensive secondary in the state of Florida, this is a program to keep an eye on - all year.

Jones and his team dominated in the spring and expect to be one of the teams that everyone will be watching throughout the summer.

THE DOC IS IN
Whether it was a recruiter and as an assistant coach - or now as the head man at Marshall, Holliday has set standards.

Holliday, a Hurricane W.Va. native, is widely regarded as one of the top recruiters in the nation and he brings with him 31 years of collegiate coaching experience to Marshall that includes stops at Florida, N.C. State and West Virginia.

During his coaching career, Holliday has coached in 20 bowl games, three national championship games and coached 11 players that have gone on to the National Football League. He has also coached four All-Americans and 16 student-athletes that have earned all-conference or All-East honors.

Holliday came to Marshall after serving as associate head coach at West Virginia for two seasons where he also served as the director of recruiting while coaching tight ends and fullbacks for the Mountaineers. Rivals.com has named him one of the Top 25 recruiters in the nation and he helped WVU amass a 2009 recruiting class that was nationally ranked No. 22 by Scout.com and No. 27 by Rivals.com.

His ability to bring in players from the Sunshine State is also a reflection of a staff that also knows how valuable the talent is here in Florida.

You can listen to the show live on www.wqam.com - or if you miss this impressive list of guests and want to watch Game 5 of the NBA championships, you can catch everything archived like many of our fans do at www.sfhighschoolsports.com.

HERALD SPOTLIGHT: James Richardson

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 continue to shine the spotlight on many athletes during the pre-spring, 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.

Don't forget that the exposure continues on FACEBOOK (Herald Recruiting) and via Twitter @ larryblustein.

PLAYER: James Richardson

YEAR: 2012

SCHOOL: Monsignor Pace

CITY: Miami Gardens

POSITION: RB

HEIGHT: 5-6

WEIGHT: 160
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH: Alvin Slaughter

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Having been part of the brilliant Carol City career of "Baby James" Richardson two decades ago, it's been a pleasure seeing his son do many of the same head-scratching things his dad did for the Chiefs.

Find a hole, and watch out! That is what many used to see about Richardson, Sr. Now, nearly 20 years later, here is his son, not blessed with ideal running back size, but this is a young man with plenty of heart, blazing speed and enough desire to play this game for a long time.

A quick runner who has vision and tremendous instincts. A quality back who adds so many dimensions to a football team - not only because of his quickness, but athletic ability and knowledge of reading defenses and knowing just where to run.

An outstanding special teams player on the field, this is certainly a football prospects who gets it done in the classroom as well, and colleges appreciate the balance he has created for himself, heading into his final season.

HERALD STATEWIDE INFORMATION
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HERALD SPOTLIGHT: Cameron Smith

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 continue to shine the spotlight on many athletes during the pre-spring, 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.

Don't forget that the exposure continues on FACEBOOK (Herald Recruiting) and via Twitter @ larryblustein.

PLAYER: Cameron Smith

YEAR: 2012

SCHOOL: Taravella

CITY: Coral Springs

POSITION: DE

HEIGHT: 6-3

WEIGHT: 210

HEAD FOOTBALL COACH: Dan Marguriet

* PHOTO COURTESY OF ELITE SCOUTING SERVICES.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Here is yet another one of those talented athletes that has flown beneath the radar screen because the area is so large and stacked with so many talented athletes, it takes many until the spring to uncover a player with this much potential.

Whether he lines up at defensive end, tight end or even an H-Back position, this is a strong, powerful player who has plenty of athletic ability and quickness and makes a difference.

When we talked to colleges, the first thing they were most impressed by was his ability to come off the end as a pass rusher. They were also bowled over by his ability to drop into coverage, which really sold many who were watching.

As he continues to become a more complete football player, there is little doubt that he will start hearing more and more from the additional colleges who showed him interest in the spring.

This a player to keep an eye on throughout the summer and into the 2011 season.

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