High School Sports Blog

VIDEO: Northeast WR Stacy Coley

I visited Northeast High practice Thursday and caught up with star wide receiver Stacy Coley, one of the top receivers in the country, during a team practice.

Here's what he had to say:

 

VIDEO: Varela RB/LB Zachary Deer

Varela running back/linebacker Zachary Deer talks with The Miami Herald about the Vipers' outlook this season in District 15-8A.

VIDEO: Sunset TE/DE Austin Krtausch

Miami Sunset DE/TE Austin Krtausch speaks about the upcoming season with The Miami Herald and how to get the Knights back in playoff contention.

 

VIDEO: Braddock LB David Perez

Braddock junior LB David Perez talks to The Miami Herald about what it will take for the Bulldogs to repeat as District 15-8A champs this season.

 

VIDEO: Southwest WR Dre Pickett-White

Southwest was a playoff team in 2011. We talked to sophomore WR Dre Pickett-White about why the Eagles are aiming for the district title this season.

 

VIDEO: Ferguson OL Lucas Valdes

District 15-8A is typically one of the most tightly-contested in Miami-Dade County. Here's an interview with Ferguson offensive lineman Lucas Valdes and why he thinks the Falcons will be back in the hunt this season.

 

Broward County's Top 25 for Class of 2014

Here's a look at Herald Recruiting Analyst Larry Blustein's Top 25 Juniors for Broward County.

1. Sony Michel, RB, 5-11, 195, American Heritage

2. Khairi Clark, DT, 6-3, 310, Chaminade Madonna

3. Quincy Wilson, S, 6-2, 190, University School

4. Al Harris, Jr., CB, 5-11, 165, St. Thomas Aquinas

5. Corey Holmes, WR, 6-1, 185, St. Thomas Aquinas

6. Brandon Powell, RB, 5-9, 185, Deerfield Beach

7. Anthony Moten, DT, 6-3, 240, St. Thomas Aquinas

8. Ravian Pierce, TE, 6-4, 215, Plantation

10. Sean White, QB, 6-2, 200, Chaminade-Madonna

11. Tyson Burch, S, 5-10, 175, Cooper City

12. Harry Dumervil, OT, 6-7, 330, Northeast

13. Wade Freebeck, QB, 6-4, 190, Western

14. Marquese Dudley-Gordon, S, 6-0, 185, Cypress Bay

15. Madre London, RB, 6-1, 195, St. Thomas Aquinas

16. Emmanuel Soto, WR, 6-1, 185, University School

17. John Battle, S, 6-2, 180, Hallandale

18. Trevon Lee, WR, 6-1, 175, Cardinal Gibbons

19. Richard Yeargin, LB, 6-2, 205, Chaminade-Madonna

20. Kendon Davis, WR, 6-4, 195, Northeast

21. Peyton Bender, QB, 6-3, 200, Cardinal Gibbons

22. Nigel Kemp, OL, 6-2, 300, Everglades

23. Randy Ramsey, S, 6-3, 195, Dillard

24. Danarious Graham, QB, 6-1, 170, Blanche Ely

25. Cameron Rigby, RB, 5-7, 175, Miramar

Miami-Dade County's Top 25 for Class of 2014

Here's a look at Miami Herald Recruiting Analyst Larry Blustein's Top 25 Juniors in Miami-Dade County.

MIAMI-DADE

1. Joe Yearby, RB, 5-9, 185, Central

2. Quinton Flowers, QB, 6-1, 190, Jackson

3. Ermon Lane, WR, 6-2, 175, Homestead

4.Jacob McCrary, WR, 6-0, 175, Coral Reef

5. Dalvin Cook, RB, 6-0, 195, Central

6. Chad Thomas, DE, 6-4, 225, Booker T. Washington

7. JoJo Robinson, RB, 5-11, 175, Northwestern

8. C.J. Worton, WR, 6-1, 185, South Dade (FSU)

9. Treon Harris, QB, 5-11, 185, Booker T. Washington

10. Trevor Darling, OT, 6-5, 300, Central

11. Nicodem Pierre, QB, 6-2, 210, Coral Reef

12. Kendrick Edwards, WR, 6-6, 190, Norland

13. Marcus Leslie, CB, 5-10, 170, Coral Reef

14. Nigel Patten, DB, 5-10, 165, Booker T. Washington

15. Trayon Gray, QB/S/WR, 6-1, 190, Carol City

16. Jamal Adjamah, RB, 5-9, 170, Southridge

17. Alin Edouard, QB, 6-2, 190, Hialeah

18. Hunter Boyett, QB, 6-1, 190, Westminster Christian

19. Cornelius Floyd, WR/DB, 6-1, 175, Gulliver Prep

20. Lashone Garnett, RB, 5-9, 180, Southridge

21. Timothy Bellinger, RB, 5-8, 175, Jackson

22. Franklin Labady, Athlete, 5-7, 170, Edison

23. Nathaniel Terry, WR/TE, 6-4, 190, South Dade

24. Sasha Kelsey, WR, 5-11, 170, Christopher Columbus

25. A’lique Terry, OL, 6-2, 285, Hialeah

Broward County's Top 25 for Class of 2013

Here's a look at Miami Herald Recruiting Analyst Larry Blustein's Top 25 list of seniors for Broward County:

1. Joey Bosa, DE, 6-5, 270, St. Thomas Aquinas: This Ohio State-bound standout has become one of the nation’s best defensive prospects with a solid junior year and a productive off season. Teams will have to know where he is on every snap.

2. Stacy Coley, WR, 6-2, 190, Northeast: After two solid years, it took an outstanding off season for this quality football player to be regarded as one of the best in the nation. Speed and the ability to find the endzone have been his calling card.

3. Alex Collins, RB, 5-11, 195, South Plantation: This University of Miami commitment has really impressed this off season – showcasing his overall game. One of the best line from scrimmage runners in the state, who can also catch the ball out of the backfield.

4. Alvonte Bell, DE, 6-5, 230, Everglades: Even though he is on his way to the University of Kentucky, many who have followed his career, believe that this could be one of the best defensive line prospects in the state.

5. Michael Deeb, LB, 6-2, 240, American Heritage: One of the most talked about and promoted linebackers in Florida has done everything expected of him after a solid junior season. This Notre Dame-bound standout is expected to have a huge season for the Patriots.

6. Rashard Robinson, DB, 6-1, 175, Blanche Ely: Is there anyone who has come out of nowhere like this and has emerged as one of the best in the state? The answer is no. This is a solid defensive back prospect who will head to LSU next season.

7. Sandley Jean Felix, OL, 6-5, 300, Boyd Anderson: Another of the big men who has been on the radar screen for the past two years, his size, quickness and athletic ability continue to open doors and attract collegiate attention.

8. Kyle Schaffenacker, OL, 6-4, 280, St. Thomas Aquinas: It’s no surprise that the No. 1 offensive line unit in the state would have a big time prospect like this. Here is a prospect who has done everything right over the past year.

9. Jermaine Grace, LB, 6-2, 195, Miramar: This three-year varsity standout is one of the best at his position because of his work ethic, ability to pick things up quickly and lead by example. Dozens of offers continue to pour in.

10. Jordan Cunningham, WR, 6-1, 180, University School: Nothing has changed since he dominated the state’s best two years ago in the then 2B title game. Now, as he heads toward his final season, this quality student/athlete is among the best nationally.

11. Skai Moore, LB, 6-2, 205, University School: Easily one of the most underrated football prospects around. His ability to make plays all over the field has schools from all over the country watching and offering.

12. Jeremy Benjamin, LB, 6-2, 215, McArthur: Another player who has watched his stock rise over the past year, following a solid junior season and productive spring and summer, which further put him out there.

13. Monty Nelson, DT, 6-2, 290, Plantation: While many have overlooked this big, strong and agile football prospect, colleges across the country haven’t missed a thing. Offers continue to pour in for this two-sport (wrestling) standout.

14. Maquedius Bain, DT, 6-4, 280, University School: Here is a prospect who began playing this sport just over a year ago – getting the attention of colleges across the country. A one-time FSU commit, this quality two-sport (basketball) athlete continues to impress.

15. Nick Internicola, OLB, 6-3, 210, University School: Whether it’s as a tight end, defensive end or outside linebacker, this Rutgers University commitment has turned heads and gotten the job done. Quality football talent.

16. Lemond Johnson, WR/S, 6-0, 190, Cooper City: There are football players who can make a difference and lift a team. This University of Auburn-bound standout has done it all for the Cowboys. Can play quarterback, receiver and safety.

17. John Franklin, QB, 6-1, 190, South Plantation: Even though many schools are looking at this gifted and quick athlete at other positions – such as defensive back and receiver – there are dozens of schools who would like to see him play quarterback at the next level.

18. Matt Dayes, RB, 5-8, 215, Cypress Bay: One of the most complete backs around, this tough, hard runner will enter his third season as a varsity performer. Headed to North Carolina State in 2013, winning a state title has to be a priority.

19. Sojourn Shelton, DB, 5-9, 165, Plantation: This one-time FSU commit has certainly proven to be one of the best in the state, being invited to several showcase events that continued to keep him in the spotlight.

20. Tyler Cogswell, QB, 6-5, 230, American Heritage: A year ago, there were very few people who knew much about this exceptional prospect. Today, as he gets ready for his senior season, this University of Arkansas commit is regarded as one of the best.

21. Adrian Baker, DB, 6-1, 165, Chaminade-Madonna: Having watched this quality secondary performer the past two seasons, this is certainly a player who can make a difference. Committed to FSU, this is an athlete who makes plays. He is only going to get better!

22. Robert Miller, S, 6-1, 195, Taravella One of the prospects who used a solid off season to attract all kinds of collegiate attention. A solid athlete who not only played well as a safety, but also helped spark the Trojans on offense as well.

23. Jordan Budwig, OL, 6-4, 315, University School: Yet another player from a school that is loaded with major college talent. Here is a quality big man who has already shown that he can compete against the best, proving it over the past three years.

24. Bryant Gross, S, 6-0, 190, American Heritage: One of the fastest football players in South Florida this season, this is yet another elite prospect with the ability to make plays all over the field. Is expected to have a huge final season.

25. Alex Montgomery, WR, 6-1, 210, Cypress Bay: This Wake Forest commit has more than proven what he can do on the football field – after two solid seasons for the Lightning. One of the more physical and athletic pass-catchers around.

Miami-Dade County's Top 25 Class of 2013

Here's a look at Miami Herald Recruiting Analyst Larry Blustein's Top 25 seniors for Miami-Dade County.

1. Matthew Thomas, OLB, 6-4, 210, Booker T. Washington: Ever since his May 2011 appearance in a spring game against Blanche Ely, this is the player everyone has been watching.

2. Jamal Carter, S, 6-1, 185, Southridge: Since his debut, as a freshman, nobody has been followed more than this gifted University of Miami verbal commitment. This should be a huge year.

3. Paul James, DE, 6-4, 235, Norland: No matter if it was at Norland, where he started his high school career, Dr. Krop, or back with the Vikings, this is a prospect that everyone has been impressed with.

4. Denver Kirkland, OL, 6-3, 290, Booker T. Washington: This is a prospect that has been playing at a high level since his ninth grade season. Has emerged into one of the elite big men in Florida.

5. Darryl Chestnut, RB, 5-9, 175, Christopher Columbus: There is no doubt that this is a player who will emerge this year, and when he gets more carries, watch the numbers add up. This is a quality back with speed and instincts.

6. Michael Johnson, DB, 5-10, 175, Booker T. Washington: For those who didn’t see enough of this impressive FSU commitment last season, this spring and summer revealed a leader who was physical and talented as well.

7. Artie Burns, DB, 6-1 180, Northwestern: One of the most talked about defensive secondary performers in the state of Florida, who originally committed to Alabama before switching to the University of Miami. Huge season ahead for this speedster.

8. Lorenzo Woodley, RB, 6-0, 205, Christopher Columbus: After putting his name out there as a sophomore, this is a back who really had the chance to showcase his power and speed last season. His role will increase once again.

9. Stacy Thomas, DE, 6-3, 235, Gulliver Prep: There are not many football players who lineup as a receiver, tight end and defensive end – and play very well at all of them. With over 30 offers, this is a prospect who will make an impression.

10. Simeon Thomas, S, 6-3, 185, Carol City: First of many athletes who emerged at the end of his junior season, and into the spring and summer. A quality talent who displayed his athleticism and play-making abilities for all to see.

11. George Williams, LB, 5-11, 220, Hialeah: Another of the prospects who has been firmly on the radar screen since his ninth grade year. A physical, athletic play maker who has been one of the reasons the T-Breds continue to improve.

12. Lamar Robbins, DB, 6-3, 190, Southridge: Yet another of the many prospects who continue to make their way into the spotlight. This is a football player who could easily play receiver and also be among the best. Just knows how to play the game.

13. Charles Williams, S, 6-2, 180, Champagnat Catholic: Whether it’s as a quarterback, receiver or safety, this is one of those gifted athletes who can make a difference. A verbal commitment to Ole Miss.

14. Da’Wan Hunte, DB, 5-9, 185, Central: Yet another prospect who has been getting it done – with little fanfare – for a long time. A physical play maker who is on his way to North Carolina State.

15. Jesus Wilson, WR, 5-9, 175, Christopher Columbus: From his days as a youth football standout at Doral, to his play with the Explorers, this FSU verbal commitment has proven to be a prospect who can make a real difference.

16. Treyvon Williams, LB, 5-11, 215, Norland: One of the underexposed players from last year’s 5A state championship team, this is a true play maker who followed up his tremendous junior season with a productive off season.

17. Marquez Hodge, LB, 6-1, 210, Central: This Syracuse verbal commit has already proven, in the spring, that he will indeed be among the top players in South Florida. His quickness, strength and ability to read plays makes him a complete player.

18. Ahmad Thomas, S, 6-0, 195, Central: This one-time backup quarterback has emerged over the past two season into a physical, play-maker who helps to lead a quality secondary. He verbally committed to Oklahoma.

19. Anthony Walker, LB, 6-1, 210, Monsignor Pace: From safety to linebacker to a being the leader of the Spartans’ defense, this Northwestern University commit has turned into one of the quality players in the class. Exceptional student in the classroom as well.

20. Wendell Dunn, LB, 6-3, 210, Palmetto: From his days as a safety – in the ninth and 10^th grades, this gifted football talent has become one of the premier players in South Florida. Several schools continue to watch his progress.

21. Isaac McDonald, OLB, 6-6, 215, Champagnat Catholic: Another of those prospects who has been on the radar for a few years, and as he looks toward his final season, this West Virginia-bound standout is looking for a huge season.

22. Leroy Clark, DB, 5-10, 180, Archbishop Carroll: Here is another of those players who has been receiving plenty of attention the past few years, and as he heads toward his final season, this two-way prospect continues to impress.

23. Xavier Hines, DB, 5-10, 180, Belen Jesuit: After a solid junior season, this is one of those elite prospects who is ready for a breakout year. A quality defensive back who also helps the Wolverines on the offensive side of the ball and on special teams.

24. Terrance Alls, WR, 6-1, 180, Dade Christian: Heads into the season as one of the elite prospects who has a chance to continue to impress with a solid senior year. Has been making major strides on both sides of the ball for the Crusaders.

25. Bo Ellis, RB, 5-9, 185, Gulliver Prep: A quality prospect who has already proven that he will be among the best backs in Florida this season. A superb back who can catch, run and block, and has the chance to elevate his status against a competitive schedule.