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.

Comments

[Jessie Houston]

What information do you have on CB Javon Hadley of Miami Palmetto High School and where does he rank? Thank you.

[chris ruffin]

what about the senior LB 2 year starter out of miami southridge #11 Alex philon? at 6,0 215 you guys have really got to see this kid!

[thomas crowford]

What about 2013 linebacker alex philon out of miami southridge?

[Joe Buga Ray]

Be on the watch for RB #6 Kendtron Daye, C #55 Chris Winkler and DT #99 Cornell Gilmore

[Joe Buga Ray]

Palmetto Senior High^^^^^^^

[jessie crefield]

Keep them eyes open for LB #11 ALEX PHILON of miami southridge

[TEVIN]

MY LIL BRAH JAVON HADLEY AT?????

[joe]

Be on the lookout for Joshua Johnson mlb for Miami beach hi tides

[Gee]

D'Von Ballard??????

[Chris Hampton]

Lemmerick Hooker athlete from lasalle is a great athlete definitely a diamond in the ruff

[ERIC]

WOW CAN'T BELEAVE THAT THE DB FROM FROM HOMESTEAD SR HIGH SCHOOL IS NOT ON THIS LIST.... ( DEANDRE WHITE )ONE OF THE BEST I SEEN THIS YEAR #6 REALLY GREAT ATHLETE...

[Real Sports Talk]

I'm not sold on anyone from Southridge but J. Carter...However Jesus Wilson and Bo Ellis are true studs and Wilson is my favorite of this entire list. Reference his performance vs Southridge as he went up over Robbins (note the size difference) and TOOK the ball from him to score a touchdown.

[VARI]

WHAT ABOUT TE DANIEL DE PAZ FROM GOLEMAN HIGH SCHOOL

[Rick]

What about Keonte cash from belen Jesuit, that kid plays with fire and tenacity

[True Viking c/o 87]

Have you taken a GOOD look at Akeem Barton? DE from Miami Norland

[I E T]

i cannot believe that Darius Tice of Northwestern High is not mentioned in the top 25. This kid is lesding the county in yardage and touchdowns, yet he is not reconized.Come on!!!!

[Jordan]

You need to see The PUERTO RICAN BOY ! Is point gard is really good ! Is very fast and the drible is incredible ! Is New, the school is Mater Academy Charter! Is basketball player! Watch this kid

[Miami sports review]

Someone to watch for FREDDIE PINDER Jr. 6'4" Freshman Wr. A player that will have an impact on the future of southridge football.