High School Sports Blog

Spring helps rising football prospects emerge

There was a time - not so long ago - when spring football was a month where players and coaches could evaluate what they need to do during the summer. There was really no pressure other than to get better.

Times have changed - and for those standout football prospects in Miami-Dade and Broward County, the month of May is now time to not only get better, but to be watched and evaluated by over 100 college coaches who have found their way to this region of the country.

In addition to the colleges getting more of an opportunity to see these prospects, the players also have more exposure than ever before.

Not only are there daily practices and scrimmages that have caught the attention of college coaches, but with a spring game and last weekend’s Second Annual Officials Clinic and Scrimmage at Tamiami Park, which attracted 40 schools, more and more athletes are being discovered.

“Having been through four decades of coaching here in south Florida, the opportunity that the players are now receiving is tremendous,” said first year Piper head coach Roger Mitchell. “The many avenues they have down here gives these talented young men more of the chance to impress.”

There were a number of schools who participated in last weekend’s scrimmage – from Miami-Dade and Broward. Taking part were Miami Springs, Fort Lauderdale, Miami Northwest Christian, Miami Palmer Trinity, Southwest Miami, Deerfield Beach, Plantation, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, North Miami Beach, Braddock, Coral Glades, Hialeah Goleman, Piper, Miami Archbishop Carroll, Monarch, Oakland Park Northeast, Miami Dr. Krop, LaSalle, Davie Nova, Miami Beach, Miami Belen Jesuit, Miami Sunset, Hialeah Miami Lakes, Coral Gables, Westland Hialeah, Flanagan, Pines Charter, Miami Coral Park, Fort Lauderdale Stranahan, North Miami, Mourning, Coral Springs, Hialeah American, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, Miami Edison, Miami Ferguson, South Plantation, Hialeah Gardens and Pompano.

Prospects used the two days to grab the attention of the coaches, recruiting services and the media. Several jumped on the radar for the first time - while others backed up the hype.

Here are a few prospects who turned heads:

Peyton Bender, QB, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2014): It was easy to see why Coach Mike Leach recruited this quality talent all the way from Washington State to play in the Pac-12. This is an accurate passer who makes great decisions and does what is needed to move the chains and get into the end zone.

Anthony Brown, DE, 6-3, 235, Miami Archbishop Carroll (2014): Talk about a well kept secret. Here is a prospects who has the chance to be very special. His size, athletic ability and knowledge of the game is becoming more and more evident as coaches are starting to see this gifted young man perform.

Steve Ishmael, WR/S, North Miami Beach (2014): What more can you say about perhaps one of the best two-way performers in the state? This is a talented, quick athlete who does the little things to get into the end zone. On defense, he will hit you and pick you clean.

Travis Liburd, RB/DB, Piper (2016): One of the players who will really make a huge impact this coming season. A very young performer who is athletic and has the speed to give the Bengals a threat from anywhere on the field. This is going to be one to keep an eye on.

Rashad Maine, DE, Miami Carol City (2014): Another prospect we watched on the offensive line last year for the Chiefs, but this spring, he has blown up as a defensive player - and in the events we have watched him at, he has shown that he will certainly be in the offensive backfield a lot in 2013.

Gerald Nesbitt, DL, Fort Lauderdale (2014): It’s safe to say that this is going to be one of those prospects who totally used this spring to elevate his status. This is a quality football talent who will get after you on defense, but also has the strength and athletic ability to play on the offensive line has well.

Lorenza Thomas, LB, Deerfield Beach (2014): The Bucks have plenty of athletes, but this is one that has to turn your head - a little bit. He can run, drop into coverage and even play tight end on the offensive side of the ball. Will end up being one of the top prospects at his position.

Victor Young, LB, Miami-Dade Christian (2014): One of the key returnees from the Crusaders’ best season ever, finishing second in the state among 2A schools, this is indeed a very impressive football player who will one of the leaders on the team. His ability to make plays is something that everyone has watched. Will be a very good player once again this season.

There are many more - and as you know - I will bring them all to you during the rest of the spring and into the summer.

We are always looking to help promote our area recruits for the current Class of 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. All you have to do is send a You Tube or Hudl link and information about the athlete to: Larry Blustein at Floridakids1@aol.com.

Follow Larry on Twitter at twitter.com/larryblustein.

Walker Football Academy to be held, June 10-14

WALKER FOOTBALL ACADEMY will be held at Archbishop McCarthy High School in Southwest Ranches and focuses on the developing the all around football player through its "Fundamental Football Skills Camp" for boys in grades 4th through 7th or ages 10 to 13 years.
 
The Walker Football Academy will be held Monday through Friday, June 10 - June 14, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Cost is $125 and includes a T-Shirt.
 
Applications for the Walker Football Academy can be downloaded at: www.walkerfootballacademy.com or by calling Coach Byron Walker (954-583-7747) or Coach Brandon Walker (954-830-6225).
 
The Walker Football Academy will be coached by Coach Byron Walker, Head Football Coach at Archbishop McCarthy High School. He is an FACA Hall of Fame Coach, a twelve time Coach of the Year and an FACA At-Large Board Member. He has coached the Florida-Georgia All-Stars, the North-South All-Stars, and coached teams which have played in Ten State Football Championship games winning Three State Titles, Six Runner-up titles and advanced to the State play-off servies Twenty-four times. Coach Walker will be joined by his son, Brandon Walker, who is the Head Football Coach at Cooper City High School. Brandon spent 3 seasons as a college coach making stops at Fordham University and the University of Delaware, where the Fight'n Blue Hens won the National Championship in 2003. Brandon has also coached six years on the high school level.

Area coaches have made a huge impact on players

One of the most overlooked part of the entire recruiting process has to be the high school coaches.

When you think about it, signing up to be a head football coach in south Florida these days really means you are ready to do everything possible to keep up with your competition. Miss a summer or off season event and you fall behind. Hold your players back from competing in year-round events, and you may lose them.

Being a head football coach in this region of the country dictates that you wear many hats and do not get the compensation that other parts of this great nation does. Somehow it never made sense that Miami-Dade and Broward turns out triple the amount that areas of Texas and Georgia do - and those coaches reap the rewards that comes along with strong fan and alumni support.

What our coaches have done for as long as I can remember is have the chance to groom and fine-tune some of the greatest high school football talent on this earth. We have some of the best coaches you will find anywhere. It shows in the way they teach and discipline. It shows in the way the successful ones make it to the next level - and beyond.

As we are now heading toward the middle of spring, this is the time when many should value the high school coaching we have down here. I, for one, have been fortunate to have watched icons such as Nick Kotys, Lambert Reed, Walt Frazier, George Smith and others work their magic. I have also watched generation after generation of top-flight athlete get that coaching to get them ready for that next step.

Look up and down at NFL rosters and you will see the handy work of a Mark Guandolo (Cypress Bay), Ice Harris (Booker T. Washington), and Roland Smith (Central - and formerly of Northwestern).

This is indeed a place where stellar coaches such as Damon Cogdell (Miramar), Rocco Casullo (St. homas Aquinas), Darryle Heidelberg (Norland), Mike Sonneborn (Dade Christian) and Roger Harriott continue that path upward.

South Florida is also home to many coaches who work around the clock to place their athletes, and this time of year, is certainly a time to sell. Veterans like Marc Berman (Hialeah), Jeff Bertani (NMB), Doug Gatewood (South Plantation), Bill Hobbs (Nova), Chis Merritt (Christopher Columbus) and Greg Magner (Curley) are always waiting to get their prospects into college.

With more college coaches pouring into Miami-Dade and Broward this time of year, this is indeed when high school coaches have the opportunity to showcase their prospects.

“I have been around this game for a long time and I can tell you that no other part of the country can offer colleges what we do,” said Berman. “Just in the two-county area alone, we have over 100 D1 level players.”

WORLD OF SPORTS HOSTS TECHNIQUE FOOTBALL CAMP, JUNE 1-2
For a student athlete, it’s all about: Training harder. Playing better. Getting noticed! World of Sports and Speed Trainer (formerly Cris Carter Speed Program) have partnered to present the 1st annual premier training football event — the Technique Football Camp. This two-day event will be held Saturday and Sunday, June1-2, 2013 from 10am-2pm (9am check-in) at Coral Springs, 10000 NW 29th Street Coral Springs, FL 33065.

The World of Sports TECHINQUE Football Camp is open to entering high school football players graduating in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 (recently graduated seniors are not eligible). Participants fee include: Evapor Performance T-Shirt and Short, Insurance, Recovery Shake.

For more details visit theworldofsportsinc.com or contact: Joshauwa Brown, Camp Director: 954.478.9117 • theworldofsportsinc@yahoo.com.

We are always looking to help promote our area recruits for the current Class of 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. All you have to do is send a You Tube or Hudl link and information about the athlete to: Larry Blustein at Floridakids1@aol.com.

Follow Larry on Twitter at twitter.com/larryblustein.

American Heritage RB Sony Michel chooses Georgia

            Sony Michel said he wanted "something different."

            Michel, Plantation American Heritage's phenom running back, decided Friday the best place to find it was at the University of Georgia.

            Michel, ranked the No. 2 running back in the nation by ESPN, committed to the Bulldogs during a televised announcement on ESPNU broadcast from a studio in Davie.

            Michel had recently said he was considering the University of Miami, as well as Florida, FSU and Notre Dame.

“Georgia was a wonderful place from first day I stepped on campus there I loved it,” Michel said. “Georgia felt like something different and I wanted to experience something different.”

            Michel (6-0, 205 pounds) ran for 1,825 and 18 touchdowns in the eighth grade and last season bounced back strong from a torn ACL that forced him to miss his sophomore year with 1,264 yards and 18 touchdowns.

            Michel helped the Patriots win a district title and advance to the regional playoffs for the second consecutive season.

Michel picked up a red Georgia cap then put it down during the broadcast, but only to replace it with a black Georgia cap, which he then put on. Michel said the Twitter account with his name that recently posted that he was planning “a shocker” on Friday was not actually his.

 “These last few years have been awesome getting the opportunity to do what every kid loves to do,” Michel said. “Georgia was the school I felt most comfortable at and really liked and they’re style of offense was all me.”

            Michel said he was also excited to compete for a place in an already talented backfield with tailbacks Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall, who are each coming off strong freshman seasons.

“Those two running backs gave me the itch to go to Georgia in the first place,” Michel said. “I feel like I can go in and compete. I want to earn my spot because I don’t want anything given to me. I just go out there and compete if I can go out there I feel like my whole mindset is to dominate.”

So. Florida teams get ready for spring football

After numerous camps and combines, 7-on-7 tournaments and conditioning drills, this coming Wednesday will usher in another chapter of south Florida football.

From Deerfield Beach to Florida City, high school teams will spend the month of May showcasing players, working to fill holes and getting ready for a summer that is always productive.

No matter what direction you look at, college coaches will flood the fields in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, hoping to discover the next Teddy Bridgewater or Geno Smith.

Spring football in the state of Florida, especially in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, has been something that college coaches plan months and months ahead for. It is where the future for many schools are realized - during three intense weeks of high level football.

"This is when the college coaches really make their mark down in this region," said Dana Wiley of Prep Films. "There was a time you would see 20-25 programs come down here and set the table for the future. Now, there are almost 100 coaches roaming our talented fields during May."

While colleges need to see what they can add for the upcoming classes, the local high school coaches and players use the time to apply what has been learned and to see what needs to be worked on during the next four months.

Having the opportunity to compete year round has helped some schools continue to stay at a high level. While high school coaches differ on what their players get involved in during the off season, this is the one month they have the entire team together.

"We have a lot of positions to fill before we open the season, so the spring is very important to us," said Cypress Bay head coach Mark Guandolo, who guided his team to the 8A state title game. "When you have to replace an entire offensive backfield, the competition will be interesting."

This is the one month when evaluating is a paramount. With many colleges already securing the Class of 2014, it's the rising juniors (2015) and sophomores (2016) who get the chance to shine as well.

As talented as this 2014 class is in south Florida, perhaps as impressive as anywhere in the country, the athletes behind them are also impressive as well. That will keep schools from all over the country very busy.

DEFENDING THEIR TURF
With a record six teams taking part in the state championships last season - which produced four winners - it's also time to take a look at what's going on with defending 3A state champion Davie University School, 4A state champion Miami Booker T. Washington, 6A Miami Central and 7A Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas - as well as 2A runner-up Miami Dade Christian and Cypress Bay.

Here is a pre-spring rundown:

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON TORNADOES
2012 RECORD: 13-1. Beat Jacksonville Bolles, 35-7, in the 4A title game.
HEAD COACH: Tim "Ice" Harris
HEADLINERS: Treon Harris, QB, Krondis Larry, RB, Nigel Patten, DB, Chad Thomas, DE and Lamar Parker, WR.
NEWCOMERS: James King, LB, Emilio Gibbs, Carlos Williams, WR and Darrius Scott, WR.
WHAT TO EXPECT: There is little doubt that this is a program that fully expects to be in the state title game at the end of the season, and with four huge transfers, the reality is they will be very tough to dethrone. This is easily one of the nation's elite programs.

CENTRAL ROCKETS
2012 RECORD: 12-2. Beat Gainesville, 37-14, in the 6A title game.
HEAD COACH: Roland Smith.
HEADLINERS:Dalvin Cook, RB/S, Joseph Yearby, RB, Trevor Darling, OL, Deatrick Nichols, DB, Raul Diaz, OL, Michael Smith, OL, Rasheed Blatch, LB, Marquis Couch, LB, Tavius Brown and Da'vante Phillips, WR.
NEWCOMERS: Terrell Bonds, DB and Calvin Brewton, DB.
WHAT TO EXPECT: This is perhaps the best offensive team in the state of Florida. With Roland Smith moving in this spring and learning his new players, things should go along smoothly. Defensively, the Rockets are underrated. They are stacked just about everywhere.

CYPRESS BAY LIGHTNING
2012 RECORD: 12-3. Lost to Apopka, 53-50, in the 8A title game.
HEAD COACH: Mark Guandolo
HEADLINERS: Marquese Dudley-Gordon, S, Deion Hallmon, DB, Justin Rae, DT, Griffin Jossfolk, LB and Gavin Anderson, DB.
NEWCOMERS: There is much expected from incoming ninth grade running back Mike Epstein, who will be ready to go in the summer.
WHAT TO EXPECT: This is still a well coached and talented program, but the lack of experience in a very tough district and region will call for a number of younger prospects to step up. The schedule is once again very tough.

DADE CHRISTIAN CRUSADERS
2012 RECORD: 12-1. Lost to Jacksonville University Christian, 28-10, in the 2A state title game.
HEAD COACH: Mike Sonneborn
HEADLINERS: Mariel Steadman, RB, Victor Young, LB, Mike Perra, LB, John Perez OL, John Saintil, DB, Alex Perrera DL and Blake Janvion, DB.
NEWCOMERS: While there are no new transfers, there are some players who figure to make an impact during the spring.
WHAT TO EXPECT: The only Miami-Dade program to finish the regular season unbeaten, this year figures to be tough for a program that lost three D1 players over the past two seasons and has to replace 13 starters. There are some youngsters who are expected to keep this current winning tradition alive.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS RAIDERS
2012 RECORD: 13-2. Won 7A state title, 41-25, over Tallahassee Lincoln.
HEAD COACH: Rocco Casullo
HEADLINERS: Anthony Moten, DT, Mardre London, RB, Corey Holmes, WR, Alshinard Harris, DB, Ryan Crozier, OL, Nicholas Linder, OL, Deltron Sands, RB (2015) and Nick Bosa DE (2016).
NEWCOMERS: The player who everyone has been talking about is rising senior quarterback Wade Freebeck, who comes in from Western.
WHAT TO EXPECT: With a very challenging schedule - especially in the first three weeks - this is a program that will be tested. But keep in mind, this is one of those teams that has talent and depth at every position, and should be in the mix nationally - again!

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL SUNS
2012 RECORD: 12-0. Beat Madison County, 24-17, in the 3A state title game.
HEAD COACH: Roger Harriott
HEADLINERS: Quincy Wilson, DB, Emmanuel Soto, WR, LaJuan Hunt, RB, Andrew Korakakakos, LB, Jordan Scarlett, RB (2015) and Andrew DiRocco, PK.
NEWCOMERS: Richard Yeargin III, OLB and Sean White, QB.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Plenty of holes to fill from last year as the talented Suns move into 4A - where Booker T. Washington will be waiting. The addition of former Chaminade-Madonna standouts Yeargin and White will continue to elevate the team many selected as the best in the area. The schedule is the toughest in the brief history of the program.

We are always looking to help promote our area recruits for the current Class of 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. All you have to do is send a You Tube or Hudl link and information about the athlete to: Larry Blustein at Floridakids1@aol.com.

Follow Larry on Twitter at twitter.com/larryblustein.

Elite Scouting Services Combine this Sunday

Two years ago, a little known receiver showed up at the Elite Scouting Services Combine and his career took off.

Not saying that there is an Amari Cooper success story every year, but over the past decade, when it comes to combines/camps, ESS has set a bar that others have tried to emulate, but have fallen way short.

With over 50 years of combine and promotion experience, ESS will host the final event before the start of spring football, and while hundreds are expected to attend, the parents, coaches and players who come out always leave satisfied.

This Saturday, Cardinal Gibbons High in Fort Lauderdale (2900 NE 47 St. 33308) will once again be a place where Class of 2014, 2015 and 2016 athletes have that opportunity to jump on the radar screen.

"There is no mystery to what we do," said Charles Fishbein, President of ESS. "We give everyone an experience. One that will help them and not put them in a negative spotlight."

What ESS can offer that other group that continues to run events in south Florida simply cannot is promotion, exposure and the fact that EVERY player who attends will get their names out for colleges at all levels to see. Elite Scouting Services has numerous clients that receive ALL the information on players who attend.

With every college from D1 to junior college and prep school receiving the results and information, the opportunity to land that important scholarship gets a bit easier for those who attend. It is a way that the ESS people can fully get names to college coaches who will have the chance to evaluate in the spring and into the summer.

"I will not put down any other camp/combine experience, but what we do comes from years and years of doing these things," said Julie Corona of ESS. "It helps us start the recruiting process for some - while we offer alternatives to others."

Corona and Fishbein have built a strong reputation, helping to place athletes in colleges such as Utah State and Hawaii - as well as several smaller schools across the country.

In addition to what Elite Scouting Services offer, parents have the chance to get involved - watching their kids and asking questions along the way - from registration to football competition. From testing to playing football, the parents are huge part of what ESS is all about.

"You go to any other event and they have you stand behind ropes and make you feel like you just do not belong," said Fishbein. "We want our parents to be involved and to know exactly what is happening. That is the reason our events have stayed at the level they are. We do not need to promise them appearances in all-star games or national events. This is about getting names out there."

From a media standpoint, no other event welcomes and boasts more ways that the athletes are exposed. Every fan website is invited along with the Miami Herald, area media, SouthFloridaHighSchoolSports.com and the Friday Night Florida Football Magazine - which is a statewide annual that appears each summer.

Quarterback guru Ken Mastrole will also be on hand with a tremendous group of passers who haves set standards at the position.

The event will begin at 9 a.m. this Sunday. Don't miss out on this event. Register at:
Cick Here

SF Express Elite wins IMG7v7 Championship

The IMG7v7 Southeast Regional Championship concluded on Sunday with an all-Miami finale when the South Florida Express Elite faced off against the Florida Fire. The SFE Elite squared off with the Fire earlier in the day, and was sent to the loser’s bracket after suffering a one-point loss, 19-18. However, that would be the last loss on the day for the SFE Elite, who eliminated Team Tampa Too, Team Tampa and the No. 1 seeded Central Florida Top recruits on their way to the championship final, where they would have to defeat the Fire twice to claim the championship.

The Florida Fire rode a 19-game winning streak into the final, but SFE Elite did not flinch, and overcame with the Fire in a defensive struggle in Game 1 by a score of 12-9. In the second game, the Florida Fire was determined to avenge their first loss in three events, but their powerful offense struggled to find the endzone for the second straight game. With only seconds remaining, SFE Elite QB Sean White (University School, Miami, Fla./Class of 2014) stood tall in the pocket and threw a bullet to WR Sam Bruce (University School, Miami, Fla./Class of 2016), nephew of former NFL great Isaac Bruce, for the game winning TD, and the championship, 19-13.

“I just saw Sam Bruce, he’s a stud, beat his man to the outside, and I just threw it and put it there and he made the great catch,” White said of the game winning pass. “[The Florida Fire] were a good team, and it was fun to go against them – they were competitive, and that’s always a fun environment to play in.”

For the SFE Elite, this marked their second consecutive title in the Southeast Regional Championship. Last year, the SFE Elite, led by QB Akeem Jones, overtook Team Tampa for the championship to earn their place in the IMG7v7 National Championships. Once again, SFE Elite will look forward to defending their Regional Championship against the nation’s elite at the National Championships this summer.

“It was just great determination, and these kids wanted it – I thought they were running out of fuel a few games ago, but they took it personally, they’re competitors,” head coach Brett Goetz said of the championship win. “We’re excited to defend our Southeast Championship from last year, and we’re excited to come back her this summer and do it again.”

The South Florida Express Elite came out on top, but they are only one of four teams to qualify for a place in the IMG7v7 National Championships. Joining them will be runners-up Florida Fire, Central Florida Top Recruits and Team Tampa. The IMG7v7 Southeast Regional is the first of six direct qualifiers into the National Championships. The next direct qualifier will take place in Los Angeles, Calif. at the IMG7v7 West Regional, May 4-5.

 

PHOTO COURTESY OF IMG

'Winky' Flowers makes 2013 7-on-7 debut

If someone told you that south Florida is home to nearly 200 football high level prospects for the upcoming season, it may be hard to believe. 

But if you look at all the players - Class of 2014 through 2016 - you have more football talent than anywhere in the country. In three counties - alone - there will be more signees next February to major schools than any other region in the nation.

Thanks to an off season that has showcased a number of local standouts at camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, offers to some of the best programs in the country are coming daily.

While many of the elite prospects have already been offered, talked about and evaluated, there are a few - who are running track or just doing their own training - that have a chance to be special.

When the South Florida Fire 7-on-7 squad played in Boynton Beach last Saturday - coach Dennis Marroquin's team needed a few players to plug in against competition that came from as far away as Cocoa. When the team arrived at the field, and many saw who the Fire would have throwing for them on this day, there were smiles from those who came to watch, evaluate and play.

Quenton "Winky" Flowers, who many had tried to get on their off season team for two years, officially made his 7-on-7 debut for the year. By the time day had finished and the Fire won the title, there wasn't a player on hand who didn't know who this 6-foot, 200-pounder was.

The 7-on-7 circuit is certainly not new to Flowers. Two years ago, playing with his Jackson squad as a sophomore, he threw for over 1,000 yards in a two-day tournament that eventually landed the Generals in the national championship game in Minnesota, representing the Miami Dolphins.

Flowers, one of those athletic and gifted quarterbacks that everyone has playing defensive back or receiver at the next level, sliced through some of the elite secondary performers - letting people know that this is a quarterback and not just some athlete playing the position.

In a sport that often requires its quarterbacks to be taller and have more polish, Flowers, much like Teddy Bridgewater (Northwestern) before him - relies on instinct and a throwing arm that launches balls 70 plus yards.

"To tell you the truth, if a college doesn't want to give me a legitimate shot at playing quarterback, then I am not their man," Flowers explained. "I have worked too hard and out too much time into playing this position."

Not that Flowers couldn't be one of the best defensive backs, running backs or receivers, but this is someone who loves this position. He was born to move those chains with his arm and feet - and that's what gives him the right to want to give the position a try at the next level.

Surrounded by young and inexperienced players a year ago, Flowers guided the Generals three rounds deep in the playoffs. Not one player did more for his team - statewide - than he did.

The fact that he hadn't been to many off season events - or had a number of recruiting fan websites watch him play, Flowers wasn't rated where many felt he should be. While the offers are coming in slow, the fact that he is now fully on everyone's radar is what will make this year very special.

"I have watched Flowers play since he was in the ninth grade," said Charles Fishbein of Elite Scouting Services. "This is another Anquan Bolden. Someone who dominated as a quarterback/safety in high school, but eventually moved to receiver at FSU. He is that same kind of impact football player." 

KEEP WATCHING THESE 2016 PLAYERS

We know that the Classes of 2014 and 2015 are loaded with impact performers. Not to fall behind in the talent race, the athletes coming up for 2016 are also going to be very special.

Among those rising sophomores who have already turned heads include quarterbacks Tyler Huntley (Hallandale) and Kato Nelson (Hollywood McArthur), .

Running backs Mehki Ervan (Miami Coral Reef), Corey Lane (Miami Northwestern), Amir Rasul (Miami Christopher Columbus) and Mark Walton (Miami Booker T. Washington) are also impressive. So are receivers Sam Bruce (University School), Kama Barnes (Hialeah Miami Lakes), Khevani Francois (Homestead South Dade), Elbre Gaiter (Miami Westminster Christian), Michael Iamunno, (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Dionte Mullins, Miami Gulliver Prep), Dredrick Snelson (Plantation American Heritage) and Darnell Solomon (Hollywood Hills).

Offensive linemen Michael Davis (Homestead South Dade), Rene Rodriguez (South Miami) and Miramar's Maurice Wilson are promising.

Defensively, linemen Nicholas Bosa (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Bryce Handy (Miami Christopher Columbus) and Northwestern's Keir Thomas are special. 

Linebackers Shakur Cooper (Coral Gables), Yean Gonzalez (Miami Ferguson), Nick John (Miami Palmetto) and James Sutton (Miami Westminster Christian) are going to be very good. As will be secondary performers Dicaprio Bootle (Miami Killian), Ivan Smith (Miami Christopher Columbus), James Wiggins (Homestead South Dade) and Cedrick Wright (Homestead).

We are always looking to help promote our area recruits for the current Class of 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. All you have to do is send a You Tube or Hudl link and information about the athlete to: Larry Blustein at Floridakids1@aol.com.

Follow Larry on Twitter at twitter.com/larryblustein.

 

Under the radar prospects emerge at camps, combines

As more and more combines and camps are held for football prospects during the winter and spring, many players, coaches and parents are finding that while many are designed to showcase the elite players, it's those under the radar athletes who are actually winning out.

As Nike, Rivals.com, Scout.com and others come into southern Florida, looking to showcase many of the elite prospects, football players such as rising seniors Carter Jacobs (Plantation American Heritage) and Harry Dumervil (Oakland Park Northeast), rising juniors Shaq Green (Miami Washington) and Jordan Cronkite (Miami Westminster Christian), and rising sophomores Tyler Huntley (Hallandale) and Kato Nelson (McArthur) have used the spotlight to make their own way.

"When many companies host a combine, they are looking at the Sony Michels (Plantation American Heritage) and Joseph Yearbys (Miami Central)," said Dana Wiley of Prep Films. "They rarely promote the kids who aren't already rated as the ones to keep an eye on."

In south Florida that recipe is often going to lead for a number of missed prospects. Athletes who have the skill level to be considered one of the best in the state, but have been overlooked or not discovered at all.

If many had taken the time to watch a prospects like Jacobs play last year, they would understand that the 6-1, 195-pound safety is one of the best Florida has to offer. The lack of attention never bothered him in the past, and even though a few started to take notice at the recent Rivals.com exposure camp at North Broward Prep, Jacobs is fine with his underdog role.

"I work extremely hard at becoming a better football player, Jacobs said. "I know which people have taken notice of what I do, and trust those people to continue pushing me. For my part, I get work hard and know that everything will fall into place."

Jacobs also has followed in the footsteps of close friend, Michael Deeb, who is headed to Notre Dame. Deeb pushed and motivates Jacobs - and that his helped bring him to that next level.

Green is also making a name for himself this off season. The one time youth football standout in Overtown, began his career at Norland before moving to BTW last year. A slot player and running back, he dazzled everyone at the Rivals.com event, but has remained active in the off season, competing at 7-on-7 events and giving himself a chance to make an impression with the Tornadoes.

His opportunity to really turn up the heat - from the football standpoint, and not just in a pair of shorts and a T-shirt, will come in the spring as well as when BTW takes its superb 7-on-7 team on the road.

Green's speed and athleticism has given him the chance to turn some heads as he races toward his junior season.

One of the major surprises for most who had not watched him play before is Dumervil, a 6-foot-7 offensive lineman who is as strong as many one in the nation, but lacks live play.

Dumervil steam-rolled all the top defensive prospects on hand and had major offensive line athletes watching his every move.

Much depends on how the coaching change will help this year - as former FSU receiver Kez McCorvey moves in at Northeast with a year to make up a lot of lost time that Dumervil has not been on the field.

In addition, an event like Rivals.com gave a number of players, who were not on the radar screen before, that opportunity to shine and finally get some recognition.

"When you have over 100 D1 type of prospects to sort through, it's never easy to see them all," Wiley pointed out. "That is why you look at players in the NFL that come from this area that were never promoted or exposed."

Some of the Class of 2014 prospects who have stepped up include Kai Absheer (OL, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Peyton Bender (QB, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons), Jarius Brown (WR, Fort Lauderdale University School), Dreshown Dean (LB, Miami Norland), Raul Diaz, OL, Miami Central), Jeremiah Dinson (DB, Miami Norland), Tevin Evans (LB, Miami Booker T. Washington), Jonathan Harris (LB, Miami Central), Nick McBeath (LB, Miami Christopher Columbus), Terry McCray (LB, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely), Devaughn Priester (DL, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons), Randy Ramsey, DB, Fort Lauderdale Dillard), Keith Reed (QB, Miami Central), Nicholas Richardson (LB, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Jon Schultz (OL, Miami Belen Jesuit), Semar Smith (RB, Coral Springs Taravella), Jestin Snow (OL, Miami Northwestern), Christopher Taylor (WR, Coconut Creek North Broward Prep) and Jaboree Williams (LB, Fort Lauderdale).

Rising juniors who have jumped on the radar screen include Deonta’ Fair (DB, Miramar), Johnnie Hankins (RB, Homestead), Jeffrey Hill (DB, Miramar), Christian Irving (LB, Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson) and Tarvarus McFadden (DB, Plantation American Heritage) to name a few.

We are always looking to help promote our area recruits for the current Class of 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. All you have to do is send a video link and information about the athlete to Floridakids1@aol.com. Follow Larry on Twitter at twitter.com/larryblustein.

Prestigious Heath Evans 7-on-7 Championship Run Ends

The prestigious, invitation-only Heath Evans Foundation 7-on-7 Championship will not be held in 2013.

Evans, a multi-purpose fullback who played 10 years in the NFL, retired after the 2010 season and became an analyst for the NFL Network.

Acknowledged as one of the premier summer 7-on-7 tournaments in the country, the event was held at Evans’ alma mater, King’s Academy in West Palm Beach. It annually provided a glimpse at more than 75 major college prospects from many of the top programs in the state.

“This was a tough decision but I am spending more and more time in Los Angeles with the NFL Network and I did not want to dilute the quality of the event,” said Evans.

While the on-the-field exploits were memorable throughout its seven-year run, Evans said he was most proud of the interaction between the high school players and the NFL players who attended.

Throughout the years, Randy Moss, Vince Wilfork, Wes Welker, Ryan Tannehill, Matt Cassel, Abe Elam, Donte Stallworth, Kevin Faulk and Ben Watson visited the tournament and spoke to the players, on and off the field.

“This was a great opportunity for some of the best high school players in the country to showcase their skills and for all of the players to become better leaders, to become men of leadership, integrity and character,” said Evans. “The event attracted more players every year and the event was a positive impact. I’m proud for this to have been a huge success.”

 PAST CHAMPIONS

• 2012 – No champion declared; event called prior to semifinals because of lightning and rain
• 2011 – Tampa Plant def. Booker T. Washington, 31-27
• 2010 – Miramar def. Glades Central, 20-19
• 2009 – Booker T. Washington def. Boyd Anderson, 33-28
• 2008 – Jupiter Christian
• 2007 – Pahokee
• 2006 – Glades Central