O'Neill is off to Wisconsin

From the moment he raced for a touchdown in the 5A state championship game on a kickoff return against Kissimmee Osceola, St. Thomas Aquinas linebacker Conor O’Neill became a household name among recruiters.

This gifted athlete had become the heart and soul of this Raider program that reached the No. 1 spot in the country. His hard work and leadership became a trademark for a football team that continues to get better every week. On Monday, after talking things over with his family and coaches, the 6-1, 190-pounder made his decision.

“It’s Wisconsin, O’Neill said. “It came down to Clemson, Auburn and Wisconsin, and in the end, the Badgers were the right fit for me.”

O’Neill, who was also a first team Miami Herald baseball selection last spring, felt that with the direction that coach Brett Bilema and the Badgers were headed, he wanted to be a part of it. Wisconsin also hinted that O’Neill could come in and compete for playing time next year.

“The education, football program and environment all sold me,” O’Neill said. “This is a huge relief for me to get this selection done so I can focus fully on the season.”
LARRY BLUSTEIN
lblustein@miamiherald.com

Katy proves to be too much for Cypress Bay

The Battle at Rhodes Stadium in Katy was billed as an even contest between defending 5A Texas state champion Katy and Cypress Bay. By the end of Saturday’s nationally-televised contest, it was a bit one-sided.

Katy, which lost its first two games of the season, looked very impressive in a 31-6 victory over the Lightning, which failed to get things going offensively and will have to quickly regroup for next Saturday’s district opener at unbeaten Miramar.

Katy running back Michael Webber (143 yards) and quarterback Parker Ray operated behind an offensive line that blew open holes against a smaller Lightning defensive front.

You have to be impressed with this Katy team. They have everything needed to make another run in a state loaded with talent. They will host Cypress Bay again next year.

The trip to the Houston area was quite impressive. The region is loaded with talent.

LARRY BLUSTEIN
lblustein@miamiherald.com

A.J. Highsmith is 100 percent a Hurricane!

As he sat in the stands watching future opponent Missouri City Elkins play against Fort Bend Marshall, University of Miami commitment A.J. Highsmith and his impressive Fort Bend Hightower team felt pretty good about their chances this season.

After speaking with the 6-1, 180-pound quarterback/safety, the son of one time University of Miami and Columbus High standout, Alonzo Highsmith, he is excited about the opportunity to become a ‘Cane next year.

Highsmith is a gifted talent who is still being looked at by other programs such as the University of Houston as a quarterback, but he said that his commitment to Miami is solid and he “has been a lifelong Hurricane fan”.

The Elkins squad is quite impressive with junior offensive lineman Jake Matthews (6-4, 290) and junior receiver Jordan Jolly (6-1, 170) expected to be among the nation’s best next season. Matthews is the son of former Houston Oiler Bruce Matthews.

Senior quarterback Dean Brantley (6-2, 175), defensive back Chauncey Williams (6-0, 170) and receiver Nick Harwell (6-0, 180) were also impressive.

Marshall defensive back Tony Hurd is a solid player and fellow junior Denzel Young is the nephew of quarterback Vince Young.

The other game I had the chance to check out on Thursday was a 4A contest between Sharpstown and Westbury. Sharpstown is where Indianapolis Colts running back Joseph Adai played. The Appolos have a tremendous junior quarterback in Sam Carter and freshman safety John Gibson.

Westbury featured University of Houston running back commit Charles Sims, who had 155 yards on his first 7 carries. Defensive tackle DeAnthony Sims is also one of the top seniors in Texas.

Saturday’s matchup between Cypress Bay and Katy is receiving plenty of attention as the contest will be the feature game locally at 3:30 EDT. Katy is 3-2, but has been playing much better after two losses to open the season.

LARRY BLUSTEIN
lblustein@miamiherald.com

Houston area has plenty of talent

After traveling to just about every corner of the country, following high school football through the years, there are many talented areas for football.

As you know, I feel that South Florida – Miami Dade County in particular – is unmatched when it comes to churning out top-flight talent, but having watched football in Texas, especially the Houston area, this is certainly a region that gets your attention. Great players, tremendous coaches and that passion.

Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Dallas….you can name the best areas and feel hey belong with Miami and Houston, but numbers do not lie. This year. Miami-Dade (44) and Houston (37) were the top two areas in the country for putting players into the NFL.

Being here for Saturday’s game between nationally-rated Katy and Florida’s Cypress Bay, I am getting the chance to watch 10 schools and some five games over the next two days. The passion for the game is much like Dallas and north Texas, where I had the pleasure of visiting last year. The talent far exceeds what many believe when thinking of this area.

The Houston area has great teams such as Hightower (A.J. Highsmith), North Shore, Westfield, Cy Ridge, Katy, Lufkin, Marshall, Lamar, Eisenhower (Craig Loston), Pearland and Westbrook who would stack up against any school in the country.

Remember last week’s Oregon State win over USC? Freshman running back Jacquizz Rodgers (5-7, 180) is a product of Lamar Consolidated, where he finished his career with 8,200 yards and 136 touchdowns. Best ever in the state!

Katy may be 3-2, but this is a program that is what Houston area football is all about. They have a flowing pipeline to the next level with Terrance Frederick (Texas A&M), Trent Hunter (Texas A&M), quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell (SMU) and Aundre Dean (UCLA) from last year’s squad.

The region is also home to such standouts as Cypress Ridge quarterback Russell Shepard, defensive tackle Jamarkus McFarland (Lufkin), defensive back Marcus Davis (Clear Creek), receiver Josh Gordon (Lamar), offensive lineman Clint Naron (Klein Oak) and defensive end Alex Okafor (Pflugerville).

I will have more over the next few days.

LARRY BLUSTEIN
lblustein@miamiherald.com

South Florida High School Football on ESPNU this weekend

What's up prep bloggers,

Just a reminder if you own DirecTV or you want to catch some high school football at a local sports bar, ESPNU has two big games invlolving South Florida teams on the menu Friday and Saturday.

Friday at 8 p.m., Pahokee takes on national championship contender Byrnes of South Carolina.

If you follow football in 'The Muck' you remember that Byrnes beat Glades Central a couple of years ago up there in a game that was televised on ESPN.

Then, Saturday at 3:30 p.m., coach Mark Guandolo takes Cypress Bay to Texas to take on Katy High. It's the Lightning's first game outside of Florida.

Over in Miami-Dade, you also have NMB taking on 22-time Louisiana state champion John Curtis in a 1 p.m. kickoff on CBS College Sports TV, which can also be found on DirectTV.

I'll likely be in Lakeland to cover Killian as they try to become the first Miami team since....well, a long time to win a game in Lakeland, when they play the Dreadnaughts at 7 Friday.

Booker T.-Northwestern game to be broadcast on CSTV

Friday's big showdown with Booker T. Washington and Northwestern will be shown on CBS College Sports TV.

It's also this week's game for the Nike "5 Days 2 Friday National Road Tour." Brady Wilkes and Nick Reasons, who work for Max Preps will be covering the build up to the game on maxpreps.com. They travel all around the country to the biggest game each weekend.

And check out our weekly predictions package on Wednesday (which we're making sure is right this time).

The Miami Herald High School football predictions are hitting the airwaves

Hey guys,

Just wanted to give you the heads-up to check out, TiVo or even tape (don't be embarrassed I still VHS record, too) the Miami Herald's High School Football Show, which is produced by Recruitflix, when it debuts this Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on CBS-4.

As part of the show, Manny Navarro and I will be on and talking about the big games for week 1 of the regular season of high school football in Dade and Broward.

The show will also feature high school football profiles and will air weekly at that time.

The Miami Herald's football preview publishes Thursday, Aug. 28

For those of you that have been anxiously awaiting, and those that haven't heard, a reminder that Thursday, Aug. 28, The Herald will release its High school football preview sections.

The 10-page sections bring you in-depth coverage of all the teams in Dade and Broward Counties and insights from our staff writers as to who will be the best teams and top players. It will be packaged with the Herald's pro and college sections.

And remember, you can check out our district-by-district breakdown series of podcasts at www.miamiherald.com/hssports.

Look for the 4 goofy guys in the football outfits. Great, now I'm going to get an angry email from Larry because I called him goofy.

Get Your Football Preview... now!

Can't wait for the high school football preview to come out on Aug. 27? Neither could we. With the help of High School writers Andre C. Fernandez, Bob Emanuel, recruiting writer Larry Blustein and freelancer J.T. Wilcox, we will take a look at every team in every district in Dade and Broward and get you ready for what should be an exciting football season in two weeks.

Each day at 3 p.m., we will release a new podcast of The Countdown where you'll get to hear us discuss all the big storylines, all the big-time players and all the big-time teams. So, go ahead, sit back, download it to your IPOD or download to it on your computer and listen to us talk about your favorite team. And when you are done, come back and let us what you think right here.

THE PODCAST SCHEDULE

Tuesday, Aug. 12: District 9-6A preview - Deerfield Beach was less than a yard and just a few seconds away last year from ending Northwestern's dreams of a national championship. Instead, they suffered a heart-wrenching defeat and watched the Bulls win the state title a week later. Host Manny Navarro, Broward High Schools writer Bob Emanuel and recruiting writer Larry Blustein tell us why the Bucks won't fall short this year and who if anyone might be able to stop them.

Wednesday, Aug. 13: District 16-6A: The southern end of Miami-Dade County has been home to many a great running back over the years. But this year, Killian's Lamar Miller, Palmetto's Jamaal Berry and Southridge's Branden Oliver could be the best trio District 16-6A has ever seen. Will one of them win the rushing title? Or will Columbus junior Jakhari Gore top them? Host Manny Navarro, High School writer Andre C. Fernandez and recruiting writer Larry Blustein break down the big three and tell us if Homestead and South Dade will still be the top two teams in the district by the end of the season.

Thursday, Aug. 14: District 10-6A preview - Plantation used to be the most dominant Broward team in Class 6A. But it's been three years since they've made the playoffs. Talented quarterback Brandon McGee, considered one of the nation's top cornerbacks at the next level (and now a UM commitment), believes he can take the Colonels back to greatness. Host Manny Navarro, Broward High School writer Bob Emanuel and recruiting writer Larry Blustein tell us if McGee is right or if Broward's '07 leading rusher DeShaun Sands and Piper have enough talent to end Boyd Anderson's two-year run at the top.

Friday, Aug. 15: District 15-6A preview - Southwest High's 51-year football history hasn't included many winning seasons or trips to the postseason. Then again, the Eagles have probably never had a player like LeMarcus Joyner. Host Manny Navarro, Dade High School Writer Andre C. Fernandez and recruiting writer Larry Blustein tell us why the Eagles could be the team to beat in Southwest Dade. Or if defending district champion Braddock, now playoff regular Sunset, Ferguson, Coral Park or Varela can catch them.

Saturday, Aug. 16: District 11-6A preview - Miramar has the county's top quarterback in Eugene Smith, the top receiver in Steadman Bailey and loads more talent. But will it be enough to propel the Patriots past the great team coach Mark Guandolo has built up at Cypress Bay? Host Manny Navarro, Broward High School writer Bob Emanuel and recruiting writer Larry Blustein breakdown what's in store in District 11-6A this season including who should emerge as the player of the year and coach of the year in this tight district race.

Sunday, Aug. 17: District 14-6A preview - Columbus has long been the kings of the district and with stars like Antwan Lowery and Jakhari Gore -- they should be once again. But are the Explorers a shoe-in? Or could talented 2010 receiver Willis Wright of Miami Springs or even 2011 linebacker Denzel Perryman of Coral Gables slip into the district's top spot. Host Manny Navarro, Dade High School writer Andre C. Fernandez and recruiting writer Larry Blustein fill us in on what's in store.

Monday, Aug. 18: Small Schools Preview - Hollywood Chaminade was the last Dade or Broward school to win a small school title. But could someone else in South Florida finally emerge this year? Host Manny Navarro, High School writers Andre C. Fernandez and Bob Emanuel and recruiting writer Larry Blustein tell us why American Heritage, Archbishop Carroll, Gulliver, Doral Academy and Dade Christian could all be the next small school power to claim a title. And we take a look at all the stars in Class 2A, 2B, 1A and 1B.

Tuesday, Aug. 19: District 15-5A preview - Dillard's Trabis Ward is one of the nation's top running backs and the Panthers once again have a team to reckon with. But six other teams will likely be fighting toe-to-toe to join the Panthers in the playoffs. Will it be Ely and star cornerback Michael Carter? Or could Coconut Creek, regional finalists in 2006, get back to the top with new coach Allen Jackson? Or could this finally be the year for Northeast? Host Manny Navarro, Broward High School writer Bob Emanuel and recruiting writer Larry Blustein discuss all that and more in this episode.

Wednesday, Aug. 20: District 13-6A preview - Northwestern's 30 consecutive wins and run of back-to-back state titles took a serious blow with an embarrassing loss to North Miami Beach in the spring. But is the Bulls' run really done? Or will Billy Rolle reload? Central and quarterback Jeffrey Godfrey might have something to say about it. Maybe even young and up-and-coming Hialeah, too. Host Manny Navarro, Dade High School Writer Andre C. Fernandez and freelancer J.T. Wilcox explore what should be an interesting season in District 13-6A.

Thursday, Aug. 21: District 16-5A preview - St. Thomas Aquinas finally got over the hump in 2007 and now bring back one of the nation's top five teams with stars like receiver Duron Carter and linebacker Conner O'Neill. But who comes after the Raiders? Hollywood Hills and South Broward have two talented young teams who would like to be in the mix. Host Manny Navarro, Broward High School writer Bob Emanuel and recruiting writer Larry Blustein break it all down for us.

Friday, Aug. 22: District 12-6A preview - North Miami Beach used to be the team years ago everybody laughed at. But the Chargers and coach Jeff Bertani's '30 Strong' led by quarterback Nico Flores and receiver Kemal Ishmael have become a force to be reckoned with. And now, NMB believes it can make a run at the state title. Meanwhile, Carol City and new coach Harold Barnwell, Norland and star receiver Xavier Rhodes, and North Miami and quarterback Junior Delpe all believe they can make the playoffs. Host Manny Navarro, Dade High School writer Andre C. Fernandez and freelancer J.T. Wilcox explore all of it in this district preview.

Saturday, Aug. 23: District 16-4A preview - Booker T. Washington made an amazing run to the state title last season. But this year, coach Tim "Ice" Harris, his son Brandon Harris and several other stars are gone, down the road at the University of Miami. Running back Eduardo Clements, the MVP of the state championship game, says the Tornadoes can repeat. A loaded Hallandale team thinks it will have something to say about that. Host Manny Navarro, High School writers Bob Emanuel and Andre C. Fernandez and recruiting writer Larry Blustein tell us who will win the war of words and the game on the field this year.

Sunday, Aug. 24: District 15-3A preview - Cardinal Gibbons thought it might have the team to contend with powerful Glades Central last year. But the Chiefs fell short of their goal. This year, a younger Gibbons team probably has a wider gap to climb to catch the Raiders. Pembroke Pines Charter and even Archbishop McCarthy is hoping it can slip into the mix. Host Manny Navarro, Broward High School writer Bob Emanuel and recruiting writer Larry Blustein tell us why Glades Central is a team nobody in Class 3A might be able to catch.

Monday, Aug. 25: District 16-3A preview - Instead of rising to the top, Edison fell on its face last year when it made the drop in the district. It could just be a momentary lapse. The Red Raiders, who won the Miami Dolphins 7-on-7 passing camp in July and were led by receiver Larry McCoy, believe they're ready to challenge Monsignor Pace and Belen for the top two spots in the district. Host Manny Navarro, Dade High School Writer Andre C. Fernandez and recruiting writer Larry Blustein tell us what we should expect this year.

Tuesday, Aug. 26: Preseason special - With a week left before the start of the season and the football section set to be released in just a few days, host Manny Navarro, high school writers Andre C. Fernandez and Bob Emanuel and recruiting writer Larry Blustein will give us one last peek at what to expect this season including what could happen when Northwestern, Pahokee and Booker T. Washington compete against national powers in kickoff classics. (And yes, that really is us on that photo to the left).

Dade and Broward represented in 1st ESPNU Elite 150

ESPN released its first Top 150 list and a few of Dade and Broward's best made the cut. Here's the list with our local guys in bold:

1.             Matt Barkley    QB      Mater Dei High School   Santa Ana       CA    
2.             Russell Shepard ATH     Cypress Ridge High School       Houston TX    
3.             Aaron Murray    QB      Plant Senior High School        Tampa   FL    
4.             Devon Kennard   DE      Desert Vista High School        Phoenix AZ    
5.             Dre Kirkpatrick CB      Gadsden High School     Gadsden AL    
6.             Manti Te'o      OLB     Punahou School  Honolulu        HI    
7.             Jacobbi McDaniel        DT      Madison County High     Greenville      FL    
8.             Craig Loston    S       Dwight D. Eisenhower High       Aldine  TX    
9.             Jelani Jenkins  OLB     Good Counsel High School        Wheaton MD    
10.            Rueben Randle   WR      Bastrop High School     Bastrop LA    
11.            Jaamal Berry    RB      Miami Palmetto High School      Miami   FL    
12.            Trent Richardson        RB      Escambia High School    Pensacola       FL    
13.            Mason Walters   OT      Frenship High School    Wolfforth       TX    
14.            Bryce Brown     RB      East High School        Wichita KS    
15.            Damario Jeffery S       Columbia High School    Columbia        SC    
16.            Dorian Bell     OLB     Gateway Senior High School      Monroeville     PA    
17.            Marlon Brown    WR      Harding Academy Memphis TN    
18.            Ray Ray Armstrong       ATH     Seminole High School    Sanford FL    
19.            Devonte Holloman        S       South Pointe High School        Rock Hill       SC    
20.            Vontaze Burfict ILB     Centennial High School  Corona  CA    
21.            Shaquelle Evans WR      Inglewood High School   Inglewood       CA    
22.            Sam Montgomery  DE      Greenwood High School   Greenwood       SC    
23.            Cierre Wood     ATH     Santa Clara High School Oxnard  CA    
24.            Nico Johnson    ILB     Andalusia High School   Andalusia       AL    
25.            Darius Winston  CB      West Helena Central High School Helena  AR    
26.            Garrett Gilbert QB      Lake Travis High School Austin  TX    
27.            Paden Kelley    OT      Lake Travis High School Austin  TX    
28.            Eric Fields     OLB     Northside High School   Warner Robins   GA    
29.            Stavion Lowe    OT      Brownwood High School   Brownwood       TX    
30.            Andre Debose    WR      Seminole High School    Sanford FL    
31.            John Martinez   OG      Cottonwood High School  Salt Lake City  UT    
32.            Tyler Stockton  DT      The Hun School Of Princeton     Princeton       NJ    
33.            Kevin Graf      OT      Agoura High School      Agoura  CA    
34.            Richard Brehaut QB      Los Osos        Rancho Cucamonga        CA    
35.            Washaun Ealey   RB      Emanuel County Institute        Twin City       GA    
36.            A.J. McCarron   QB      Saint Pauls Episcopal School    Mobile  AL    
37.            Jheranie Boyd   WR      Ashbrook High School    Gastonia        NC    
38.            Darren Myles Jr.        S       Carver High School      Atlanta GA    
39.            Frankie Telfort OLB     Gulliver Prep School    Miami   FL    
40.            Kendall Kelly   WR      Gadsden High School     Gadsden AL    
41.            Jarvis Giles    RB      Gaither High School     Tampa   FL    
42.            Prince Kent     S       Norcross High School    Norcross        GA    
43.            Branden Smith   ATH     Booker T. Washington High School        Atlanta GA    
44.            Montrell Conner RB      Ouachita Parish High School     Monroe  LA    
45.            Randall Carroll WR      Cathedral High School   Los Angeles     CA    
46.            Austin Long     OT      Briarcrest Christian High School        Memphis TN    
47.            Morrell Presley TE      Carson High School      Carson  CA    
48.            Morgan Moses    OT      Meadowbrook High School Richmond        VA    
49.            Jamarkus McFarland      DT      Lufkin High School      Lufkin  TX    
50.            Xavier Nixon    OT      Jack Britt High School  Fayetteville    NC    
51.            Corey Adams     DT      Saguaro High School     Scottsdale      AZ    
52.            Xavier Su'a Filo        OG      Timpview High School    Pleasant Grove  UT    
53.            Je'Ron Stokes   WR      North East High School  Philadelphia    PA    
54.            Chris Davenport DT      Mansfield High School   Mansfield       LA    
55.            Chris Burnette  OG      Troup County Comprehensive High Sch     La Grange       GA    
56.            Barrett Matthews        TE      North Shore High School Houston TX    
57.            Chris Payne     S       Columbia High School    Columbia        SC    
58.            Nick Alajajian  OG      Naples High School      Naples  FL    
59.            Darrell Givens  CB      Lackey High School      Indian Head     MD    
60.            Brandon McGee   ATH     Plantation High School  Fort Lauderdale FL    
61.            Demonte McAllister      DE      Alonso High School      Tampa   FL    
62.            Chris Whaley    RB      Madisonville High School        Madisonville    TX    
63.            Jarvis Jones    OLB     Carver High School      Columbus        GA    
64.            Christine Michael       RB      West Brook Senior High School   Beaumont        TX    
65.            Bryce McNeal    WR      Breck School    Minneapolis     MN    
66.            David Wilson    RB      George Washington High School   Danville        VA    
67.            Craig Drummond  DE      Morgan Park High School Chicago IL    
68.            Chris Watt      OG      Glenbard West High School       Glen Ellyn      IL    
69.            David Barrent   OT      Valley High School      Clive   IA    
70.            Byron Moore Jr. ATH     Narbonne High School    Harbor City     CA    
71.            Gerald Demps    S       Lowndes High School     Valdosta        GA    
72.            Eric Shrive     OT      West Scranton High School       Scranton        PA    
73.            C.J. Barnett    CB      Northmont Senior High School    Clayton OH    
74.            Darius Jones    ATH     Marshall High School    Marshall        TX    
75.            Thomas Ashcraft OG      Cedar Hill High School  Cedar Hill      TX    
76.            Janzen Jackson  CB      Barbe High School       Lake Charles    LA    
77.            Gabe Lynn       S       Jenks High School       Jenks   OK    
78.            Marcus Hall     OT      Glenville High School   Cleveland       OH    
79.            Quinton Washington      OG      Timberland High School  Saint Stephen   SC    
80.            Marcus Davis    CB      Clear Creek High        League City     TX    
81.            Joshua Downs    DT      Bastrop High School     Bastrop LA    
82.            Tom Wort        OLB     New Braunfels High      New Braunfels   TX    
83.            Terry Hawthorne WR      East Saint Louis Sr. High School        East St. Louis  IL    
84.            Gary Brown      DT      West Gadsden High School        Quincy  FL    
85.            Stephon Gilmore ATH     South Pointe High School        Rock Hill       SC    
86.            Craig Roh       DE      Chaparral High School   Scottsdale      AZ    
87.            Steve Williams  CB      Skyline High School     Dallas  TX    
88.            Donavan Tate    ATH     Cartersville High School        Cartersville    GA    
89.            T.J. McDonald   S       Edison High School      Fresno  CA    
90.            Josh Nunes      QB      Upland High School      Upland  CA    
91.            Isaiah Bell     S       Liberty High School     Youngstown      OH    
92.            Logan Heastie   WR      Great Bridge High School        Chesapeake      VA    
93.            Jamie Wood      S       Pickerington Central High School        Pickerington    OH    
94.            Justin Chaisson DE      Bishop Gorman High School       Las Vegas       NV    
95.            Zach Mettenberger       QB      Oconee County High School       Watkinsville    GA    
96.            Victor Marc     ATH     Hallandale High School  Hallandale      FL    
97.            Alshon Jeffrey  WR      Calhoun County High School      Saint Matthews  SC    
98.            Tom Savage      QB      Cardinal O'Hara High School     Philadelphia    PA    
99.            Logan Thomas    ATH     Brookville High School  Lynchburg       VA    
100.           Dexter Pratt    RB      Navasota High School    Navasota        TX    
101.           Dexter Moody    OLB     Emanuel County Institute        Twin City       GA    
102.           Jamal Reid      WR      Lafayette High School   Mayo    FL    
103.           Kevin Brent     S       South Oak Cliff High    Dallas  TX    
104.           Jon Bostic      OLB     Palm Beach Central High School  Wellington      FL    
105.           Zach Martin     OT      Bishop Chatard High School      Indianapolis    IN    
106.           Tana Patrick    OLB     North Jackson High School       Stevenson       AL    
107.           Melvin Fellows  DE      Garfield Heights High School    Garfield Heights        OH    
108.           Kraig Appleton  WR      East Saint Louis Sr. High School        East St. Louis  IL    
109.           Edwin Baker     RB      Oak Park High School    Oak Park        MI    
110.           Patrick Hall    ATH     Saint Bonaventure High School   Ventura CA    
111.           Keenan Davis    WR      Washington High School  Cedar Rapids    IA    
112.           Ryne Giddins    DE      Armwood High School     Seffner FL    
113.           Greg Reid       ATH     Lowndes High School     Valdosta        GA    
114.           Jamal Patterson WR      Henry County High School        McDonough       GA    
115.           Lamar Miller    RB      Miami Killian High School       Miami   FL    
116.           Blaine Dalton   QB      Blue Springs South High School  Blue Springs    MO    
117.           Rolando Jefferson       WR      Edison High School      Fresno  CA    
118.           Tariq Allen     ILB     MacArthur High School   Irving  TX    
119.           Moses Alipate   QB      Jefferson High School   Bloomington     MN    
120.           Antwan Lowery   DT      Christopher Columbus High School        Miami   FL    
121.           Tajh Boyd       QB      Phoebus High School     Hampton VA    
122.           Jack Mewhort    OC      St. John High School    Toledo  OH    
123.           David Oku       RB      Carl Albert High School Midwest City    OK    
124.           Bryn Renner     QB      West Springfield High School    Lorton  VA    
125.           Mike Gillislee  RB      Deland High School      Deland  FL    
126.           D.J. Fluker     DT      Foley High School       Foley   AL    
127.           Alex Mascarenas ATH     Mission Viejo High School       Mission Viejo   CA    
128.           Malliciah Goodman       DE      West Florence High School       Florence        SC    
129.           Drayton Calhoun ATH     Tucker High School      Tucker  GA    
130.           Kevin Minter    OLB     Peachtree Ridge High School     Suwanee GA    
131.           E.J. Banks      ATH     Montour High School     Mckees Rocks    PA    
132.           Eugene Smith    QB      Miramar High School     Miramar FL    
133.           D.J. Adams      RB      Norcross High School    Norcross        GA    
134.           Denard Robinson ATH     Deerfield Beach High School     Deerfield Beach FL    
135.           Chad Bumphis    ATH     Tupelo High School      Tupelo  MS    
136.           Eddie Lacey     RB      Dutchtown High School   Geismar LA    
137.           J.K. Jay        OT      Christ Church Episcopal High    Greenville      SC    
138.           Cliff Harris    CB      Edison High School      Fresno  CA    
139.           Michael Ford    RB      Leesville High School   Leesville       LA    
140.           Chris Bonds     DT      Richland Northeast High School  Columbia        SC    
141.           Tate Forcier    QB      Scripps Ranch High School       San Diego       CA    
142.           Dyron Dye       DE      Seminole High School    Sanford FL    
143.           Jon Budmayr     QB      Marian Central Catholic High    Woodstock       IL    
144.           Kendrick Hardy  RB      Lawrence County High School     Monticello      MS    
145.           Morgan Newton   QB      Carmel High School      Carmel  IN    
146.           Donte Moss      DE      Northside High School   Jacksonville    NC    
147.           Kevin Newsome   ATH     Hargrave Military Academy       Chesapeake      VA    
148.           Jerrod Askew    OLB     Oscar Frommel Smith High School Chesapeake      VA    
149.           Alex Okafor     DE      Pflugerville High School        Pflugerville    TX    
150.           Duron Carter    WR      Saint Thomas Aquinas School     Fort Lauderdale FL    

North Miami Beach football headed to the Big Easy

Hey everyone,

Jordan Wilcox and I visited NMB Tuesday and caught up with coach Jeff Bertani to talk about the upcoming season, which is looking promising for the Chargers.

In addition to its state championship contender status, Bertani informed me that NMB will have another new experience this season as it joins the recent wave of South Florida teams playing games outside of Florida.

The Chargers will head to New Orleans on October 4th to take on Louisiana powerhouse John Curtis in a Saturday afternoon contest at noon. The game will pit NMB against a team that has won 22 state titles in its history and figures to be nationally ranked going into the season. John Curtis has produced some talented players over the years, most recently, USC running back Joe McKnight.

NMB, which is chasing its first state title, is the fourth team that is set to travel this season from South Florida.

Booker T. will be going outside of Florida for the 2nd straight year as it takes on Northside Warner Robbins of Georgia on Sept. 6. Last season, the Tornadoes kicked off their state title run with a 36-3 rout of Summerville in South Carolina before a national audience on ESPN.

St. Thomas Aquinas will play Elder High of Cincinnati in the Kirk Herbstreit Challenge in Ohio Aug. 30th. And Cypress Bay will face Katy of Texas on that same Oct. 4 weekend.

Smith turning heads at EA Sports Elite 11 Passing event

After the first day of the EA Sports Elite 11 Quarterback competition at Soka University in Aliso Viejo, Calif., many of the top quarterbacks from across the country threw the ball around to get loose and show their mechanics. Nobody really tipped their hand.

During Monday's initial practice session, Miramar's Eugene Smith was singled out for his quick release and the way he distributed the ball around on short and intermediate passes.

On Tuesday, the quarterbacks began the competitive portion of the four-day event, and the 6-3, 180-pounder started to show just why he was invited to this gathering that includes 12 top high school passers and current college quarterbacks such as Matthew Stafford, Colt McCoy and Mark Sanchez.

"Eugene did very well," said his uncle Antwan Sellers. "There are some very good quarterbacks in the competition, but I have to feel that he has more than proven that he is one of the best in the country.

In Tuesday's accuracy portion of the event, Smith finished in second place, and with two more days left, put himself in a great position to make a statement as one of the best in the nation!

LARRY BLUSTEIN
lblustein@miamiherald.com

Eugene Smith is off to California

All summer long, Eugene Smith had talked about the opportunity he was given to represent South Florida in the Elite-11 Passing event in California. Today, the Miramar senior will become the first ever Broward County quarterback ever to appear in this prestigious gathering of elite passers from all over the country.

"I have worked hard, stayed in shape and put my arm through plenty of tests this summer," said Smith, who expects to show the country plenty over the next three days. "I have looked forward to going to California and proving that I am as good as any of the quarterbacks in the country."

In addition to Smith, others expected to make an impression include Tajh Boyd (Phoebus High School -- Hampton, Va.), Richard Brehaut (Los Osos High School -- Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.), Allan Bridgford (Mission High School -- Viejo, Calif.), Raymond Cotton (Meade High School -- Fort Meade, Md.), Garrett Gilbert (Lake Travis High School -- Austin, Texas), Andrew Maxwell (Midland High School -- Midland, Mich.), A.J. McCarron (St. Paul's High School -- Mobile, Ala.), Zach Mettenberger (Oconee County High School -- Watkinsville, Ga.), Bryn Renner (West Springfield High School -- Lorton, Va.), Tom Savage (Cardinal O'Hara High School -- Springfield, Pa.) and Tampa Plant quarterback Aaron Murray, who is headed to the University of Georgia.

In 2007, Smith passed for 2,222 yards and 25 TDs with just three interceptions while rushing for seven more scores in just seven full games.

Notable Elite 11 alumni include current NFLers Vince Young (Tennessee Titans), Matt Leinart (Arizona Cardinals), Kellen Clemens (New York Jets) , Brodie Croyle (Kansas City Chiefs), Derek Anderson (Cleveland Browns), Kyle Orton (Chicago Bears), Troy Smith (Baltimore Ravens), Trent Edwards (Buffalo Bills), JaMarcus Russell (Oakland Raiders), John David Booty (Minnesota Vikings), Andre Woodson (New York Giants) and many more.

The Miami Herald will continue to provide exclusive reports from the competition over the next three days, tracing the progress of Smith, who has Boston College, South Florida, Florida State, LSU and Louisville on his list of over 30 offers.

LARRY BLUSTEIN
lblustein@miamiherald.com

Doral Academy pulls the ultimate surprise!

On the way to West Palm Beach Saturday morning, Miami’s Doral Academy football team had its bus break down, forcing the Firebirds to seek alternate transportation. Showing up over an hour late for the Rising Stars Athletics Palm Beach 7-on-7 Shootout, they had to play catch up!

Playing in three straight games without a rest, coach Evan Cooper’s team defied all odds as they beat defending champion Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer, 27-22, and surprised the 14-team field at Palm Springs City Park.

Behind the passing of the event’s Offensive MVP Jermaine Kelson, a talented junior, this team rolled with wins against Inlet Grove, Summitt Christian and Lake Worth, advancing to the next round. Doral Academy then beat Royal Palm Beach, North Broward Prep and Dywer.

“I told people before, this is going to be a team that will pull some major surprises,” said Cooper, the former Killian standout, who also starred at Michigan. “This team didn’t come an hour-and-a-half to roll over. We respected the field in this tournament and welcomed the challenge.”

While Kelson dazzled defenses all afternoon, senior Carlton Callendar, a 6-2, 195-pounder safety/receiver established himself as one of the most promising athlete. While his career began at Southridge as a ninth grader, it seems that this gifted athlete made quite an impression.

“Best senior player at this event,” said Charles Fishbein of Elitescoutingservices.com. “I have watched every great safety in this state in this class, and he is top 5. He’s that good.”

We’ll have more on Doral Academy in this Friday’s column. You’ll be impressed at the quality players this team has.

Dwyer junior Matt Elam, who is rated No. 1 in the class by Florida Football Magazine, was voted as the Defensive MVP.

The event also helped to find some players who hadn’t been on anyone’s radar screen, especially Fort Pierce Westwood receiver Leon Shorter (6-3, 175), who may be one of the best we’ve watched over the past few weeks. His teammate Jamison Wright (safety, 6-2, 165) and Lake Worth receiver Solomon Alberry (6-2, 175) are all elite players.

Other juniors on hand was Florida Football Magazine’s Top 25 Class of 2010 prospect Darius Millines (quarterback/safety, 6-1, 180), impressive linebacker Jeff Luc (6-0, 235) from Port St. Lucie Treasure Coast.

There are also some Class of 2011 players who made an impact on Saturday such as Fort Pierce Westwood’s Everette Jackson (safety, 5-7, 155), Coral Glades’ quarterback Christopher Haire (6-1, 175) and cornerback Kevin Greisel (5-10, 155).

Some of the senior players who many knew about and made an impact includes Fort Pierce Westwood’s 6-4, 230-pound quarterback Isaac Virgin, University of Minnesota commit Victor Keise (receiver 6-1, 175) and Jordan Batts (receiver, 5-11, 165) from North Broward Prep, and Joe Morris (6-3, 175) of American Heritage-Delray. We also knew about Class of 2010 junior quarterback Brandon Doughty (6-3, 180) from North Broward Prep.

By the way, 2012 quarterback Evan Moore (6-0, 165) could be the first freshman ever to start for coach Erick Lowe’s Lake Worth Trojans.

Other teams that took place included Santaluces, Palm Beach Gardens, Boynton Beach, Riviera Beach Suncoast and Dwyer’s B team, which made it to the final four as well.

LARRY BLUSTEIN
lblustein@miamiherald.com

Rising Stars 7-on-7 Passing event to be held Saturday in South Palm Beach

Last year Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer flexed some muscle, bringing in a strong team to the Rising Stars Athletics Palm Beach Shootout and winning the impressive tournament. On Saturday, the Panthers will return to defend their championship in a field that is quite impressive.

The event, which is held at Palm Springs City Park (South Palm Beach) - between Congress and Davis Road, is bringing in teams from as far north as Fort Pierce Westwood, with talented 6-4, 235-pounder quarterback Isaac Virgin, to North Broward Prep, which features Class of 2010 quarterback prospects Brandon Doughty.

Starting at 9 a.m., teams such as Palm Beach Gardens, Riviera Beach Suncoast, Lake Worth, Inlet Grove, Boynton Beach, Royal Palm Beach and defending 1A state champions American Heritage-Delray will square off in what appears to be a very competitive tournament.

In addition to coach Jeff Dellenbach's North Broward squad, Coral Glades will make the trip to see how they fair against some athletic teams. Also, Miami Doral Academy is scheduled to take the ride north.

Dywer features some quality talent, which is led by senior Bradley Wallace, juniors Matt Elam and Gerald Christian and several other quality playmakers.

LARRY BLUSTEIN
lblustein@miamiherald.com

Nike 7-on-7: Miramar wins and the Tornadoes do the hokey-Pahokee.

Neither lightning nor brawls nor broken legs could stop Nike from seeing its first 7-on-7 tournament through through to the end on Saturday.

You can read more about it on our recruiting page, as well as on the Palm Beach Post's site as they were the first to break it, but the big news of the day was defending 4A state champion Booker T. Washington and defending 2B state champion Pahokee gettin' it on in an early round match-up.

Booker T. converted a last-second two-point score to win the scrimmage 22-21, but after that, things get sketchy. The PBP has a Nike sales rep saying a BTW kid tossed one of the Blue Devils to the ground.  Most of the folks I talked to said one Pahokee player ran into a group of Tornadoes, prompting the fight. Before it was all said and done, freshly-minted BTW coach Earl Tillman was carted off in an ambulance with a broken tibia and both squads were sent packing. What a day.

Actually, the brawlers had it better than the rest of us: they got to go home. We had to stick around into the early afternoon that saw temperatures reach as high as 96 degrees with a heat index somewhere around 500. The best 40-times hovered around 4.7 seconds as kids gasped their way through the sauna that was Miramar Park in July. By the time Miramar and Columbus tipped off, most of the remaining players-turned-spectators looked happy to be on the sidelines and in the shade.

Of course, by then the late afternoon clouds had cooled things off a bit. After a 30-minute lightning delay, play resumed with Miramar's Eugene Smith piloting the A-team (Miramar fielded two squads) down field using short and intermediate passes.

"Teams are going to be looking for that long ball next year," said Smith. "That's why we have to work on that stuff now."

According to those in attendance, it was the first time that Nike was able to complete its annual camp on time and without having to call any games.

South Florida teams doing well at USF 7-on-7 event

South Florida teams flexed some muscle on the first day of the University of South Florida Sling Shoot 7 on 7 Tournament in Tampa on Saturday.

A record 42 schools showed up for the annual tournament that showcases some of the state’s top summer passing programs.

While Tampa Plant (4-0) and Aaron Murray remain the favorites to win this ninth edition of what is becoming one of the best event of its kind, there are other school – five from South Florida – who ended the first day putting on quite a show.

Hallandale and McArthur had never been outside of Miami-Dade and Broward County when they participated in these events. On Saturday, the Chargers and Mustangs moved to 4-0 and move into Sunday’s action (8 a.m.) as No. 1 seeds. The Chargers, with USF commits Victor Marc and Ricardo Dixon had wins over power Punta Gorda Charlotte, Tampa Riverview, Dunedin and Sarasota Cardinal Mooney.

McArthur advanced to the No. 1 seed in their bracket with wins over East Ridge, Tarpon Springs, Tampa Freedom and Leto.

Delray Atlantic with impressive cornerback Jayron Hosley also finished the first day perfect with wins over Tarpon Springs East Lake, Jacksonville Lee, Dade City Pasco and Tampa Spoto.

Hollywood Hills and Boca Raton also represented on the first day. Both the Spartans and Bobcats finished 3-1. Hollywood Hills reeled off wins over Sarasota Riverview, Spring Hill Springstead and Naples Gulf Coast. The Spartans lost to Tampa Middleton.

Boca Raton, with talented junior quarterback Eddie Sullivan beat Valrico Bloomingdale, Lake Weir and St. Petersburg Lakewood before losing to Naples.

With the exception of Miramar’s Eugene Smith, who was not in Tampa on Saturday, two of the best quarterbacks were on display with Murray and Venice junior Tre Burton, who is one of the best athletes in the state right now.

Indianapolis Colts’ coach Tony Dungy was on hand to watch his son, who is a junior receiver at Plant.

LARRY BLUSTEIN
lblustein@miamiherald.com

Three defending state champs in Nike 7-on-7 event

This Saturday's Nike 7-on-7 at Miramar Regional Park (16801 Miramar Parkway) promises to be one of the top area events of the summer with three defending state champions in action.

Sixteen quality programs will compete for the team title with defending 6A and national champion Northwestern, defending 4A champion and adidas 7-on-7 winner Booker T. Washington, and two-time defending 2B champion Pahokee highlighting a tremendous field of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach teams.

In addition to the Bulls, Tornadoes and Blue Devils, other teams schedule to compete for the title will be Central, South Dade, Miami Springs, Bay Point, Norland, Killian, Columbus, Hialeah-Miami Lakes and Carol City.

Boyd Anderson leads a Broward field that includes Dillard, Douglas and powerful Miramar.

Games begin at 8 a.m. and the championship games starts at 2 p.m.

The Herald will be on hand to cover the event once again with stories, blogs and photos!

LARRY BLUSTEIN
lblustein@MiamiHerald.com

Pace, Hallandale, Hills and Boca Raton head to USF

The South Florida area will be well represented this weekend (July 12-13) at the University of South Florida Sling & Shoot 7-on-7 tournament.

Over 40 schools will be on hand for the best annual gathering of the top teams from throughout the state of Florida.

Monsignor Pace will be joined by Broward County teams Hollywood Hills and Hallandale, and Boca Raton (Palm Beach County) in what looks like a real treat for the athletes, coaches and fans.

Heading to USF will be Tampa-area teams Valrico Bloomingdale, Lennard, Leto, Tampa Freedom, Tampa Riverview, Tampa Jefferson, St. Petersburg Lakewood, Pinellas Park, Clearwater Central Catholic, Springstead, Tampa Alonso, Tampa Spoto, St. Petersburg Gibbs, Tampa Middleton, Clearwater Countryside Gibbs and powerhouse Plant.

Also coming from the Gulf Coast are Sarasota Riverview, Venice, Punta Gorda Charlotte and Sarasota Cardinal Mooney

Southwest Florida power Naples will also be there along with Gulf Coast.

Also coming will be Tarpon Springs East Lake, Orlando Dr. Phillips, Lakeland Penarock, Lakeland Lake Gibson, Longwood Lyman, Dunedin, Lakeland George Jenkins, Zephyrhills, Dade City Pasco, Tarpon Springs, East Ridge and St. Cloud,

The Ocala area will have Lake Weir and power North Marion. Jacksonville Lee will also be on hand.

Games begin on both days at 10 a.m.

The Herald will be on hand for all the action, bringing you the top players who made a lasting impression.

LARRY BLUSTEIN
lblustein@MiamiHerald.com

BTW off to Atlanta with adidas 7-on-7 win

When teams arrived on Saturday for the adidas 7-on-7 High School Football Tournament at the University of Central Florida, all eyes were on defending national champion Pahokee and Tampa Plant, with University of Georgia quarterback commit Aaron Murray. Booker T. Washington never really entered the championship talk.

While the Tornadoes lost most of their receiving corps and a major chunk of the defensive, it was a given that this team wou