On The Radar: Offseason Series – Part 20
Well, spring football is underway.
And while some are still finishing up other sports, this is the time that anyone who truly has aspirations of playing football at the next level, has to shine and stand out.
Over the next month, college coaches will pass through Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, looking for those special prospects that will help turn the fortunes of their programs around. It is a scene that has played itself out for the past half century.
As many from across the country will continue to fight the fact that South Florida has become the epicenter for enormous talent and NFL players, the reality that this region of the country still has more players competing professionally than any other area – and it's not close.
That's why you see Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan, Florida, Florida State, Miami and dozens of other coaches roaming the halls at schools all day long.
In just the first few days of spring practice, Georgia, Auburn, Michigan State, Western Kentucky and several others landed on this rich soil to see some of the new prospects that are ready to be recruited.
There's no doubt that this is indeed one of the best times of the year. It's where we get to sneak that month of real football – while baseball, and hockey and the basketball playoffs are taking center stage.
Here are six more football players who have jumped On The Radar and are ready to grab some of the attention:
2017 – Marvin Estrada-Campbell, S, 6-0, 185, Hollywood Hills: Here is one of those talented young men who is starting to pick up a lot of interest after a strong offseason and a solid weight program under head coach Al Lang. Estrada-Campbell is a versatile football player who not only makes a huge impact in the defensive secondary but is also a quality pass catcher and can make a major impact for the Spartans on special teams. After watching him last year, here is a football player who has grown and matured into a good one.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3967687/marvin-estrada-campbell
2017 – Austin Chacon, S, 5-11, 180, Christopher Columbus: It has been a quick four years for this talented young man who began making his approach to the varsity level as a freshman. In between moving to Gainesville for a few months, this impressive defensive back is really poised to have a solid season for the Explorers. He is bigger, stronger and quicker than ever – as he adds to what is already a very athletic frame. While he has not received the accolades that many in this class have been getting, many believe that it will all change this year for Chacon – as he finally gets the chance to show what he can do.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2644660/austin-chacon
2018 – Sherron Chester, OLB/DT, 6-1, 230, Miami Southridge: On a team just loaded with football prospects on both sides of the ball, this is indeed one of the rising standouts who will battle for playing time. Watching him last season, Chester is a strong, quick and quality athlete who has the chance – with a productive spring and summer – to push himself in a crowded defensive front seven that really can use the depth. Keep your on this talented prospect, who still has two years to go.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6339403/sherron-chester
2018 – Lavontae Decius, WR, 5-9, 160, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons: The great news out of northeast Broward is that this program is on the way back with first-year head coach Matt Dubuc taking over. Additional good news is this is one of the prospects who have been getting some great reviews as he has gained weight and put on plenty of muscle to his frame. Decius is a big-time playmaker who is elusive and lot tougher and stronger than he looks. Keep your eye on this young man, who continues to find his way into the spotlight.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4125264/lavontae-decius
2018 – Nick Joseph, CB, 5-8, 161, Coral Springs Taravella: After a stellar youth football career, here is a young man who has really started to turn the corner as a prospect. After making the normal adjustments at the high school level, Joseph is a football talent – coached by former Clemson safety Charles Hafley – that is starting to put it all together. His ability to get in receivers' pockets and stay there throughout the game is proving that his cover skills are impressive. He is also not afraid of sticking his head into the action to make a tackle or get physical with receivers.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5341763/nick-joseph
2018 – Derrick Nicholson, S/LB, 5-11, 185, Miami Northwestern: If you speak with coaches about this talented football player, all will tell you that he is instinctive, quick and is not afraid to stick his head into the action – like he did several times last season. Like so many tremendous football players, Nicholson is a talented prospect that has used a strong offseason to put himself on the radar. Now that he is there, he has two full seasons to continue maturing and learning more about the game. This is a well-coached player who is starting to turn heads – no matter where he lines up for the Bulls.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6172734/derrick-nicholson