Spring Spotlight: Receivers Are Catching National Attention, Again
Over the past month, we have been getting everyone ready for the spring – and the offseason – with a look at some of the key offensive prospects in South Florida.
From quarterback to running back and the offensive line, we have given the fans a look at some of the football talent in South Florida that many have already watched. But we also go that extra mile that nobody else does here in this region by watching over 100 games live, picking up a number of talented football prospects that are new top just about everyone.
This week, we close out the offense with a look at some of the most sought-after players in the country – bringing you receivers that so many colleges and universities nationally have coveted for years.
If you look at college rosters across the nation, you will see South Florida wide receivers making a huge impact at some of the best schools in the country. It is a position that we have been fortunate to take the lead in at some of the most prestigious schools anywhere.
With so many outstanding receivers to choose from, we will give a look at some of the athletes receiving the attention – as well as a peak at some of those who are jumping on the radar in all classes.
Joshua Ali, 5-11, 180, Chaminade-Madonna: Before the 2015 season began, here is a name that many never knew, but that all changed as he and University School had a banner season. The son of former Norland and Louisiana Tech standout, Faheem Ali, the younger Ali has moved to Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna for his final season and will continue to bring himself major attention.
Edward Curry III, WR, 6-4, 195, Archbishop McCarthy: After starting at Chaminade-Madonna, his move to compete for the Mavericks, who enjoyed an undefeated season this past year, opened some eyes. Curry is a very talented football player who has the chance to be special, heading into his final season. Plus, he has enjoyed a productive offseason.
Daewood Davis, 6-2, 175, Chaminade-Madonna: Here is another football talent that may not have been getting the maximum exposure on the field, but that should all change this year. Colleges who have already watched him play in the past are going to see a more mature version of Davis this year. If he stays healthy and plays all year, he could break some records and help his team to many wins. Davis has big-time potential.
Kevaughn Dingle, 6-2, 185, Carol City: As we told you last year, changing schools never guarantees success. But when this quality football talent moved from Dr. Krop to Carol City last year, the exposure was immediate for Dingle – who's now committed to the University of Miami – because he didn't just blend it, he was a standout. Dingle made key catches and established himself as a true talent. Keep your eye on him during his final season – he is certainly special.
Kemore Gamble, 6-4, 220, Southridge: After playing for Coral Gables, his move to play for the Spartans last season really opened some eyes as this big, physical and talented receiver showed how he can use his big frame as a tight end at the next level as well. Gamble is very gifted and is an impressive prospect as he is set to head to the University of Florida next year.
Carmoni Green, 6-1, 180, Central: Perhaps nobody showed flashes of being an elite football player like this superb athlete who began his career at Booker T. Washington but took his talents to Miami Central, where he won a ring this past season with the Rockets. Green was very impressive in the state title game, giving this program a huge lift.
Trevon Grimes, 6-4, 190, St. Thomas Aquinas: What more can you say about this tremendous pass-catcher that has not already been said. Grimes is a fast, rangy and quality athlete who not only gave the Raiders a huge boost during the state championship season, but is regarded as one of the best hurdlers in the country. Grimes is indeed the total package that every college in the country has been offering – daily.
Michael Harley, 5-10, 160, St. Thomas Aquinas: Nobody has proven that he is one of the best more than this tremendous slot receiver. Harley has been the ultimate team player over the past two years. This is the season that the nation sees how gifted this young man is. Just another weapon this program has to beat you.
Leroy Henley, 6-2, 180, Cardinal Gibbons: Kind of the forgotten man in South Florida, but if you've had the pleasure of watching him lineup the past three years, you certainly know that Henley has great hands, tremendous speed and the athletic ability to make things happen. Still one of the best receivers around – and that doesn't appear to be changing. Keep your eye on his final high school season – you will be sold.
Jerry Jeudy, 6-1, 175, Deerfield Beach: Here's one of the best, not only in South Florida but nationally. Jeudy is being recruited by everyone and has started since he was a freshman at Monarch. He is an elite receiver who continues to turn heads and makes huge catches. No matter how you slice it, Jeudy is indeed big time.
Sharod Johnson, 6-1, 175, Booker T. Washington: One of the hidden gems in South Florida who has a chance to be very special as he joins a program that has been known to showcase its wide receivers. Johnson is fast, athletic and has the ability to make plays – and fans will see it all when watching him perform.
Isaac Lipscomb, 6-2, 180, Keys Gate Charter: After a solid sophomore season at Homestead, this Class of 2018 athlete is indeed the new breed of pass catchers in South Florida. His speed, athletic ability and knowledge of the game coupled with the fact that this offseason has been competitive for this impressive athlete will start to open national doors. Lipscomb is indeed a big time talent.
Jordan Merrell, 5-10, 178, St. Thomas Aquinas: This former youth football league star competed at Dillard for three seasons, establishing himself as an elite prospect. But now with his offseason move to play for the Raiders, the sky is indeed the limit for this sure-handed and talented receiver.
Jernard Phillips, 5-10, 185, Miami Central: This brother of former Rocket, now Florida State Seminole DaVante Phillips, really made a huge impression this past year. Though he was injured down the stretch of the 2015 season, he has already proven – with a solid offseason and hard work – that he is ready for his final season. Speed, great route running and the ability to make big plays is what colleges simply love about this quality football player.
Dennis Robinson, 6-5, 195, Hollywood South Broward: In a football crazy area, there are very few fans who know this young man – but that will change quickly. Robinson is one of the most impressive athletes in this 2017 class. He will have a chance to showcase his size, speed and great hands. This is the kind of football talent that moves the chains and puts the ball in the end zone. Do not forget this name.
Kevin Romer, 5-9, 185, Coral Gables: Having watched this young man for the past few years, you know that he is a playmaker who seems to come to play every week. Romer is fast, elusive, has great hands and a knack for finding the first down marker – or the end zone. This is one of those football talents that you win with – because he makes a difference.
Rodney Scott, 6-1, 175, Southridge: Is this the most productive receiver in South Florida? If you watched this University of Miami commit the past few years, you may have your opinion on what this young man does to make him such a top prospect. He is quick, sure-handed and has that certain something that the great pass-catchers have. Scott is a big-time player.
Clevan Thomas, Jr., 5-11, 195, Flanagan: From his days as a freshman at Booker T. Washington to helping Flanagan win its first football championship trophy, Thomas is a true talent who has been solid, done what was asked of him to become the ultimate team player. Now, the son of former Miami High standout Cookie Thomas is ready to jump to the head of the class.
Ivan Thomas, 6-4, 200, Miami Palmetto: The next wave of elite talent is here – and this Class of 2018 football prospect has already shown that he is indeed one of those football talents who have the chance to be very special. Thomas spreads the field with his size and speed, and has shown that he can make catches against even the best in the defensive secondary.
Lavarus Tigner, 6-0, 180, Deerfield Beach: While he really has not gotten on track and played a full season, this is one of the most impressive football players in South Florida. He showed his skills back in the ninth grade; jet-quick pass catcher who stretches the field with his speed and the ability to go up for balls. He still has so much to learn, but when he lives up to his full potential – he will be special.
Anthony White, Jr., 6-1, 170, Central: Showed what he could do the past three years as a catalyst for his father at Hialeah American. But now, with several college offers in hand and a change in schools, many will see the talent White has and how he will certainly rise to the top.
Dominick Watt, 6-2, 185, McArthur: Talk about the next wave of talent. All this Class of 2018 standout has done since the offseason began is impress everyone. He certainly hits all the points the checklist that elite receivers are judged by; speed, athletic ability and the ability to take over with great hands and outstanding route running abilities. Watt is just a tremendous athlete.
Daquris Wiggins, 6-2, 160, Southridge: Leave no doubt that when you are talking about the best for the present and the future, this Class of 2018 phenom is one to really keep an eye on. After starting out at Killian and making a solid impact, he is now going to shake things up for a very talented Spartan squad.
Xavier Williams, 6-1, 185, Chaminade-Madonna: After following his career the past two seasons, this Class of 2018 prospect is one of the most versatile of all receivers – with his ability to turn short gains into touchdowns. He is also one of the best kick returners around.
MORE TO WATCH FOR 2017
Miami-Dade always has its share of elite receivers, and this coming season will be no exception.
Here is a look at some of Miami-Dade's 2017 prospects to also keep an eye on:
Andre Adams, 5-10, 160, Northwestern
Destra Benoit, 5-8, 160, South Broward
(TE) Max Gonzalez-Brito, 6-4, 215, Christopher Columbus
Suresh Budhram, 5-11, 170, Killian
Dontavious Butler, 6-2, 200, American Heritage
Jordan Coley, 5-9, 166, Dade Christian
Darnell Durham, 5-9, 165, South Dade
Latrone Evans, 6-2, 200, Booker T. Washington
Seven Fleurimond, 5-9, 160, Dr. Krop
Alvin Floyd, 5-10, 170, North Miami Beach
Ty Gamble, 5-8, 155, South Dade
Ja'Kel Gibson, 5-9, 150, Homestead
Angelo Gonzalez, 6-3, 185, Keys Gate Charter
Zion Hartsfield, 5-10, 170, Carol City
Orlando Hildago, 5-9, 170, Christopher Columbus
Marquez Jackson, 5-10, 170, Norland
Colson Jean, 6-0, 178, North Miami
Marco Jean, 5-11, 160, South Dade
Duane Johnson, Jr., 6-1, 160, South Miami
Al-Malik Moore, 6-0, 160, Northwestern
Laress Nelson, 5-8, 165, American Heritage
Diego Ortega, 6-3, 185, Belen Jesuit
Alex Ortiz, 5-9, 165, Champagnat Catholic
Shaide Ramirez, 5-9, 160, North Miami Beach
(TE) Dave Richards, 6-2, 185, Norland
Travon Roberts, 5-8, 161, Norland
Kevin Schwartz, 5-10, 175, Palmetto
Shimoore Stern, 6-4, 205, Mater Academy
Randall St. Felix, 6-1, 190, Dr. Krop
Murphy Theodore, 5-9, 160, Doral Academy
Caleb Thomas, 5-8, 165, Carol City
Victor Tucker, 5-11, 165, Carol City
Jovanny Valdez, 5-7, 158, Varela
DeAndre Williams, 6-0, 175, Booker T. Washington
Larry Williams, 6-2, 190, North Miami
In Broward County, the same will hold true – with big-time athletes take center stage:
Tyler Adderly, 6-0, 165, Piper
James Aiken, 6-2, 190, South Plantation
Garrett Blackburn, 5-10, 175, Westminster Academy
Matari Bodie, 5-7, 145, Flanagan
(TE) James Bostic, 6-3, 200, Cardinal Gibbons
Da'Quan Bailey-Brown, 5-10, 150, Douglas
Karon "Pop" Brown, 5-11, 165, Miramar
Edwin Colon, 5-7, 140, Hollywood Hills
Cory Cronin, 5-11, 161, Nova
Christian Cuenca, 6-1, 168, Cooper City
Jevaughn Davis, 6-0, 160, McArthur
Roddy Evans, 5-7, 155, Everglades
Steven Evans, 5-9, 155, Miramar
Darnell Fleury, University School
Jakari Godfrey, 5-9, 160, Flanagan
Dom Grassi, 6-1, 165, Coral Springs Charter
Jawaun Hardy, 6-1, 175, Miramar
Jerry Jackson, 5-10, 150, University School
Gregory Jean, 6-1, 170, Boyd Anderson
Abdul Leiba, 5-10, 175, Dillard
Milan Lemon, 5-9, 160, Cardinal Gibbons
Jaden Mancuso, 6-1, 175, Cooper City
Shandon Marsden, 6-0, 165, Piper
Jazeel McNee, 6-1, 180, Coral Springs Charter
Jonathan Moore, 5-9, 170, St. Thomas Aquinas
Gioneal Morgan, 5-10, 150, Archbishop McCarthy
Jordan Nesmith, 5-9, 165, Northeast
Joshua Palmer, 6-3, 185, St. Thomas
Jacquez Parker, 5-8, 146, Boyd Anderson
Akai Rainford, 6-1, 175, Coconut Creek
Amari Smith, 5-9, 168, Fort Lauderdale
Shemar Thornton, 6-0, 170, Hallandale
Oneal Washington, 6-0, 160, Fort Lauderdale
Ki-Jana Whyte, 6-3, 175, Western
Derrick Wright, 6-0, 185, West Broward
CLASS OF 2018 IS ALSO LOADED
It should come as no surprise that the next class up, 2018, is going to be very special as well. As we continue to promote year round, we will add, update and bring you some more prospects who continue to pop up during the course of a year.
Yasir Abdullah, 6-1, 180, Miramar
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4799974/yasir-abdullah
Joshua Alexander, 5-9, 155, St. Thomas
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4804970/joshua-alexander
Marvin Alexander, 6-2, 170, Flanagan
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5269941/marvin-alexander
Kevin Austin, 6-3, 185, North Broward Prep
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4844420/kevin-austin
Quavon Beckford, 5-11, 145, Booker T. Washington
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6070216/quavon-beckford
Johaun Beresford, 6-1, 180, Carol City
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6893705/
Keshawn Brownlee, 5-9, 160 Hialeah Miami Lakes
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4017669/keshawn-brownlee
Alonzo Clark, 6-4, 172, Fort Lauderdale
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4148271/alonzo-clark
Lavontae Decius, 5-9, 160, Cardinal Gibbons
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4125264/lavontae-decius
Jordan Dillard, 6-2, 170, Southridge
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6268187/jordan-dillard
Jaeden Fagan, 6-0, 140, St. Thomas Aquinas
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5280276/jaeden-fagan
Lui Ferro, 5-10, 150, Christopher Columbus
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3982281/lui-ferro-18181
Johnny Ford, 5-7, 160, Coral Gables
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4701674/johnny-ford
Greg Grate, Jr., 5-11, 170, Jackson
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6535503/greg-grate-jr
Tyler Harrell, 5-10, 155, Columbus
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2009010/tyler-harrell
Akeem Hayes, 5-10, 155, Hallandale
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6072826/akeem-hayes
Justin Hill, 5-11, 170, Northwestern
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4715549/justin-hill
Terrence Horne, 5-10, 165, Miramar
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6745044/terrence-horne
Malcolm Hyppolite, 5-11, 170, Miami Christopher Columbus
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4022563/malcolm-hyppolite
Novric Jackson, 5-11, 160, Boyd Anderson
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4514532/highlights/183666375
Damon Johnson, 6-0, 177, Champagnat Catholic
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6727711/highlights/307668731
Miles Jones, 5-9, 160, American Heritage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1j7k9HdnSU&feature=youtu.be&app=desktop
Bob Joseph, 6-1, 160, Homestead
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5592186/bob-joseph
Tavares Kelly, Jr., 5-8, 150, St. Thomas Aquinas
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4190223/tavares-kelly-jr
Brandon Lee, 5-6, 140, Chaminade-Madonna
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4125324/brandon-lee
Tai Lehtio, 6-0, 180, Douglas
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4061805/tai-lehtio
Lentivone Lesane, 6-2, 190, Somerset Academy Silver Palms
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5329986/lentivone-lesane
Khalil Love, 5-8, 160, Monsignor Pace
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4366548/highlights
Elijah Moore, 5-10, 160, St. Thomas Aquinas
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4844428/elijah-moore
Terrell Perriman, 5-9, 168, Miami Central
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4118680/terrell-perriman
A.J. Pierre, 5-11, 140, St. Thomas Aquinas
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5280280/aj-pierre
Ivan Ramirez, 5-11, 150, Miami Ferguson
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5310740/ivan-ramirez
Edwin Reed, 6-0, 165, Hollywood Hills
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5339347/edwin-reed
Anthony Schwartz, 6-0, 160, American Heritage
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4409434/anthony-schwartz
Ronald Scriven, Jr., 5-7, 143, Hollywood Hills
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5339343/ronald-scriven-jr
Roderick Simms, 5-9, 160, Homestead Everglades Prep
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5491036/roderick-simms
Andrew Siren, 5-7, 155, Coral Springs
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4139801/andrew-siren
Teshaun Smith, 6-2, 145, Westminster Academy
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4042932/teshaun-smith
Jamari Sweet, 5-10, 160, Plantation
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6088165/jamari-sweet
Ivan Thomas, 6-4, 200, Miami Palmetto
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4787286/ivan-thomas
Zahir Turner, 6-0, 160, Miami Booker T. Washington
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4362567/zahir-turner
Blake Veargis, 5-9, 160, Monsignor Pace
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kROxr7t94cU&feature=youtu.be
Ryan Warren, 6-3, 175, Miami Palmetto
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3939888/ryan-warren
2019
Tyler Carmona, 5-8, 150, Miami Christopher Columbus
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5348952/tyler-carmona
Antoine Daniel, 5-8, 140, Miami Monsignor Pace
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5646477/highlights/283255416
Estmane Lucdor, 5-9, 160, Hollywood McArthur
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6173647/estmane-lucdor
Darius Melton, 6-2, 170, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/7152304/highlights/332223380
Sean Moore, 5-10, 133, Miami Palmer Trinity
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4773066/sean-moore
Kalani Norris, 5-9, 145, Miami Westminster Christian
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6011785/kalani-norris
Matthew Ramos, 5-11, 150, Miami Christopher Columbus
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5355191/matthew-ramos
Myles Smith, 6-0, 165, Hialeah Goleman