The CBS Miami Nat Moore Trophy has solidified its place as the most prestigious honor in South Florida high school football — a true "local Heisman" for the region's top athletes. 

Each year, CBS Miami's Mike Cugno teams up with high school football recruiting analyst Larry Blustein to highlight the standout players vying for the coveted award, which celebrates excellence both on and off the field.

As the high school football playoffs approach, the competition for the Nat Moore Trophy has intensified. 

Blustein, who helps lead the selection process, said powerhouse programs like St. Thomas Aquinas, American Heritage, Miami Central, Northwestern, and Chaminade-Madonna continue to produce top-tier talent. 

Among the rising stars this season are FSU commit Jasen "J-Rock" Lopez, a two-sport athlete excelling in both basketball and football, and linebacker Cooper, whom Blustein compared to former Miami Hurricanes standout Jon Beason.

Blustein said the excitement surrounding the trophy has grown tremendously since CBS Miami launched the award in collaboration with former Miami Dolphins legend Nat Moore. 

"Everybody always mentions at the beginning of the year, 'I want to win that Nat Moore Trophy,'" Blustein said. "It's become the standard now. When we started this, that was one of the visions — to make it that marquee event at the end of the year."

What began as a local recognition has evolved into a red-carpet experience. The annual ceremony brings together nominees, families, coaches, and community leaders for a night Blustein described as "Heisman-like," complete with interviews, cameras, and celebration.

For many young athletes, it's their first taste of big-time recognition. 

"You get a 16-, 17-, 18-year-old kid experiencing that for the first time, it's amazing," Blustein said. "It's become that marquee event."

The CBS Miami Nat Moore Trophy winner will be announced later this season as the region's football elite continue their march toward championship glory, and one player earns a moment that can define a lifetime.

You too can nominate your favorite high school football player at NatMooretrophy.com. The CBS Miami Nat Moore trophy is sponsored by FPL, we work every day to build a resilient grid. Learn more at fpl.com/value.