On The Radar: Offseason Series – Part 23

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There was a question asked to a local high school coach recently by a college coach who was sent to this area of the state for the first time. After watching an hour of practice - where high-level football prospects ran around the field making plays - the coach wanted to know when the season officially began for these athletes.

While some parts of the nation simply do not have the year round weather that South Florida is so very fortunate to have, the high school coach looked at the college coach and said: "this is like an endless loop. There is no beginning and no ending."

Most college coaches who recruit South Florida already understand that it has come to a point that there are no open weekends. From now until they kick things off in late August, there will be football - in some form and in just about every location.

As spring football will wind down at the end of next week, it only signals that area athletes will be involved in something. Whether it's the daily trek to school to lift and stay in condition - or trips out of town to visit camps and 7-on-7 events - you can guarantee that June, July and the first week of August will only keep this cycle going.

Football is everything in South Florida. It is the only way out of some of the nation's toughest and most violent streets. The need to get away from the life that can bring you down and keep you from ever living your dream is the fuel that keeps those South Florida kids a few steps ahead of the rest of the country. It's a fact that the competition these young men compete, at since they can put on pads, is the very thing that separates them from the rest.

Again this spring, several local football prospects are making news and stepping up. Because we attend so many live events - from scrimmages and practices to games, we have been able to keep putting our kids out there. Like we have for five decades.

Today, we bring you six more football players to place On The Radar:

2018 – Riley Allison, RB, 5-10, 175, Douglas: Here is a program that continues to churn out athletes. This young man only fits into the mold of player that head coach Willis May produces. Allison is one of those gifted young men who has stepped up his game, heading into his junior season. He's a versatile athlete who can not only carry the ball from the line of scrimmage, but is also a threat as a kick returner. Allison is a special young man who has the chance to really make an impact.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4063597/riley-allison

2017 – Jacob Cato, OL, 6-0, 305, Jackson: One of the line prospects who comes off a learning season in 2015, but has shown that he's someone who the Generals will need in a major way in 2016. After watching him a year ago, Cato is one of those young men who is willing to do what it takes to get better and improve. A commitment to the weight room and conditioning will be huge this offseason. He could be a major player for this program.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6534773

2017 – Tarique Davis, DB, 6-2, 200, Boyd Anderson: Talk to head coach Eddie "Rabbit" Brown about this quality football talent and he will tell you that this is someone who has grown, gotten stronger and understands the game much more than a year ago. He has the perfect frame to play the game and is still learning and taking in what this coaching staff is teaching. Davis is an athlete who has attracted plenty of attention from the college coaches who came through. He has a chance to very special in his final year.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4799511/tarique-davis

2017 – Ronnie Joseph, OL, 5-11, 265, Piper: When the coaching staff for the Bengals talks about getting better in all phases of the game, here is one of the players they were talking about. Realizing that the offensive line holds the key to the success of this program once again this year; this is a young man who has worked hard, stepped up when needed and his given head coach David Coleman and his football program a major lift. Joseph is a strong and aggressive football player who is still improving.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5313790/ronnie-joseph

2017 – Brandon Lacount, DE/LB, 6-0, 195, Killian: Here is a prospect than many had their eye on last year while he was at Homestead. Lacount is a quick and agile football talent who makes plays. His size, speed and ability to pick things up will certainly help as he heads up to play for the Cougars in 2016. As he aims toward his final season at the high school level, the objective will truly be on getting better and turning heads. And with the solid coaches Killian has on board with Javi Valdes, look for some very positive things to happen.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5592303/brandon-lacount

2017 – Keanu Sullivan, OL, 6-5, 230, Southwest Miami: As college coaches came through South Florida this spring, here is the prospect that they have been talking about. Having watched him perform the past two years, several things have stood out. Obviously, his frame has been the drawing card for college coaches. Once they get past the size, all are impressed with the way Sullivan handles himself. As he heads toward his senior year, here is a line prospect who has worked very hard to put himself in a position of getting recruited and looked at by several college programs.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4388562