For the past 14 years, Broward County has used the second week in January to make a statement. A statement that would hopefully end in a win over rival Miami-Dade County.
The annual Nike Miami-Dade/Broward football game, which attracts attention from college coaches and fans from all over, will take place on Friday, Jan. 15 at Flanagan High School at 7 p.m.
The game always brings in top rated players from the two counties, and this year is certainly no exception.
Miami-Dade will be coached by Miami Central’s Telly Lockette and his staff, while Broward has assembled an impressive coaching staff, led by Coconut Creek’s Allen Jackson, who guided the Broward players over the past two weeks.
“This is quite an honor,” said Jackson. “I believe we have the very best players in the county that wanted to compete in this game.”
In addition to the game, many different events are planned for this game. The top 130 underclassmen for Miami-Dade and Broward County will be announced along with the top 25 high school prospects from the youth leagues in the two counties, which Generation Next (gennexxt.ning.com) will unveil.
Here is a rundown of the Broward team:
QUARTERBACKS
11 Brandon Doughty, 6-3, 190, North Broward Prep: All this quality athlete has done since arriving at North Broward Prep is win. His arm strength and ability to read defenses make him a player to keep an eye on. Also played in the State North/South game in Sebring in December. HEAD COACH: Jeff Dellenbach.
12 Michael German, 6-1, 190, Ely: One of the biggest surprises in Broward County this season, finished among the leaders in passing. Was a versatile member of this team that went three rounds into the 5A playoffs. HEAD COACH: Rodney Gray
7 Willie Tindall, 6-0, 190, Stranahan: If there was a Most Valuable Offensive threat in South Florida this season, here he is. Not only did he lead the Dragons to a state championship, but also did it with his arm, legs and overall leadership. HEAD COACH: Joe Redmond.
RUNNING BACKS
20 Daryeon Chance, 5-6, 180, Cardinal Gibbons: Here is a four-year varsity performer who has become one of the top running backs in Broward County the past few years. While he doesn't have the measurables that other prospects have, he has played himself into a Division 1 prospect with speed and incredible instincts. Big time potential! HEAD COACH: Mike Morrill.
22 Jeremiah Hick, 5-11, 180, Miramar: Winning a 6A state championship this season, this impressive athlete helped to add balance to one of the top football teams in the state. He went over 1,000 yards! HEAD COACH: Damon Cogdell.
1 Cassius McDowell, 5-9, 175, Deerfield Beach: Easily one of the best overall athletes in Broward County, an injury prevented him from making the splash he did as a junior, but still one of the players who has quite a bright future ahead of him. HEAD COACH: Adam Ratkevich.
28 Meshach Waite, 5-10, 220, South Plantation: Was there a more impressive fullback prospect around in South Florida this year? The answer would be NO. Here is a hard runner who has strength, athletic ability and possesses incredible blocking skills that carried the Paladins into the playoff picture. Colleges have been very impressed at how hard he continues to work. HEAD COACH: Richard Maresco.
9 James White, 5-9, 190, St. Thomas Aquinas: Most believe this could be one of the best running backs in the state. A three-year varsity performer who recently committed to Wisconsin after looking at Clemson, North Carolina State and Michigan State. HEAD COACH: George Smith.
25 Devon Wright, 6-0, 185, Taravella: Headed to the University of Minnesota, this three-time Broward County large school rushing champion played hard, avoided injury and established himself as one of the best football players to ever compete in the county. HEAD COACH: Dan Marguriet.
RECEIVERS
26 Shawn Corker, 6-1, 190, Cardinal Gibbons: Make no mistake, this Texas Tech commitment lived up to all his pre-season billing as he led the Chiefs into the playoffs from both sides (safety) of the ball. Great hands, impressive speed and the knack of making plays. HEAD COACH: Mike Morrill.
5 Deven Drane, 5-11, 175, Plantation: Whether it's as a receiver or in the defensive secondary, here is a football talent who truly left a mark as one of the elite players in South Florida this season. A quality three-year varsity performer who was vital in the success of the Colonels. HEAD COACH: Steve Davis.
18 Clinton Jones, 5-9, 155, Blanche Ely: While he doesn't have the size that will blow you away, his speed and athletic ability have caused defenses plenty of problems during the season. On a team filled with standout players, here is someone who made a solid impact with his energy and ability to play the game at a high level. HEAD COACH: Rodney Gray.
27 Roosevelt Juin, 5-10, 170, Flanagan: While the Falcons improved this season, here is a player who made one of the biggest impacts as the leading receiver in Broward and a player who continued to make a difference. Great speed and tremendous hands. A pure receiving playmaker. HEAD COACH: Don Simon.
17 Bryan Thomas, 5-10, 175, Blanche Ely: Another quality receiving talent who helped make one of the top teams in Broward County go this season. Many who have watched him play believe his future is going to be very impressive. Was one of the top pass-catchers in Broward County. HEAD COACH: Rodney Gray.
TIGHT END
70/85 David Delsoin, 6-7, 265, Sheridan Hills: Easily one of the most overlooked line prospects in the state of Florida. What many of the larger colleges failed to see, FIU made sure that this star of the future did not get away. He has moved over to tight end for the all-star event, and has been the talk of the practice sessions. Impact player who could perform on Sundays some day. HEAD COACH: Joel Dunn.
40 Brandon Steg, 6-3, 220, Taravella: From the end of his junior year, here is an athlete who made major strides as a defensive end, linebacker and as a tight end. Headed to the University of Connecticut, this quality football player also competed in the Aloha Prep Bowl in Hawaii. HEAD COACH: Dan Marguriet.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
68 Leeward Brown, 6-3, 275, Miramar: A three-year varsity performer who was the anchor for an offense that had over 400 yards in the 6A state championship game against DeLand. One of the players who showed so much improvement from the beginning of the year. This is a talented line prospect who size, quickness and strength. Has already impressed colleges across the country. HEAD COACH: Damon Cogdell.
73 Chris Corpuz, 6-3, 320, Flanagan: After a positive senior season and a tremendous showing in the BCAA North/South game, here is a quality line prospect who showed impressive blocking skills, tremendous strength and quickness and the ability to make an impact for a Falcon team that was one of the best on offense. HEAD COACH: Don Simon.
75 Reginald Daniels, 6-3, 290, Blanche Ely: Yet another of those unsung heroes who plays hard in the trenches and gets very little publicity. One of the players that has shown plenty of improvement and has been singled out by coaches and fellow players. HEAD COACH: Rodney Gray.
50 Sir Christian Gordon, 6-2, 255, Miramar: One of the more athletic line prospects the Patriots had this year. Tremendous feet and exceptional blocking abilities that were first discovered in the spring when the 6A state champions started to build for a run at the school's first ever state boys' football title. Quality athlete who has the opportunity to play this game for a long time. HEAD COACH: Damon Cogdell.
65 Shawn Henderson, 5-11, 205, Coconut Creek: One of the most athletic linemen in Broward County this season. Has the ability to play on both sides of the ball. Is quick, strong and I a leader up front for the Cougars. HEAD COACH: Allen Jackson.
74 Sir Reginald Moore, 6-3, 270, Dillard: This three-year starter was a catalyst up front for the Panthers in 2009. His quick feet and ability to create holes was something that college coaches continued to watch. HEAD COACH: Manny Martin.
76 Brandon Parris, 6-0, 330, Hollywood Hills: Was one of the anchors on a line that was one of the better units around. Took part in off season camps to increase his visibility. College coaches were impressed by his work ethic, strength and athletic ability. HEAD COACH: Scott Barnwell.
64 Bryan Paull, 6-4, 290, Douglas: One of the players that many colleges simply overlooked, and when this class is finished accomplishing, this will be a name that you will hear plenty about. Many feel that the University of Connecticut stole this athlete. HEAD COACH: Al Lang.
72 Quinton Roland, 6-3, 330, Dillard: Another of the three-year varsity standouts for the Panthers who has been one of the athletes who has continued to mature into an impressive college prospect. Has tremendous size and surprising quickness and athletic ability for a player with this size. HEAD COACH: Manny Martin.
71 Alex Tucci, 6-5, 315, Cypress Bay: If you asked any team that went up against this quality football player, all will tell you that he was by far the best they went against. Headed to Colorado State, this quality football talent also competed in the Aloha Prep Bowl in Hawaii in December. HEAD COACH: Mark Guandolo.
RETURN SPECIALIST
3 Jazz Moss, 5-9, 165, Dillard: A three-year varsity performer who showed plenty speed, quickness and athleticism this year. Is not only an exceptional returner, but has played receiver and running back for the Panthers as well. HEAD COACH: Manny Martin.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
34 Travian Bailey, 6-2, 210, McArthur: With 13 sacks, this was one of the most dominating players in Broward County this season. A three-year starter for the Mustangs who proved to be one of the hardest players to block. If things go well for him, he will be a difference maker for a long time. HEAD COACH: Mike Zarra.
51 Dorian Grant, 6-0, 250, St. Thomas Aquinas: In a year where the Raiders fell short of their state and national championship goals, here was a quality football player who made major strides. A very string and athletic football talent who continued to show improvement and became a true force on a unit that was one of the best in the state. HEAD COACH: George Smith.
77 Nick Long, 6-1, 275, Taravella: This two-way standout has been a player who has helped to elevate the Trojans the past two seasons. Remained a force on a team that continues to improve each year. Showed leadership skills as well. HEAD COACH: Dan Marguriet.
66 Venson Mercellon, 6-1, 260, Stranahan: From the start of the season right through to the playoffs, this was one of the players who was a leader and one of the top prospects on the team. Continued to get better and better. HEAD COACH: Joe Redmond.
90 Clarence Murphy, 6-3, 230, Hollywood Hills: Another top prospect who has been making plays and dominating since his sophomore season. Overlooked by many state schools, many who have competed against him believe he could be one of the best in this class! HEAD COACH: Scott Barnwell.
60 Demetrius Rhaney, 6-3, 275, Stranahan: One of those players who quietly put together an impressive season. One that had colleges watching and appreciating everything he did to help the Dragons win the district title. HEAD COACH: Joe Redmond.
LINEBACKERS
31 Stephen Blissett, 5-11, 200, Miramar: Of all the linebackers in South Florida, here is one that very few have paid attention to, but if you look at the stats that he has put up over the past three years at the varsity level, you will understand why the Patriots won the 6A state championship and how dominating they were on the defensive side of the ball. HEAD COACH: Damon Cogdell.
33 Desmond Bozeman, 6-2, 215, Dillard: For three years, this is a player who has been singled out for his aggressive play. Follows in the footsteps of his brother who also did some great things for the Panthers. Headed to Western Michigan next year, this is an athlete who continues to get better. HEAD COACH: Manny Martin.
30 Dominick Bryan, 5-10, 180, Miramar: Was another defensive player that put the Patriots in a position to win a first ever 6A state title. One of the top tacklers who quickly made an impression as a play maker, who could support the run as well as drop in to pass coverage. Many felt he was one of the most important players this team had down the stretch. HEAD COACH: Damon Cogdell.
52 John Dieurestil, 6-0, 190, Fort Lauderdale: Talk about a player that completely flew under the radar screen, this versatile (top wrestler) athlete began his season at various camps and combines throughout the region and then turned heads during the season, and in the BCAA North/South game, turned plenty of heads. Very strong and aggressive. HEAD COACH: Bob Wood.
42 Christian Figueroa, 5-11, 200, West Broward: Only in its second year, this school has been able to produce a number of talented football players, and here is one who has been very impressive with his speed, quickness and athletic ability. Coaches who played against him have long been impressed at the way he continued to get the job done. HEAD COACH: Rick Divita.
10 David Holley, 6-0, 190, Blanche Ely: With over 150 tackles, numerous turnovers and sideline-to-sideline play, here is an athlete that was singled out by opponents as one of the most impressive athlete they went against all year. HEAD COACH: Rodney Gray.
55 Durrell Ward, 6-1, 230, Blanche Ely: If you ever watched the Tigers play, you will notice how little success opponents had moving on this defense, and one of the big reasons was this quality athlete who made plays all over the field. HEAD COACH: Rodney Gray.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
16 Derwin Brown, 6-1, 175, Stranahan: After coming in from South Plantation before the season, here is a quality athlete who combined size, quickness and athletic ability to have an impressive year for the district champion Dragons. Has turned many heads this season, and colleges are impressed with his athletic ability and skills. HEAD COACH: Joe Redmond.
8 Khari Burke, 5-9, 175, South Plantation: Here is one of the best defensive backs many had never heard much about. His speed and athletic ability provides him enough to get after it on the football field. Another emerging player who continued to get better. HEAD COACH: Richard Maresco.
19 Stephen Clarke, 5-10, 185, Boyd Anderson: One of the many top-flight prospects the Cobras had in the secondary. A quality playmaker who had been on the radar screen since last spring with his quickness and skill level. Colleges have been impressed with his aggressive style of play since last spring. HEAD COACH: Mark James.
15 Cliff Coleman, 6-0, 190, Boyd Anderson: Was there a better overall defensive back in South Florida? Ask many who have watched this impressive athlete play, and all will tell you nobody shut receivers down like this University of Mississippi commitment. HEAD COACH: Mark James.
21 Nevin Lawson, 5-11, 185, Piper: Another of the top prospects who received little attention this season. A playmaker with quickness, speed and a knack of knowing where the ball is at all times. Will be headed to the west coast to play for the Aggies of Utah State. HEAD COACH: Matthew Lewis.
6 Keondrick Lyn, 6-1, 180, Miramar: If you had the pleasure of watching the Patriots this season, this was one of the difference makers in the secondary. A quick, athletic football talent who made plays all over the field for the 6A state champions. Was one of the top players in this year's state playoff push. HEAD COACH: Damon Cogdell.
2 Keion Payne, 5-11, 175, St. Thomas Aquinas: After coming over from Dillard this season, here is an outstanding cover-corner back who has made some major strides, and turned enough heads to have several colleges keep an eye on his progress. Headed to the University of Miami, here is a athlete who will certainly surprise you. HEAD COACH: George Smith.
14 Jabari Price, 5-11, 180, Blanche Ely: One of the top prospects in a county filled with outstanding talent, this University of North Carolina commitment has everything you need to be successful at the next level and beyond. His aggressive play and knowledge of the secondary has given him a huge advantage. He has a nose for the ball! HEAD COACH: Rodney Gray.
13 Courtland Rich, 6-3, 190, Deerfield Beach: This impressive and rangy safety prospect has been getting it done on the large stage for three years. He has been instrumental in the success the Bucks have had on the football field as well as a track performer. One of the athletes who continues to impress colleges with his size and athletic ability. HEAD COACH: Adam Ratkevich.
ATHLETE
4 Donte' Dotson, 5-8, 175, Deerfield Beach: If you had the pleasure of watching this quality athlete compete the past two years, you will be convinced that there was perhaps none better. His speed and athletic ability sets him apart from the rest. Is probably one of the five fastest football players in Florida this year. HEAD COACH: Adam Ratkevich.
SPECIAL TEAMS
44 Derek Soven, 5-8, 155, Cypress Bay: While many other kickers and punters received more publicity, this is the player who got it done on football field. He was rewarded for his outstanding season with a trip to Hawaii to compete in the national Aloha Prep Bowl. HEAD COACH: Mark Guandolo.
You can reach Larry Blustein via e-mail at FloridaKids1@hotmail.com. He can also be heard every Thursday night (9-10) on the Miami Dolphins High School Gridiron Report on WQAM (560 AM). |