Well, we’re back, and just in time to take you down the homestretch of the spring football season.

Look around any BCAA campus this time of year and footballs are filling the air from Miramar to Deerfield Beach as coaches try to find out what they need to work on for the summer.

While coaches spend long hours getting ready for spring and plan for the next few months, the athletes are directly in the spotlight with college coaches from all over the nation, flocking to the region to get a jump on the Class of 2009 as well as planning for the future by checking out the 2010 and 2011 players.

Over the next few weeks, we will spotlight a few of the local players to keep an eye on. In fact, right up until the summer, I encourage you to read this column to read about athletes we’ve been fortunate to watch for the past few years.

Here are 10 players to check out over the next month at a practice, a scrimmage or one of the many spring classic events that will be hosted.

Eugene Smith, QB, 6-3, 175, Miramar: There’s little doubt that this is the player to keep an eye on. He has all the tools to become one of the best we’ve produced here in a long time. Strong arm and an impressive leader on the field. SCHOOLS ON THE RADAR: Miami, Cincinnati, Florida, Florida State, South Florida, Michigan and West Virginia.

Brandon McGee, QB/CB, 6-0, 180, Plantation: While we all know that when this impressive athlete gets to the next level, he will be a cornerback. But this season, the Colonels will need him to be a leader as one of the most athletic quarterbacks in the region. Top-flight players and a tremendous person. SCHOOLS ON THE RADAR: Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Ohio State, Tennessee and USC.

Ricardo Dixon, DB, 5-10, 160, Hallandale: This transfer from Miami’s Dr. Michael Krop High is one of the top cover-corners in the state this coming season. A quick athlete who knows how to use his body and make plays. Was part of a quality defense a year ago in Miami-Dade County. SCHOOLS ON THE RADAR: Auburn, Florida State, Miami, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee

Michael Carter, DB, 5-10, 165, Ely: After seven interceptions a year ago, the major question is how will he be able to completely take over the secondary without the aid of All-America Patrick Johnson, who will be headed to LSU in the summer. Very good football player with tremendous cover skills. SCHOOLS ON THE RADAR: Florida, Georgia Tech, Miami (Fl), Minnesota and West Virginia.

Duron Carter, WR, 6-3, 185, St. Thomas Aquinas: While being the son of future Hall of Famer, Cris Carter, is always nice, here is a young man who has worked hard to achieve everything that has come his way. A former quarterback who is learning how to play the position the right way, and colleges all over the country are impressed with his pass catching and blocking. SCHOOLS ON THE RADAR: LSU, Ohio State, Florida, Michigan, South Carolina, South Florida and West Virginia.

Phil Walker, LB, 6-1, 208, Cypress Bay: One of three line backing prospects from one school, here is one of the most physical players on the team. Makes plays all over the field. Will be one of those players everyone will be watching. SCHOOLS ON THE RADAR: UCF, Miami, FIU.

Austin Gamble, LB, 6-1, 208, Cypress Bay: Emerged as one of the top prospects on a team that figures to be one of the best 6A programs in the state. A very strong and quick athlete who has been around the game all of his young life. May be the best the Lightning have at the position. SCHOOL ON THE RADAR: Miami.

Shane Gordon, LB, 6-1, 220, Cypress Bay: When you are a three-year starter and already have a state championship (Chaminade) under your belt, this is old hat by now. One of the most experienced defensive players in the state. Will continue to attract more attention into the summer.
SCHOOLS ON THE RADAR: Miami, FIU.

Denard Robinson, QB, 6-0, 180, Deerfield Beach: If you want to ask someone how good this prospect is, maybe polling the national champion Miami Northwestern Bulls, who were under two minutes away from being upset by the Bucks. Over 2,000 yards of total offense and head-turning wins over St. Thomas Aquinas and North Miami Beach are part of his impressive resume. SCHOOLS ON THE RADAR: Florida, LSU, Rutgers and UCF.

Josh Robinson, DB, 5-10, 180, Plantation: Another of the emerging stars that head coach Steve Davis has developed in the past few years. This is a quality football player who has exceptional cover skills and hits like a linebacker. Colleges already love what he has done. SCHOOLS ON THE RADAR: Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, South Florida and Tennessee

NEXT WEEK: We continue to look at more BCAA players for you to keep an eye on this spring and into the summer.

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).