Over the past few years, we have brought you a number of quality football players in the BCAA. This summer, alone, we have brought you many players that have not received the exposure they deserve.

With the start of the 2008 high school football season getting started this week, we are bringing you our look at the top 20 senior football players who will entertain fans throughout the season.

While there are a number of players who deserve to be on this list, we welcome your input as we cover all the schools, watching new stars of the gridiron emerge.

Remember, the objective of this column here on the BCAA athletics website, is to make sure that we promote and get the names of the athletes out there for all to see.

This website is viewed by thousands each week from all over the world, trying to learn more about Broward football and the excellent athletes who compete.

Many have written and e-mailed to us about the content on this website. They are impressed by the up close and personal information we bring.

Today, we have a look at the top 20 senior football players, heading into the 2008 season:

1. Eugene Smith, QB, 6-3, 180, Miramar: Smith is one of the elite quarterbacks in the country. He has the physical attributes you look for in a quarterback: good arm, mobility, and solid decision making skills. There is not much not to like about this quality football talent. He is still a bit raw as a prospect but his upside is off the charts.

2. Brandon McGee, QB/CB, 6-0, 185, Plantation: McGee is projected as a cornerback at the next level, but it’s on offense where he has done most of his damage for the Colonels. This University of Miami-bound standout is one of type of players that can come to a complete stop, and when he starts back up seems to be in 5th gear. He is at his best with the football under his arm. We like him as a receiver while most colleges are recruiting him as a defensive back.

3. Denard Robinson, QB, 6-0, 185, Deerfield Beach: If players are judged by how they do against the best competition, this is one of the most accomplished athletes. Last year against St. Thomas, he put on a show, and then later in the year, he left a lasting impression in a tough loss to eventual national champion, Miami Northwestern. If he decides to play receiver or defensive back in college, Robinson could end up one of the top players in this class.

4. Duron Carter, WR, 6-2, 180, St. Thomas: Nobody has made more of an impact over the past year like this Ohio St. commit. The former youth league quarterback has followed his father, Cris, who knows a little about making a major impact - at every level! Carter runs his routes very well and catches everything thrown his way. He does a good job of getting open. He is probably one of the most polished receivers in this year’s class.

5. Conner O’Neil, S/LB, 6-1, 195, St. Thomas: This former tight end made an impression last year during the 5A state championship run, returning a kick for a touchdown in the state championship game. He plays the game with a ton of passion and Conner has great instincts for where the football is at all times. He plays with good technique and you rarely if ever will catch Conner out of position.

6. Trabis Ward, RB, 5-9, 185, Dillard: One thing we always look for is players that are productive. This is a young man who produced against all the top teams he played against last year. He does a good job of picking up positive yards. You rarely see him get taken down for a loss. He also runs with a punishing style which allows him to wear a defense down.

7. Mike Carter, CB, 5-10, 165, Ely: Here is a talented athlete who has waited to show that last year was certainly no fluke when he led all Broward defensive backs in interceptions. He does do a good job of anticipating where the ball is going to go to. He is not afraid to mix it up as well. He is a solid cornerback prospect.

8. Vlad Emilen, S, 6-0, 180, Plantation: Easily one of the top prospects in South Florida, who was injured during the summer, and will be sidelined for the start of the season. He could play either safety position, but it’s our guess that he plays strong safety in college. He can play close to the line of scrimmage and help out in the run game.

9. David Gilbert, DE, 6-3, 220, Northeast: Coming from a school that has produced its share of talented football players, this is a hybrid outside linebacker/ defensive end prospect at the next level. He already holds multiple offers from BCS programs, and that list should continue to grow in the fall and into the season.

10. Dwayne Difton, WR, 5-10, 175, St. Thomas: Yet another D1 prospect the Raiders have on their impressive roster. With Carter on one side and Difton on the other, there may not be a better tandem of receivers in Florida this year. This quality athlete is a prospect that really improved at all facets of the game. He has improved his speed, his route running and hands.

11. Joshua Robinson, DB, 5-11, 185, Plantation: This gifted athlete is part of a secondary that could easily be one of the best in Florida this season.  With McGee moving to cornerback, Emilien at one safety spot, junior Devin Drane at the other cornerback spot, and Robinson at possibly free safety, they will have four D1 prospects back there.

12. Steadman Bailey, WR, 5-11, 185, Miramar: When it comes to going across the middle of field, Bailey is tough as nails. He is Smith’s favorite target when it comes to the clutch grab. He is not real big but Bailey will fight for the football. He has good hands and runs solid routes. He is part of a group of receivers that could end up being the most productive in the state.

13. Deshaun Sands, RB, 5-9, 175, Piper: This University of Kansas commit makes the move from Monarch this season and will once again be the top runner in an area loaded with quality backs. Tremendous speed and strength. This is a player who will flourish over the next few years. His father, Tony, was a standout at St. Thomas and at Kansas.

14. Antwon Higgs, LB, 6-3, 240, Pompano: One of the players who has flown way beneath the radar screen, but has continued to produce wherever he has played. This two-way (tight end) prospect has a number of major colleges watching. This is easily a prospect to keep an eye on.

15. Shane Gordon, LB, 6-1, 225, Cypress Bay: This four year starter has as much big game experience as any player in the state this coming season. Gordon has very good instincts and is rarely caught out of position. He has a good nose for the football. He also can punish the ball carrier once he gets a hold of them. What we really like about Gordon is how sound he is on the football field, playing nearly 40 games heading into his senior season.

16. Victor Marc, QB, 6-0, 217, Hallandale: After a productive season in Miami-Dade County at Dr. Krop High, here is one of the most complete athletes the BCAA has for the 2007 season. While he plays quarterback at the high school level, this University of South Florida commit could see time at running back, linebacker or safety in college. He will be the leader for a Charger team that is expected to give defending 4A state champion Miami Booker T. Washington a fight for the district title.

17. Ricardo Dixon, CB, 5-10, 180, Hallandale: Another Dr. Krop transfer, Dixon was another player that was being heavily recruited in the spring. He performed well enough in his spring game to garner a ton of offers. He has good hips and plays with solid technique. This impressive football player will also attend the University of South Florida.

Steven Jacques

18. Steven Jacques, OG, 6-4, 280, South Broward: One of the most underrated “big men“ in South Florida. This impressive athlete who will be one of the top heavyweight wrestlers this coming season, is strong, quick and has tremendous feet. Many schools have overlooked this prospect, who has offers from Auburn and West Virginia - to name a few. Colleges who are not paying attention to him will regret the decision not to make him a priority.

19. Austin Gamble, LB, 6-2, 225, Cypress Bay: Yet another football talent who hasn’t received the serious attention that he deserves. This two-sport (track) athlete will emerge as one of the top defensive players in this class. He has strength, quickness and the knowledge of how to play this game - at a high level.

20. Gabe Holmes, TE, 6-5, 217, St. Thomas: Gained plenty of attention last year because of his size and athletic ability. While he doesn‘t fit the Raiders‘ offensive scheme as a tight end, many believe he will grow into the position at the next level, and that’s why schools are extremely high on this quality athlete who is still trying to become a top-flight football player.

NEXT WEEK: The start of the 2008 season will bring some surprises and top performances. We’ll be right there with all the information.

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).