The one thing that I have always prided myself on, when it comes to covering football, is to see as many players perform live as possible.

It gives me the pleasure of really judging what each and every athlete brings to the table as far as athletic talent, character and the ability to play the sport of football.

I personally believe that too many people rely on word of mouth and watching too much film when judging athletic talent, and to someone who grew up evaluating talent without the help of the internet, this is the only way I know how to do this.

I am not saying that film doesn’t enhance the process, but there are so many things that you cannot tell about an athlete by just popping in a DVD and just judging if the player can run, catch, hit or tackle. There is much more to this process than that.

When I watch football players across the state of Florida, my main objective is to watch the athlete, talk with that athlete and find out as much as possible, talk with friends, coaches, teammates and even parents who may be at a practice or the game.

As the season begins this week with kickoff classics, we have come up with 10 seniors to keep an eye on in the BCAA with a few more to watch for.

Here is a look at the top 10 seniors in the area:

1. Lamarcus Joyner, CB/WR, 5-8, 175, St. Thomas Aquinas: After watching him dominate as a sophomore and junior for Southwest Miami, this gifted football talent will spend his final season in high school, playing a key role for the defending national champions. Is a true difference maker.

2. Brandon Linder, OT, 6-6, 290, St. Thomas Aquinas: From the first time I watched him play as a sophomore, it was easily to tell that this was going to be a national recruit. His quickness, strength, knowledge of the entire line of scrimmage and work ethic puts him in a unique class. Will probably miss the first few games of the season with a foot injury that also kept him out in the spring and summer.

3. Gio Bernard, RB, 5-8, 200, St. Thomas Aquinas: The true measure of this impressive back came last year, as a junior for the national champion Raiders. His quickness, strength, durability and breakaway speed gives him the chance to become one of the nation’s premier backs. Has only enhanced his standing with colleges with a productive spring and summer.

4. Ivan McCartney, WR, 6-2, 175, Miramar: They call him “sticks” because of his slender build. Has tremendous hands, runs great patterns and has the ability to catch the ball against anyone. Was the catalyst in the Patriots’ run last year in the playoffs, and is expected to do much of the same in 2009! Related to Bengals’ standout Chad Ochocinco, and it shows with the way he plays the game.

5. Cody Riggs, CB, 5-9, 170, St. Thomas Aquinas: His football instincts combined with his impressive speed makes this a player who will be a huge get for any collegiate secondary. He rarely lets someone get behind him and has the ability to also break on the ball and make a play at anytime. A big time prospect who is among the fastest players in the state this season.

6. Devon Wright, RB, 6-0, 185, Taravella: He has quickness, balance, great size and the ability make people miss – often! Don’t be surprised at how fast he climbs the charts over the next few months. He is already the two-time defending Broward County rushing champion with the 2009 season coming up. Has only played the sport of football for three years, which makes his rise so impressive.

7. Tony Grimes, CB, 6-0, 170, Hollywood Hills: A three year starter who has been playing at a high level since he hit the football field for the Spartans, this gifted athlete has been working his way up the charts – quickly. While he may eventually end up at a safety position, his cover skills are impressive without the impressive speed that some colleges are fooled by.

8. James White, RB, 5-10, 185, St. Thomas Aquinas: What makes this athlete so impressive is his ability to filter out of the backfield to make catches and create mismatches in the defense. To back up how impressive he has been in his career, he is also being recruited by some of the top colleges in the nation, and the best is yet to come. He also played baseball for the Raiders.

9. Demar Dorsey, S, 6-2, 180, Boyd Anderson: Having watched this gifted athlete play a number of times, you continue to see why some schools like him as a safety, while others love his speed and cover skills enough to put him at the corner position. The University of Florida commitment is easily one of the most impressive football players in the state.

10. Shawn Corker, WR, 6-1, 185, Cardinal Gibbons: Last year, at this time, there wasn’t one person who knew who this gifted football talent was. Now, as we head toward the 2009 season, he is regarded as one of the top performers in a receiving class that is easily as deep as it’s ever been in the state of Florida. This quality athlete became the first players in over 15 years from Broward County to commit to Texas Tech, where he will play for the Red Raiders.

FIVE MORE TO WATCH:
1. Jonathan Feliciano, OT, 6-4, 275, Western (MIAMI COMMITMENT).
2. Brian Robinson, DB, 5-10, 185, St. Thomas Aquinas.
3. Clifton Coleman, DB, 5-10, 170, Boyd Anderson.
4. Khari Burke, DB, 5-10, 170, South Plantation.
5. Cassius McDowell, RB, 5-8, 175, Deerfield Beach.

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).