No sooner is the Class of 2020 getting ready to head off to college – or looking toward February for the second National Signing Day – the next class up, 2021, is certainly ready to take center stage.
This is the time of year when area players for the next cycle are starting to receive heavy attention – coming off national showcases – so it should come as no surprise at all that Miami-Dade and Broward County players are in the middle of the conversation.
As we established this season in the NFL, south Florida is the place to be for talent. No getting around the fact that there are 3 times the amount of future NFL prospects roaming high school football fields in the 305, 954 and 561 than any other area in the country – and it will once again play out in this class.
With that in mind, there are once again several Class of 2021 prospects who are starting to receive attention all over the country – months and months before they ever start their final season.
This, like the past classes, is loaded with talent, and as many as 40-50 will play at the D1 level.
With that in mind, here is a look 20 players that are receiving national attention. This is NOT a ranking. Just a watch list of some of south Florida’s prospects to keep an eye on. We more than understand that there are so many, after seeing over 2,000 players live this past season. Remember, we promote and break down by far more athletes during a course of a year than anyone - and it’s not close, so if anyone understands the amazing amount of athletes we have, it’s us.
Just so there is no confusion, with talk of players moving to other programs, the schools listed are the ones that these impressive athletes ended the 2019 season at:
Romello Brinson, WR, 6-2, 180, Miami Northwestern. Big time talent for the now three-time defending state champions. Has the chance to watch his stock continue to rise. Makes play!
Jacorey Brooks, WR, 6-3, 185, Miami Booker T. Washington. Say what you want, but this is the best receiver in the country – and for those who doubt it – watch him play for an entire season. He abuses even the best defensive backs. Not even up for discussion.
Yulkeith Brown, Athlete, 5-10, 175, Miami Central. Continues to follow in the footsteps of this father who was a huge star back in the day for Miami Northwestern. Can play up to five positions. Has been getting it done for several years now.
Corey Collier, CB, 6-2, 170, Miami Palmetto. People seem to want to underestimate this quality defensive secondary standout. Big enough to play safety, but agile and athletic enough to cover anyone. His ball skills are second to none. Can turn a game around in a hurry.
Savion Collins, DT, 6-4, 290, Miami Palmetto. This current University of Miami commit made the most of his first season with the Panthers. A strong and very physical football player who continues to get better – and will certainly be a huge force once again in 2020.
Amari Daniels, RB, 5-8, 195, Miami Central. One of the nation’s best running backs, but yet he continues to be taken for granted by many who do not watch him play live. From the first time he played for the Rockets as a freshman, there was never any doubt. Big time player who can change any game at any time. Strong and durable.
Thaddeus Franklin, RB, 6-1, 220, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. This one-time University of Miami commitment showed what he was all about this season for the now three-time defending 3A state champions, and while many will define him for his amazing performance in the state title game, it’s what he did to help the Lions get to the title game is what he is all about.
Jacolby George, WR, 5-11, 165, Plantation. Over 1,000 yards this past season, this is one of the most versatile football players the Colonels had. No matter what they needed him to do in his career, he stepped up no questions asked. Even punted his first two years. Watched him perform live several times and he never disappoints.
Anthony Hundley, DT, 6-3, 270, Miami Booker T. Washington. Speak about punting, in addition to what this LSU commit does on the defensive side of the ball, there may not have been a better punter in south Florida – with a long of 68 yards and an average of over 44 yards. But it’s all about what this young man can do from the defensive line position is what makes him so special and why the Tigers loved him.
Tyler Johnson, OLB, 6-3, 200, Homestead South Dade. The younger brother of former University of Miami standout and four-year All-State safety from Miami Killian, Jaquan Johnson, he has truly made his own way – showcasing his pass rushing skills as well as being able to cover in space. Big time prospect who knows how to work.
Kamren Kinchens, S, 5-10, 180, Miami Northwestern. Another of these quality prospects that many take for granted, but that’s a huge mistake. Big time football talent who makes plays all over the field and fills the stat sheet up quicker than anyone. He will continue to elevate the Bulls in 2020.
Terrence Lewis, LB, 6-1, 195, Miami Northwestern. From the time he started playing at Booker T. Washington to the moment he arrived at Northwestern, there were very few better than this impressive talent. Showed why he is one of the nation’s best at last week’s Under Armour Future 50 event. Coaches talked about his ability to cover the entire field.
Jason Marshall, CB, 6-2, 180, Miami Palmetto. When you are on the field, competing against this versatile football talent, you can see right away how much of a difference he makes. A physical talent that will play receiver if the Panthers need. Just a major force on the field.
Tyreak Sapp, DE, 6-2, 255, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. If there was any question how gifted this young man is, he certainly put it all to rest – with a great stretch run for the Raiders and a dominating performance at the Under Armour Future 50 event last week in Orlando. This University of Florida commitment will also wrestle heavyweight this season.
Laurence Seymore, OG, 6-2, 285, Miami Central. Since he was in the 8th grade, they talked about “Big Baby” and the things he could do on the offensive line. After a solid sophomore year, and a state championship junior season, this is easily one of the premier line prospects in this class. Watch him play in person and you are immediately sold. As technically sound as you are going to find.
Brashard Smith, Athlete, 5-9, 180, Miami Palmetto. While he made a splash as a sophomore as a running back, this past season certainly opened the door on what else he brings to the table as a total prospect, lining up on both sides of the ball. Very gifted and unselfish.
Marcus Tate, OT, 6-5, 318, Fort Lauderdale University School. Since the 8th grade – when many started to watch him – and as a starter as a freshman, this Clemson University commit has continued to turn heads. A big time player who is smart and athletic and is still learning and growing. He is also a tremendous basketball player for the Sharks as well.
Leonard Taylor, DT, 6-4, 255, Miami Palmetto. One of the nation’s best prospects – and after short stints at South Dade and Miami Southridge – he found a home with Panthers as dominating pass rusher and a very effective run stopper. The total package. Hard to figure that any other player at his position brings more to the table anywhere in the country.
Dallas Turner, OLB, 6-3, 225, Plantation American Heritage. One of the prospects who has emerged into a major talent. One who has everything you are looking for on the football field – as well as . following in the rather large footsteps of his father, Delon, a one time Miami Carol City and FAMU basketball star.
James Williams, S, 6-5, 218, Davie Western. There are very few football players who are as imposing and physical as this quality prospect. From his freshman season at Miami Monsignor Pace to his sophomore season at Plantation American Heritage and this past season at Western, he has dominated and has been a difference maker.