When we came out with a sampling of the players who were recognized nationally in the Class of 2021 last month, there was an amazing outpouring of fans, coaches and players who enjoyed reading about the next class up.
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.
Like we looked at some of the top 2021 talent that will star on football fields across Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, today we give you a sampling of a few of the 2022 athletes that are receiving national attention.
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 rising junior prospects who are starting to receive attention all over the country – months and months before they ever start their junior 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 10 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.
We will continue to do these profiles throughout the next seven months, so everyone will enjoy their place in the spotlight.
Alfonso Allen, S, 6-0 175, Hollywood McArthur. Definitely one of the prospects who jumped onto the scene as a freshman and continued to turn heads this past season. Is easily one of the best in Florida – and is quickly emerging as a national prospect, with dozens of colleges all over his every move.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/11622049/Alfonzo-Allen
Dante Anderson, DE, 6-4, 200, Homestead. This former Miami Southridge standout joins a program that is quickly on the rise. Here is a big time prospect who moves extremely well – and has captured the attention of just about every college in the country. He is just an amazing, young performer, who will only mature and get better.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/11398066/Dante-Anderson
Julian Armella, OL, 6-6, 300, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. The son of a one-time high school and collegiate standout, there is no doubt about how good he is now – and will be in the future. Heads into his third season as a dominating varsity starter, who received national recognition before he ever stepped on the field as a freshman for the Raiders. Understands that position as well as anyone his age.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/11312534/Julian-Armella
Welsey Bissainthe, LB, 6-1, 195, Miami Central. We have said it before and will continue to say until everyone listens. There is NOT a better prospect than this dominating playmaker in the state of Florida, who will reach the “5-star” level sometime this year. It more than amazes everyone how people who have never watched him play one down live continue to make assessments and evaluations. Will continue to turn heads and make plays – with every major college watching his every move.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/12764193/Wesley-Bissainthe
Anthony Hankerson, RB, 5-9, 190, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. Not waiting for others to watch him on film, we have had the pleasure of seeing him perform on both sides (linebacker) of the ball several times – and there are very few who are close to bringing to the table what he will the next two seasons. Has a chance to be one of the Raiders best ever by the time he graduates.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/11733631/Anthony-Hankerson
Maurice Jones, RB, 5-9, 190, Coral Gables. Yet another game changer that so many have never watched, but are quick to have an opinion. This is a big time football talent, who is fast, strong and very instinctive and will continue to pick up plenty of interest. Ran or nearly 300 yards in two meetings with defending 8A state champion Christopher Columbus. Colleges are starting to find out about him – and by the end of the spring, he will be among the most coveted in the nation.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/11201958/Maurice-Jones
Daniel Lyons, DE, 6-3, 235, Homestead. Yet another player who began at Southridge and has joined a Broncos’ team that is loaded. Here is a dominating talent who continues to grow, getting bigger and stronger, and by the time his junior season is over, he will be a national recruit with an offer sheet that will include some of the best programs in the country.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/11398044/Daniel-Lyons
Jaziun Patterson, RB, 5-11, 175, Deerfield Beach. The beat goes on for the Bucks, and this is someone who has been on the radar over the past two years – and as he heads toward his junior season – expect him to blow up for a program looking for big play athletes on offense. He is a physical runner who has speed and plenty of skill. Has the chance to be among the best in Florida over the next two seasons.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/11705779/Jaziun-Patterson
Richard Thomas, DE, 6-2, 240, Deerfield Beach. Leave no doubt that there are few better than this impressive football player who made an impression as a freshman and then truly made a statement this year – as the Patriots battled Miami Northwestern down to the wire. He is indeed a game changer that continues to get better and improve and learn all the time. Has already attracted some of the premier colleges in the country. He recently transferred to Deerfield Beach.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/9961886/Richard-Thomas
Shemar Stewart, DE, 6-5, 240, Miami Monsignor Pace. Began his sophomore season as the top player in the state and one of the elite nationally for the class, and after the Spartans made the playoffs this past season, will be a huge catalyst in 2020. Has the size and athleticism to dominate. This is a football player who also gets it done on the basketball court as well. (PICTURED)