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. Last week, we added 10 top 2022 football players to keep an eye on.
This is the time of year when area players for the next two recruiting cycles 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 and 2022 talent that will star on football fields across Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, today we give you a sampling of a few of the 2023 athletes that are receiving national attention.
While most areas of the country would never think of getting freshmen involved at the varsity level, we once again will remind you that we are simply not like other areas – and our talented football players are turning heads at every turn.
With that in mind, there are once again several rising sophomore 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, are loaded with talent, and as many as 40-50 will play at the D1 level.
With that in mind, here is a look 15 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. Remember, like the thousands of athletes we profile and talk about, and have promoted for 50 years, we have watched all these young men live in games, camps, combines and during the 7-on-7 season.
Rueben Bain, DE, Miami Central. From the start of the year, there was no doubt that this was going to be someone special for head coach Roland Smith and the Rockets. At 6-2, 235, he is indeed one of those athletes who will impact football in south Florida. Was a big part of the Class 6A championship team.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/11669433/Rueben-Bain
Taron Dickens, QB, Miami Northwestern. What more can be said about a quality 9th grader who ultimately leads his team to a 5A state title in his very first year in high school? A quality passer who will continue to learn and pick up the little things needed, but after winning it all this year, his future is indeed incredible – to say the least.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/13330745/Taron-Dickens
Mark Fletcher, RB, Plantation American Heritage. For this impressive 6-1, 185-pounder, who heads into his third season as a varsity player for head coach Pat Surtain and his Patriots, the best is definitely yet to come. Watch him run the ball and you are amazed at what he brings to the table. Has the size, quickness and tremendous athletic ability. All he needs to do is continue to pick up valuable experience.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/11744607/Mark-Fletcher
Jamari Ford, RB, Miami Killian. Following in the footsteps of his older brother, Johnny, this is big time football player who continues to show how impressive and versatile he is. Whether it’s as a running back – or catching the ball from the slot position – this is someone is only going to continue getting better. Leaves Miami Christian after two outstanding seasons.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/11598089/jamari-ford
Lamont Green, Jr., DE, Southwest Miami. Having watched and followed his father at Miami Southridge and into college at FSU, the apple does not fall far from the tree. This is certainly an All-American prospect who made a major impact as a starter for the Eagles this past season. Has been around the game all of his young life. Another emerging star!
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/12943601/Lamont-Green-Jr
Elvin Harris, OL, Hollywood McArthur. Having watched this impressive talent several times, it was difficult to comprehend that he was just a 9th grader. Tremendous feet, always improving strength and knowledge of the position way beyond his years. This is going to be a very special line prospect.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/13086715/Elvin-Harris
Collin Hurst, QB, Davie Western. From the first time he stepped on the field this past season, there was no doubt about this young man’s ability. An tremendous athlete who brings so much to the table – and by the time he reaches his senior season – college interest will come from everywhere. His father was also an amazing talent back in the day at Cooper City.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/12810780/Collin-Hurst
Brandon Inniss, WR/S, Fort Lauderdale University School. This is an amazing talent that we have watched perform five times over the past two years, and each and every performance was something special. A starter since the 8th grade, his play as a receiver, defensive back, punter and even as a quarterback has helped head coach Daniel Luque and his Sharks win some important games. One of the best in the country
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/11309179/Brandon-Inniss
Keyone Jenkins, QB, Miami Carol City. Yet another of those amazing freshmen who came into the 2019 season having spent one year at Mater Academy, getting an opportunity to learn the game and see what was ahead of him. Amazing accuracy and already showing plenty of leadership for a program that was much in need of a spark. Will certainly be on the of those amazing talents for years to come.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/11554502/Keyone-Jenkins
David Jester, WR/S, Homestead. No matter where it’s been – at the youth football level, Everglades Prep or this past season at Doral Academy, this is really someone who has the chance to be very special – as he’s already shown on both sides of the ball. While he has amazing hands and runs great routes on offense, his skills as a ball hawk in the secondary is something that the Homestead Broncos will more than benefit from in 2020.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/11049007/DAVID-JESTER
Nathaniel Joseph, WR, Miami Edison. Definitely the next wave major football talent in south Florida, this quality prospect already made a huge impact this past season at Miami Christian – and as he heads to play for head coach Luther Campbell and the Raiders, this is someone who will be the center of attention. Also follows in the footsteps of his cousins, Flex Joseph (FIU) and Hilton Joseph (North Miami), who were also star-quality football players.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/11207420/Nathaniel-Joseph
Micah Lewis, RB/LB, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy. The son of head coach Tommy Lewis, here is one of those young men who has been playing this game for a number of years and his passion matches his talent. A quality two-way performer who has the chance to be very special over the next three years. A solid runner as well as an athletic defensive standout.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/9751028/Micah-Lewis
Adam Moore, WR, Miami Booker T. Washington. Yet another big time young talent that we had the pleasure of watching several times this season, and there is no doubt that this one of your next stars of south Florida. A quality football player who brings size, athleticism and plenty of savvy with him into his sophomore season. If you want to know one of the reasons why the Tornadoes and head coach Ben Hanks will be back in the mix in 2020, here is your answer.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/12879612/Adam-Moore
Lamar Seymore, WR, Miami Central. While we know all about his older brother – Laurence, a University of Miami offensive line commit – people are just starting to find out about the little brother, who at 6-1, 180, is not little. Like so many elite football players in south Florida, here is someone who has the chance to be very special – and after what he accomplished this past season – you already know that he will be a star of head coach Roland Smith and the defending 6A state champion Rockets.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/13148717/Lamar-Seymore
David Vadala, LB, Plantation American Heritage. There were very few football players in south Florida who made such an amazing impact as this young man did during his first season at the high school level. As a starter for head coach Pat Surtain’s Patriots, he was one of the best defensive players on a team loaded with quality athletes. One of the hardest workers around – and he has three more years to continue to make a difference.