When it comes to helping south Florida athletes get exposure, there can never be too many people assisting and helping in the process.
This past Saturday, a new face appeared at Miami’s LaSalle High School when MRE (Major Recruiting Exposure) hosted an event to give present seniors and underclassmen a huge boost in this never-ending quest to land a college scholarship.
They came from Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and from as far away as Orlando, Avon Park and the Jacksonville area to perform in front of college coaches and those who can help these prospects make an impression.
Among those in attendance was 4-time Pro Bowler Brian Orakpo and his brother, Mike, who run Athlete Connect, an App where athletes have the ability to find a personal coach in their area who specialize in their sport and position, and they can book them right from their mobile device. Athletes will also be able to connect with one another to provide motivation and support. Coaches will be able to set offerings, acquire new athletes, and manage training sessions.
Orakpo, a Texas native, spoke to the athletes about the process and what was needed to make their dreams come true.
“While there are so many showcase events providing exposure, there are so many athletes without offers or college interest,” said MRE Founder Ernesto Munguia. “The need for an event like this is something we saw a need for, and by having college coaches as well as Brian and Mike on hand, it only enhanced the process.”
With St. Thomas University, Livingstone College, Southern University, Advanced Prep Academy, ASA Miami, Southern Nazarine University and others on hand, athletes had their chance to turn heads and make a statement.
While there were a number of seniors on hand, juniors such as Miami High receiver Makai Lovett came out to gain an edge on the competition. The standout benefitted from the instruction as well as listening to what everyone had to say.
“It was great to come here and listen to work out,” he explained. “No matter what it is, if it’s football related, there is always something that you are going to learn.”
LaSalle head coach Helder Valle felt that getting a big time event on his campus was important – and was impressed at the athletes who came out – as well as the college coaches who attended.
“Something like this is always great in the process,” he explained. “With so many athletes with no traction in recruiting, it’s great to have something like this.”
Plantation American Heritage senior (DE/OLB) Jaheim Webb was another prospect who enjoyed the day.
With several offers on the table, Webb, who came to play for the Patriots this year from Blanche Ely, is looking to see his stock rise – and after performing and talking with coaches on hand, things started to take shape.
“I know what kind of player I am and what I bring to the next level,” he said. “I have the grades and test scores and now just looking to land at somewhere that will let me showcase my talents.
GETTING EXPOSURE
In addition to Webb and Lovett, there were a number of prospects on hand for the event:
2020 – David Bush, WR/LS, Coral Gables
2020 – Kevin Castor, Athlete, Miami Dr. Krop
2020 – Bradley Charon, DE/OLB, Miami Braddock
2020 – Anthony Cordovi, QB, Miami Braddock
2020 – Francis Coronado, QB, Miami LaSalle
2020 – Kai’shawn Curry, WR, Palm Beach Central
JUCO – Jonathan Davilla, Miami-Dade College
2020 – Nicholas De La Cruz, DE, Orlando Freedom
2020 – Michael Desilma II, DT, Miami Dr. Krop
2021 – Gabriel Doziet, DB, Miami Westminster Christian
2020 – Austin Fletcher, DE, Jacksonville Fletcher
2020 – Alonzo Gonzales, Athlete, Miami Westminster Christian
JUCO – Jonathan Griffin, DB, ASA Miami
2021 – Etian Grimberg, OL, Miami LaSalle
2020 – Charles Guevara, DL, Miami Edison
2021 – Kiondre Guilton, WR, Miami High
2020 – Chad Jackson, SS/RB, Miami High
2020 – Kama Jackson IV, LB, Miami LaSalle
2020 – Maurice Jackson, Jr., LB/FB, Hollywood McArthur
2020 – Cedric Johnson, WR/DB, Palm Beach Central
2021 – Christian Kennedy, WR/CB, Kennedy International
2021 – Eric McDade, QB/TE, Miramar Everglades
2020 – Taurean Medina, QB/TE, Miami Monsignor Pace
2020 – Yerson Meraz, WR, Coral Gables
JUCO – Deion Mobley, DB, ASA Miami
2020 – Erisbel Muniz, OL, Miami Braddock
2021 – Alexander Munoz, FS/WR, Miami LaSalle
2020 – Jordan Myles, DB, Hallandale
2020 0 Deonta Nairn, WR, North Miami
2020 – Wilson Noel Jr., LB/ Pompano Beach Blanche Ely
2020 – Jonathan Ortiz, DL, Miami Braddock
2020 – Manny Raigoso, QB, South Miami
2020 – LaFonzo Ruffin, DT, Miami LaSalle
2020 – Jet-Rivar Sanson, Athlete, Miami Jackson
2020 – Cordell Saunders, RB, Clermont East Ridge
2020 – Aaren Sims, CB, Baldwin
2020 – Corbin Thompson, DL/OL, Dutchtown
2021 – Cole Vanderpool, DL/OL, Avon Park
2020 – Hunter Vanderpool, LB/DE, Avon Park
2020 – Emmanuel Whitfield, LB/Athlete, Grove Community
2020 – Jevon Williams, WR/QB/LS, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely