There is no getting around the times we are going through.
The fact that everything has been taken away from all of us – puts things into perspective.
Whether we have a 2020 football season or not is totally out of most of our hands, and that is where this becomes personal and frustrating all at once.
What we have been fortunate to do – in the now 50 years we have been involved in high school sports and football recruiting is something that very few – if any – have experienced.
We have been through decades of promoting and evaluating football prospects via every outlet possible.
For the past 14 years, courtesy of WQAM Radio in Miami, we have had a vehicle that, along with this website, has provided that forum to give football players, teams and coaches something that very few areas come close to approaching.
Every week, we have featured some of the top players and coaches in the nation – and while the Coronavirus has put all that on hold, our never-ending quest to get the word out will NOT stop.
Whether it be on Facebook or Twitter, where we have over 90,000 combined followers, we will continue bringing you the players, coaches and teams that make news and make high school football in south Florida what it is today.
Because 560 The Joe - WQAM and our sister station 790 The Ticket are running a 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. schedule away from the station, we are going on hiatus from that part of our coverage.
But as many of you know, there are very few radio programs of any kind that have the following we have – and no matter where we go – they will follow in record numbers, and we will continue to bring you the coverage that you have gotten used to over the years.
Today, like every single day, we bring some more football players who will impact the 2020 season – whenever it is played. Be safe and thank you for making is what we have become over the decades.
Here are some rising sophomores (Class of 2023) to keep an eye on and watch some video:
Kelvin Blount, WR, Hialeah Champagnat Catholic. Definitely one of the prospects who has emerged as one of the elite players for the defending 2A state champions.
Big time pass catcher that head coach Hector Clavijo and his staff believe will have a huge season in 2020.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/12927960/kelvin-blount
Jeremy Dinkins III, RB, Plantation American Heritage. When he arrived on campus, this was one of those impressive runners who figured to make a major impact on a program that is loaded with plenty of young talent.
Head Coach Pat Surtain’s running game is not only gifted and deep, but very young and will be in place – with this young man making an impact as the offense rebuilds.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/10259282/Jerry-Dinkins-III
Deandre Duffus, OL, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. After a solid first year at McArthur, his move to play for the three-time defending 3A state champions is going to be one that many will start seeing immediately.
A very tough football player who has size and plenty of athletic ability – and with plenty of competition to go against on his own team, expect that this is going to be a very special prospect.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/13142904/Deandre-Duffus/about
Shelton Green, OL, Miami St. Brendan. Yet another prospect that we talked about during a season where the Sabres truly left a mark on football in south Florida.
This is easily one of the up and coming stars of the gridiron, and while it will be fun to watch his maturity and growth, there is no doubt that he will make some major strides.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/12827703/Shelton-Green
Xavier Irvin, WR, Miami Booker T. Washington. As much of the attention is being paid on some of the other prospects that the defending 4A state champions have on the roster – at this position.
Here is a very talented football player who has shown that he is ready to help first year head coach Gerald Cox and the Tornadoes make a return trip to Daytona Beach.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/12963020/Xavier-Irvin
King Mack, SS/LB, Fort Lauderdale Dillard. On a team that finished an unbeaten regular season and won a playoff game, several young prospects emerged – and this versatile talent turned some heads for the Panthers and head coach Eddie Fraser.
This is a talented young man who has a chance to be very special – and over the next few years – he will impact this defense in many ways as this program continues to build.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/13122905/King-Mack
Dario Melendez, DL, Miami Immaculata LaSalle. On a program that continues to grow and make some huge strides under head coach Helder Valle, this is a quality talent that is on his way up.
Quickness, athletic ability and plenty of passion for the sport, this is how programs are built with athletes who have put in the work to get better. Keep your eye on this young man.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/12903149/Dairo-Melendez @DairoMelendez3
Lashaun Stephen, DL, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. In a year where the Mustangs were loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, here is a football player who we had the opportunity to watch several times live – and each and every exposure – he improved and showcased some big time talent.
Another of those emerging players that you can watch all the film you want, but unless you see him live and check out what he brings to the table, you are selling his total evaluation way short. Made the move to play for the three-time defending 3A state champion Chaninade-Madonna Lions.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/12991157/Lashaun-Stephen
Zachary Stewart, LB, Coral Springs Charter. If you do not go and see football prospects in south Florida, and wait on the word of others who watch film, you miss emerging stars like this young man.
This is a prospect who is always around the ball, fun to coach and someone who continues to put in the work for head coach Matt Garris and the Panthers. Over the next three years, this will be a player to keep an eye on.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/10835952/Zachary-Stewart
Zavier Williams, SS/OLB, Miami Coral Reef. One of those versatile football prospects who brings so much to the table for the Barracudas and head coach Tim Wood.
No matter if it’s as a safety or linebacker, this is a football talent who has passion for the game and is athletic enough to make a difference as a future leader and as a talent who is getting it done now.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/13075247/Zavier-Williams
KEEPING AN EYE ON THE 2020 SEASON
During the off season, we will continue to spotlight hundreds and hundreds of football players we have watched up close and personal and LIVE.
Our breakdown on these young men are designed to promote to colleges – while give the fans a huge advantage of knowing about some players they knew little, if anything about.
Enjoy this never-ending south Florida promotional look at all players. Not just star-rated athletes:
2021
2022
https://wqam.radio.com/blogs/south-florida-high-school-sports-with-larry-blustein/2022-prospects
2023
PHOTO COURTESY OF KATIA PEREZ-SANCHEZ