D$'s Post-Season Top 35 Prospects in Dade/Broward

[DMoney]

Over the past three years, I’ve been lucky enough to see Dade and Broward’s best compete on the gridiron, at camps and at 7-on-7s. The list below is my personal opinion, and I don’t speak for Peter, Tito, Glory, Cam or Nash. All forty times are verified by SPARQ. This list only includes seniors from Dade and Broward County.

1. Dalvin Cook
2. Travonte Valentine
3. Chad Thomas
4. Sony Michel
5. Demetrius Jackson
6. Sean White
7. Ermon Lane
8. Trevor Darling
9. Joseph Yearby
10. Anthony Moten
11. Treon Harris
12. Quinton "Winky" Flowers
13. Trayon Gray
14. Ravian Pierce
15. Isaiah McKenzie
16. John Battle IV
17. Mike Smith
18. Brandon Powell
19. Peyton Bender
20. Corey Holmes
21. CJ Worton
22. Juwan Dowels
23. Madre London
24. Tyre Brady
25. George Rushing
26. Deatrick Nichols
27. Nigel Bethel
28. Khairi Clark
29. Lamar Parker
30. Quincy Wilson
31. Chris Taylor
32. Chris Lammons
33. JoJo Robinson
34. Edgar Cerenord
35. A'lique Terry

SLEEPERS
Tevin Evans
Osband Thompson
Kahlil Render
Frank Newman
Reginald Bain

35-31: http://www.canesinsight.com/threads/...Dade%2FBroward
30-26: http://www.canesinsight.com/threads/...Dade%2FBroward
25-21- http://www.canesinsight.com/threads/...-Broward-25-21
20-16: http://www.canesinsight.com/threads/...-Broward-20-16
15-11: http://www.canesinsight.com/threads/...-Broward-15-11
10-6: http://www.canesinsight.com/threads...ade-Broward-10-6?highlight=D$'s+top+prospects
5-1: http://www.canesinsight.com/threads...Dade-Broward-5-1?highlight=D$'s+top+prospects
Sleepers: http://www.canesinsight.com/threads/...Dade%2FBroward

 

[DMoney]

1. Dalvin Cook- RB- Central, 5’11, 196 pounds, 4.46 (Florida State)

I’ve been talking about this guy since his sophomore year, so there isn’t much left to discuss. I’ll just leave you with his schedule, his stats, and his senior highlights. They speak for themselves:

Miami Central's 2013 schedule

Dwyer (state champion)
American Heritage (state champion)
Booker T (national champion)
Coral Reef
Don Bosco Prep (25[SUP]th[/SUP] in the nation)
Homestead
Norland
Carol City
University (2012 state champion)
Boynton Beach (first round)
Dillard (second round)
Heritage (quarterfinals)
Mainland (semifinals)
Armwood (state finals)

Stats: 1,940 yards (11 ypc), 34 TDs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsZL0x_GMmE

2. Travonte Valentine- DT, Champagnat, 6’3, 338 pounds (LSU)

If not for grade concerns and the unpredictability of DTs, Valentine would be number one on this list. He has the total package at defensive tackle—long, quick, coordinated and powerful with an alpha dog personality. Champagnat used him all over the line (4-technique against Chaminade, zero-technique in the state championship game) and he was dominant. He also played right tackle on offense, which speaks to his conditioning as a 340-pound teenager. His swim move is unstoppable at the high school level. Valentine is the type of player you build a defense around.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14COsrsQJL8

3. Chad Thomas- DE, Booker T, 6’5, 240 pounds, 4.85 (Miami)

Justin Tuck-type player with enormous potential. Huge, athletic frame that will blow up in a college program. Dominated the All-Star circuit against the best tackles in America. During the season, he was the best player on the best defense in the state. Thomas was forced to play some DT for an undersized Tornadoes line, and aside from the Bishop Gorman game (where he went against bigger D-1 caliber guards), he was a terror. Once he adds some strength, he will be a force no matter where he lines up. Classically trained musician who has produced several local hip-hop hits.



www.hudl.com/athlete/o/1506372/chad-thomas

4. Sony Michel, RB, American Heritage- 5’11, 211 pounds 4.38 (Georgia)

Sony is Sony again. The former phenom capped his high school career with a monster season (1,833 yards, 24 TDs) and the state title. He combines 10.6 100M speed with the rare ability to cut at top gear. His long runs (like his 85-yard jaunt against Jackson) appear effortless. And for all of his big-play ability, he is still a 211-pound back who runs strong inside. Sony approaches football like a professional and works on his craft. Excellent receiver out of the backfield. Ready to play a major role immediately.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HXotI1O6Tk

5. Demetrius Jackson, OLB/DE, 6’4, 215 pounds (Miami)

Here is what Jackson did in his first year of high school football:

• First team All-Dade
• Second team All-State
• 12 sacks (missed multiple games with high-ankle sprain)
• Sack, forced fumble, and batted up an INT in the national championship game. This was the third game of his career.

The springy legs that make Jackson such a dominant rebounder allow him to deflect passes at a Watt-like rate and close distance in a flash. With raw freaks like Jackson, their motors ultimately determine their success. Pro Bowlers Dontari Poe and Jason Pierre-Paul weren’t even productive in college, but their motors convinced NFL teams that they would reach their ceilings. Jackson competes hard and plays aggressive on every snap. His lanky frame is more Dion Jordan than Pierre-Paul, so expect him to play a hybrid role at Miami. Smart, humble kid who scored a 21 on his ACT and wants to be a preacher.



http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/2611977/highlights/53579378

 

[DMoney]

6. Sean White, QB, University- 6’1, 199 pounds, 5.05 (Auburn)

All this guy does is prove himself. Balled at Chaminade. Won the Elite 11. Won the Opening 7-on-7. Balled at University. Won the Under Armour Skills Challenge. Won the Under Armour Game MVP. It’s amazing that White has so much success in shorts, because his best attributes come out in full pads. White is as tough as anybody and has excellent mobility in and around the pocket. Excels at bucket throws. Gus Malzahn has built his offense around passing quarterbacks before, and there aren’t many in the country better than Sean White.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyw1lv7-hG0


7. Ermon Lane, WR, Homestead- 6’2, 196 pounds, 4.52 (FSU)

Three-time All-Dade performer who is ready to move on to the next level. Lane didn’t have a great senior year, but he proved he was one of the best receivers in the nation at the Opening and the Under Armour Game. My take is that he got frustrated by losing and watching so many of his teammates transfer to rival South Dade. At his best, he is a game-changer with speed (4.52 laser-timed), size and the ability to high point the football. The better the competition, the better Lane performs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NqcvdybqYY

8. Trevor Darling, OT, Central- 6’5, 330 pounds, 5.73 (Miami)

The cornerstone of one of the greatest rushing attacks in South Florida history. Darling has all the natural tools to become a DJ Fluker-type road grader: long arms, a huge base and a nasty disposition. Very coachable. Denver Kirkland was a freshman All-American in 2013, and Darling is a better player at the same age.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pa0Ff9KVtmU

9. Joseph Yearby, RB, Central- 5’9, 180 pounds, 4.58 (Miami)

One of the most productive backs to ever come out of Florida. Yearby showed more speed as a senior and upped his yards per carry from 6.8 to 9.6. Exceptional feet and vision reminiscent of Gio Bernard and Warrick Dunn. Yearby also has many of the same intangible qualities that Duke Johnson had. When Central needed a quarterback, Yearby stepped up and got the job done. When he got hurt, the entire community (including opponents) rallied around him. Central doesn’t use Yearby much in the passing game, but he proved on the camp circuit that he can be special in that area as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S40AjzMspcQ


10. Anthony Moten, DT, St. Thomas Aquinas- 6’4, 292 pounds, 5.12 (Miami)

Complete defensive line prospect. A 3-4 end in high school, Moten has the length and strength for two-gapping and the athleticism of a penetrating three-technique. The thing that stands out about Moten is his quickness off the snap. Very good motor and conditioning for a big man. Has held a Miami offer since his sophomore year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0y0HtKLx7U

 

[DMoney]

11. Treon Harris, ATH, Booker T- 5’11, 186 pounds, 4.48 (Florida)

The MVP of South Florida football. Many people focus on his improvisational skills, but it was his intelligence and accuracy that kept the Booker T. offense operating like a machine. There is no question in my mid that Harris can play QB at the D-1 level. The question is whether it's in his long-term best interests ($) to switch to defensive back. Then again, coaches wanted to put Johnny Manziel and Brett Favre in the defensive backfield, too. Scored 37 TDs total TDs as a senior.





http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/1505830/highlights/74200375

12. Quinton “Winky” Flowers, ATH, Jackson- 6’0, 203 pounds, 4.72 (USF)

Winky was a tricky guy to rank because of his position. If he devotes himself to safety—which he played a lot this year due to injuries—he will be another Robenson Therezie. Few guys have the kind of knack for the big play that Winky has. When he subbed in at safety against American Heritage, the crowd immediately began buzzing. On the next play, Flowers went halfway across the field and knocked Isaiah McKenzie silly on a deep ball. The first play of the next offensive series, he flicked a perfect bomb to Jovon Durante to tie the game up. One of the best all-around football players in the state.





http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/2704815/highlights/97105375

13. Trayon “Chocolate” Gray, ATH, Carol City- 6’2, 197 pounds, 4.66 (Miami)

Of all the players on this list, nobody improved more in one season than Trayon Gray. Last year, he was considered a very good athlete and a steady receiver for then-QB Akeem Jones. This year, Gray was a freak of nature on par with Dalvin Cook and Sony Michel. He rushed for 1,121 yards and 11 TDs in 2013 while displaying true breakaway speed at the quarterback position. Even when Carol City faced fast defenses like Central, Gray was able to pull away like he was playing junior varsity. Some question whether his upright style will translate to running back, but all I see is a clone of Darren McFadden.





http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/3522789/highlights/107694377


14. Ravian Pierce, TE/DE, Plantation- 6’4, 220 pounds (Mississippi State)

Butch Davis always looked for players with three attributes: frame, athleticism and a passion for the game. Everything else he could fix. Pierce is a Butch Davis-type of player. He’s an impressive-looking player on the hoof, with wide shoulders and long arms. He has the athleticism of a receiving tight end, but he’s most comfortable blocking in-line or busting heads on crackback blocks. Pierce is a violent, nasty dude, and it’s rare to watch a Plantation game without seeing him get into an altercation. His future may be at defensive end. Pierce battled a nagging foot injury as a senior but should be 100% for the Razorbacks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gq04fQ06bgQ

15. Isaiah McKenzie, ATH, American Heritage- 5’8, 160 pounds, 4.58 (Georgia)

McKenzie has already made two appearances on SportsCenter’s Top 10 Plays, and he hasn’t even gotten to college yet. Nobody in the state is more frightening with the ball in his hands. And he's as tough as he is quick. Every time Sony Michel or Torrance Gibson broke a long run, McKenzie was running right next to them looking for somebody to knock out. He’s so aggressive that some people feel that he belongs on defense. Accumulated 1,936 all-purpose yards and scored 20 TDs as a senior.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3p6JODn9ORw

 

[DMoney]

16. John Battle IV, S, Hallandale- 6'1, 185 pounds (Louisiana State)

This year’s version of Artie Burns. Battle is a star hurdler who brings acceleration and physicality to the defensive backfield. Like Burns, Battle makes plays on special teams as a gunner and blocking kicks. Projects as a safety—may lack the hips for corner and has the frame to add weight. High-character player with a 3.5 GPA. Finished 5[SUP]th[/SUP] in state in 110 hurdles (Burns was first).




http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1915997/highlights/65633375

17. Michael Smith, DE, Northwestern- 6’2, 225 lbs. 4.85 (Miami)

Smith was one of the most difficult guys to rank. As a player, he belongs in the Top 15. He’s an absolute animal. But I keep getting mixed reports about his knee injury. If he’s healthy, he can take over games like he did against St. Thomas (see below). Northwestern lost Marquise Blanchard and several other stars from its defense, but Smith kept dominating every week. His get-off and relentlessness make him special. Even though he is undersized for a down lineman, he struggles in space and projects best with his hand on the ground.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbdsDNAKWvo


18. Brandon Powell, ATH, Deerfield Beach- 5’9, 175 pounds, 4.49 (Florida)

If Treon Harris was the MVP of South Florida, Brandon Powell was right behind him. The Broward County Offensive POY did everything for the Bucks—run, catch, return, play corner. He even held the field goals. Whenever a play needed to be made—against St. Thomas, against Monarch in overtime—it was Powell who made the play. Excellent student who possesses all of the on-field and off-field intangibles.





http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/2488639/highlights/98534380

19. Peyton Bender, QB, Cardinal Gibbons- 6’1, 177 pounds (Washington State)

In three years, Bender will be leading the nation in passing and everyone will ask how the **** he got out of South Florida. He is the prototypical Mike Leach quarterback. The first thing you notice about Bender is his release. It’s the quickest I’ve ever seen down here. The next thing you notice is the way he uses his eyes. Bender scans the field and spreads the ball to all three of his D-1 receivers. His arm is weak, but it’s very accurate. Threw for 2,214 yards, 28 TDs and 6 INTs as a senior.



http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/1843690/highlights/77115389

20. Corey Holmes, WR, St. Thomas Aquinas- 6’2, 176 pounds, 4.48 (Notre Dame)

Holmes was a Top 10 senior on my preseason rankings, but a disappointing 2013 season drops him down to twentieth on this list. It was junior star Devonte Peete- not Holmes—who emerged as the #1 receiver for the Raiders. But Holmes reasserted himself at the Under Armour practices and reminded the nation just how talented he really is. Holmes has it all-- length, athleticism and a polished game. He plucks the ball away from his body, explodes out of his breaks (39 inch VJ) and does everything with precision. He should come into Notre Dame ready to play.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnfHSA1IUfs

 

[DMoney]

21. CJ Worton, WR, South Dade- 6’1, 176 pounds, 4.76 (Florida)

When I first saw Worton, I didn’t like him. Thought he wasn’t FSU caliber. It turns out that all he needed was a quarterback. Kahlil Render transformed the South Dade offense and Worton turned into the most prolific receiver in Dade County (1,052 yards, 15 TDs). Elite eye-hand coordination. Average after catch but has good speed. His sharp route-running and savvy allow him to get behind defenses for big plays (25 YPC). Has two older brothers who played D-1 football.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/3381741/highlights/119097375

22. Juwan Dowels, CB, American Heritage- 5’9, 162 pounds, 4.72 (Syracuse)

HurricaneGlory and WildcatDefense have been hyping this guy up for months. They weren’t lying. Dowels is a pure cover corner with light feet and incredible ball skills. The Broward Defensive Player of the Year snatched nine INTs and brought back memories of Jayron Hosley, another ballhawk who was deemed to small for the Big 3. Still needs to get stronger and more physical, but he will make a lot of plays at the college level.




http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/1603624/juwan-dowels

23. Madre London, RB, St. Thomas Aquinas- 6’2, 202 pounds, 4.61 (Michigan State)

Bull of a runner who will fit right in at Michigan State. Good athlete. Coordinated and natural in the passing game. Tall, lean frame that should carry 220 pounds easily. Showed off his speed with huge runs against national powers John Curtis and Northwestern. Future 1,000-yard back.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8NyPI2XNPg

24. Tyre Brady, WR, South Dade, 6’3, 183 pounds (Miami)

Tyre Brady is a guy that we’ve been talking about for two years now. What jumps out about him is his ability to get in and out of his breaks at 6’3. He’s been at three schools and hasn’t played a ton of high school football, but he came on very strong during the Buccaneers’ run to the state title. Needs to learn to play to his size and win jump balls (see Jaquan Johnson’s game-winning INT against Killian). Boom or bust player with enormous upside.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InAfLBtmmwA

25. George Rushing, WR, Cardinal Gibbons- 6’0, 182 pounds (Wisconsin)

Strong, sudden wideout who does most of his damage after the catch. Led Broward County in touchdown catches (13) and emerged as the most dangerous player in Cardinal Gibbons’ trio of D-1 receivers. Rushing decommitted from Louisville after Charlie Strong’s departure, and it’s no surprise that LSU is interested. Rushing fits the SEC mold. Needs to improve his hands but has a boatload of natural talent.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXuJJ4IqKEY

 

[DMoney]

26. Deatrick Nichols, CB, 5’9, 175 pounds (South Florida)

Nobody in South Florida plants his foot and drives on the ball better than Nichols. He is the classic South Florida DB-undersized, tough and instinctual. Nichols practiced every day against two of the best receivers in Dade County (2015 stud Da’Vante Phillips and Tavius Brown, Jr.) and is fiercely competitive. Very good in run support.



http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/2567021/highlights/91644377

27. Nigel Bethel, CB, Booker T, 5’9.5, 172 pounds, 4.61 (Texas Tech)

Bethel is only 5’9, but he carries himself like he’s 7’2. Feisty player that’s not afraid to get in the face of his opponents. Even though he isn’t long, he plays big with the strong-lower body of a sprinter. His 21.13 200M speed was on display when he hawked down Artie Burns as a junior. First-team All-State.



http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/1505838/highlights/67090376

28. Khairi Clark, DT, Chaminade, 6’1.5, 329 pounds, 5.46 (Florida)

Clark came into high school with enormous expectations. He may not be the next Vince Wilfork, as initially billed, but he is still a powerful, explosive player who takes football seriously. After struggling to stay on the field as a junior, Clark took a step forward as a senior and even played some offense. He still needs to get leaner and develop some moves, but he is a bull going straight-ahead.



http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3387802/highlights/107135379?autoplay=1

29. Lamar Parker, WR, Booker T, 5’8, 160 pounds, 4.44 (West Virginia)

The Tornadoes have a fleet of tiny speedsters, and Parker is the most explosive of the group. Parker is both quick and fast, and he is tough enough to be an effective slot receiver. He will also contribute as a returner. A terrific fit in Dana Holgorsen’s offense. Caught 42 passes for 739 yards and 9 TDs as a senior.




http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/1505820/highlights/71370377

30. Quincy Wilson, DB, University- 6’1, 196 pounds, 4.6 (Florida)

Is Wilson versatile, or is he a tweener? That’s the question. Physically, he has it all. Big (6’1), fast (4.60 laser-timed) and coordinated. Wilson was even athletic enough to break into the Suns’ deep receiving corps. But he may not have the quickness for corner, and he may not have the mindset for safety. Booker T and their small receivers provided the perfect test for Wilson, and he struggled. His tackling needs work and he takes poor angles. If he devotes himself to safety, he can be very good. He’s a football guy with all the tools.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2l0UzI0pdw

 

[DMoney]

31. Chris Taylor, WR, University- 6’0, 168 pounds (Duke)

The North Broward Prep transfer emerged as one of Sean White’ favorite targets (874 yards and 12 TDs) in a breakout year for the Suns. Not great in one area but good in all of them. Taylor had some tough drops against Booker T but still found a way to make several big plays. Should put up big numbers in David Cutcliffe’s offense.



http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/1849709/highlights/84075375

32. Chris Lammons, CB, Plantation- 5’10, 171 pounds, 4.62 (South Carolina)

Smooth athlete with electric feet. Lammons makes up for average height with a confident demeanor and the wingspan of a 6’3 player. Like Brandon McGee, Lammons played quarterback in high school and will need some time to adjust to defense in college. However, his extensive 7-on-7 experience with the South Florida Express will ease the transition. His biggest weakness is a lack of elite speed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQIAsXfgi2Y

33. JoJo Robinson, ATH, Northwestern- 5’11, 185 pounds, 4.53 (Arkansas)

As CIS poster skyman has pointed out, JoJo is a superstar on paper. He’s a great combine guy, he’s an Optimist legend and he has a magnetic personality. Even his name is cool. But for whatever reason, JoJo has always disappointed me whenever I watched the Bulls. Now I know why—he was out of position. The Bulls’ defensive backfield has been loaded with D-1 athletes, so JoJo has been forced to carry a lackluster offense. It wasn’t until I saw him play defense in the Soul Bowl that I recognized his upside. He is an exceptionally quick defender (4.02 shuttle) who strikes ballcarriers with violence. If he stays on defense, he will live up to his reputation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8Zve1a8wR0

34. Edgar Cerenord, DT, American Heritage- 6’1, 292 pounds (Duke)

Smart big man (3.7 GPA) with little man feet. Cerenord moves like a linebacker and tackles exceptionally well for an interior lineman. What he lacks in height he makes up for in wingspan (82 “) and hand size (12”). Very coordinated. Played all over the Patriots’ front but projects as a gap-shooting three technique at the next level.




http://www.hudl.com/athlete/167777/highlights/116411375?autoplay=1

35. A’lique Terry, C, Hialeah- 6’1, 294 pounds (Wake Forest)

Intelligent coach’s son who fits perfectly at Wake Forest. Terry is a gifted athlete who plays on Hialeah’s basketball team and occasionally throws the ball on fake field goals. Short but stout with a strong lower body. Should follow in the footsteps of Joe Looney (Lake Worth) and become a star center for the Demon Deacons.




http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2379278/highlights/69512378?autoplay=1

 

[DMoney]

In addition to the Top 35 seniors in Dade/Broward, I wanted to spotlight a few players who are flying under the radars of college scouts. Five years from now, one of these guys may end up as the next Antonio Brown or Lavonte David.

Osband Thompson, LB, Jackson, 6’0, 200 pounds (uncommitted)

I have no clue why Thompson doesn’t have more offers. He is a three-down linebacker that can rush, cover, and make plays sideline-to-sideline. His ability to time his blitzes and get skinny through gaps reminds me of Sean Spence and Colin McCarthy. He isn’t the twitchiest player, but he plays fast and has an outstanding feel for the game. Against Northwestern in the Soul Bowl, he had three fourth-down stuffs and at least six tackles for loss. Thompson is the most complete linebacker I watched this year.



http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2704713/highlights/85457375?autoplay=1

Kahlil Render, QB, South Dade 6’1, 185 pounds (uncommitted)

In 2012, Render was a seldom-used player for a struggling Homestead team. A year later, he was a state champion and one of the most prolific quarterbacks in all of Florida. Render’s arrival from across Lucy Street helped transform an underachieving South Dade offense into a multi-dimensional powerhouse. Render threw for 41 TDs (including a state-record 5 in the title game) and made numerous big plays with his legs. He is developing into a dangerous passer and could be a steal for a spread team at the next level.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3244422/kahlil-render

Frank Newman, LB, Homestead, 5'11, 205 pounds

Like a lot of Dade County sleepers, Newman is rumored to have grade issues. But on the field, he is a fast-twitch terror. Newman has great get-off, excellent closing speed and a relentless playing style. He is the type of high upside defender that will blow up at the Juco level.


http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/3497290/highlights/111150379

Tevin Evans, LB, Booker T, 6’0, 200 pounds (uncommitted)

It’s hard to go unnoticed when you’re one of the best players on the best team in the country. But for whatever reason, Evans is not getting hype. He should be. Evans is a tightly-wound, explosive player that can close distance in a hurry. He plays down and standing up in high school, but projects as a downhill inside linebacker. Reminds me a little bit of Spencer Adkins.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/1505884/highlights/72478375

Reginald Bain, OL, Central, 6’4, 265 pounds (FAU)

Bain still has a lot of growing to do, but his athleticism catches my eye every time I watch Central. Excellent player in space. Bain has faced some of the best pass rushers in the country and held up very well. He took a big step as a senior (his junior highlights are below) and is poised to make an even larger leap in college. Don’t be surprised if a school like West Virginia comes in late to snatch him from FAU.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiLq-AjPk5k