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Spring Spotlight: South Florida Linebackers Stepping Into The Spotlight

Larry BlockSFHSSports: Twitter | Facebook

Trace the linebacker position in South Florida over the past five-plus decades and you will see amazing talent that has graced the fields of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

Many of those quality playmakers have taken their game to the next level and beyond, treating many fans to some of the best football they have watched. That tradition has continued through the decades, and while mentioning every linebacker that played the game in this region of region of the country at a high level, would be impossible, focusing in on what the next three classes have, is what we all have to look forward to.

The linebacker, while not the most sought after position in South Florida, continues to uncover gems every year. This current cycle appears to be changing back to a time when the position had some elite prospects.

Even though the current rising senior class (2017) has very talented prospects who have been recruited by some of the nation's best, it's those 2018 athletes and even 2019 kids who are elevating the position.

ELITE 18
Even though the following 18 prospects have received plenty of recognition so far from colleges and universities throughout the country, many fans have not watched them perform.

While our objective is to promote and get every player out there, we do spotlight prospects from time-to-time. Here's a look at some of the prospects to keep an eye on:

Jaquan Beaver, 6-0, 190, Booker T. Washington: You could tell back as far as youth football that Beaver was going to be a special player. As a freshman at Northwestern, he started to turn heads. Then, last year, during the state championship run, he showed that he is indeed one of the best – and he is just going to be a junior.

Tyler Dunning, 6-2, 225, St. Thomas Aquinas: From the time we watched him during his sophomore year at Dillard, there was no getting around the fact that this was going to be a very talented and gifted player. Moving to St. Thomas last year helped him continue to learn the game – which he has. He recently committed to Mississippi State.

Nadarius Fagan, 6-2, 190, Southridge: Another of those very talented prospects who continues to get bigger and stronger every year. He has an opportunity, with a solid offseason, to really have a solid final season at the high school level. Fagan projects as a solid outside linebacker at the next level. He is very active and extremely athletic.

Diego Fagot, 6-3, 230, Calvary Christian Academy: Pronounced (fah-go), this is a student/athlete we watched twice a year ago, and ever since that time, there has been little change anything that we saw. This is a football player who is smart, driven to succeed and has the speed, strength and athletic ability to line up at any level. Offers have been pouring in since February - and for good reason.

Gregory Franklin, 6-1, 190, Killian: One of those under the radar type of player who has it all. While he can play the outside position, this is a very versatile football player who can do it all – and the best thing for head coach Javi Valdes and the Cougars is he is only going to be a junior. Franklin is fast, athletic and the ability to ready plays is also something that college coaches are very excited about.

Donovan Georges, 6-1, 225, Champagnat Catholic: When all is said and done, there may not be a better prospect in the nation for the Class of 2018. Here is the prototype linebacker who brings everything to the table. From athletic ability to strength and a passion for the game, Georges is the player that every college has been watching for the past year. If he stays healthy, watch out. This is going to be a very big year for him as a nationally rated recruit.

James Houston IV, 6-2, 220, Plantation American Heritage: On a team loaded with tacklers and linebackers in 2015, here is a prospect that began to rise to the surface. While the attention started to shine in his direction during the year, Houston is one South Florida player who will be watched as much as anyone. Colleges flocked to see him during the spring, and as the season comes closer, this rising senior will be looked for leadership and experience. He could have a huge season.

Brandon James, 6-3, 190, Miami Southridge: When you talk about a player who has been around this sport all of his life, here is a prospect that has been the ultimate team player as he heads toward his third year as a starter. Following in the footsteps of his father, who was a standout at Miami, colleges love his passion for the game and the way continues to get better. James is a solid football talent.

Dervon Marius, 6-0, 185, Killian: One of the major prospects to blow up during the offseason, this recent Class of 2018 transfer from Homestead is the next wave of prospects who will start to blow up. His play a year ago only paved the way for his growth, and at every event he has attended this offseason, coaches were always watching and praising him. This is indeed a player who is going to truly turn heads. Marius is definitely in the next wave of elite talent.

Brandon Mincey, 6-0, 210, Chaminade-Madonna: Another of the reasons that the Lions are going to be one of the teams to watch. This Dade Christian transfer comes over with everything you are looking for from a solid prospect. Mincey is quick, powerful, instinctive and makes plays. He has been solid for a number of years and continues to turn heads at every event he attends.

Marlon Pelote, 6-0, 190, Chaminade-Madonna: Yet another big time Class of 2018 football player who has the opportunity to be very special. After making a splash as a freshman at Northwestern, he was outstanding last year for Class 4A state champion Booker T. Washington; now's he's moved up to Hollywood to play for the Lions and head coach Jason Milgrom. Keep an eye on this young man. He has been a solid football player since youth football, and it doesn't look like it will stop anytime soon.

Edwin Sosa, 6-1, 210, Mater Academy: From the day he arrived at Southwest Miami, this was going to be a player who really made a difference. Now, he heads toward his final season with a change of location and the chance to be a real difference maker for a team that is looking to make another solid run in the plaids. Sosa has big time potential.

Kenneth Spiller, 6-2, 260, Palmetto: All this talented young man has done each season is get bigger and stronger – and now with his final season coming up, here is a football talent that is a playmaker with the ability to make a major impact for the Panthers. Spiller has put on muscle and weight and is truly an imposing athlete. He will emerge as one of the elite prospects in the class. Keep your eye on him this spring and into the 2016 season as he may be headed toward the defensive line eventually.

Waynmon Steed, 6-1, 205, Central: After watching him as a sophomore and seeing what he did and how much he learned, everyone was anticipating 2015. While an injury forced him to miss all of last season, this University of Miami commit has worked harder than ever before to ensure that he is every bit as good as he was two years ago. Steed is a very smart player who can make a major difference. For those who forgot how good he was, and believe that he lost anything, keep your eye on him and see how talented he is.

Terry Straughter, 6-0, 215, Carol City: If you watched this quality football talent over the past two years, there is no way that he can be slept on. Straughter is an athletic player who moves all over the field to make plays. He's a tremendous tackler with a passion for the game. He is always playing at a high level and has been among the leading tacklers the past two years for the Chiefs.

Guy Thomas, 6-2, 210, Booker T. Washington: After starting out at Hialeah and then moving to Christopher Columbus last season, this gifted young man comes back to an area where some of his family members have impacted the program in the past. Thomas is a tremendous and smart football player who will continue to learn and improve over the next year as colleges pay very close attention.

Drew White, 6-2, 220, St. Thomas Aquinas: After transferring from Boca Raton before last season, here was one of the most gifted and talented football players in South Florida. White is a big-time football talent who was among the best tacklers on the field as well as being able to drop into coverage if needed to make those tough plays. Headed to Notre Dame after graduation, the brother of current Auburn quarterback Sean White, will be in the spotlight plenty in 2016 with the challenging schedule the Raiders have.

DeAndre Wilder, 6-3, 220, Carol City: They call him "Eye Candy" and when you see this gifted football player perform – you will understand why. Wilder is quick, strong and someone who has been around this game all of his young life. His ability to make plays is what has kept him in the lineup since his sophomore year. He is a truly talented young man who is getting bigger and stronger, which is great news for colleges that continue to watch his progress.

2017
In addition to those talented football prospects, here are some additional prospects in the class to watch:

Marquis Adams, 5-11, 180, Everglades Prep
Kevin Bien-Aime, 5-10, 180, Piper
Zach Applegate, 6-0, 190, Coral Springs
Branden Bailey, 6-0, 215, Deerfield Beach
Jordan Barrett, 5-11, 190, Plantation
Gabriel Barrocas, 6-0, 190, Ronald Reagan
John Bonadonna, 5-11, 175, Coral Springs Taravella
Romelo Brooks, 6-0, 210, Killian
Travon Brooks, 5-9, 180, Miami Northwestern
Tyler Brown, 5-9, 187, Cooper City
Lacedrick Brunson, 6-2, 210, Jackson
Hunter Bucknam, 6-0, 220, Chaminade-Madonna
Ryan Buffa, 5-11, 200, Cypress Bay
B.J. Byrd, 5-11, 195, Deerfield Beach
Marlon Cardoza, 5-10, 190, University School
C.J. Carry, 6-1, 199, Coral Gables
Daniel Cerda, 5-10, 185, Archbishop McCarthy
Aaron Chichester, 6-0, 175, Homestead Somerset
Zahir Cooper, 5-9, 180, Pompano Beach
Daniel Crescitelli, 6-0, 215, Douglas
Garry Dallas, Jr., 5-11, 178, South Plantation
Daniel Duasso, 5-11, 185, Miami Westminster Christian
Adryan Ellis, 6-0, 195, South Miami
Jonathan Francois, 6-1, 215, Mater Academy
Keyone Henry, 5-11, 195, Coral Glades
Kallen Jennings, 6-1, 190, North Broward Prep
Cornell Jones, 6-2, 225, Miami Central
Kelvin Kirkland, 5-10, 195, Northeast
Tavares Ladler, 6-0, 189, Miramar
Xavier Lang, 6-2, 200, Miramar
La'Darious Laster, 6-0, 230, International School of Broward
Zack Ledbetter, 6-0, 217, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy
Moris Lugo, 6-0, 200, Carol City
Jimmy Marquez, 5-10, 200, Homestead Somerset
Henry Martinez, 5-11, 190, Palmetto
Michael Martinez, 6-0, 210, Killian
Darious McClain, 6-0, 202, Hollywood Hills
Dymitri McKenzie, 6-0, 190, North Broward Prep
Robert McWilliams III, 6-4, 178, Coral Gables
Moses Mertilus, 6-1, 205, Stranahan
Charles Mickens, 6-1, 200, LaSalle
Demar Morgan, 5-11, 195, Palmetto
Franklin Natta, 5-8, 180, Miami Springs
Demethry Neeley, 5-11, 200, South Broward
Brenden Oliver, 6-1, 200, Dillard
Isaac Readon II, 5-11, 200, Booker T. Washington
Keaundre Roberts, 5-10, 200, Norland
Anthony Rodriguez, 5-10, 190, Braddock
Carlos Rodriguez, 5-10, 205, Killian
Christian Rodriguez, 6-0, 205, Taravella
OLB - Michael Rodriguez, 6-1, 205, Everglades
Brandon Rojas, 5-10, 190, Coral Reef
JoJo Ruma, 5-11, 205, Cooper City
Gabriel Seda, 6-2, 215, Belen Jesuit
Nick Sharpe, 6-1, 200, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy
Shaka Smith, 5-10, 205, Flanagan
Kerbens Saint Louis, 5-11, 205, Coconut Creek
Darian Stephenson, 6-1, 215, Miami Westminster Christian
Tavarus Sturrup, 6-0, 195, Miami Edison
Tahaj Virgin, 5-7, 200, Killian
Darryl Weaver, 5-11, 225, Fort Lauderdale
Deaundre Wynter, 6-2, 185, Keys Gate Charter

2018
You have read about some of the elite football talent in this class, but there are others who have the chance to turn heads as well. Check these quality players who will be the next wave of talent:

Gabriel Almeida, 5-11, 205, Hialeah Gardens
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4581918/gabriel-almeida

Christian Amaro, 5-11, 196, Homestead Everglades
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4380062/cristian-amaro

Kenny Bastida, 6-1, 225, Cardinal Gibbons
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5169611/kenny-bastida

Khari Bellamy, 5-11, 197, Hollywood Hills
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5339333/khari-bellamy

Tommy Benavides, Everglades Prep
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5122733/tommy-benavides

Dwayne Boyles, 6-1, 185, Flanagan
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6572045/dwayne-boyles

Kirby Burns, 5-10, 185, N. Broward Prep
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9yQ_90cw38

Grayson Crozier, 6-0, 195, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4417190/grayson-crozier

Javier Cuenca, 5-10, 185, Christopher Columbus
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3930730/javier-cuenca-18087

Chris Dearwester, 5-10, 165, St. Thomas Aquinas
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4163638/chris-dearwester

Zachary Dixon, 6-0, 175, Pembroke Pines Flanagan
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5645840/zachary-dixon

Calvin Hart, 6-1, 185, Miami Dade Christian
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4205375/calvin-hart

Clifford Holmes, 5-10, 200, Homestead Somerset Academy
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4380108/clifford-holmes

Trevor Honse, 5-10, 185, Archbishop McCarthy
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6084783/trevor-honse

Ross Husband, 5-10, 180, Gulliver Prep
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4645730/highlights/216509377/v2

J'Veion Johnson, 5-11, 195, Fort Lauderdale Stranahan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ3mBkji0FE&feature=youtu.be

Ceddarius Johnson, 6-2, 180, Homestead
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6167985/ceddarius-johnson

Noah Rice-Kerr, 6-0, 207, Florida Christian
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4616489/noah-rice-kerr

Antquan Kinsey, 6-0, 200, Miami Booker T. Washington
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6199718/

Tavares Ladler, 6-0, 190, Miramar
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5304959/tavares-ladler

Rosendo Louis, 6-2, 225, Deerfield Beach
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4589961/rosendo-louis

Jalen Mackie, 6-1, 215, University School
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4285080/jalen-mackie

Daequan Nelson, 5-10, 190, Miami Carol City
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5514238/daequan-nelson

Derrick Nicholson, 5-11, 185, Miami Northwestern
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6172734/derrick-nicholson

Jonathan Ojeda, 5-8, 165, Christopher Columbus
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3984874/jonathan-ojeda

Isaiah Paddyfoot, 6-0, 170, Mater Academy
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4177224/isaiah-paddyfoot

Shaun Peterson, Jr., 6-2, 185, Nova
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4808200/shaun-peterson-jr

Axel Rizo, 6-1, 194, Gulliver Prep
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4029931/axel-rizo

Tyrik Robinson, 5-10, 210, Champagnat Catholic
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4681838/tyrik-robinson

D'Andre Romero, 5-11, 170, Everglades
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4044200/dandre-romero

Rocky Shelton, 5-11, 200, St. Thomas Aquinas
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4800397/darrell-rocky-shelton

Malik Similien, 5-9, 165, Coconut Creek
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5194064/malik-similien

Denzel Simmon, 5-11, 180, Archbishop McCarthy
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4370354/denzel-simmon

Jaeden Suarez, 6-0, 170, Homestead Keys Gate Charter
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3781005/jaeden-suarez

Kris Trapp, 5-11, 190, Gulliver Prep
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4530661/kris-trapp

C.J. Williams, 5-10, 212, Chaminade-Madonna
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4068638/cj-williams

Jordan Williams, 5-10, 190, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5132806/jordan-williams

Tekauuri Woodcock, 5-9, 220, Sunrise Piper
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4688769/highlights

2019
This freshman class is also going to continue producing big time talent. Check out these young men:

Danny Esteban, 5-8, 170, Miami Belen Jesuit
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4946945/danny-esteban

Jordan Griffin, 5-8, 170, Miami Christopher Columbus
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5345322/jordan-griffin

Devin Hardy, 5-8, 165, Homestead Keys Gate
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5280590/devin-hardy

Juwan James, 5-11, 215, Miami Carol City
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5287154/juwan-james

Vincent Jones, 5-10, 190, Coconut Creek Monarch
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6059351/vincent-jones

Julian McGriff, 5-8, 160, International School of Broward
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6515088/julian-mcgriff

Gavin Roberts, 5-9, 165, Miami Coral Reef
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5434270/gavin-roberts

Gino Sandora, 5-11, 200, SW Ranches Archbishop McCarthy
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6084767/gino-sandora

Joe Smith, 6-1, 180, Miami Southridge
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6689310/joe-smith

Anthony Solomon, 6-0, 190, St. Thomas Aquinas
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5418429/anthony-solomon

Christopher Vidal, 6-1, 170, Hialeah Goleman
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5228878/christopher-vidal

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