On The Radar: Offseason Series - Part 22

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When nearly 40 schools headed to Tamiami Park for last Friday and Saturday's annual referee scrimmage, it once again put this region of the country in the spotlight.

To be honest and up front, there is no other area in the nation that, in early May, would dominate the news in football like South Florida high schools do.

It is nearly impossible to roll out as many prospects as we have.

While there are so many outstanding athletes in Classes 2017, 2018 and 2019, who have been receiving attention, this is the time of year where those football prospects who hadn't been receiving much attention at all, are now getting looks.

By now, you already know that college coaches use every bit of May to scour Florida. Any day during this month you can see just about any college in the country, coming out of some Miami-Dade or Broward school.

Because of social media, the visits to these schools are no longer private – and you almost guarantee that college coaches use this to their fullest advantage. Having a photo with a high school coach on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram can do wonders for recruiting. College coaches use this time to promote.

While the scrimmages last weekend were very productive, and a lot of was learned, the kids were cheated by the fact that the NCAA once again pulled the blog on its member schools being able to come and watch.

It has gotten to the point where the NCAA will give in to satellite camps and other things that are really not tackle-football-related, but a chance, as the smaller colleges had last week, to be able to award these scholarships to these young men by watching them play tackle football is a must.

Instead of allowing Nike and other major apparel brands to fly amateur kids across the country, providing housing, meals, transportation and to receive hundreds and hundreds of dollars in clothing and shoes, it would be wiser to allow their member schools to attends these scrimmages that actually provide a great read on a potential football prospect – unlike The Opening or other events that have no bearing on the true sport of football and achieving a scholarship.

Before we get to this week's six On The Radar football prospects, we wanted to voice our opinion – because we are the ones who have to help find youngsters scholarships in March, April and May – while the NCAA moves on to the next sport to "govern".

2017 – Lytii Borders, RB, 5-9, 150, Miami Norland: Making a move this year from American, where he was part of two district title teams, this quality runner brings that winning attitude with him to a program that is always loaded with athletes. Borders is quick, elusive and has tremendous vision. He will help to add balance to a unit that will be looking for playmakers.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4395259/lytii-borders

2017 – Jawaun Hardy, WR, 6-2, 182, Miramar: Another offseason transfer who comes over from Hallandale, where he was part of the best team in school history this past season. Coaches love this young man because he does have everything you need to be successful at this level and beyond. Hardy has the chance this year, even with so impressive pass catchers to be a difference maker for the Patriots.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5415179/jawaun-hardy

2017 – Nicholas Jimenez, DE, 6-2, 210, Miami Coral Reef: Here is another player we have watched a number of times and continues to come away very impressed. In addition to being a very talented football player, Jimenez plays the game with passion and has proven to coaches and players that he has the ability to make some serious strides this season with a new coaching staff in place.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4660965/nicholas-jimenez

2018 – Jakyus Johnson, RB, 5-11, 205, Miramar Everglades: While much of the South Florida area is watching some of the elite young backs who emerged last season, here is truly another player to add to that growing list. Speed, power, great blocking skills and the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield has kept this young man in the spotlight. College coaches who have watched Johnson agree about this big back that has turned heads ion the first two years for the Gators. Watch him play and you will certainly agree.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4018549/jakyus-johnson

2017 – Hugh Lowson, QB, 5-9, 145, Palmetto: Make no mistake about this young man's work ethic. For the past two years, he has made major strides as a passer and leader on offense. His arm strength and accuracy are equally as impressive as his ability to run the ball. The coaching staff has been impressed at how hard he has worked to help the Panthers get better this coming season. The offseason will be huge for Lowson's continued development.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4452526/hugh-lowson

2017 – Evan Rojas, OL, 6-3.5, 248, Davie Western: One of the fastest-rising offensive line prospects in South Florida – Rojas has indeed proven, especially this spring – that his quick feet, strength and overall athletic ability will be just the thing to keep colleges watching and for this team to improve in a very competitive district. This is a well-schooled and quality prospect that colleges are very impressed with.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5358562/evan-rojas