On The Radar: Offseason Series – Part 24

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Over the past two-plus weeks, we have had the opportunity to watch over 50 schools live in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, seeing the talent first-hand.

While there are so many analysts out there, trying to promote and get the prospects in this region out there for college coaches to see, the best thing about May is that these coaches finally have the chance to see these athletes in person for the first time.

As we talked to dozens and dozens of coaches who we have been fortunate to have relationships with for decades, the conversation that is perhaps the hottest topic is the way many of these athletes are recruited and promoted.

Keeping in mind that there is no other region of the country close to what we have in Miami-Dade and Broward; the chance to see prospects live and in person makes all the difference in the world. Many colleges are not taking someone's word on how good an athlete is. They need to see it for themselves, and while they seek opinions from others on certain players, they definitely make the decisions on their own.

College coaches have long felt that what others believe or have to say about an athlete is fine, but when it comes to handing out a scholarship, that is indeed something that has to be made by the coach and not someone who provides information.

Spring football has become huge. It's the time when lives change, and as so many college coaches roam the sideline and get a better look, this month sets the tone for the rest of the year.

As we do each and every week during the course of a year, we bring you six new prospects to keep an eye on. Here are three more each from Miami-Dade and Broward:

2018 – Daniel Barker, TE, 6-4, 230, Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson: Here is a perfect example of a rising prospect who definitely used this spring to propel himself into the spotlight, picking up offers and getting the chance to showcase his many skills. Barker is a very talented football player who does it all; catches, runs and he's learning how to block. As the college coaches had the chance to watch this young man perform, they were very impressed what they saw. With two years left before graduation, there is little doubt that this is going to be one of those young men who will continue to blow up and have college coaches watching everything he does.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4677651/daniel-barker

2017 – Alfonso Ervin, DL, 5-10, 295, Hialeah-Miami Lakes: After getting the chance to watch this playmaker last season, we were very impressed at how gets around the field and makes plays. Ervin is a strong and agile football prospect who is solid against the run and very good chasing down quarterbacks in the backfield. He has a lower center of gravity which helps him gain an advantage on the line of scrimmage. Yet another football player that is expected to make a major impact this coming summer and into the 2016 season.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4218447/alfonso-ervin-iv

2017 – Tyberius Horne, QB/FS, 6-1, 170, North Miami: Yet another youth football standout who has made an impact at the high school level. And while his career has moved along quickly, the next few months will certainly help define what the next level will offer. No matter of he lines up on offense or in the defensive secondary, Horne is truly a prospect that has a chance to really have a breakout season. His athletic ability and football skills has given the Pioneers a major lift. This spring has started to open up seem eyes – and by the time the season starts in late August, colleges will be in tune to what this quality athlete can do.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/7495760/highlights/

2017 – Alvin Mitchell, RB/Slot, 5-8, 160, Miami Southridge: In a sea of enormous talent the Spartans have on the roster, here is yet another versatile football prospect who has plenty of talent and athletic ability to make a major contribution in a season that many are picking this program to win it all in Class 8A. With so many quality players on the roster, Mitchell is an athlete who has the chance to really make a major contribution in 2016.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6357937/alvin-mitchell

2017 – Antoine Murray, WR, 5-11, 170, Miramar: As the Patriots look toward the 2016 season, there are a number of very talented prospects who will be looked upon to make that impression. Here is one of those quality young men who had a solid offseason and productive spring, setting himself up for the summer – where he will get plenty of work as this program looks to jump back into the playoff mix. Murray is quick, sure-handed and a very good route runner that has started to turn heads, and the coaching staff is impressed. Keep your eye on this young man. He is very talented.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5658784/antoine-murray-

2017 – Alton Richards, WR/CB, 6-2, 195, Everglades: There is simply so much talent in South Florida that a prospect like this can jump onto the radar here in May, but with colleges down and checking every prospect out, it's only natural that this impressive talent would jump to the front – with his ability to change a game. Talk to any coach who has played against him and they will all tell you that this is a hidden gem that is well coached and has the skill level to line up on either side of the ball. Watch him this offseason and you will agree that this is going to be a talent who will rise to the top this coming season.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3841904/alton-richards