Class of 2020 - Talent Train Continues To Roll In South Florida

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When it comes to football in South Florida, we have long established that the level of talent that is produced each year is unmatched.

It starts on youth football fields. Kids as young as four years old start chasing their football dreams on fields from Homestead to Deerfield Beach.

While many areas of the country churn out plenty of talent, it is a documented fact that when it comes to getting high-level athletes ready for colleges and the NFL, no area in this nation prepares you the way the athletes in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties are taught from the moment they start competing.

Colleges no longer wait until these athletes are juniors and seniors to make an offer. They are doing it before many are even walking the halls of their local high schools. It's a business, and every student/athlete, no matter age or class, is now fair game for recruiters.

Over the past decade, Generation Nexxt has stepped up to be that youth football voice. And while Jonah Woullard and his talented staff have been exclusive to the elementary and middle school prospects, the landscape has changed. No sooner do these talented football prospects leave local hotbeds, college coaches are finding them right away.

"Times have changed," Woullard said. "This is always going to be the youth football forum, but now many of these youngsters are leaving the local parks and finding that college coaches are reaching out like never before."

Last Wednesday, for the second consecutive year, the Generation Nexxt crew unveiled the next wave of talent for the Class of 2020.

As Darrien Green and Jerry Williamson gathered over 30 of the rising prospects for a photo shoot and greet the media event at Ives Estates Park in North Miami-Dade, it was a chance to see the next Nayquan Wright or James Cook. An opportunity to see some of those prospects who will impact high school football fields as soon as this fall.

"Every year we have so many gifted football prospects," said Williamson. "This year, it's about defensive standouts such as South Miami Grey Ghost defensive lineman, Westley Neal Jr., Raheem Berry of the Liberty City Warriors and a running back as talented as Tamiami Colts standout Andre Stringfield."

As some of the Class of 2020 athletes have already enrolled in schools that allow 8th graders, others are waiting to announce where they will be headed to play high school football in the fall. While many know, some will announce at an event that Generation Next is putting together in a few weeks. Still, defensive prospects such as lineman Jalen Reeves (Pembroke Pines Bengals), Jamari Maybin (Deerfield Packer-Rattlers), and Miami Gardens Chiefs' standout defensive lineman Bobby Washington came out to be recognized.

"When you have so many young men invited to something like this, the turnout is always going to be huge," Green explained. "For many of these 14 and 15-year-olds, it's their first chance to get this kind of attention. Also, huge shout-out to the parents for supporting their kids the way they do."

One of the prospects that turned plenty of heads is Andover Middle School 6-foot-4 offensive lineman Isaiah Walker. Athletic and very impressive in the classroom, this future star hinted that he will begin his career at nearby Norland. His work in the classroom will certainly pave the way for his future.

"Being recognized at such a young age gives me plenty to look forward to," he said. "Coming here with all these other great football players is an honor."

In addition to so many prospects who were introduced on this day, there were other talented athletes as well, linebackers and defensive backs such as Tyler Mackey (Miami Gardens), Ja'Ki Chatman (Northwest Boys & Girls Club, gifted Harry Henderson (Gwen Cherry), Willie Floyd (North Dade), Courtney Holmes (Palmetto Raiders) and Miami Gardens Chiefs' standout Ronald Delancey. Holmes, as an eighth grader, received an offer from Michigan.

While Stringfield got the most attention, there were other running backs on hand as well. Tywan Cash (Miami Gardens Chiefs), Dedrick Stanley (Miami Gardens Ravens), Shamar Paul (Gwen Cherry Bulls) and Gulliver Prep standout Amin Hassan.

When you speak about quality receivers in south Florida, there may not be a better place in the country. This 2020 class with Baron Grant (Liberty City), Gerand Turner (Coral Gables), Aydin Henningham (Ft. Lauderdale Hurricanes) and Theandris Freeman (Miami Gardens Chiefs) are major impact players as well.

The 2019 class was certainly huge in lifting the quarterback position – with 2015 starters Daniel Richardson and Maurice Underwood. But as the 2016 season is right around the corner, who will grab the attention?

Record-setting standout Jovan Ferguson came in right after Underwood at Gwen Cherry and made a huge impact, leading all quarterbacks in combined rushing and passing touchdowns. Also, Suniland Sundevils' Brandon McDuffey Jr. (led in passing).

There is also very promising kicker Matthew Enriquez (Kendall Kolts).

OTHERS THAT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
While not everyone attended the photo shoot that was held, the Class of 2020 also has prospects that have already made a huge impact.

Champagnat Catholic defensive end Jesus Machado and Belen Jesuit running back Don Chaney could be the best in the country already.

Also, Jordan Cash (WR, Ft. Lauderdale Hurricanes), Kemoniee Green (OL/DL Coconut Creek), two-sport (basketball) standout Tyson Civil (OL/DL West Miramar Patriots), Tamiami Colts defensive back Nicholas Graham and Miami Gardens Chiefs standout defensive back Council Allen, Jr., are also football player who will make a solid impact as well.