Local Events Keep Talent In The Spotlight

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Throughout the course of a summer, many of our local high school football prospects take part in events that bring them to colleges and universities all of the south to showcase their skills.

As these athletes rise to the occasion against some top programs around the nation, the fans back home read and view all about their successes.

Because many of the local standouts have grown up on youth fields in the tri-county area, some of the locals want to see these talented football players up close and personal.

This past Saturday, Tournament of Champions (TOC) held yet another quality 7-on-7 event that brought elite players, teams and those very fans who have supported them every step of the way.

Sponsored by Battle Football, this tournament brought together those very prospects and teams to Ives Estates Park as the first of several local events attracted talented skilled players along with linemen who turned heads.

Wesley Frater has been at the center of the TOC football and basketball showcase events for several decades. In that time, he has found a way to bring together the best resources that we have to offer – the South Florida athletes.

On Saturday afternoon, despite the ominous clouds that filled the skies, Frater and his TOC staff attracted elite programs such as Booker T. Washington, Boyd Anderson, Christopher Columbus and Cypress Bay. Also, schools such as Hialeah-Miami Lakes, Jackson, Killian, Miami Beach, Miami Springs, Norland, Northwestern, Southridge and Western had the need to get better.

"There's no getting around the fact that we annually have more South Florida football players in the NFL, and playing at a high level in college than any other area in the country," Frater pointed out. "That's why having so many elite players and teams take part in this tournament has always been our objective."

TALENT ALL OVER THE PLACE

Look in any direction, like every week, and you will see plenty of talent. There were some quality programs on hand for this first local 7-on-7 of the offseason. Here is a look at some of the programs that attended as the head toward so many other options this summer:

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON TORNADOES: This team had the chance to showcase 2019 quarterback Daniel Richardson and some new talent that this coaching staff believes could send the Tornadoes back to get a fifth straight Class 4A title. In addition, there were 2017 receivers Sharod Johnson and Richard Dames and 2017 defensive back Dedrick Mackey.

BOYD ANDERSON COBRAS: Nobody is more familiar with the heartbeat of Miami-Dade County than former Miami Central standout Eddie "Rabbit" Brown. He has elevated his team to a level where they will be a huge force. This senior-oriented program boasts 2017 prospects, including defensive back Mike Nesbitt, defensive back Renard Bozeman, quarterback Shabazz Telfort, safety Raheme Fuller, defensive back Tarique Davis and receiver Gregory Jean.

CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS EXPLORERS: As head coach Chris Merritt and his football program look toward a deep playoff run in the fall, many of their top tier prospects were off at other events on Saturday, but it gave this well-coached program a chance to look at some of the younger players.

CYPRESS BAY LIGHTNING: With veteran head coach Mark Guandolo out of town, this talented program brought some of the younger prospects to get the exposure. This is a team that has changed its offensive approach – installing the Triple Option this coming season.

HIALEAH-MIAMI LAKES TROJANS: A lot has happened with this program over the past year, but things are starting to look up as plenty of young prospects – such as 2018 receiver Keshawn Brownlee – will get plenty of exposure this summer.

JACKSON GENERALS: As head coach Lakatroina Brunson and defensive coordinator Luther Campbell get this program on the right track, there are some outstanding prospects who have been getting plenty of exposure. Players like athlete Nakia Robinson, defensive back Brian Washington, tight end Daniel John, running back Keiron Broussard, defensive end Eric Matteo and linebacker Lacedrick Brunson.

KILLIAN COUGARS: While losing a number of prospects before first-year head coach Javi Valdes arrived was tough, things have recovered pretty well with 2019 quarterback Cairiq Rackley leading some very and young and talented football. Also, 2017 defensive back Robert Coleman, running back Delano Morgan, linebacker Romelo Brooks and 2018 game-changers such as defensive back Traquan Butler and safety Dervon Marius, and offensive lineman D.J. Scaife.

MIAMI BEACH HI-TIDES: If you followed this program in the past, they go through phases where talent pours in. This year, we have watched this team in the offseason – with 2017 quarterback Eddie Brill, 2018 running back Jaquan Ham, 2017 receiver Trevon Jackson, 2018 safety Kama Jackson, 2017 safety Jacob Maravilla and 2018 linebacker Justin Chander.

MIAMI SPRINGS GOLDEN HAWKS: Here is a football program that continues to battle in the offseason, and as veteran head coach Darryel Bethune looks to get back in the playoff mix, it will be with younger prospects on the roster.

NORLAND VIKINGS: If you have followed this program over the years, you know that there has always been plenty of talent. This year, especially in the spring and now into the summer, players such as 2017 receiver David Richards, running back Lytii Borders, 2018 defensive back Eric "Dank" Smith and offensive threat Lio'Undre Gallimore have been promising.

NORTHWESTERN BULLS: Here is one of the most improved and impressive teams. Class of 2018 quarterback Chatarius "Tutu" Atwell is a big time prospect who can lead this team a long way. In addition, 2018 linebacker Billy Joseph, 2017 linebacker Demetrius Taylor, 2017 defensive back Taurus Dotson and 2017 receiver Al-Malik Moore are players that everyone has been watching.

SOUTHRIDGE SPARTANS: So far this offseason, this program has been to Gainesville, Orlando and then back at it last Saturday. One of the favorites to get to Orlando in December, this is a team loaded with quality Class of 2017 players – such as safety Billy Gibson, and defensive backs Coemba Jones, Juwan Horn and Daquris Wiggins, receivers Rodney Scott, Jordan Dillard and Kemore Gamble, and linebackers Nadarius Fagan and Brandon James to mention a few. This program also has a lot of younger prospects as well.

WESTERN WILDCATS: Even though they compete in one of the toughest districts around, this is a program that has continued to work hard year round to get to that next level. Veteran head coach Adam Ratkevich has players – such as versatile Darius Maxwell, Ki-Jana Whyte, Keshaun Clarke, Harrison Story as well as a number of playmakers who enjoyed a quality spring.