On The Radar: Offseason Series – Part 27

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For high school football players throughout South Florida, this is officially the busiest time of the summer.

In addition to the daily workouts that all teams go through, there is an added element this summer. With the addition of the satellite camps, there are now more choices and events to attend – and of course – get noticed.

For decades and decades, the summers were not like they are now. The days of taking a vacation with the family are now replaced by 7-on-7 tournaments and team camps – up and down the state. Attaining a college scholarship is what this is all about.

Football has become a mega-business, and while we have had the pleasure of watching this impressive growth through the years, it still amazes us how many opportunities the young men have to grab the attention of college coaches.

Last week's University of South Florida satellite camp was yet another tool in the recruitment process, giving so many under-the-radar and overlooked football players yet another opportunity.

If you follow us during the course of a year, you already understand how many prospects - in every class – that we promote and evaluate. Today we are adding six more athletes who have the chance to truly make a statement this coming season.

2017 – Jacolby Davis, DE/OLB, 6-1, 230, Sunrise Piper: This is a physical player. The kind of athlete that head coach David Coleman wants the rest of his Bengals to be like. Davis is quick, agile and instinctive enough to read plays from the outside linebacker position, or as a defensive end. His ability to make plays is what his game is all about. Without hesitation, this is one of those prospects who will pick up steam over the next few months.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6083670/jacolby-davis

2017 – A.J. Jancosko, OC, 6-1, 315, Chaminade-Madonna: When left Pittsburgh two years ago to head south, this was a football player who represented everything that you want from your offensive linemen. His dedication to training and lifting weights with his teammates has helped to form a bond that could propel the Lions to the Class 3A state title game in Orlando. Jancosko is an aggressive, smart and strong lineman, his decision to leave a talented area to head south has paid off – in a major way. If he stays healthy, he will be a focal point for this program.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5547312/aj-jancosko

2017 – Carlos Rodriguez, DE/DT, 5-10, 225, Miami Killian: After a solid offseason, here is one of those prospects that head coach Javi Valdes just loves to teach. With a tremendous spring and start to the summer, Rodriguez will be one of those playmakers that will help to ignite an aggressive and talented defense. He can play outside and get into the offensive backfield – or play inside as well and become a force.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6596477/carlos-rodriguez

2019 – Cuevas Russ, S, 5-10, 160, Miami Palmetto: Ask just about anyone in the know when it comes to younger football prospects in South Florida, and all will mention this gifted young man who just turned heads during the spring. Russ is an aggressive athlete who is one of those tremendous football players who does some amazing things. As he continues to mature and learn more about the game, mixing that nature athletic ability with his football-playing skills, and you have something special. He's a very special kid.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/7539340/cuevas-russ

2017 – Nick Simpson, DE/OLB, 6-2, 220, Hollywood McArthur: In a year where the Mustangs are in no mood to fool around after falling way short of their goals, you get football players like this, who bring everything to the table. Simpson is another versatile defensive prospect who has quickness, outstanding body and hand control, and the athleticism. He will definitely be a catalyst this coming season. The offseason will also be very important, going into a competitive 2016 season.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4410177/nick-simpson

2017 – Darrick Talton, LB, 5-10, 187, Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson: Thanks to a solid spring, here is a football player who will get a chance to impress in his senior season. While he is playing linebacker at this level, safety is really the position where college coaches will start projecting him. He reads plays very well, as he displayed the game we watched him at in the spring. Talton has a chance, if he continues to work harder this summer, to get some mid to late season interest. He's an instinctive talent.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/7435999/darrick-talton