On The Radar: Offseason Series - Part 35

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There's nothing like the countdown to any season; and when you have social media and fan website coverage to fuel that fire, it gets more interesting.

As we sit one week away from the start of the season – with kickoff classics taking center stage – every team in South Florida can say that they want to be in Orlando when the state champions are crowned in December.

What has transpired in the offseason has indeed set the table for what looks like such a great season – with players, coaches and teams ready to make good on all those promises.

If you have followed our coverage since the 2015 season ended, you know which programs will be strong and which ones may not have enough. You also have a great idea what prospects will emerge and take the lead.

As we do each and every week, 52 times a year, we bring you six players to keep an eye on. Here is this week's group of athletes that you can check out this season:

2017 – Gabriel Barrocas, LB, 6-0, 200, Doral Ronald Reagan: The Bison have a real impressive football prospects here. One who can run, hit and play with passion. Coaches that we spoke with believe that this is the year that this young man breaks out and starts to turn heads. He has everything you are looking for a football prospect.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4387521

2017 – Alfonso Ervin IV, NG/OC, 5-10, 295, Hialeah-Miami Lakes: As many star-rated players get a lot of that spotlight, it's football players like this who may not have the physical abilities to play at an elite level, who really make the best all-around prospects. His strength, athletic ability and passion for the game really stand out when you watch him perform. Ervin is a two-way football talent who is going not only help the Trojans in 2016, but some college in the next few years.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4218447/alfonso-the-beast-ervin-iv

2018 – Lamont Harrison, OL, 6-2, 280, Miramar Everglades: There are many young football players in South Florida who have been getting plenty of that spotlight, but there very few who have this kind of ability and potential as a junior. Harrison has good size, strength, quickness and enough athleticism that he can help any program – in high school and beyond – with his ability to play several positions along the line.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5318787/lamont-harrison

2018 – Draquan Jones, RB/CB, 5-8, 185, Miami LaSalle: From the first time we watched this young man, it was a given that this was going to be something special. As well know by now, small school football means little in South Florida when many of these talented prospects compete with each other – year round. Jones is yet another of those versatile talents that will make an impact on both sides of the ball – big-time potential.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4343544/draquan-jones

2017 – Rafael Rodriguez, OLB/DE, 6-2, 225, Coral Springs Charter: The great thing about this talented young man is that very few people have really had the chance to watch and appreciate him. He is cat-quick and is going to be a force for a team that finished unbeaten a year ago. He is in a perfect position to get plenty of coaching and competition. Rodriguez is another of those potential breakout players.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4146872/rafael-rodriguez

2017 – Brian Witter, MLB/DE, 6-0, 210, Miramar: Having promoted as many prospects as any other source, we have the chance to see football talent, like this, who you can watch and evaluate during the spring, summer, camps and other events. Witter is a very gifted athlete who has the chance to help spark the rebirth of the "Darkside Defense" that the Patriots have been known for. He can play the outside linebacker position and do so very well. Head coach Pierre Senatus and his program will certainly use him at the defensive end position as well. Keep an eye on Witter this year.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5241747/brian-witter