On The Radar: Offseason Series - Part Three

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Have there ever been more meaningful games to start a season like we've already had this year? The answer is no.

While teams have played top competition for years, it seems like early on, the better programs are facing off – and from a fan standpoint, it doesn't get any better than this.

In most regions of the country, there are a few programs who face-off against each other, but this year – when all is said and done – you will have a team that will stand tall against the rest.

The fact that basically every powerhouse program in Miami-Dade and Broward will get a chance to play, there will be no second guessing or bragging unless you earned it on the field. Booker T. Washington, Miami Central, Miami Northwestern, Miami Carol City, Miami Southridge, St. Thomas Aquinas, Plantation American Heritage, Deerfield Beach, Columbus, Coral Gables and Flanagan will all play against one another in some form.

We know that the talent separates this region from the rest of the country – by a long shot – but also the fact that many of these athletes compete against each other since they are in youth football makes a huge difference as well.

So far this season, with the kickoff classic and the opening two games of the 2016 season, we have had the pleasure of watching some elite football players. We have had the chance to pass many of those gifted athletes right on to you - after seeing them all firsthand.

If you have been with us through the years, there is no secret that we promote everyone – "5-stars" and "no stars" – heavily recruited or not recruited at all. Today, we bring you six more outstanding football players to keep an eye on:

2018 – Jahsiah Bennett, Slot/CB, 5-8, 150, Homestead Keys Gate: One of the up-and-coming prospects in South Florida, the coaches have been talking about his progress since the spring. Bennett is a two-way athlete who has the speed and skill level to line up against anyone. Another of those south Miami-Dade players who has been surrounded by competition since he started playing. He's one of those quality young men who will continue to blow up this year.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/athlete/5623193/jahsiah-bennett

2017 – Jawaun Hardy, WR, 6-2, 182, Miramar: Watching him perform a year ago at Hallandale and now with the Patriots, there is no doubt that this is one of those difference makers who came to the high school level as quality athlete who is more than capable of playing this game at a high level. Hardy is an elite playmaker who has the overall athletic ability to play receiver or even quarterback of needed. College coaches need to start watching him a lot closer.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5415179/jawaun-hardy

2017 – Donte Morris, OL/DL, 5-11, 280, Miami Jackson: In a year of change for the Generals, here is a two-way prospect who has taken over and has already shown that he is ready for this tough season ahead. Morris is another of those athletic linemen who can play on either side of the ball. His quickness and strength combined with the chance to learn so much from this new staff this program has. This is indeed a very big year, but one that he can start to turn heads.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3361278

2018 – Sharod Oliver, DB, 6-0, 165, Miami Northwestern: As everyone has had the opportunity to watch the Bulls this season, the defensive side of the ball is the first place they look with defensive-oriented head coach Max Edwards calling the shots. It's prospects like this who were needed to fill in the holes and come up with those game-changing plays. Oliver has already impressed this season with his ability to turn things up against top competition. He has the chance over the next two years to make a solid impact.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6557054/sharod-oliver

2017 – John Padgett, RB/CB, 5-10, 175, Pompano Beach: While the Tornadoes get very little publicity, this is a prospect that really need to get the attention. Padgett is an impressive student in the classroom, he has also made a major impact on both sides of the ball. Has been a huge leader and playmaker the past two years as we watched him a number of times. He has great football bloodlines, combined with the fact that his coaches and the opponents are now starting to take notice of what he can do on the football field. Keep your eye on this young man. He will not disappoint.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3010126/john-padgett

2018 – Edwin Reed, WR, 6-0, 170, Hollywood Hills: After watching this impressive talent during the spring and summer, there is really no doubt what he is all about. Reed is a smooth pass-catcher with speed and plenty of athleticism. He's a very exciting talent that has the chance to truly make an impact this year. Excited to see how much he has improved over the past six months. College coaches who have watched him are very excited about what he can do over the next two seasons. Another player to keep your eye on.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5339347