Spring Spotlight: Defensive Back Domination Continues

SFHSSports: Twitter | Facebook

For the past five weeks, we have brought you some of the best football players in the nation.

As we broke down South Florida and its many riches of football talent and potential royalty among the nation's elite prospects, there was a look at every position – from quarterback to defensive line.

But we end the spring look across Miami-Dade and Broward with a position that has no equal anywhere in the nation.

Where this area of the country may fall short when it comes to producing 5-star level quarterbacks, it may use that never occupied the sixth star to illustrate the college-ready safeties and cornerbacks that continue to emerge from the coastal waters of southern Florida.

Today, we wind up our look at the riches of South Florida with a view at perhaps the position that is so dominating, there are at least 60 Division-I level prospects (9-11th grade), and many more on the way.

As we continue each and every day to add new prospects to a list that has hundreds of college coaches, and thousands of fans, checking it out, we are always promoting and adding prospects. Here are a few eye-catchers:

Trajan Bandy, 5-10, 180, Christopher Columbus: This Oklahoma commit has been getting it done since his competitive youth days, and has followed right on to high school. Bandy is a big-time player.

Al Blades, 6-0, 175, St. Thomas Aquinas: His move from University School will now be greeted by the national spotlight and top-flight competition each and every week. He is only a sophomore, so there's two years left for Blades to mature.

Rennard Bozeman, 5-10, 175, Boyd Anderson: Three-year starter who has really made a major impact. College coaches know that this will be a season where he will be out to some major tests, and that will show everyone what he brings to the table.

Latavious Brini, 6-2, 180, Mater Academy: Talented four-year varsity performer who has everything you are looking for in a defensive back. Brini is easily one of the most versatile and athletic in the Class of 2017.

Tyson Campbell, 6-0, 162, Plantation American Heritage: Another of the elite Class of 2018 who, despite being injured much of the offseason, is a truly impressive football talent who has been coached extremely well.

Naytron Culpepper, 6-1, 175, Carol City: One of the biggest moves so far this offseason was made early in the process when the Chiefs received this rising senior. They got a very good player who has been getting it done for three years.

Shawn Davis, 6-0, 180, Southridge: With the superior talent the Spartans have up and down their roster, here is a player that has to be included in that upper tier group of talent. Davis is very physical and athletic – he has big-time potential.

Joshua Dinson, 5-9, 165, Central: Following in the footsteps of his older brother, who had a successful career at American, Dinson moves to the powerhouse Rockets. Central will not only give him major exposure, but it will give him a huge opportunity to make a statement.

Aaron Duncan, 6-1, 180, Miami Norland: One of the players who emerged from 2015 with plenty of potential. And as the offseason moved along, he took his game to that next level.

Brian Edwards, 6-3, 195, Miramar: He has been on the radar screen longer than perhaps anyone in this class. Soon to be a four-year performer for the Patriots, Edwards has put in the work – and now that his final year is arriving he's ready to leave his mark.

Miguel Edwards, 6-0, 165, Coconut Creek: Another elite young player who has made a big time impact the past two years. He has grown, matured and is set to become a major player this season. Edwards is very athletic.

Gilbert Frierson, 6-1, 170, Coral Gables: For the past two years, here is a major talent who has gotten in done on the football field and in the offseason, as colleges and universities all over the country have watched and admired this Class of 2018 elite player.

Billy Gibson, 6-1, 170, Southridge: Since his youth football days, here is a dominating prospect that has been making plays and getting plenty of attention. Gibson is among the best in the state – as many are still finding out.

Hunter Goetz, 6-2, 180, Flanagan: One of the elite prospects who made a huge impact on last year's Class 8A state championship team. The son of a former NFL player, Goetz has been elevating his play and getting plenty of looks. This 2018 athlete can hit you.

Kobe Green, 5-11, 185, Deerfield Beach: As a prospect the past two years at Coconut Creek, he established himself as a player to watch. This year, Green moves over to play for the impressive 8A Bucks.

Dorian Hall, 6-5, 205, South Broward: This former quarterback prospect has turned into an elite football player who has speed, great range and the knowledge of knowing how to read quarterbacks and receivers. Hall is a very impressive prospect.

Randall Haynie, 6-0, 175, Cardinal Gibbons: Haynie burst onto the scene at the end of last season. This is a big-time playmaker that truly fits a very impressive secondary that is loaded with quality athletes. Keep your eye on him.

Faion Hicks, 5-10, 185, Flanagan: If you have never watched this one-time youth football phenom, you are missing out. Hicks is an elite football talent who started out at University School and has made his way to play for the Falcons the past two years. He's also a solid running back prospects as well.

Juwan Horne, 5-10, 170, Southridge: Another youth football standout; he began his high school career at Killian before electing to play his final season with Southridge. Just keep an eye on this elite talent. He makes plays.

Joshua Jobe, 6-1, 180, Christopher Columbus: Here's another prospect that burst onto the scene last year. Now as he heads toward his junior season, Jobe is going to be a player that will continue to pick up plenty of interest. He's a very talented player with a lot of range.

Allen Jones III, DB, 5-11, 174, Central: This three-year varsity standout heads into his final season with as much experience as you can pick up at the high school level – having three state titles on his resume. Jones will have the chance to play against some of the nation's elite prospects with the Rockets.

Coemba Jones, 5-7, 160, Southridge: Another of the very impressive football prospects that the Spartans have on the roster. This former youth standout has been a huge factor for this program. Colleges continue to watch his progress. His father was also a standout for Southridge back in the day.

Jamauri Laguerre, 6-1, 170, Edison: One of the biggest names of the offseason, this tremendous football player has been picking up plenty of interest because he can play this game – at a high level. Laguerre will easily be one of the best in South Florida this coming season.

Dedrick Mackey, 5-11, 180, Booker T. Washington: Perhaps nobody has started in more big games over the past three years than Mackey. He has played a key role for the Tornadoes since his sophomore year. He's a big-time catalyst and playmaker.

De'Vante Mitchell, 5-11, 185, Champagnat Catholic: Here is one of those football prospects that many have overlooked. After a brief stint in Georgia, Mitchell returns to South Florida and will be among the best around – as many college coaches have already found out.

Michael Nesbitt, 6-2, 190, Boyd Anderson: From Stranahan to his role with the Cobras, here is a football player who may not have received all the attention, but if you watched him perform, you fully understand what he means to his program. Nesbitt has a great future ahead.

Kaheem Roach, 6-1, 180, Miramar: One of the huge offseason prospects who parlayed a strong 2015 season into plenty of college attention here in the spring. Roach is a big-time football player who has the chance to be very special this coming season for the Patriots.

Randy Russell, 5-11, 175, Carol City: From the moment he stepped onto campus, this was a prospect who had the chance to be one of the best ever to wear this legendary uniform. Russell is an elite playmaker who is physical, athletic and extremely talent. He'll be a nationally rated player by the end of the summer.

Asante Samuel, Jr., 5-11, 175, St. Thomas Aquinas: The son of former Boyd Anderson, UCF and NFL standout Asante Samuel, the younger Samuel is one of the elite football prospects in South Florida. Even though he's just in the 2018 class, he has really impressed. Samuel is a playmaker who has been getting it done for years, and he has continued to elevate his game.

Stanford Samuels III, 6-2, 175, Flanagan: From his days as a youth quarterback to helping lead the Falcons to their first ever football state championship this past December, here is one of the best athletes in the country. And if you have watched him play – you already know what this young man can do. Following in the large footsteps of his father, who starred at Carol City and FSU, Samuels gets to play for his dad Stanford Samuels Jr. – who was named Flanagan's head coach.

Kaory Simmons, 5-9, 160, Piper: On a team that started to turn the corner a year ago under head coach David Coleman, Simmons is one of those quality defensive secondary performers who have it all. He is very quick and instinctive. Many who watched him play a year ago believe he's poised for a breakout year.

Patrick Surtain II, 6-1, 180, Plantation American Heritage: While you can look anywhere in Miami-Dade or Broward Counties and find elite football players, especially in the defensive secondary, there is very few Class of 2018 football players like this. Following in the rather large footsteps of his father, the former Dolphin and Chiefs standout, who happens to be the head coach for the Patriots. The younger Surtain is a major prospect that has his choice of schools.

Antavious Tarver, 5-10, 163, South Broward: This is the kind of football player that is coming into play for the Bulldogs this year. The former Glades Central standout is going to really impact South Florida with his athleticism and ability to play in the secondary. Tarver is a considerable talent who continues to improve.

Trenell Troutman, 5-11, 175, Monsignor Pace: As we continue to watch some of the prospects in South Florida, this 2018 talent could be a nationally-rated talent as soon as this summer. He is easily one of the most athletic and pure football prospects in this class. Many who have watched the game believe that this is what NFL players look like at this age.

Christopher Williams, 5-10, 170, Central: Another three-year performer for the Rockets who has been through it all. Williams is a tremendous athlete that makes it tough to catch a pass on his side. Keep an eye on his progress this year – he is the real deal.

Marco Wilson, 5-10.5, 175, Plantation American Heritage: After missing last year with a knee injury, South Florida has a chance to see a bigger, faster and more mature version of one of the country's best athletes. In addition to having a father (Chad Wilson) and brother (Quincy Wilson) that played the game at a high level, this tremendous athlete gets to practice with some of the best football players in the country. 2016 should have a huge year for the youngest Wilson.

Daniel Wright, 6-2, 175, Cardinal Gibbons: When you happen to be the brother of Major Wright, it's nice to have that on your resume. But what colleges want to see is for you to do it yourself. Since the 9th grade, here is someone who has not only done it himself, but has just been so dominating. Wright has prepared himself for this final season for three years.

2017

As we continue to track our South Florida defensive backs, you will find that more and more will continue to emerge. In addition to what we have brought you, here are some others in the Class of 2017 to keep an eye on:

Colvin Alford, 6-0, 195, Coral Reef
Will Allen, 5-10, 170, Plantation American Heritage
Destra Benoit, 5-9, 175, South Broward
Bryan Berson, 5-11, 175, St. Thomas Aquinas
Tyler Boyd, 5-10, 170, Fort Lauderdale
Taletrius Bradley, 5-8, 165, Plantation
Lamont Brantley, 6-0, 175, Flanagan
Marlin Brooks, 5-10, 157, Christopher Columbus
Alton Jamal Brunson, 5-9, 175, South Dade
Terrance Bryant, Jr., 6-2, 165, Coral Gables
Blake Buffa, 5-11, 190, Cypress Bay
Kewann Calloway, Jr., 5-8, 150, Fort Lauderdale
Marvin Estrada-Campbell, 6-0, 185, Hollywood Hills
Carlton Casimir, 5-8, 160, Norland
Austin Chacon, 5-11, 180, Christopher Columbus
Cornell Clarke, 5-7, 150, Miami High
Robert Coleman, 5-10, 162, Killian
Jaylan Cox, 5-11, 180, Miami Westminster Christian
Christian Cuenca, 6-1, 168, Cooper City
Nez Dacosta, 6-2, 180, Mater Academy
Richard Dames, 5-11, 170, Booker T. Washington
Eden Darmon, 5-11, 140, Hollywood Hills
Anton Dehart, 6-0, 160, Fort Lauderdale
Nick D'Esposito, 5-10, 180, Coral Springs Charter
Joshua Diaza, Homestead Somerset Academy
Kameron Dobson, 6-0, 185, Mater Academy
Taurus Dotson, 6-0, 175, Northwestern
Eldine Dorvil, 6-1, 175, Boyd Anderson
Tyler Ellis, FS, 5-9, 160, Cypress Bay
Steven Evans, 5-9, 155, Miramar
Christian Figueroa, 6-0, 170, Mater Academy
Jaylen Floyd, 5-10, 175, Miramar
Raheme Fuller, 6-3, 170, Boyd Anderson
Kareem Gaitor, 6-1, 175, Edison
Jaeshawn Gillett, 5-8, 145, Piper
Luigi Gomez, 5-7, 160, Miami High
Brian Gooze, 5-9, 175, Carol City
Omar Graham, Jr., 5-10, 160, North Miami
Natron Grayson, 6-4, 175, Southridge
Jahlani Harrison, 5-11, 179, Plantation
Harrison Herskowitz, 6-0, 180, Gulliver Prep
Michael Hicks, Jr., 5–10, 170, Plantation American Heritage
Bernard Hudson, 6-1, 183, South Dade
Fred Hughes, 5-9, 160, Dillard
Arvion Jackson, 5-8, 165, Keys Gate Charter
Pedro Jimenez, 5-9, 160, Gulliver Prep
Anthony Johnson, 6-2, 185, Chaminade-Madonna
Zaemione Jones, 5-7, 145, Everglades
Erick Joseph, 5-10, 150, North Miami
Jorry Justin, 6-0, 165, Northeast
Kevis Ladaker, 5-10, 175, South Dade
Sammy Laster, 5-11, 185, Central
Kevontae Lee, 5-7, 155, Edison
Damien Lindor, 6-1, 180, Homestead
Devonta Lopez, 5-11, 185, Mater Academy
Christian Pierre-Louis, 5-9, 160, Palmetto
Kahvon Lovette, 5-10 170, Coral Gables
Jeffrey Lubin, 6-2, 166, South Broward
Anthony Machado, 5-11, 175, Westminster Christian
Luis Martinez, 5-10, 175, Sunset
Giovanny Matos, 5-10, 175, Varela
Tyree McNeil, 6-0, 163, Dillard
Kristopher Moll, 6-1, 185, Coral Gables
Darrion Moore, 5-5, 135, Blanch Ely
Carlos Morales, 5-8, 160, Miami Ferguson
T.J. O'Connor, 6-1, 145, Dr. Krop
Caleb Okwaraji, 6-1, 185, Miramar
Marquise Parnell, 5-9, 165, South Dade
Marqui Passmore, 5-11, 180, Champagnat Catholic
Nathan Perdomo, 5-10, 155, Southwest Miami
Christian Pierre-Louis, 5-9, 160, Palmetto
Angelo Powell, 5-7, 166, Carol City
Derrick Prater, 5-7, 160, Doral Academy
Jermaine Ralston, 5-8, 145, Pines Charter
Marcner Richard, 5-5, 150, Barbara Goleman
Amir Rivera, 5-9, 155, Southwest Miami
Alfonso Rodriguez, 6-3, 188, Belen Jesuit
Bradley Royes, 5-10, 160, Chaminade-Madonna
Vladimir Santana, 5-10, 175, Braddock
Corey Sesto, 5-11, 160, West Broward
Jordan Silva, 6-0, 170, Mater
Fred Siplin III, 5-9, 175, University School
Tylen Small, 6-1, 172, Plantation
Hunter Stephens, 6-1, 170, Western
Semaj Stewart, 6-1, 180, Killian
Tristan Saint-Fleur, 5-11, 163, Coral Springs Charter
Demar Swaby, 6-0, 163, Piper
Andres Taquechel, Doral Academy
Donelle Thomas, 5-11, 175, Carol City
Tyree Thomas, 5-10, 175, Miramar
Mark Voltaire, 5-9, 160, North Miami
Jaquari Weatherspoon, 5-6, 140, Keys Gate Charter
Tyler Williams, 5-8, 150, Hialeah
Myles Wright, 5-10, 155, St. Thomas Aquinas

2018

Besides the standout that we spotlighted above, here are some more for the Class of 2018 that we have already started to hear from as they head toward their junior season.

Yasir Abdullah, 6-1, 180, Miramar
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4799974/yasir-abdullah

Bran Alvarado, 5-8, 145, St. Thomas Aquinas
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4417299/bran-alvarado

Gabriel Aparicio, 6-1, 175, Belen Jesuit
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5044409/gabriel-aparicio

Kervens Augustin, 5-11, 150, Monarch
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6059424/

Chad Black, 5-10, 160, Carol City
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7uflUWd2WQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Roshard Branch, 6-0, 170, Dillard
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6086547/roshard-branch

Traquan Butler, 5-10, 170, Miami Killian
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5439068/traquan-butler

Mark Carter, Jr., 5-10, 140, Miramar
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5340504/mark-carter-jr

Jeff Charlemagne, 5-6, 140, Miami Palmetto
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5176805/highlights/261599379/v2#

Irshaad Davis, 5-8, 145, Miami Norland
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4327331/highlights/192343377

Nicholas Days, 5-10, 169, Mourning
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4753928/nicholas-days

Cornelius Doe, 5-11, 160, Calvary Christian
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4133276/cornelius-doe

Dovran Ellington, 6-2, 175, Miami Dr. Krop
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6495883/dovran-ellington

Zechariah Esdaille, 6-2, 185, Northwestern
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6578524/zechariah-esdaille

Christopher Fuzeme, 5-10, 165, Dr. Krop
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6225001/christopher-fuzeme

Donovan Garnett, 5-9, 170, Miami Southridge
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6166007/donovan-garnett

Logan Giordano, 5-11, 165, SW Ranches Archbishop McCarthy
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4407255/logan-giordano

Cam Givens, 6-0, 165, St. Thomas
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5280283/cameron-givens

Kerondo Gobern, 5-11, 162, Coconut Creek
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5194059/kerondo-gobern

Woobendy Guerrier, 5-11, 186, South Dade
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6672133/

Ron Hardge III, 6-0, 160, Cardinal Gibbons
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5277703/ron-hardge-iii

Victor Harvey, 6-0, 185, St. Thomas Aquinas
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5279790/victor-harvey

Detron Holloway, 5-10, 155, Booker T. Washington
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5177224/detron-holloway

D.J. Ivey, 5-11, 160, Homestead
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4754675/highlights/200667419/v2

Herman "Tre" Jackson, 5-10, 160, Southridge
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5295498/herman-tre-jackson

Mervin Jean, 5-10, 165, Homestead Somerset Academy
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4787656/mervin-jean

Rashard Jenkins II, 5-9, 150, Christopher Columbus
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5412517/rashard-jenkins-ii

Ceddarius Johnson, 6-2, 180, Killian
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6167985/ceddarius-johnson

Dorian "Twitch" Johnson, 5-8, 140, Palmetto
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4641182/dorian-twitch-johnson

Chandler Jones, 5-10, 160, Miramar
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5241660/chandler-jones

Nick Joseph, 5-8, 161, Taravella
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5341763/nick-joseph

Semar Melvin, 6-1, 155, St. Thomas Aquinas
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6603336/semar-ace-melvin

Chris Metayer, 6-3, 195, Central
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4143114/chris-metayer

Lamar Nelson, 5-11, 155, Monarch
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6059484/lamar-nelson

Robert Nelson, 5-11, 145, Chaminade-Madonna
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4068682/robert-nelson

Sharod Oliver, 5-11, 155, Miami Northwestern
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6557054/sharod-oliver

Bernard Palma, 5-6, 140, Homestead Somerset Academy
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4380069/bernard-palma

Anthony Puntonet, 5-10, 162, Coral Gables
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6009986/anthony-puntonet

Vincent Redmon, 5-11, 180, Archbishop McCarthy
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5307703/highlights/306602379

Bryand Rincher, 5-9, 152, Piper
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6736037/bryand-rincher

Robert Ruebel, 5-10, 165, Western
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6009683/robert-ruebel

Tossaan Ruffin, 5-9, 156, Everglades
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6685542/tossaan-ruffin

Benny Sapp III, 5-11, 160, St. Thomas Aquinas
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4316442/benjamin-sapp-iii

Eric "Dank" Smith, 5-9, 160, Norland
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4508759/eric-dank-smith

Antwane Thurston, 5-7, 140, Mater Academy
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3236331/antwane-thurston

Jeremy Tooks, 6-0, 156, Coral Gables
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5570533/jeremy-tooks

Marquis Williams, 5-9, 155, Coconut Creek
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4127631/marquis-williams

Phenol Williams, 6-2, 175, Carol City
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5514165/phenol-williams

Shakur Williams, 5-10, 150, Coral Springs Charter
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5280139/shakur-williams

Divaad Wilson, 5-10, 159, Monsignor Pace
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4366568/divaad-wilson

Maxwell Worship, 6-0, 175, Cardinal Gibbons
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6400580/maxwell-worship

2019

After all the talent that you just watched and read about in 2017 and 2018, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the Class of 2019 is equally as impressive – with tremendous football prospects all over South Florida.

Dianjelo Amaya, 5-8, 160, Coral Springs
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/7189544/dianjelo-amaya

Alexander Battle, 5-4, 145, Cardinal Gibbons
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6400566/alexander-battle

Myles Bell, 5-11, 140, St. Thomas Aquinas
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6287274/myles-bell

Allen Bryant, 5-9, 145, Cardinal Gibbons
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6507861/allen-bryant

Te'Cory Blount, 6-0, 155, Chaminade-Madonna
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5482301/tecory-couch

Jaden Davis, 5-9, 141, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6704770/jaden-davis

Rayne Tanega-Doster, 5-10, 163, Hialeah Gardens
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5396728/rayne-tanega-doster

Ernest Felder, 5-6, 155, Chaminade-Madonna
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5481805/ernest-felder

Demetries Ford, 5-7, 150, Westminster Christian
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5403468/demetries-ford

Donovan James, 5-10, 168, Cardinal Gibbons
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6320074/donovan-james

Theodore "L.T." Lucas, 6-0, 175, Plantation American Heritage
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5447623/theodore--lt--lucas

Tavon McBride, 5-8, 145, Cardinal Gibbons
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6397527/tavon-mcbride

Alexander Prieto, 5-9, 162, Christopher Columbus
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5343655/alexander-prieto

Myles Smith, 6-0, 165, Barbara Goleman
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5608691/myles-smith

James Williams, 5-10, 160, Chaminade-Madonna
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5488699/james-williams