Miami Is Sizzling With The Class of 2022

Watching football talent across this state for many, many years – you tend to have a feel for areas that stand out the most. We all know that Florida is tough to compete against when it comes to producing collegiate and professional talent. Big time prospects are all over the NFL from the Sunshine State – and shining the spotlight for the nation to see. <img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-103312" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/01/Florida-Player-Spotlight-2-300x188.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="188" />In the National Championship Game, Alabama had four defensive backs from south Florida – three of them started. That shows you the level of talent that runs from the upper Keys to the Miami-Dade/Broward line. That kind of talent attracts the attention to Florida – and nowhere is that more of a reality than Miami-Dade County. For the past seven decades, the football played in the #305 is something that everyone across the nation watches. It is one area in the country that has long that has churned out difference makers who keep this county on the map. With many elite Class of 2022 (rising seniors) ready to make a statement, today we make a stop in Miami-Dade to look at five impressive players who are ready to dominate: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50006" first="Julian" last="Armella"], OL, Miami Christopher Columbus. </strong>Even before he arrived in high school, here is someone who dominated – and as a freshman and sophomore at Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, he more than showed how good he is. Heading into his senior season, the son of a former Miami Springs High and FSU standout, is 6-6 over 300 pounds and ready to leave a mark in year 2 with the Explorers. He is going to be special for years to come. <strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11312534/Julian-Armella">https://www.hudl.com/profile/11312534/Julian-Armella</a><strong> </strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50055" first="Leon" last="Hart"] Jr., LB, Miami Edison. </strong>Every time we watched him play – he became an impact player, who was all over the field, and as his head coach <strong>Luther Campbell </strong>continued to sing his praises, the interest started to pick up toward the end of the season. Has numerous offers in hand – but this year will be special – as more people will see and fully understand that this is a quality talent who continues to learn and improve. <strong>TAPE:</strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12961532/Leon-Hart-Jr"> https://www.hudl.com/profile/12961532/Leon-Hart-Jr</a> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50285" first="Jayvon" last="Only"], LB, Miami Gulliver Prep. </strong>One of the players that doesn’t get the spotlight he deserves, but we all know that things change – and once those recruiters and colleges continue to see what this young man can do – as a safety – or at the linebacker position – the answer will come. He is a football player. He is a tackler and solid run stopper, who uses his skills from 7-on-7 exposure to work on his pass coverage. This is a prospect who was ready to contribute to the Raiders from Day 1. <strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/9438130/Jayvon-Only">https://www.hudl.com/profile/9438130/Jayvon-Only</a> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50079" first="Zaylan" last="Reese"], WR, Miami Central. </strong>From the day he walked on to campus from Miami Northwestern, this was a fit. A solid, state-rated receiver who could turn a game around with a catch, was going to help the Rockets rebuild, and he did. One of the major leaders that paved the way for a second straight 6A state title. By the middle of this coming season, he could elevate his status to Top 50 in Florida. He has that much skill, competing against tougher opponents than most. <strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12993233/Zaylan-Reese">https://www.hudl.com/profile/12993233/Zaylan-Reese</a> <strong>Kevin Smith, QB, Miami Palmetto. </strong>As 2020 didn’t go well for many of us, it really didn’t work in the favor of Smith, who led the team into the playoffs as a high seed – and as the only one from south Florida to make a run for a state title in 8A. Injured in the opening round of the state playoffs against Orlando Dr. Phillips, he never had the chance to be a part of that run that fell short against Kissimmee Osceola. When this young man is in shape and ready to go, he has a strong arm, he can run and is very strong. If healthy, look for him to have a banner 2021. <strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11470569/Kevin-Smith">https://www.hudl.com/profile/11470569/Kevin-Smith</a> <strong>Y<em>ou Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Foridakids1@aol.com. We are also on </em></strong><strong><em>Social Media on @PrepRedzonefl.</em></strong>