Players To Watch: North Miami Pioneers

I stopped over to <strong>North Miami High School</strong> to talk to head coach <strong>Pat Colon</strong> and a trio of his top players. The Pioneers face rival <strong>North Miami Beach </strong>Friday night @ <strong>Traz</strong> <strong>Powell Stadium</strong>. North Miami played a condensed 4-game schedule last season due to Covid-19. This is a group with a lot of depth in its junior class (see below). <strong>Lawrence Wright</strong> - <em>Quarterback</em> The signal caller for North Miami is 2024 Lawrence Wright. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound quarterback will be making his first start for the Pioneers after transferring over from <strong>Hialeah-Miami Lakes</strong>. Wright did get reps with North Miami in the spring. Therefore, he should have some camaraderie with his skill position players. Wright is a dual-threat quarterback that defenses are going to have to game plan for. His solid frame and mobility gives him an edge as a runner. I could see him being tough to tackle and picking up extra yards. Wright can also drop back and throw a deep ball. His accuracy and ball placement will be key to the Pioneers success on offense. I think Wright can make the <em>smart</em> throws at the <em>right time</em>. As with young quarterbacks, Wright’s overall consistency from series-to-series and ball security are areas he should focus on. Both critiques should come with basic development Wright did not seem nervous when asking about his start on Friday night. He appeared excited and eager to get things going. I think that’s how he should play and learn in stride. Wright shouldn't dwell on mistakes in-game and play with confidence. <strong>Robert Brooks III</strong> - <em>Wide receiver</em> 2022 Robert Brooks is a pass catcher who can make plays in big spots. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Brooks has strong hands and is a good route runner. His relationship with Wright could make this offense really go. Brooks is a smart player who will get himself open. In addition, don’t underestimate his leadership. Brooks is a great kid to have in a huddle when things are going well or when things are tight. He knows what its like to play under pressure with experience under his belt.<strong>Temple</strong> has shown him interest. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128706" first="Dieutriche" last="Exantus"]</strong> - Middle <em>Linebacker</em> 2023 Dieutriche Extantus is one of the leaders on defense for North Miami. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound prospect is stout in the middle of the field and plays with great discipline. Exantus has solid instincts and will pile up tackles against the run. Moreover, his vision will limit big plays from opposing running backs. Exantus is hungry for a big season after participating in just four games last season. Other players to watch: 2022 <strong>Wooden Pierre Louis</strong> - <em>Defensive lineman</em> 2022 <strong>Justin Jeune</strong> - <em>Cornerback</em> 2023 <strong>David Vedrine</strong> - <em>Outside linebacker</em> 2023 <strong>Mykeal Rabess</strong> - <em>Defensive end</em> 2023 <strong>Omarion Williams</strong> - <em>Running back/Wide receiver</em> 2023 <strong>Jason Gabriel</strong> -<em> Athlete</em> 2023 <strong>Ishmael Dorvil</strong> - <em>Wide receiver</em> I don’t make predictions, but North Miami is an underdog by a few touchdowns. I think opening games can be highly unpredictable and lines hold little value. This is a matchup that brings a ton of anticipation behind it for both teams. It should be a good one on Friday night. <em><strong>For any South Florida Prep Redzone news or information...please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.</strong></em>