Quick Turnaround For Miami B.T. Washington

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While many programs in south Florida and across the state grabbed the headlines the past few years, there was one powerhouse that was missing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For much of the past 15 years, Miami Booker T. Washington has been a team that was not only recognized in south Florida and throughout the state, but this program carved out a reputation as being one of the best in the country – with a national title to back it up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Loaded with plenty of talent and superior coaching this program had left a mark with winning season after winning season and several state championship appearances.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Starting with <strong>Tim “Ice” Harris Sr.,</strong> his son, <strong>Tim Harris Jr., </strong>the late and great <strong>Earl Tillman</strong> and south Florida icon <strong>Ben Hanks</strong>, this program had won state titles and showcased some over Overtown's finest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Even last year when this team was rebuilding under <strong>Gerald Cox</strong>, they found a way to reach the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a fanbase and community that got spoiled through the years, winning was NOT enough. They wanted the national spotlight again – and when Ice Harris resigned as head coach at Florida Memorial University, the Tornadoes got their wish – and ever since the spring – this team has not looked back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the spring they built and worked hard, and it followed through in the summer where they traveled and developed some impressive talent. Coaches were brought back and things started to fall in place.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From that 5-7 season in 2021, it has been a complete turnaround as this team is considered to be one of those programs who will not be easy to beat this year – and even tougher in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>THE SENIOR CLASS LAID THE FOUNDATION DOWN</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As soon as he took the job back, Harris talked about a senior class that needed to step up and become leaders for a young program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Catalysts such as two-way star and Temple University commit <strong>Xavier Irvin</strong> (WR/DB, 5-11, 175)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In addition, other seniors like <strong>Brandon Charite</strong> (LB, 5-11, 215), <strong>Jaquentin Ford</strong> (OLB, 6-0, 230), <strong>Andrew Johnson </strong>(WR, 5-8, 165), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='128514' first='Charlie' last='Rodgers']</strong> (WR, 5-10, 170), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='128811' first='Fabian' last='Scott']</strong> (DB, 6-3, 172), <strong>Jameson Van Fleet</strong> (DE, 6-2, 160), <strong>Carlton Williams</strong> (LB, 5-7, 175) and defensive end <strong>Xavier Wilson</strong> (6-3, 190).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>LOADED WITH UNDERCLASSMEN</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is no doubting that the future will be very bright – with some impressive underclassmen already getting the chance to showcase their many skills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you look at the juniors on this team, you already know that they are as good as you get – with standout<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='404206' first='Jamorie' last='Flagg']</strong> (DL, 6-3, 255), <strong>Andre Brown Jr.</strong> (WR, 5-7, 140), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='404235' first='Gerald' last='Modest'] </strong>(RB, 6-0, 180), much improved <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='404511' first='Claudell' last='Sherman'] </strong>(QB, 5-11, 175) and powerful <strong>Antwon Smith</strong> (RB, 5-11, 218) more than paving the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The junior also features <strong>Ronald Beliard Jr.</strong> (FS, 5-9, 165), <strong>Terrance Chambers</strong> (OL/DL, 5-8, 212), <strong>Ryan Jean-Felix </strong>(OL, 6-2, 265), <strong>Leroy James</strong> (DB, 5-11, 185), <strong>Jayden Knowles</strong> (WR, 6-3, 180) and <strong>Tristan Ramsey</strong> (LB, 6-0, 211).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keep an eye on the Class of 2025 sophomores, who have started to impact the Tornadoes. Standouts such as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1230411' first='Malik' last='Anderson']</strong> (WR, 6-2, 190), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='283717' first='Antonio' last='Branch']</strong> (DB, 6-2, 160), <strong>Donnie Gaitor Jr.</strong> (DT, 6-1, 245), heavily-recruited <strong>Ben Hanks Jr.</strong> (DB, 6-2, 160), <strong>Eric Henton</strong> (WR, 5-8, 145), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1128630' first='Phillip' last='Jackson']</strong> (OL/DL, 5-9, 244), <strong>Stephon Johnson </strong>(OL, 6-4, 270) and quarterback <strong>Rudolph Jones</strong> (5-11, 165) to mention a few.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are also <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1230915' first='Clinton' last='Preston']</strong> (LB, 5-9, 195), <strong>Fabulis Scott</strong> (DB, 5-10, 130), <strong>Cartel Williams</strong> (DL, 5-11, 185), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1205522' first='Damar' last='Williams']</strong> (OL, 5-9, 215) and future running back <strong>Tyrique Williams</strong> (5-6, 168).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Even the Class of 2026 freshmen are giving a glimpse of what they have – with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401416' first='Jemel' last='Bonica'] (</strong>DE/TE, 6-3, 225), <strong>Santonio Chatman</strong> (DB, 5-8, 151) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401363' first='Anton' last='Smith']</strong> (WR, 5-7, 145).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><br>THE TORNADOES (6-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MIAMI KILLIAN, W 49-14</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Miami Edison, W 28-20</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Miami Central, L 36-19</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MIAMI IMMACULATA LASALLE, W 41-19</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Miami Carol City, W 26-6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MIAMI JACKSON, W 36-15</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MIAMI NORLAND, W 41-23</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10/15 – MIAMI NORTHWESTERN</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10/21 – At Miami Southridge</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10/29 – At Westland Hialeah</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA FOOTBALL TEAMS.</strong> https://larryblustein.com/news/tracking-south-florida-2022</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>For the past 52 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook ([player_tooltip player_id='111610' first='Larry' last='Blustein']) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: <a href="mailto:Floridakids1@aol.com">Floridakids1@aol.com</a>.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->