Rivals Miami: Quarterbacks Were Talented

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>FORT LAUDERDALE – </strong>There was a time when you recruited the quarterback position, the state of Florida was not the priority.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With places such as California and Texas leading the way, the Sunshine State wad always looked at as a place where athletes would play the position – and while there were several who were recruited, the majority of top prospect didn't come from Florida. But that has all changed!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For much of this past decade, we have watched several quarterbacks from throughout this state get plenty of attention – and with the recent selection of Indiana's <strong>Fernando Mendoza </strong>(Miami Christopher Columbus), there is now a validation at the position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the recent <strong><em>Rivals Miami Elite Camp</em></strong> at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, perhaps the most talented group of signal callers gathered for a day of showcasing talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When the event finished, Merritt Island's <strong>Kevin&nbsp;Verpaele</strong>&nbsp;was named as the MVP.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'0, 200-pounder, heading to the University of Pittsburgh has been the talk of the off-season after a stellar junior season for the Mustangs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is coming off a year where he threw for 2,714 yards and 27 touchdowns and added 597 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20138189/Kevin-Verpaele"><strong>https://www.hudl.com/profile/20138189/Kevin-Verpaele</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>VERPAELE WAS NOT ALONE ON SUNDAY</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In any event where it comes down to making throws in shorts and a T-Shirt, there are so many contributing factors – especially when there are so many gifted prospects involved.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While Verpaele took home the award, there were so many quarterbacks – in all classes – that turned heads during the two hours they tested, performed drills and competed in one-on-one events.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Among the other rising seniors (2027) from Florida who took part included USF commitment <strong>James&nbsp;Perrone</strong>&nbsp;(Fort Lauderdale Saint Thomas Aquinas), <strong>Dorian&nbsp;Fauntleroy</strong>&nbsp;(Jupiter Christian), &nbsp;<strong>Max&nbsp;Griner</strong>&nbsp;(Lantana Santaluces), <strong>Caden&nbsp;Osborn</strong>&nbsp;(Pensacola Booker T. Washington), <strong>Jack&nbsp;Spaeder</strong>&nbsp;(Davie Western), UCF commit <strong>Logan&nbsp;Flaherty</strong>&nbsp;(Port Charlotte), <strong>Jackson&nbsp;Stroud</strong>&nbsp;(Hollywood McArthur), <strong>Kai&nbsp;Moore</strong>&nbsp;(Miami Christopher), FIU commitment <strong>Zac&nbsp;Katz</strong>&nbsp;(Miami True North Classical Academy), <strong>Landon&nbsp;Dougherty</strong>&nbsp;(Tallahassee Godby), <strong>Myles&nbsp;McDonald</strong>&nbsp;(Tampa Carrollwood Day) and <strong>Cody&nbsp;Conness</strong>&nbsp;(Fort Lauderdale Saint Thomas Aquinas).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>UNDERCLASSMEN SHOWED PLENTY OF PROMISE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As solid as the rising senior class was, there were some impressive rising juniors (2028) as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players such as <strong>Brady&nbsp;Quinn</strong>&nbsp;(Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), <strong>Andrew&nbsp;Chung</strong>&nbsp;(Winter Garden West Orange), <strong>Blake&nbsp;Calixte</strong>&nbsp;and <strong>Nate&nbsp;Merrell Jr.</strong> (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), <strong>Kreg&nbsp;Brown III</strong>&nbsp;(St. Petersburg Lakewood), <strong>Dontavious&nbsp;Kinchens</strong>&nbsp;(Miami Northwestern), <strong>Brycen&nbsp;Marbrey</strong>&nbsp;(Winter Park Lake Howell), <strong>Logan&nbsp;Escobedo</strong>&nbsp;(Plantation), <strong>Austan&nbsp;Cristiaan</strong>&nbsp;(Community School of Naples), <strong>Blake&nbsp;McCullough</strong>&nbsp;(Olando Bishop Moore), <strong>Dominick&nbsp;Sgambellone III</strong>&nbsp;(Naples First Baptist) and three-year varsity starter <strong>Jackson&nbsp;Stecher</strong>&nbsp;(Altamonte Springs Lake Brantley).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2029 (rising sophomores) also featured <strong>Malik&nbsp;Leonard</strong>&nbsp;(Miami Carol City) and <strong>Nolan&nbsp;Downes</strong>&nbsp;(Bradenton Manatee).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>A LOOK AT THE MIAMI RIVALS EVENT:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rivals Miami: Defensive Linemen Rise To The Top. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/rivals-miami-defensive-linemen-rise-to-the-top/">https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/rivals-miami-defensive-linemen-rise-to-the-top/</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rivals Miami: Offensive Linemen Were Impressive. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/rivals-miami-offensive-linemen-impressed/">https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/rivals-miami-offensive-linemen-impressed/</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rivals Miami: Linebackers, Running Backs Were Talented. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/rivals-miami-linebackers-r-backs-shine/">https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/rivals-miami-linebackers-r-backs-shine/</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Statewide Coverage Daily. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/florida/">https://prepredzone.com/florida/</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COACHES, PLAYERS: Do You Have A Subscription? Contact us for a savings code so you can see what everyone has been talking about! </strong><a><strong>Floridakids1@aol.com</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->