A LAUNCHING PAD

As wrestling was a launching pad for McNamara, Wethy and Harris, the sport of baseball has captured the imagination of two St. Thomas Aquinas athletes. Both have missed out on several pre-spring football events, but are already on the radar with major college football programs all over the country.

Last December, White helped guide the Raiders to a second consecutive 5A state title as well as the school's first national title. His running ability had colleges all over the nation scrambling with offers. This spring, he is play center field on the baseball team.

With offers from a pair of Atlantic Coast Conference (Boston College and Clemson) teams, the 5-11, 190-pounder has speed, power and the ability to break a game wide open. Look for him to join the other elite backs in South Florida who have had a huge jump on him this spring. He will begin attending combines to further get his name out there.

Mauro, a 6-2, 220-pound linebacker, is also someone who is starting to attract college attention, but like his teammate Conor O'Neill, who also played baseball last spring, his ability to hit -- on the football field -- and baseball diamond, is showcasing his overall athletic ability.

At a time when being a two-sport athlete is something that colleges across the country relish, our region is certainly loaded with extremely gifted football players who continue to enhance their standing in other sports.

COMBINE SEASON CONTINUES

Last weekend, the National Underclassman Combine was held at Ramson Everglades, and once again local athletes made a lasting impression.

While some of the same faces who have been getting done over the past month, did well -- such as Northwestern's Todd Chandler and Torrian Wilson, Hollywood Hills defensive back Tony Grimes and Monsignor Pace offensive lineman John Ragoo, there were some other players who made an impact for the first time this springs as well.

Athletes such Westminster Christian offensive lineman Perry Meiklejohn, who we've been on for the past two years, linebacker Gideon Ajagbe from Ransom Everglades, defensive tackle Mike Dozier (Homestead), Cardinal Gibbons running back Daryeon Chance and defensive back Garrett Smith, Monsignor Pace Kendall Montgomery, a 6-5, 230-pound defensive end, Douglas linebacker Justin Birkenholz and teammate, Orville Reynolds, who is a running back that is a Class of 2011 prospect. Reynolds was at Cardinal Gibbons this past season.

Two other prospects -- one of the future -- and one for this coming season, also made an impact. Class of 2011 standout Tacoi Sumler, who attended Homestead two years ago, before transferring to Gulliver, is very impressive as a football prospect. Not only does he have tremendous speed, but he also one of the fastest athletes in the Miami-Dade County.

The other is Northwestern safety Jerome Thomas, a 6-0, 170-pounder, who is quickly climbing the charter. Thomas was easily one of the best players at the combine, and many college coaches I have talked with believe he will be one of those players who will make the most impact.

LET US KNOW

Don't forget that we are always looking to help our area recruits for the current Class of 2010, 2011 and 2012. All you have to do is send a DVD and information about the athlete to: Larry Blustein, P.O. Box 3181, Hallandale Beach, Fl. 33009.

Larry Blustein is co-host of the Miami Dolphins Gridiron Show every Thursday evening from 9-10 on WQAM (560 AM). Have a comment? E-mail lblustein@MiamiHerald.com.

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