In My Opinion

Class of 2015 making a name for itself

 

No sooner did the 2012 season come to an end then the focus began shifting to the class of 2014. It is supposed to be one of the most talent-rich groups of seniors that has come through this region in a long time.

From outstanding running backs and quality quarterbacks to the usual group of defensive secondary performers that leave a mark, this class is expected to get all the recognition it deserves. But with every outstanding senior class, there has to be a group of juniors who will push them, making them better.

This class of 2015 has certainly proven that there will be enough standouts to keep South Florida in a talent spotlight that it has basked in for decades. This tremendous crop of football players in Miami-Dade and Broward — most have been in the spotlight for more than a year — will be the next that colleges across the country will keep an eye on.

“I thought the class of 2014 would be one that would set standards,” said Dana Wiley of Prep Films. “But the more I get out and watch these rising juniors compete at camps and in 7-on-7 tournaments, it really gets me thinking.”

The class of 2015 is much like this group of rising seniors. Gifted athletes on both sides of the ball.

Talent that dominated since the youth football level is bearing fruit at the varsity level in high school.

Top prospects

With a long way before the class of 2015 graduates, here is a look at 10 elite prospects — plus additional players who have already been turning heads — nationally:

• Calvin Brewton, S, 6-1, 175, Miami Central: This one-time Christopher Columbus standout makes the move to the defending 6A state champions and brings with him a world of talent and plenty of skill level.

• Leeward Brown, OL, 6-3, 300, Miramar: Will be one of the nation’s elite line prospects during the next two years. Very quick, strong and agile. Has the chance to be Florida’s best in this class.

• Tyrek Cole, 5-10, 175, Miramar: You might not have to go far to find the No. 1 cover corner in the country in this class. Very gifted athlete who has been singled out by college coaches already.

• Torrance Gibson, QB, 6-3, 195, Plantation American Heritage: Called one of the most dynamic athletes in this class. He can play up to six positions on the field. Could put up huge numbers in the Patriots offense.

• Timothy Irvin, RB, 5-9, 175, Miami Westminster Christian: One of the most gifted players in a class that certainly has plenty of talent. Just a great football player who has been getting it done for a long time!

• Jacquan Johnson, 5-11, 175, Miami Killian: There might not be a better football player in America. Was an All-State selection as a freshman for the Cougars. Big-time prospect who has been recruited since ninth grade.

• Kendrell McFadden, S, 6-3, 185, Hollywood McArthur: Yet another big-time prospect who has played 20 varsity games already — before his junior year has started. Very physical and athletic.

• De’vante Phillips, WR, 6-1, 175, Miami Central: When this gifted athlete puts it all together, you will not find any better. Has the potential to be one of the best in the country.

• Trevon Sands, RB, 5-9, 175, Southwest Miami: Those who have watched this quality talent play believe that this might be one of the best this school has had since Lamarcus Joyner. Very explosive athlete who can do it all.

• Jordan Scarlett, RB, 6-0, 200, Fort Lauderdale University: Size, athletic ability, big-game experience and world-class speed make this one of those rare running backs. Will only get better! He is one of those prospects who has a tremendous future ahead of him. Gets up field.

Ten more to watch include Shawn Burgess-Becker (DB, 6-2, 175, Coconut Creek Monarch); Davante Davis (WR, 6-3, 180, Homestead); Keivonnis Davis (DE, 6-3, 225, Miami Jackson); Jovon Durante (WR, 6-0, 175, Miami Jackson); Johnnie Hankins (RB, 5-10, 190, Homestead); Tarvarus McFadden (DB, 6-3, 185, Plantation American Heritage); Davante Peete (WR, 6-5, 190, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas); Deltron Sands (RB, 5-7, 175, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas); Devonaire Scott (TE, 6-4, 220, Miami Southridge); and Dominic Sheppard (LB, 6-2, 210, Miami Gulliver Prep).

We are always looking to help promote our area recruits for the current classes of 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. All you have to do is send information about the athlete to: Larry Blustein at Floridakids1@aol.com.

Follow Larry on Twitter at twitter.com/larryblustein.

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