While most events publicize times and other testing information on the Internet, the purpose of the Elite Scouting Services event was to take everything from the combine and send it to colleges across the country. That gives all the schools a huge jump on the present as well as the future, which showcased rising seniors, juniors, sophomores and even freshmen. Not one time, measurement or film was released for publication.

St. Thomas Aquinas brought running back Gio Bernard and Vinnie Mauro along with punter/kicker Michael Palardy. Cornerback Tony Grimes of Hollywood Hills was there. So was Christopher Columbus running back Jakhari Gore, Homestead standout Darrin Kitchens and recent UCF commitment Perry Meiklejohn from Miami Westminster Christian.

Cypress Bay offensive lineman Joe McNamara, who has four solid offers, came along with running back/safety Michael Anderson of Plantation and quarterbacks Stephen Morris (Monsignor Pace) and Michael Strauss (Gulliver Prep).

Those who were looking to impress included Parkland Douglas linebacker Justin Birkenholz, Miramar linebackers Stephen Blissett and Donald Jackson, Hollywood Sheridan Hills lineman David Delsoin, Homestead defensive lineman Michael Dozier and linebacker Chris Holston, South Broward defensive end Trevaughn Faircloth, Hollywood Hills defensive end Clarence Murphy, Columbus linebacker Tommy Heffernan, Belen Jesuit quarterback Nic Platt and Hollywood McArthur quarterback Javon Smith.

Other 2010 prospects include Cardinal Gibbons quarterback Chris Rapka, linebacker Jarael Watson and defensive back Garrett Smith, and North Broward Prep defensive back Vladimir Rock, South Plantation defensive back Khari Burke, Royal Palm Beach receiver Jared Dangerfield, Cooper City defensive back Corey Davis, Miami Westminster Christian standout Kyle Dodds, Monarch defensive lineman Tyler Giaratano, Hialeah's Bert Garcia, Southridge tight end Rodney Hunter Jr., Miami Norland's Daniel Holland, Western's Odell Jones, North Miami's Daniel Lozander, Taravella's Brandon Steg, Northeast's Audrey Woodson and Nova's Arione Scott.

The future also was on display with Chaminade-Madonna running back Curtric Evans and quarterback Jerrard Randall, Hollywood Hills lineman Jared Maldanado, Archbishop McCarthy running back T.J. Marshall, and Dillard linebacker Wayne Lyons, who represent the talented Class of 2011. Northwestern lineman Terrance Carey and safety Jermaine Reve also made an impression as did St. Thomas Aquinas quarterback Jake Ruddock and Gulliver linebacker Jorge Sanz and running back Cedric Walker.

The Class of 2012 also was on display with Hialeah American quarterback Abe Coleman, receiver Larry Faison, and Cardinal Gibbons linebacker Erick Hallmon.

TOP SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYERS

The best high school specialists from around the state of Florida traveled down to Cardinal Gibbons High April 26 to compete in the Elite Scouting Services Combine. For one day, the players kicked, punted and snapped under the watchful eye of coach Tim Conrad, who runs BIGfoot Kicking out of Fort Lauderdale. Conrad, who has produced more D-I specialists than anyone in the United States the past 10 years, came away impressed.

• Top dual threats in Florida (kicking/punting): 1. Michael Palardy, STA, 2010; 2. Jerry Martin, Chaminade, 2010; 3. Eric Smith, Pine Crest, 2010; 4. Corey Goldstein, Douglas, 2010; 5. Aaron Gendreau, Orangewood Christian, 2010.

• Top kickers in Florida: 1. Michael Palardy, STA, 2010; 2. DJ Soven, Cypress Bay, 2010; 3. Ben Hopfinger, STA, 2010; 4. Eric Smith, Pine Crest, 2010; 5. Carson Estebanez, Ponte Vedra, 2010.

• Top punters in Florida: 1. Michael Palardy, STA, 2010; 2. Jerry Martin, Chaminade, 2010; 3. Aaron Gendreau, Orangewood Christian, 2010; 4. Eric Smith, Pine Crest, 2010; 5. Drew Zloch, Cardinal Gibbons, 2010.

• Top snappers in Florida: 1. Nathan Theus, Jacksonville Bolles, 2011; 2. Richard Perez, Northeast, 2010; 3. Matt Wilkinson, STA, 2011; 4. Kelly Linden, Bishop Moore, 2011; 5. Tyler Gomez, Archbishop McCarthy, 2011.

• Top underclassmen in Florida: 1. Marshall Morgan, K/P, Archbishop McCarthy, 2012; 2. Nathan Theus, snapper, Bolles, 2011; 3. Justin Duvernois, P, STA, 2011.

We are always looking to help our area recruits for the classes of 2010, 2011 and 2012. 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 8-9 on WQAM (560 AM). Have a comment? E-mail lblustein@MiamiHerald.com

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