Offseason events offer invaluable exposure

There was a time — not so long ago — when spring football was a month where players and coaches could evaluate what they need to do during the summer. There was really no pressure other than to get better.

In my opinion

Gifted coaches are producing outstanding talent

One of the most overlooked parts of the recruiting process has to be the high school coaches.
Spotlight on | Recruiting

Ken Mastrole coaches FSU QB E.J. Manuel into NFL Draft

When Ken Mastrole speaks to the students at his many passing clinics, he explains that hard work will lead to open doors. That philosophy recently came true for the one-time Cardinal Gibbons standout quarterback.
In My Opinion

Players pumped for spring

After numerous camps and combines, 7-on-7 tournaments and conditioning drills, this coming Wednesday will usher in another chapter of South Florida football.
Spotlight on | Recruiting

Strong recruiting in face of NCAA troubles shows Al Golden’s abilities

It has now been two full years since Al Golden accepted the position as head coach at the University of Miami. People are now starting to see how he was able to rebuild Temple and put his footprint on several other programs.
In My Opinion

Flowers is right fit at quarterback

If someone told you that South Florida is home to nearly 200 football high-level prospects for the upcoming season, it might be hard to believe.
Larry Blustein | On recruiting

No denying impact of 7-on-7 football programs on high school recruits

I will admit that at first, when the 7-on-7 all-star teams began to play a few years ago, I wasn’t totally sold on how it would help a majority of the prospects in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
In my opinion

Rising, unseen stars taking advantage of exposure

As more and more combines and camps are held for football prospects during the winter and spring, many players, coaches and parents are finding that while many are designed to showcase the elite players, it’s those under the radar athletes who are actually winning out.
In My Opinion

St. Thomas Aquinas coach Tim Conrad helping kickers, punters make their case

At a time of year when players across South Florida are getting exposure that camps, combines and 7-on-7 events provide, there is a very important part of a football team that works just as hard, but never receives attention.
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.
Larry Blustein | On Recruiting

Homestead receiver Ermon Lane takes spotlight at Airo/IMG 7-on-7 football tournament

It didn’t take long for word about Ermon Lane to spread across the St. Thomas University campus Saturday during the Airo/IMG 7-on-7 football tournament.
In My Opinion

Players in south Dade rising to top

As college coaches make plans to attend schools in South Florida during May, many will have to start altering their plans — especially when it comes to getting a chance to see some of the emerging and elite players.
Recruiting

Local athletes who play in the secondary will be coveted next year

It is no longer a secret that if college coaches want a quality defensive back; one that was tested against some of the best competition in the country, they would head to South Florida.
Recruiting

National Signing Day has morphed into shallow display

What happened to National Signing Day?
IN MY OPINION

Cristobal set up the groundwork for FIU’s allure

Within minutes of Mario’s Cristobal’s firing at Florida International University, names began to pop up for the coaching vacancy. There were also some rather angry and confused local high school coaches and players.
Recruiting

Prep football players find college scholarships tougher to get

It’s now less than two weeks away from National Signing Day, and the tremendous athletes who have spent the past 10 years working for this time, are actually finding a college scholarship tougher to attain.
In My Opinion

All-star games help out

It happens every year at this time. The scramble for those coveted college scholarships take South Florida athletes from all-star game to all-star game in search of something they have been after throughout their high school careers.
Recruiting

Larry Blustein: Class of 2014 already making an impression

With less than a month to go before the Class of 2013 makes that final decision on National Signing Day, some of the attention has been shifted to the next class — the rising seniors who make up a very talented group of 2014 prospects that could be as good as we have had in South Florida.
In my opinion

Local showcases give prospects right kind of help

With few all-star games left for Class of 2013 players to showcase their many skills to college coaches who still have scholarships to award, the attention — especially on the recruiting front — has started to turn the future.
In my opinion

All-Star games help promote area players

When it comes to producing Football Bowl Subdivision talent, South Florida simply has no rival anyplace in the country. In a 100-mile radius, there are enough prospects to compete for, and win, national championships.