As he stood on the field prior to last Saturday's first game of the annual University of South Florida Sling & Shoot 7-on-7 tournament in Tampa, Coral Reef coach Chevas Clements had nothing but positives to say to his team.

While the Barracudas finished 3-7 a year ago, talk on this day was progress, and how the days of sitting home for this talented, but young program, are over.

``I think these young men and those who support this program are tired of looking into the future all the time without something valid to point to,'' Clements said, as his team knocked off Brandon to win the opening game. ``Just look at the 63 teams here this weekend and you will see exactly which programs are going to succeed.''

The days of showing up and just lifting weights and doing a little running are over for Coral Reef, which joined fellow Miami-Dade County program Braddock, and Broward's Hollywood Hills, McArthur and Western in Tampa for two days and some 10 important 7-on-7 games.

At a time when some coaches are finding an excuse why 7-on-7 events and camps are a waste of time, Clements and Barracudas will no longer look at things in that manner. Even though they took some lumps from established Florida programs at the USF event, the thirst to continue playing and competing is what this is all about.

HELPING PROGRAM

``Win or lose, we establish a few things by being out here for an event like this,'' said sophomore linebacker Darius Hall, who happens to be one of the state's top 2012 prospects. ``We learn a lot about each other and create a bond with the coaches and the players on this team. You need to know exactly who you are going into battle with every week during the season.''

Hall is just one of the young players the Barracudas will roll out in the fall as they look to get back in the mix with some of the top programs in Miami-Dade County. Coral Reef also boasts freshman defensive back Derrod Jones (5-6, 150), and sophomores Brendon Clements (RB, 5-7, 160), Vernon Davis (WR, 5-9, 150), Roosevelt Donaldson (DL, 6-0, 240), Corey Griffin (DE, 6-0, 170) and running back Trashaun Ward (5-6, 160).

The junior class is also impressive with quarterback Matthias Kammerman (6-1, 175), Michael Brulton (OL, 5-11, 225), Brian Hall (LB, 5-11, 210), Stephen Morrell (DL, 6-4, 250), Tercel Sandier (WR, 5-10, 165), Nick Suarez (LB, 5-8, 165), Terrance Brown (WR, 6-1, 170), Sterling Wright (SS, 6-0, 175) and Jordan Thomas (OL, 5-11, 240).

If the Barracudas are to make an impact this season, the senior class, led by gifted running back Daniel Monroe (5-10, 185), will be a place the team will showcase.

In addition, linebacker Kourtney Vaughn (S, 5-9, 165), Julian Butler (S, 5-9, 165), Charquavis Bell (6-0, 195), Robert Brooks (DB, 5-11, 170), Xavier Stevens (DB, 5-9, 170), versatile Alex Pergakis (K/P/TE, 6-1, 185) and quarterback Andrew Llaca (5-9, 225), who is returning after an injury, will also add valuable experience.

``The main thing about these players is they want to be here and want to work hard to get better,'' Clements said. ``If we continue to make sacrifices by attending as many things as possible as a team, we will be just fine.''

THE BEST OF THE 2011 CLASS

Friday Night Florida Football Magazine hit the stores this week, and seven of the top 25 players in the Class of 2011 are from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

The No. 1 player in the state is Northwestern quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who many have said he could be top 10 nationally.

Also mentioned in the top 25 are No. 9 Denzel Perryman of Coral Gables, No. 13 Anthony Rabasa from Columbus, No. 16 B.J. DuBose (Northeast), No. 17 Tacoi Sumler (Gulliver Prep), No. 21 Miles Pace (Central) and No. 25 Charles Gaines, Jr. (Central).

Don't forget that we are always looking to help expose our area recruits for the current Class of 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. 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 7-8 on WQAM (560 AM). Have a comment? E-mail lblustein@MiamiHerald.com.

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