When Greg Dentino took over South Dade's football program this spring, he made no predictions, didn't come in with a laundry list of things that he promised the boosters and administration the Buccaneers would do to turn this program back into power.

What Dentino did do is tell players and those close to the program that this once proud program would go back to what made them successful for so many years under legendary coach Don Drinkhahn.

``Hard work, dedication to getting better and the belief that we belong on the field with anyone,'' Dentino said to his young, but very talented team. ``If we go back to the basics of South Dade football, we will be back.''

After four games this season, Dentino, who has coached at the junior varsity level at South Dade as well as at nearby rival Homestead, has not let his team down, and as the Bucs continue to get better this junior-sophomore dominated program is doing what it takes to compete in the athletic south end of the county.

With tough early season losses coming to a pair of undefeated teams (Columbus and Southridge), Dentino's team could have easily been 4-0 during a season that watched longtime junior varsity mastermind Paul Bronis return to coordinate the offense. By the admission of players and coaches alike, the Buccaneers are ahead of schedule.

GIFTED ATHLETES

While the senior classes is loaded with gifted athletes such as running backs Jorrell Miller (5-6, 160) and Jeremy Hill (5-8, 155), defensive back/receiver Korey Jackson (6-3, 180), receiver J.J. Worthen (6-2, 190), tight end Jamarcus Reeves (6-3, 230), defensive back Maceo Phiffer (5-10, 170), defensive linemen Charvin Graham (5-11, 260), and offensive lineman Ryan Lott (5-10, 225), it's the underclassmen who have really given this program plenty of optimism for the future.

During the summer, at a number of camps and combines, players such as junior quarterback Jovani McCray (6-2, 175), defensive back/receiver Tevin Jackson (6-0, 180), running back Derek Pollox (5-8, 150), linebacker Travarius Crawford (5-11, 180), defensive end Jimmy Jean (6-2, 190), and offensive linemen Dominick Duelist (5-10, 240), Hector Hernandez (5-10, 260) and Andres Espinosa (6-0, 285) showed off their skills with several other junior players.

The sophomore class has also been quite impressive with speedy running back Torry Clayton (5-8, 150), linemen Darlton Newsome (6-0, 225) and Gabriel Porras (6-1, 300) and impressive linebacker James Burgess, Jr., the son of former University of Miami and NFL standout, James Burgess.

``The younger players have matured and have made major strides on this team,'' Dentino said. ``We have so many athletes on this team, I can't help but get excited what the future of this program is going to be like.''

With players such as Antrel Rolle, Marcus Hudson and Kerry Reed currently on NFL rosters, it's only a matter of time before a new wave of Buccaneers follow in their footsteps.

IVY CONNECTION

Southern Florida continues to feed the Ivy Leagues with top-flight football talent. This year, the region has 19 players from Miami-Dade and Broward counties competing at schools in the prestigious conference.

Brown Bears: Kyle Johnson, WR, 6-2, 205, Jr., St. Thomas Aquinas.

Columbia Lions: Greg Fontela, LB, 5-10, 201, Jr., Belen Jesuit; Joe Nathan, LB, 6-1, 210, Fr., Cypress Bay.

Cornell Big Red: Ben Heller, S, 6-2, 187, Jr., Dr. Krop; Jordan Heller, WR, 6-2, 186, So., Dr. Krop; Max Martinez, WR, 5-10, 190, Fr., Belen Jesuit.

Dartmouth Big Green: Anthony Diblasi, FS, 6-1, 175, So., Belen Jesuit; Diego Fernandez-Soto, LB, 6-0, 185, So., Belen Jesuit; Peter Piderman, FS, 6-0, 200, Sr., Belen Jesuit.

Harvard Crimson: Nico Amaro, DB, 5-11, 170, Jr., Pines Charter; Nima Khavanin, OL, 6-4, 235, So., University School.

Penn Quakers: Joe Krissel, OL, 6-3, 290, Sr., Western; Zack Perlman, WR, 6-4, 210, So., Pine Crest.

Princeton Tigers: Fernando Aran, LB, 6-0, 205, Sr., Belen Jesuit; Carlos Roque, DB, 6-0, 190, Sr., Belen Jesuit.

Yale Bulldogs: Nate Blair, OL, 6-4, 280, Sr., St. Thomas Aquinas; Gio Christodoulou, WR, 5-10, 185, So., Belen Jesuit; Travis Henry, DE, 6-0, 200, Sr., Pine Crest; Javi Sosa, RB, 5-9, 180, Fr., Belen Jesuit.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR GUYS

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 9-10 on WQAM (560 AM). Have a comment? E-mail lblustein@MiamiHerald.com.

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