With summer fast approaching, we have narrowed down the list to 25 top seniors.

While rankings are always subjective at best, our list was compiled from watching thousands of athletes perform with full gear on in football arenas, giving them the opportunity to showcase their football skills and not just a combine performance or a 7-on-7 event, which are helpful, but in no way definitive, and in no way what college coaches want to hear when seeking information.

The names you will see here, and in the many lists to come throughout the year, are based on countless hours spent in the spring and the early portion of the summer, physically attending events, talking with youngsters and their coaches.

While we understand that everyone has an opinion, in the coming months, names will be added and moved around to give you a working list for the start of the 2009 regular season, and then updated again at the completion of the year, giving us the advantage of seeing more football games and practices in South Florida

Expect over 100 athletes to sign D1 scholarships from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

1. Lamarcus Joyner, CB/WR, 5-8, 175, St. Thomas Aquinas: After watching him dominate as a sophomore and junior for Southwest Miami, this gifted football talent will spend his final season playing a key role for the defending national champions.

2. Brandon Linder, OT, 6-6, 280, St. Thomas Aquinas: From the first time we watched him play as a sophomore, it was easily to tell that this was going to be a national recruit. His quickness, strength, knowledge of the entire line of scrimmage and work ethic puts him in a unique class.

3. Gio Bernard, RB, 5-8, 200, St. Thomas Aquinas: The true measure of this impressive back came last year, as a junior for the national champion Raiders. His quickness, strength, durability and breakaway speed gives him the chance to become one of the nation’s premier backs.

4. Ivan McCartney, WR, 6-2, 175, Miramar: They call him “sticks” because of his slender build. Has tremendous hands, runs great patterns and has the ability to catch the ball against anyone. Was the catalyst in the Patriots’ run last year in the playoffs, and is expected to do much of the same in 2009!

5. Cody Riggs, CB, 5-9, 170, St. Thomas Aquinas: His football instincts combined with his impressive speed makes this a player who will be a huge get for any collegiate secondary. He rarely lets someone get behind him and has the ability to also break on the ball and make a play at anytime.

6. Devon Wright, RB, 6-0, 185, Taravella: He has quickness, balance, great size and the ability make people miss – often! Don’t be surprised at how fast he climbs the charts over the next few months. He is already the two-time defending Broward County rushing champion with the 2009 season coming up.

7. Tony Grimes, CB, 6-0, 170, Hollywood Hills: A three year starter who has been playing at a high level since he hit the football field for the Spartans, this gifted athlete has been working his way up the charts – quickly. While he may eventually end up at a safety position, his cover skills are impressive without the impressive speed that some colleges are fooled by.

8. James White, RB, 5-10, 185, St. Thomas Aquinas: What makes this athlete so impressive is his ability to filter out of the backfield to make catches and create mismatches in the defense. He is also a baseball player, which adds to his overall athletic ability. Keep your eye on this quality football player!

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