MaxPreps Freshman All-American: Miami Southridge 19' LB/SS Diamante Howard (6-1, 185)

The Spartans' football program or should I say, "division one factory" -- has an astonishing thirteen student-athletes with D1-FBS offers "The most in Miami-Dade County" -- heading into spring football. As a 8th grader, Diamante Howard was named the state wrestling champion at 170 pounds with a (15-1) record and Turn-in the highest vertical jump (31.1) at the Miami Nike Combine, among all linebackers.

Diamante, made an early impact as freshman -- by being named to the prestigious Maxpreps All-American Team -- as a first team linebacker. In his junior varsity debut, he recorded (15) tackles & (3) sacks vs., cross-town rival South Dade Bucs, catching the varsity coaches eyes and pulling him up shortly afterwards.

In four games, he tallied (60) tackles, (10) sacks, (2).force fumbles, (1) fumble recovery and (1) touchdown. On varsity, he earned the starting job at kicker right away and surprisingly lead the Spartans defense, in tackles and sacks. He recorded a team leading (12) tackles vs. Miami Palmetto and (2) sacks vs. Miami High.

Diamante, made the best out of his limited playing time on varsity, lining up at linebacker and strong safety. He recorded (26) tackles, (4) sacks, (1) force fumble and (1) fumble recovery. The rising freshman is also handling business inside of the classroom. He sports a 3.0 unweighted GPA and 2.8 weighted GPA.

Diamante, currently competes for the Spartans track and field team as a sprinter. Just like his teammate' freshman wide receiver Mark Pope who holds seven early D1-FBS offers, the Spartans defense has another freshman star who deserves recognition. Diamante, has character, measurables (6'2", 185LBs), grades, upside, and most importantly, accolades earning 1st Team Maxpreps All-American and taking over a game twice as a freshman on varsity playing vs. Top-notch competition. He projects as a strong safety or outside linebacker at the next level. He's currently receiving interest from Florida Atlantic University and the University of Miami.