Class of 2018: So. Florida's Top Pass Rush Specialist
The edge-rush position (defensive end) in South Florida for the class of 2018 is loaded. The group fits the bill for any defensive scheme. Whether, you're looking for the prototypical pass rush specialist, or just a 'football' Player, look no further than Rising Stars.
The face of the group statistically speaking -- is Miami Southridge 3-star junior defensive end James Head Jr. (Pictured Above). Moreover, James, tied as the returning sack leader in South Florida, standing 6-foot-5, 210-pounds, amassed 20 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and one interception, and holds over ten football subdivision scholarships from power five conferences . The majority of the list is set, but here's the names that's extremely talented, but is still lacking the recruiting attention they deserve.
Left Pictured: Miami Northwestern DE Demetrius Mayes Jr. (6-2, 230) is an intriguing prospect -- who lined up primarily at defensive tackle for the bulls. He accounted for 59 tackles, 10 sacks, 3 deflections, 2 forced fumbles and 1 recovery (1 TD). Monsignor Pace DE DeAndre Ragin (6-3, 215) who's a three-year varsity starter, holds one verbal offer from FAU and has over 20 career sacks, but his recruiting attention has been a stand still since the owls offer.
Coral Gables emerging star DE Xavier Burns, is perhaps the most unrecognized recruit among the group, but once you review his film, you'll immediately become a fan and believer. He's certainly, a hidden gem. Strong Arm Athletics 7-on-7 recent big man challenge powered by Trenchsetter, was dominated by (Left Pictured) Jason Mercier from Atlantic HS. I was in disbelief, he held only four subdivision verbal scholarships to date. He looks like he belongs in the SEC.
DE Uchenna Ezewike of Stranahan HS reports an verbal scholarships from Washington. Broward County first-team selection Regino Alexis from Cardinal Newman was responsible for 76 tackles, 10 sacks, 14 tackles for loss and one blocked punt this season. Below, is a long number of emerging talent, ready to see their recruiting attention shift in the same direction as four-stars such as: Nik Bonitto, Andrew Chatfield and Robert Hicks, who are all household names for the 2018 recruiting class.
In No Particular Order
Nik Bonitto, DE, 6-4, 200, St. Thomas Aquinas
Andrew Chatfield, DE, 6-3, 220, Plantation American Heritage
Robert Hicks, DE/OLB, 6-2, 220, Miami Central
Jason Mercier, DE, 6-5, 230, Atlantic
James Head jr., DE, 6-4, 210, Miami Southridge
Pictured: Randy Charlton, DE, 6-3, 235, Miami Southridge
Patrick Joyner, DE, 6-3, 225, Homestead South Dade
Dantae Banton, DE, 6-3, 215, Hollywood McArthur
Kayode Oladele, DE, 6-3, 235, Miami Edison
Randy Charlton, DE, 6-3, 235, Miami Southridge
Davontae McCrae, DE, 6-5, 255, Miami Northwestern
Davoan Hawkins, DE, 6-4, 250, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna
Pictured: Donovan Georges, DE/OLB, 6-1, 225, Champagnat Catholic
D’Andre Ragin, DE/OLB, 6-3, 210, Miami Monsignor Pace
Jason Mercier, DE, 6-5, 230, American Heritage-Delray
Demetreius Mayes Jr., DE, 6-2, 230, Miami Northwestern
Donovan Georges, DE/OLB, 6-1, 225, Champagnat Catholic
Dante Lang, DE, 6-5, 220, Boca Raton
Pictured: Regino Alexis, DE, 6-3, 210, Cardinal Newman
Malik Edwards, DE, 6-2, 220, Miami Central
Xavier Burns, DE, 6-3, 210, Coral Gables
Regino Alexis, DE, 6-3, 210, Cardinal Newman
Uchenna Ezewike, DE, 6-3, 215, Stranahan
Courtland Faison, DE, 6-2, 200, Miami Northwestern
