Spring Blitz: Miami-Dade Top Secondary - Miami Northwestern
By Jerry Williamson
The FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) 6A classification, is known as the "SEC" version of high school football in the state of Florida, and the Miami Northwestern Bulls football program -- has an opportunity this make some noise this upcoming fall, and add to their school state championship banners. This is without question, the top secondary on paper this spring. Will they live up to the hype? We will find out this upcoming fall.
The program who holds the most active NFL players in South Florida -- has a secondary, that has a total of six prospects with D1 football subdivision offers. A position, that has been upgraded this off-season, that cost the Bulls a chance at advancing to the state championship last fall.
The Bulls secondary, features prospects that possesses range, physical presence and world-class speed. The secondary, is a veteran group with five seniors and one junior, that combines for over 30 division one verbal offers. Notable in-state programs such as the Uni. of Florida and Uni. of Miami (FL) as well as Rutgers University -- all have verbal commits that's starting in Bulls secondary.
Starting the list is cornerback Divaad Wilson, a Monsignor Pace transfer, who's rated a three-star by 247sports -- who pledged to the University of Florida this off-season. Wilson stands 6-feet, 183-pounds that picked-off 5 passes and scored 7 total touchdowns for the 4A Spartans. He's also a member of the Bulls' Track and Field 4×100 team that captured the regional championship.
The size doesn't end with Wilson. Defensive back Sharod Oliver who's listed at 6-foot-1, 180-pounds, sports an offer by Florida Atlantic University. He's some described as a linebacker by heart, that was responsible for two interceptions and displayed the versatility to play cornerback, free safety and strong safety just to name a few. He's a hard-hitter and was one of the best open field tacklers on the team.
Coral Gables transfer cornerback/safety Rachad Wildgoose Jr. (5-11, 190) helped the Cavaliers to a (11-2) record as the team's No. 1 cornerback the past season. The Rutgers University commit, is one of my Rising Stars, that's finally receiving the respect he deserves. His tackling and press coverage, and 4.5 speed -- makes it a challenge to just run a go route or try to out muscle him at the point of contact.
Miami Norland transfer ATHLETE Larry Rollins, a Class of 2019 prospect, sports an offer from the University of Central Florida. Rollins accounted for over 100 all-purpose yards and picked off a pass vs. Miami Northwestern last season. He's certainly, a prospect to keep an eye on for his graduating class. He's the smallest of the group, standing 5-foot-9, 170-pounds, but his athleticism and the knack for making plays, sold the Knights on him early.
All-around athlete's Nigel Bethel Jr. (5-11, 175) and Thomas Burns (5-10, 155) are two world class sprinters, that can contribute in all three phases of the game. Burns (pictured above), ran the nation’s fastest time in the 300m hurdles (35.81) at the GMAC meet. And he’s also one of six locals with top 100 times in the nation in the event. His play has been very solid over the years at Miami Northwestern, following the footsteps of his older brother Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Artie Burns. He's someone the Bulls might want to consider getting touches on offense this season.
Nigel Bethel Jr., the younger brother of Nigel Bethel, who was named Class 2A Track and Field Player of the Year, is making a name for himself. Bethel Jr., committed to the University of Florida as an ATHLETE, and is contributing to the Bulls Track and Field relay team. He runs a 10.78 100m and made plays all over the field the past season. This upcoming fall, the Bulls pass defense, will not appear as the downfall come playoffs.
