Senior Steals of South Florida (Part 1)
By Jerry Williamson
The Miami Metropolitan region -- is considered a state itself -- based on the large number of talented football prospects -- that are sent to the next level annually. While the areas most highly-publicized offensive and defensive stars, such as wide receiver Mark Pope (Miami Southridge) and cornerback Patrick Surtain II (American Heritage Plantation) are a perfect example of a senior dream. They were invited to the opening, All-American selections, twenty plus D1-FBS official scholarship and four-star ratings.
Before the start of the season around this time, Atlanta Falcons' running back Devonta Freeman (#8), an upcoming senior at Miami Central held one offer from FSU, but didn't receive heavy attention despite the Atlantic Coastal Conference offer.
Another example is -- UF's wide receiver Antonio Callaway, who was once also unknown by the nation after transferring from Homestead to Miami Booker T. Washington his senior year and the rest is history.
Below are names of talented stars who has football subdivision talent, including a football resume and most importantly, are college ready with test scores and grade point averages. OL - Jawuan Wilson (6-2 1/2, 275) - Carol City HS - 3.8 GPA/21 ACT
Miami Carol City offensive lineman Jawuan Wilson, a four-year varsity starter, has been qualifier since the 10th Grade and has earned all-county and all-state honors, but have yet to receive an offical scholarship offer. The past season, Wilson led the county and perhaps the state in pancake blocks (has footage for validation) with approximately 30 (45 career pancakes) according to Miami Herald.
Wilson will anchor an offensive line -- that will feature the county, most dynamic tandem with RBs Cameron Davis and Nayquan Wright. Wilson scored a 21 ACT and sports a 3.8 cumulative GPA. His current height and weight was measured this off-season at Florida Atlantic University's football camp.
Twitter account: @Jayywiz
DE - Regino Alexis (6-4, 210) - Cardinal Newman - 2.6 GPA/SAT 840
The Palm Beach native, is patiently waiting for his first D1-FBS official scholarship. His current offers ranges from NAIA to Div. 2, but his size, test scores and film -- says division one. The past season, Alexis earned 1st-team all-county and all-area as well as all-state honors. The edge rush specialist, accounted for 12-sacks, 14-TFL, 1-blocked punt and 76-tackles. He also was recognized as Rising Stars Top 10 unheralded pass rushers in South Florida this off-season.
Twitter account: @regino_alexis
Coral Gables added one of the best, but yet unsung pass-rush specialist in South Florida this off-season from Miami Killian. Last season, he tallied 10-sacks, 2-FF and 50-solo tackles. Due to him transferring from Miami Killian -- he's fighting an uphill battle with experiencing the wait-and-see game by a number of division one college football programs. Valdosta State (Div. 2) is the only official scholarship, to the unsung star, who's also receiving interest from programs: FIU and App St.
As the strong-side defensive end for the Cavaliers, Burns sacked the opposing team quarterback once and accounted for seven hurries as well as two tackles against South Dade (Spring Game). He's going to be another late signing day steal -- once he adds yet another ten sack season. He's a major sleeper.
Twitter account: @xburns13
WR - Jordan Dillard (6-3, 175) - Miami Southridge - 2.5 GPA/1210 SAT
Dillard holds six Div. 1 scholarships, which two consisted of in-state programs FAU and FIU. He tends to get lost in conversation with four-star recruits Mark Pope and Daquaris Wiggins, but his size, game and test scores -- will have the bigger schools taking heave to his talents. Dillard orchestrated the Spartans 8A state championship come back, as he used his long frame and high pointed three defenders. He has the making of becoming another Tyquan Thornton (UF commit) at Miami Booker T. Washington, who just blew up overnight.
You can't coach size, and based on his performances in big games (8A state championship) and his quiet dominance this off-season at college football camps, he's someone that can go from 6 to 15 offers in a blink of an eye.
Twitter account: @Dillard_152
