Stars of Tomorrow - Southwest Miami-Dade County Top 40 Playmakers

By Jerry Williamson

The Class-of-2023 (7th grade) is a recruiting class to keep an eye on over the next few years. This class has quality depth across the board and certainly athleticism. As I mentioned the prior season, the list will shuffle year-to-year and lets just say, the Top 10 list has (7) new names. The methodology for the Class-of-2023 "Down South" rankings didn't consist greatly on statistical numbers per game. Each kid listed below were graded individually by notable games. Eye-catching stats against subpar opponents may have placed you on the list, but you'll have no strong argument for lower rankings compared to the proven group. That being said, interior defensive lineman Amen Mackey, repeats as the No. 1 overall player for his graduating class. Their could be debate with Levy Miller, Stanquan Clark, and Michael Robleto for the top spot, but mind you -- this same weighted defensive lineman, destroyed unlimited football against the best-of-the-best withinn the Miami Metropolitan area the past season in Miami Dolphins' Miami-Dade vs. Broward County Youth All-Star Game powered by Generation Nexxt. 1. Amen Mackey | DL/FB | Richmond-Perrine Giants | 5-10, 145 | While teams normally scout and game plan for opponents skilled athletes. The Giants' DT gave offensive coordinators sleepless nights. Mackey despite normally facing doubled team blocks, was responsible for (19) sacks, (4) force fumbles, and (3) defensive scores of note. Mackey forced opponents to install the shotgun, and rollout to complete passes. I'm not making this up. 2. Levy Miller | RB/LB | 5-5, 125 | Palmetto Raiders | Levy "LA" Miller, a rising star product, has proven time-and-time again to be the Raiders most consistent offensive athlete. His top end speed, vision, and patience shows every weekend. Miller is responsible for over (5) touchdowns over 50 yards on the season. The Generation Nexxt' Miami-Dade All-Star selection, also lead the Raiders' defense in solo tackles (at middle linebacker) against notable opponents Goulds and Overtown. 3. Stanquan Clark | DL/ATH | 6-0, 150 | Richmond-Perrine Giants | When you factor his dominance this past fall and his age, size, and upside -- it's scary just how good he can become. Clark found the end zone at running back, wide receiver, and defensive tackle. He and Amen Mackey were the league's top interior DT tandem. Clark reminds me of a more athletic formerly Palmetto Raiders, Miami Southridge and Univ. of Florida tight end Kenmore Gamble. T-4. Michael Robleto | 6-2, 250 | OL/DL | South Miami Grey Ghost If you love size and a dominate presence, here's a young man that you'll fall head over heels for. His ability to beat doubled team blocks and also, create running lanes is very impressive. Robleto may be a new face within the Southwest Miami-Dade region. But, the former Florida Youth Football League star, has stood out over the years in Generation Nexxt All-Star game and Skills Challenges. T-4. Antonio Smith | CB/WR | 5-9, 140 | Suniland Sundevils The University of Miami (FL) turnover chain was established this fall. Smith is a turnover machine at cornerback. He was responsible for over 20 interceptions the past two seasons. Here's a young man I named a Rising Star two seasons ago after recording 11 interceptions in a single season. He's also a playmaker at wide receiver, that filled the voids of Bobby Bussey-Golden and Travious Lathan games missed due to injury. 5. Kareem Wilson | OL/DL | 6-2, 170 | Suniland Sundevils | The youngster competed and thrived against older opponents. Wilson did an amazing job protecting the blindside of gunslinger Carson Haggard. Wilson balanced blocking talent, allowed his offense to remain effective as their star wide receivers were sidelined for several games. 6. Jerome "Pop" Stewart | RB/LB | 5-7, 145 | Suniland Sundevils | Pop has played (and continues) with older kids for quite a while. Pop as a seventh-grader, was MXYFL's premier running back at the 13U division. Pop rushed for approximately 10 scores as bruiser with sneaky speed. Pop also shines on defense at inside linebacker. The seventh-grader was one of the leading tacklers. He also passes the eye-ball test. He reminds me of FSU highly sought after running back Karlos Williams. He's still maturing at the running back position, but his upside is through the roof. He could end up at linebacker all said and done. 7. Jalen Brown | QB/ATH | 5-9, 117 | Palmetto Raiders When college football visit high schools during the off-season, Brown is the type of prospect that they fall head over heels for. He's a multi sport star, tall and long, and fast. He sports a 3.16 GPA and is a winner. He shines at QB, WR, and CB. I personally, love him at cornerback and think he would be Top 5 in South florida at the position, not knocking his play on offense. Brown display his versatility, scoring touchdowns four different ways: throwing, catching, rushing and pick six. 8. Tyrell Williams | CB | 5-7, 130 | Goulds Rams When you factor strength in competition, performance in big games, and target to catch ratio, he clearly ranks Top 10 overall. Williams recorded (6) interceptions and allowed under 10 receptions on the season and no touchdowns. The product from West Perrine has a bright future, considering this was his first full season at the position which featured competition against three national championship coaches. 9. Sedrick Irvin | RB/LB | 5-5, 120 | Westminster Christian Middle School/Palmetto Raiders After an impressive middle school season, where Irvin accounted for 1,044 all purpose yards, 17 TD's, 2 Ints, and 41 tackles. Irvin, a 4.0 student, has made an immediate impact with the Raiders. Irvin clutch performances during the Sean Taylor Classic and Southeastern Regional Championship, secured the victory. The utility athlete, who plays running back, safety, linebacker, and defensive end for the Raiders -- started at wide receiver for the Miami-Dade All-Star the past season. He doesn't need his father, Sedrick Irvin (Miami High, Michigan State, Detroit Lions) name for exposure. He's everything as advertised. 10. Richard Dandridge | WR/ATH | 5-5, 105 | Goulds Rams Dandridge without doubt, is the No. 1 ranked wide receiver in his class. And has that game changing ability after the catch. Dandridge was responsible for 10 touchdowns and 6 interceptions on the season. He shines equally as a return specialist, wide receiver or free safety. He's an all-around athlete that single handedly, defeated the Palmetto Raiders (Southeastern Regional Champs) at home earlier this season. Dandridge has that blend of swagger, athleticism, and "IT" factor. He has a promising future. You can't coach making people miss in open space nor hand-eye concentration. 11. Ryan Bullard | ATH | Florida City Razorbacks 12. Derrick Hart | OL | KBG 13. Zaiver Williams | LB/RB | KHW 14. Bobby Washington | DB/RB | Richmond-Perrine Giants 15. Jamari Ford | RB | Tamiami Colts 16. Adrian Harris | WR | Goulds Rams 17. Eddrick Bethune | WR/LB | South Kendall Seahawks 18. Edward Bandy | RB/LB | Palmetto Raiders 19. Daryl Doctor | OL | KBG 20. Kenneth Walters | DL | Goulds Rams 21. Lamont Green | LB | Suniland Sundevils 22. Isaac Brown | RB | Goulds Rams 23. Jaden Miller | RB | Palmetto Raiders 24. Robbie Washington | CB/WR | Richmond-Perrine Giants 25. Antonio Robinson | ATH | Suniland Sundevils 26. Ahmere Foster | CB/WR | Palmetto Raiders 27. Jason Demetrius | RB | KHW 28. Keno Jarod Dempsey, Jr. | DL | KHW 29. Artravian Driver | DL | Palmetto Raiders 30. Darrell Randle | RB | Goulds Rams 31-T. Andrevis Grant | OL | South Kendall Seahawks 31-T. Shelton Green | OL | South Miami