The Open Run: Florida Fire (South) Varsity & 15U Top Performers

By Jerry Williamson

RICHMOND HEIGHTS, FLA -- The Open Run attracted, the finest skilled athletes from Homestead to West Palm Beach, which featured a bundle of both 3-stars and 4-stars. The event brought out U.S. Army All-American wide receiver Mark Pope, the nation's No. 1 cornerback Akeem Dent, and University of Miami four-star outside linebacker verbal commit Diamante Howard, just to name a few. Former Florida Fire cornerback Antonio Howard, a Texas A&M signee, was also in attendance among others. The beauty of this event, is also getting a glimpse of the Stars of Tomorrow, at an accelerated pace. You are able to see playmakers as early as seventh-grade, out there competing with older kids and sometimes high schoolers. But, the focal point of attention was a gunslinger stationed from West Palm Beach, Florida. The Offensive MVP: Oxbridge Academy, QB Charles "Gio" Richardson (6'1", 195) 

Oxbridge Academy rising junior dual-threat quarterback Charles "Gio" Richardson (6'1", 195), showcased an exceptional arm talent, and caught everyone attention during warm-ups. 

Richardson was pinpoint accurate and displayed eye-catching velocity through the entire event. Richardson engineered the most completions and touchdowns drives during 7-v-7 and 1-v-1's. Miami Palmetto Cairiq Rackley and were the next quarterbacks in-line following Richardson.

Class-of-2022 wide receiver Bobby Bussey-Golden, who worked with the varsity, made his share of plays against upperclassman. Sophomore linebacker Naquon Fagan of Miami Southridge, for the second consecutive tryout, earned the best cover linebacker at the event. The Defensive MVP: Miami Palmetto, CB Jason Marshall (6'2", 176) 

The Panthers' freshman cornerback put on a show, as he challenged a bundle of notable FBS talent at the wide receiver position. Marshall of note, competed the most reps at cornerback, during 1-on-1's and allowed two receptions (one catch extended over four seconds) the entire drill. 

Marshall (offered by UM, Syracuse, FIU) loves to compete, and understands how to use his long and solid frame to his advantage. Marshall was also recently named to the prestigious Rising Stars 3rd Annual All-South Florida Freshman Team.

The Top 5 Offensive Performers 1. QB, Charles Richardson, Oxbridge Academy 2. WR, Kalani Norris, Christopher Columbus 3. ATH, Darren Davis, Miami Southridge 4. ATH, Brain Robinson, Palm Beach Central 5. QB, Cairiq Rackley, Miami Palmetto The Top 5 Defensive Performers 1. CB, Jason Marshall, Miami Palmetto 2. DB, Courtney Holmes, Columbus 3. CB, Rony Bourdeau, Champagnat Catholic 4. CB, ‎Leroy Love, Pahokee HS 5. CB, ‎Harold Sims, Plantation HS

Palm Beach Fire Open Run Top Performers

The Palm Beach chapter of Florida Fire has produced high profile talent on both sides of the ball most recently, such as Heisman Trophy winner QB Lamar Jackson and the nation's No. 1 cornerback Akeem Dent (FSU commit) a part of the Class-of-2019. 

The area's Open Run Top Performers featured a bundle of nationally recognized talent, as well as rising stars such as sophomore wide receiver Jordan Cash (5-9, 150) and athlete Marc'Allan Derac of Atlantic HS. will have schools handing out offers once they notice his 6-foot-3, 176 pound frame. 

Cash is your ideal slot receiver. He's both quick and fast and gives you an immediate home-run hitter with top end speed and great hands. Derac looks like a collegiate athlete just off the eye-test and his talent equals division one. Deerfield Beach HS wide receiver Donte Bantons a promising talent, that holds three FBS verbal scholarships is a junior with major upside and size, standing 6-foot-1, 170 pounds.

Two-way standout E.J. Jackson (6-2, 180) of Pahokee HS, is beginning to blow up after three recent FBS verbal scholarships. Jackson dominated last spring and college football programs are finally realizing his outstanding size and athleticism. Keep an eye on his this spring. Deerfield Beach wide receiver is your next big, strong and fast wide out from South Florida. 

Glades Central HS RB/DB Steve Barrett (5-10, 180) is a hidden gem that's going to make a name for himself for Florida Fire. The area also features a number of Division 1 recruits such as Jessie Hester, Jr. Glades Central (USF commit) and Donta Benton from Deerfield Beach HS.

The 15-and-under Division

The 15-and-under of the Open Run division was headlined by three promising talent: Jamal Browder, Marc Charlemagne, and Dwight Crews. 

The co-mvp goes to class-of-2021 prospects cornerback Marc Charlemagne of Gulliver Prep and Carol City athlete Jamal Browder. Charlemagne, a Gulliver Prep varsity starter, is someone I can see eventually being moved up to varsity for Florida Fire. His understanding of the game and coverage skills as well as his speed made quarterbacks not look his way.  

Browder (pictured above) is going to be a future star. He has a long frame with solid hips and can cover ground at safety. His closing speed and reading plays stands out the most. Wide receiver Dwight Crews will not pass the initial eye-test, as his body continues to mature, but his route running and hand-eye coordination is lethal. Tyrone Maxwell led all eighth-graders in interceptions. 

The 15U Top 5 Offensive Performers 1. WR, Dwight Crews, Miami Southridge  2. ATH, Michael Jackson, 8th Grade 3. ‎ATH, Sebastian Borges, 8th Grade 4. QB, Carson Haggard, Gulliver Prep (8th Grade) 5. QB, Wendell Tillman, Miami Palmetto The 15U Top 5 Defensive Performers 1A. DB, Jamal Browder, Carol City 1B. CB, Marc Charlemagne, Gulliver Prep 2. DB, Tyrone Maxwell (8th grade) 3. DB, Dedrick Browder, Somerset Silver Palms, (8th grade) 4. CB, Marquis Charlemagne (8th grade) 5. ‎CB, Antonio Smith (7th grade)