Rising Stars' Southwest Miami-Dade Top 50 Ballers (Class of 2024)

By Jerry Williamson

Rising Stars has nailed down 50 deserving names compiled by Jerry Williamson, which was based heavily on academics, off-season production, and outcomes in notable games this season. I also take into account how the player projects as a prospect at the next level and beyond.

Take a look at the full rankings here.

1. DE | Daylen Russell | KBG (13U)

Daylen is the true definition of a freak of nature. The Kolts defensive star has dominated league's best and his testing explains why he's so effective against the run and pass coming off the edge. Russell ran a 5.16 electronically timed 40-yard dash and has a 29-inch vertical leap, which translates into domination on the gridiron. He uses his athleticism and versatility to consistently expose linemen.

Russell's 4.58 shuttle time was faster than the dynamic playmaker Rashard Snow 4.64 shuttle. The 6-2, 210-pounder has dominated the best players throughout the state of Florida. He earned his praise yet again by winning the MVP award at the 5 Star Future Showcase last off-season.

2. RB/LB | A.J. Smith | Overtown (14U)

Miami Booker T. Washington has a promising star in their own community. Smith has varsity potential standing at 5-foot-9, 185 pounds along with top end speed, after clocking a 4.89 (electronically timed) at the Future 5 Stars Showcase. Smith capped off a remarkable 14U season helping his team win the Sean Taylor Classic, as he ran for 5 rushing touchdowns. On the ground he (Smith) ran for 17 touchdowns and had one receiving score. He ended his youth football career with over 1,500 all-purpose yards.

3. ATH | Rashard Snow | KBG (13U)

Snow (5'9", 144) is your jack-of-all-trades. He can line up at RB, WR, DB, KR, PR and he's someone that will grade out as the best player on field at those positions. Snow knows how to use his 4.85 electronically timed speed and cut-back ability to come up with big plays consistently. Snow can jump out the gym, as he leaped 31.3 inches and another impressive testing with a 4.63 shuttle. Snow has dominated locally, regionally, and nationally as well as winning the 5 Star Showcase overall MVP during the off-season. Snow can fly, did you know? His literally quickness was measured this off-season clocking 4.63 shuttle. Snow projects as a high school star who was responsible for 15 touchdowns (limited touches) and caught four Interceptions this season.

4. DL | Aham Brown | Florida City Razorbacks (14U)

Brown is an active defensive lineman who wreaks havoc on the opposition with his quickness and motor. After starting varsity as a seventh-grader at Everglades Prep this past season, I kept track of his progress and predicted he (Brown) was going to make a splash as an eighth-grader for the Florida City Razorbacks (14U). Brown, a physical specimen at 6-foot-2 and weighing 225-pounds caused havoc the entire season as predicted, at both offensive and defensive line. He recorded double digit sacks and pancake blocks, which helped the Razorbacks advance to the Sean Taylor Classic.

5. DL | Amen Mackey | Palmetto Raiders (14U)

The last two seasons, Mackey has earned the No. 1 spot in his class representing the south. It's kind of hard to project how quickly he'll adjust to his new position (linebacker or safety) at the next level. There's no question, that Mackey is a ferocious competitor who thrives as a pass-rusher and run-stopper and uses his incredible explosive one-step to overwhelm the opposition at the line of scrimmage. Mackey is a football player, that plays bigger than his size. He constantly beats bigger offensive lineman at the point of contact.

6. DL | Jamorie Flagg | Overtown Tornadoes (13U)

The sky is the limit. Flagg along with his teammate A.J. Smith stepped their game up big time this season and defeated two notable programs with multiple national championships. Flagg anchored the Tornadoes defensive line and has the size (6-2, 205) to become a national recruit all said and done. He caused havoc the entire season and was always around the ball.

7. ATH | Shemar Irvin | KBG 13U

Irvin is Mr. Versatility with the ability to legitimately dominate as a wide receiver and as a cornerback. Irvin (5-8, 140) is another phenomenal talent, who should be recognized as an athlete more than just a running back. His performance on the defense side of the ball at cornerback was just as impressive. Irvin has already made it known, he'll join his cousin, Sedrick Irvin Jr. at Gulliver Prep next season. The Blue Raiders will be getting another athlete that will help at wide receiver, cornerback, and running back.

8. OL | Michael Roberto | Doral Academy (High School)

Roberto is big and has active legs that often results in him driving would-be defenders into the ground. This season playing varsity, was a learning experience as he adjusted to the high school speed and power. Roberto stands 6-foot-4 and weighs over 250 pounds. His upside at the position can't be overlooked.

9. DL | Dylan Stephenson | Westminster Christian (High School)

Though his film may not show it (not updated), Stephenson is ever-important to the Warriors defense. Stephenson has both upside and the ability to provide push at the middle of the offensive line and beat lineman one on one. He stands 6-foot-2 and weights 215 pounds. He'll only get bigger, faster, and stronger overtime. Stephenson reminds me of Jeramy Passmore, when he was a freshman at Westminster Christian before later signing to Big Ten Indiana.

10. DL | Ravench Marcelin | Dick Conley Steelers (13U)

After watching film on Marcelin, I noticed a quick and aggressive defensive lineman who excels on speed. His performance against KBG caught my eye during the playoffs at Harris Field. He's 6-foot-1 and weighs 190 pounds with a frame to pack on additional weight. He and his teammate Davion Dixon are the sleepers of the class.