Elite South Florida Freshmen to Watch

Recruiting has accelerated to the point where eighth grade ballers are receiving major recruiting attention and on occasion, committing as early as freshman year (ie. 2025 wide receiver Winston Watkins to Texas A&M). Many of the South Florida youth football legends will soon be the household names that fans want in the Miami 2026 class.

Jabari Brady had over 450 yards and eight touchdowns as a varsity starter in eighth grade. His 6'3" frame projects out to be a Rivals Top 250 player and realistically could contend for the #1 wide receiver spot nationally. He owns offers from Arkansas, Florida State, Georgia, Louisville, and Oregon.

Jamar Denson has NFL pedigree as he is related to Notre Dame's all-time leading rusher Autry Denson. He has the talent to play slot wide receiver or cornerback early on the varsity level. Elite quickness and natural ability to make defenders miss, give off young Elijah Moore vibes. Holds an early offer to Cincinnati.

Has flashed elite hands as a member of the DEFCON1 seven-on-seven program. Already 6'2 175 lbs with a chance to earn reps for a state championship-winning program. He is a lock-it-in power five talent that will follow in the footsteps of Clemson wideout Troy Stellato and Pitt commit Jesse Anderson.

Father Antonio 'DeLa' Brown was a standout at West Virginia and spent three years in the NFL. Toney is expected to be a freshman starter opposite Brandon Inniss thanks to being the most complete young wide receiver in South Florida. Earned reps with South Florida Express in the OT7 Seven-On-Seven Tournament in Las Vegas.

His father was a blue-chip prospect and Miami Hurricane wide receiver Aldarius Johnson, also a Miami Northwestern product. He is considered one of the top youth football players in the nation. Johnson has elite length for a young defensive back, measuring out at 6'0" already, and recently picked up an offer from FIU.

Opened eyes at the Legend Camp. Russell is 6'4" already and showcasing power five ability in both football and basketball. In camp settings this summer, he has wowed with one-hand snags and advanced ball tracking skills. He holds offers from FIU and Maryland.

Tarvail Mathis dominated the youth football scene and earned early offers from Nebraska, Oregon and Pitt. Already one of the bigger backs in South Florida (5'10," 200). Will be part of a three-headed monster running back group at Northwestern.

Kaj 'Nitro' Baker is an Olympic caliber track star who clocked a 4.39 40 at UCF in June. On top of 10.6 100M & 21.25 200M times in track, he started at both running back and cornerback on varsity as an eighth grader. He owns offers from Jackson State and Western Carolina.

J'Vari Flowers earned early playing time on varsity and received honorable mention all-county recognition. Transferred to powerhouse Miami Central this summer and is competing for a starting spot among a star-studded group.

Brandon Bennett is a must-watch prospect thanks to elite track times (10.8 100M, 21.6 200M). He is another young Heritage wide receiver with an opportunity to carve out a big role as a freshman.

A transitioned wide receiver, Jesiyah Miguel has a speed/size combination that will attract double digit offers before his sophomore campaign. This young cornerback is 6'0" with varsity track experience in the 100M, 4x200 and 4x400. He is pushing for a starting spot opposite Miami commit cornerback Antione Jackson.