Marcus Benjamin @_benjaminmoney
Miami, FL – South Florida has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to football talent. Many two and three star athletes in this area do not get the recognition they deserve based on the talent that they compete against day in and day out. In today’s landscape, combines and seven on seven tournaments provide platforms for diamonds in the rough that are otherwise overlooked. Larry Blustein has long been considered one of the best when it comes to recognizing those diamonds. His South Florida Combine and Skills Showcase held at Ives Estate Park is geared to highlight those underrated prospects.
“The purpose is to create some exposure for these kids,” said Blustein. “It’s a chance for kids who are under the radar to improve their skills, get some guidance from some coaches with experience and gain some recognition nationwide.”
Former NFL pro bowler Chris Chambers and other coaches facilitate the event organizing 40 yard dash times, shuttle runs, broad jumps, and one on one drills. Former Miami Hurricane offensive lineman Joaquin Gonzalez worked closely with the young offensive lineman and coached them on technique and footwork.
“It’s awesome to come back and relive when I was there,” said Gonzalez. “When I was growing up football was way different. Football is now 24/7 365 days a year and you have an opportunity with camps like these to get better every single time and really work on your technique which really is what translates to winning games.”
Gonzalez was the captain of what is widely considered the best college football team of all time. The 2001 Miami Hurricanes went undefeated and outscored their opponents by an average of 32 points and had 38 players selected in the NFL Draft. Gonzalez loved one on one drills as a Hurricane and rarely ever was beaten in those drills against his teammates.
“That’s what I love, it’s a controlled fight. It was my favorite event of the day and I used to win 85 to 90 percent of these and every time I lost I would be pissed. It’s your pride against someone else’s pride and it is a true testament to what you’re really made of.”
Plenty of lineman impressed in one on one drills including defensive end Nick Birdseye out of Western High School who tore his shirt during one on one drills. Despite the wardrobe malfunction, Birdseye was named one of the defensive MVPs along with Maximus Villar from Columbus High. Also impressing in the trenches was 2020 offensive lineman Dorian Bennett from Deerfield Beach. Bennett stands at 6’1” and is listed at 350 pounds.
.@nickkbirdseye from @WHSFball uses bull rush to get sack here. Tears shirt in process at @larryblustein combine in Miami. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/M03p60IdWs
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminMoney) April 14, 2018
“This is my first combine and I’m trying to get as much exposure as I can,” said Bennet. “I’m hoping to land more scholarships with the exposure here.”
The playmaking wide receivers impressing coaches on this day were Christopher Gibert (Columbus), Jason Louis (Miami Norland), Ian Valdes (Southwest Miami) and Geovonni Ribalta (Miami Central). Ribalta received complimentary shades from Chambers as a result of his performance.
“It’s only right to come get work on a Saturday,” said Ribalta who sported University of Miami sleeves. “My favorite part is the one on ones because I really get to show what I can do.”
Gibbert did not drop a pass the entire day and thinks Columbus has a legitimate shot to win a state championship in his sophomore season.
That first step from 2021 WR Christopher Gibert from @ColumbusFtball leaves defender in other world at @larryblustein combine. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/yLWDXSMejy
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminMoney) April 14, 2018
“I feel this year will be a learning year for me because I have seniors ahead of me. I feel I’ll learn this year, learn the playbook and hope to compete in my junior year.”
The fastest 40 time was recorded at 4.72 by 2019 WR Darren Holt out of Mourning High School. Appalachian State is scheduled to visit the speedster this week.
Blustein plans to produce a seven on seven tournament in July to continue exposure in the talent rich area.
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