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District 16 in Class 6A is sometimes referred to as the SEC of high school football in the nation. This district alone can claim 16 state championships. Miami Northwestern (5), Miami Carol City (5), Miami Central (2), and Miami Norland (2) all have a legitimate chance every year to win a state championship. It’s been over a decade since a team outside of the district did not win the state title. Miami Northwestern is the defending state champion and did so with the leadership of 2017 quarterback Chatarius “Tutu” Atwell now with the Louisville Cardinals.
“Our goal is to always win a state title, but our short term goal is to get better week after week,” said Head Coach Max Edwards at media day held at the Miami Dolphins Hard Rock Stadium.
Getting better every week is the goal of 2019 North Miami transfer quarterback Isaiah Velez. The Bulls look to maintain the success of 2017 with the rising quarterback who visited with LSU, Tennessee and Miami over the summer. All three schools were impressed with Velez’s throwing ability and Velez gained from the experience.
Had an amazing time at Louisiana State University 🐯. #GeauxTigers 💛💜 @Coach_EdOrgeron @SteveEnsminger @LSUCoachRaymond @LsuFBallTruth @Sheadixon @larryblustein @CoachVerne @RMcKnightJr @LSUfootball pic.twitter.com/dHe2snvBQu
— Isaiah Velez (@Isaiahvelez_) June 24, 2018
“It was very beneficial for me,” Velez said Saturday. “Just learning the different styles of offense is helping me become a more versatile quarterback.”
Northwestern runs an run pass option offense (RPO) which will be an adjustment for Velez who is used to running a pro-style offense. As quickly as he learned to play quarterback at a young age, is how quickly he is looking to adapt and excel in a new scheme.
“I started playing football at five years old. I fell in love with the quarterback position. It’s the position that’s in control and the leader of the team and I love having that control.”
There has been a recent increase of quarterbacks excelling on the college level from the South Florida area. Geno Smith (Miramar), Teddy Bridgewater (Miami Northwestern) and Stephen Morris (Monsignor Pace) set passing records during their respective college careers. At 6’1 Velez is a pro style quarterback that has a quick release, make all the throws and can certainly help a team on the D-1 level win games.
Check out Junior Highlights 🎯 by Isaiah Velez on @hudl @isaiahvelez_ https://t.co/aJF3HEV1b3 #hudl
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminMoney) August 5, 2018
Staying home would be the ideal situation for Velez. He grew up a Miami Hurricanes fan and performed well at Paradise Camp. Quarterbacks coach Jon Richt worked with Velez and others with their mechanics during two camps this summer. The Canes currently do not have a quarterback committed for the 2019 cycle.
“My relationship with Coach [Jon] Richt is really good. We intend to maintain contact throughout the season. My family all are Hurricanes fans and I can see myself being one of those players that goes on to the NFL like many former Canes did.”
Had an amazing time at The University of Miami ‼️ #GoCanes 📙📗 pic.twitter.com/hqOA6yOIhO
— Isaiah Velez (@Isaiahvelez_) July 29, 2018
Velez has a 3.4 GPA and is highly involved in church and giving back to the community. Community is important to Velez which is part of the reason he transferred to “The West.”
“I feel Northwestern has a strong community and I feel like the support will be good for me. Everybody is doubting that Miami Northwestern can do it again. That fact that we are being overlooked gives us a boost of confidence. We are ready to prove the doubters wrong.”
Illinois, LSU, Syracuse, Tennessee, Utah and Virginia Tech are currently showing interest in Velez. He currently holds offers from Alabama A&M, Florida A&M, UT Martin and UAB. Miami Northwestern has a loaded schedule once again and also get IMG Academy at home so Velez will have plenty of opportunities to earn scholarship offers from D-1 schools.
“I love that feeling when the pressure’s on me. I would say I thrive under pressure and welcome it.”
