Football Hotbed Senior Showcase Offers Last Chance At D-1

Posted on January 30, 2019 by Marcus Benjamin

Marcus Benjamin @_BenjaminReport

Miami, FL – In the last year of a high school athletes career, the ideal situation would be to know where you are going to school for college.  For many, that decision is yet to be made and with signing day looming this week many South Florida Athletes at the Senior Showcase still are looking for that chance to shine on the next level.  Football Hotbed coaches at the showcase also offer advice and guidance for what can be an emotional time for these young athletes.  In many cases, coaches are able to find the right fit for students looking to compete at the next level.  

“I’m looking for a place that I can play,” said running back Tyler Jones from American Heritage (Plantation). “I’m a shifty back that can protect the quarterback and can catch the ball out of the ball out of the backfield.”

Jones ran a blazing 4.38 at the Senior Showcase held at Ives Estate Park last week and was productive on the field during his tenure at Heritage.  

Jones also had the longest broad jump at 9’4.” He has a very similar build to 2020 running back Jaylan Knighton (Deerfield Beach) and is perhaps faster than Knighton.  Knighton holds over 40 offers so it is perplexing to know that Jones still does not have an opportunity to showcase his talent. Jones is not afraid of contact and often broke tackles to convert first downs in big games.  Jones has 3.3 GPA and will be taking the SAT in March.

“I know I can get the job done.  I work hard and I’m at least looking for a JUCO opportunity for right now.”

Another player that is certainly overlooked is Kevin Felder, Jr. (Everglades).  Felder can play wide receiver and defensive back at a high level and has the quickness needed at the D-1 level.  

Felder missed the entire 2017 year with an ACL injury but did bounce back in 2018 with a productive year. Felder had 41 receptions for over 500 yards and seven touchdowns in an Everglades offense that did not have the greatest supporting cast.

“I feel the only reason I’m not getting D-1 offers is because of my junior year,” said Felder.  “Junior year is the most important year and unfortunately I missed it due to injury.”

Felder had the fastest time in the shuttle run clocking a 4.28.  Felder has a 2.7 GPA and scored a 950 on the SAT.

Players That Can Help D-1 Programs Win Games

Claumy Jean-Francois, ATH (LaSalle) – Can play safety or nickel corner.  Can make plays on special teams in the return game and coverage.  Ran a 4.65 in the 40-yard dash, 4.37 in the shuttle and recorded a 9’1” in the broad jump.

Kezikiah Bezwick, WR, Piper (Sunrise) – At 6’1” 185 this receiver also has breakaway speed.  Can be developed into a possession receiver and has greatly improved in his senior year.  

Darren Holt, WR, Hialeah Miami Lakes – Also did not benefit from the greatest supporting cast at HML. Holt has decent size and speed and would be a nice addition on special teams and in the slot.

About Marcus Benjamin

Marcus Benjamin works as the senior writer and editor for FootballHotbed.com. He attended Florida A&M and Florida Memorial University completing a bachelors degree in communications in 2010. He's covered high school football in the South Florida area since 2010 for the Miami Herald, Miami Sports Tribune and ShawSports.net. He is married and lives in Fort, Lauderdale, FL.
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