Hialeah Emerges At Miami Hurricanes 7on7 Camp

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Posted on June 16, 2019 by Marcus Benjamin
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Coral Gables, FL – When some of the best talent in the country is in your backyard, it seems like a no-brainer to invite them inside. The Miami Hurricanes did just that this June inviting high school seven on seven teams to compete in a tournament at “The U.”  Sunday’s tournament saw the Hialeah High Thoroughbreds emerge as champions over Miami Carol City 32-20 in the final.

“The seven on sevens are a really good camp for us to have because we get to see all these teams come in and compete,” said Head Coach Manny Diaz. “It’s a showcase of South Florida football.”

Super Sophomore Gets Dream Offer

Hialeah sophomore wide receiver Fred Eaford was offered by Miami after his stellar tournament performance.  Eaford (2021) beat defenders deep and outdueled for the football on several occasions. He is a complete receiver that will only get better and his better will be better than most.  He is a four-star caliber player with tremendous upside. He was previously at Deerfield Beach High School and opted to play at Hialeah for the opportunity for more playing time.  Eaford admits that Miami is his dream offer.

“It’s my dream school,” said Eaford.  “It’s a good feeling, I love that [they offered].

T-Bred QB Too Good To Pass On

Another performance that could not be ignored by spectators was that of 2021 quarterback Jaylon Tolbert.  The Cypress Bay transfer was in complete control of the offense and threw every type of ball with precision. He is definitely a quarterback to watch in his class and is highly underrated and under-offered.

“His play today was amazing,” said Hialeah Head Coach Gary Sanchez.  “He just did a really good job reading coverages and releasing the ball. We’ve been working at it so much so we’re proud of him. He’s done a great job so far.”

Hialeah defeated fellow Dade County schools Miami Jackson and Miami Columbus before defeating Miami Carol City in the final.  Hialeah generally is not considered a powerhouse but surprised some teams today with their depth and athletism.

“We’re always the underdog.  [Carol City’s] a great team. Those coaches do a great job.  To be on the same playing field today with them was great today. It just takes one step at a time.”

The T-Breds returned from a 13-day road trip visiting colleges in Tallahassee, Clemson, South Carolina, and Georgia.

Other Top Performers

Cedquan Smith, QB, Miami Carol City – The lefty quarterback has some big shoes to fill replacing the career record holder in passing yards and passing touchdowns in Daniel Richardson now at Central Michigan.  He definitely seems up for the challenge. Smith zipped balls into tight windows and throws a nice deep ball.

A drop off in production does not seem to be in the realm of possibility with the junior QB at the helm.

Chris Gibert, WR, Columbus – The productive slot receiver caught seven total touchdowns on the day and will be a lethal threat to add to a talented receiving corps for the Explorers.  The crisp route runner has bulked up in size and will give defenses fits in the fall.

Thaiu Jones-Bell, WR, Carol City – The Alabama commit is as good as advertised and beats his defenders with ease.  He was seen streaking by his defenders all afternoon.

Horace Atkins, Jr. QB/WR, McArthur – The senior caught deep balls for touchdowns and threw a few for scores as well.  The versatile athlete will help the Mustangs in a variety of ways. At 6’4” he is a mismatch for smaller defenders and will add to an already tall receiving corps at McArthur.

The Great Indoors

All morning and throughout the afternoon there was a strong downpour of rain on the Coral Gables campus.  Fortunately, the Carol Soffer Indoor Practice Facility which is in its 10th month of existence served its purpose and protected the event from the rain that normally would have been canceled with the inclement weather.  

“This day a year ago we would have to cancel this,” stated Diaz.  “The fact that we can have a day like this and not miss a beat and still be able to stay on time and showcase all the players.  The facility that is probably as good as any in the country is huge for us.”  

The popular Paradise Camp is scheduled for Saturday, June 22nd at the University of Miami starting at 5:00 PM.  The camp has traditionally had an abundance of alumni in attendance.

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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