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The 2021 recruiting class in South Florida is loaded folks, from top-to-bottom. Marquis Lymon and Alfonzo Allen (pictured) are both safeties, that currently owns the rights of being the face of South Florida heading into the summer after a stellar fall and spring performances, and are also names that will proudly, represent, the hotbed of talent come national signing day. There is no question that Michael Jackson was the best all-around play-maker, that was also a silently, shut-down cornerback that played in the same secondary alongside future high school All-Americans Jason Marshall and Corey Collier Jr.
Coral Glades High School isn’t a program that quickly comes to mind when producing highly sought after recruits, but small school talent, Raoul Pierre, a turnover king on defense, displayed Ed Reed like vision at free safety and should have offers based on his impressive package consisting of his varsity film, measurable, and academics. Congratulations to the top 10 that were selected based on varsity film and stats.
Alfonzo Allen, McArthur
In 2019, the hard hitting defensive back was selected first-team Rising Stars’ All-South Florida Freshman Team. Allen has grown several inches since last season and he just looks like your ideal strong safety at the next level, as his body and game continues to mature. He stands 6-foot-1, 175-pounds and his monster hit versus Miami Booker T. Washington indicated he’s ready to pick up right back where he started, but stronger this upcoming season.
Raoul Pierre, Coral Glades
On film, his ball skills and play recognition immediately, caught my attention. He pulled in five interceptions his first season on varsity. He stands 5-foot-11, 170-pounds and was named first-team Rising Stars All-South Florida Freshman Team. I feel he’s being overlooked at this point and should have at least one division one offer next to his name right now.
Marquis Lymon, Atlantic
This kid reminds me of Major Wright (former St. Thomas Aquinas star) out of high school, but with great cornerback covering skills. His future is bright folks. Lyman just looks like a football player when you meet him and everyone gravitates to him. He was by far the best looking defensive freshman this off-season playing for Florida Fire high school 7-on-7 All-Star football team.
Ryan Turner, Chaminade-Madonna
You have a talent and confidence, to play significant amount of time as a freshman for the class 3A back-to-back state champions. Turner’s ability to flip his hips while finding the ball was note-worthy. His biggest plays came against quality opponents. Turner was named first-team Rising Stars All-South Florida Freshman Team.
Michael Jackson, Miami Palmetto
The Miami-Dade County defensive player of the year and first-team Rising Stars All-South Florida Freshman selection, outright earned this titles. He scored touchdowns on offensive and special teams as well as picking off several passes. In reality, Jackson is an athlete, that will have his wide receiver and cornerback coaches at the next level playing tug-of-war regarding where he plays.
Trevell Mullen, Coconut Creek
The younger brother of Trayvon (Oakland Raiders) and Tiawan Mullen (Indiana), his following their footsteps. The 6-foot-1 rising sophomore started for Florida Fire 7-on-7 All-Stars (elite squad) and picked up an offer from Oregon this off-season. Mullen wingspan and football IQ made it challenging, for opposing teams to test him, every friday night.
Websley Etienne, Western
His frame and his ability to find the ball is his strong point. He will lay the wood and understands his coverage responsible. He’s a student of the game and was responsible for a large number of solo stops as well as fumble recoveries and forced fumbles. He is more than likely, 6-feet now that will continue to make noise.
Simion Hines, South Plantation
The honey badger of the group. He’s not the tallest kid, but you’ll quickly forget about his size how well he creates turnovers. Based on film production, he accounted for at least three interceptions and two forced fumbles as well as scores on offense.
Earl Little Jr., American Heritage Plantation
Lets just say, he’s no longer little. The 5-foot-11 rising sophomore has added several D-1 offers from power five schools. He’s another student of the game that just tends to be in the right place, at the right time. It also helps, having a father with collegiate and professional ties to enhance his game.
Maurice Smith, Homestead
His frame and ability to read quarterback eyes, landed him on Rising Stars All-South Florida Freshman Team. Smith caught touchdowns and came down with clutch interception performances. Expect future D-1 offers from this kid in the future.
Dedrick Browder, Miami Southridge
Film don’t lie. Browder isn’t the tallest at the moment, but he plays big. He caused four forced fumbles and finished top five on his team in tackles right out the gate on varsity. The scary part of his game is, it was his first season ever playing safety. Browder is a Rover that packs a bunch and leads by example. He’s always around the ball, and you can’t ignore his freshman production lining up all over the field.
Honorable Mention: Pernell Paige II (Killian), Jude Servius (Lasalle)
