Hollywood, FL– The 2nd Annual Football Hotbed Media Day brought 31 teams from across South Florida to the Hope Church of Christ on Saturday, August 5, 2023. The day began with Barbara Goleman High and rising sophomore Darryl Bell, III who goes by “Tre” grabbing the immediate attention as the first team in the building. Bell made waves when he garnered a Florida State offer this off-season at camp in Tallahassee. All while attending a non-traditional football school in Goleman. Head Coach Ariel Cribeiro has been building Goleman back into a powerhouse program to attract talent like Bell over the past several years. In 2023, they will reintroduce themselves into FHSAA play after several years of independent play in order to build the program’s ability to compete.
The attention Bell received proved the program is close. Goleman was followed by defending FHSAA 4 Metro State champion Miami Columbus. They now share a district and the differences between the two programs couldn’t be more stark. One is an aspiring power and the other is a Miami football juggernaut. Head Coach Dave Dunn brought his starting quarterback and Football Hotbed showcase platform participant Alberto Mendoza (James Madison commit) along with tight end Ben Blackburn (Boston College commit) who also participated in the Hotbed Sophomore game during their high school careers. Appalachian State wide receiver commit Jose Leon also joined the Columbus cohort who feel great about their chances to repeat as state champions but admit it will not be easy.
Throughout the day state champions like Miami Central and head coach Jube Joseph and Chaminade Madonna offensive coordinator Toro Wallce came in and out of the building representing their schools and hopes for continuing their growing legacies. St. Thomas Aquinas, the defending 3 Metro FHSAA stole the show bringing in more than 40 athletes to media day. Associate head coach Stevin Scott lead the team who dressed in offensive and defensive jerseys and were flanked by Ohio State commit Jordan Lyle and Missouri wide receiver commit James Madison.
American Heritage and head coach Mike Smith made a great impression bringing a large contingent of players looking to improve upon their state-championship runner-up finish in 2022. Heritage’s first-year starter at quarterback Dia Bell, spoke about what it would take for him to lead his team to the promise land. Sophomore sensation Malachi Toney was a media darling as most outlets waited for long stretches just to have the opportunity to speak to him.
All teams are optimistic about their chances to improve and continue to make South Florida one of the best areas for High School Football in the country.
Media Coverage from Other Outlets
The Athletic
NEW – We caught up with 13 high school coaches in South Florida at a media day event put on by @FootballHotbed and asked a series of questions related to college recruiting, coaching and how the transfer portal has changed the process. https://t.co/XLJjpiZKOz
— Manny Navarro (@Manny_Navarro) August 8, 2023
Rivals CanesCounty
The @FootballHotbed South Florida Media Day was yesterday and the Miami targets came out in droves
We have a wealth of updates for you on a number of the top prospects in attendancehttps://t.co/ty7D3P2Oj4@canes_county | @Rivals pic.twitter.com/jiYF9Xgxqj
— Frank Tucker (@TheCribSouthFLA) August 6, 2023
Rivals National Writer
Many of the best in south Florida checked in at the @FootballHotbed Media Day Saturday and @Rivals was in the house. Notes on many of the best in attendance are right here:https://t.co/ZQGz5sSqOa pic.twitter.com/ZRlEm0AxcW
— John Garcia, Jr. (@JohnGarcia_Jr) August 5, 2023
2026 6’5 (😳) WR Calvin Russell III rocking Miami here at the @FootballHotbed Media Day
The Miami legacy said he is loving the hometown program & there is potential for playing both football & basketball at the next level https://t.co/8mbKA3iRq0@canes_county | @Rivals pic.twitter.com/DrhPun6Pyc
— Frank Tucker (@TheCribSouthFLA) August 5, 2023
Live Stream
Part 1
Part 2
Attending Schools can download their photos here free of charge. To get the watermark removed, digital photos can be purchased for as little as $0.59 per image.
MEDIA DAY PHOTOS
MIAMI HERALD COVERAGE
#FSU target hoping to lead Goleman to breakthrough season, plus more high school football notes @GolemanFootball @CarolCity_FB @Roc__Nation @Nadeboyz @STA_Football @MJSeniorHigh @HeraldSports https://t.co/ni9Godu5AC
— Andre Fernandez (@FernandezAndreC) August 9, 2023
Titletown South Florida: Our football season preview begins with a look at Class 4M @ColumbusFtball @WBHS__Football @WHSWildcats_Ath @BMac93WB @cchsballcoach @GolemanFootball @PantherPride305 @DoralAcademy_FB @CB_Athletics @FlanaganFB @MHS_Knights_FB https://t.co/inC3Jpf4Xp
— Andre Fernandez (@FernandezAndreC) August 8, 2023
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