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DAVIE, FL– Western played host to Milton High School (GA) in the opening game of the 2023 edition of the Broward County National High School Football Showcase. Western, snuck past Milton behind a strong defensive effort and smart quarterback play to win the contest 14-10. Here are my prospect notes from the contest.
ALPHA DOG:
Koby Howard– The Pensacola native was the overall top performer of the contest from a scouting perspective. Not because he filled up the stat sheet, as he was relatively quiet from an offensive scouting perspective. However, he gets Alpha accolades for this game because he was simply the best player on the field. It was evident by the amount of attention Milton showed him each time he was targeted or when he lined up at the wide receiver position. In perhaps the play of the game, his quarterback Davi Belfort, flipped the ball to him as he was being flushed out of the pocket and Howard dove for the pylon falling just short of the TD marker as he stepped out of bounds on the three-yard line. His QB would get in on the next play. For those who haven’t seen Howard play live, he runs hard, competes well, and has the speed and athleticism college programs covet. His four-star ranking was confirmed on this night.
AS ADVERTISED:
Davi Belfort– Western’s quarterback was as advertised on Thursday night. As in, he is a Power 5 talent. Having had Belfort in our showcase games and even as one of our Hotbed 7v7 quarterbacks, we’ve had a front-row seat to his development. He put it all together for Western’s win over Milton. He was poised, strong, and especially effective in the run game. What ultimately won this game for his team was his decision-making and his ability to make key passes and plays when it mattered most. His third-down play in the fourth quarter to move the ball downfield was the icing on the cake for a win his team needed to get their season off to a great start. The expectation level is high in Davie this year and it’s because of the talent this team has. But without running back Tovani Mizell (Kentucky commit), who is sidelined with an undisclosed injury, the offensive load will fall more heavily on Belfort than previously anticipated and he delivered. He validated his commitment to Virginia Tech who now looks like they stole a big fish from the Florida Big Three.
Ryan Ghea: He’s a dude. That’s all I have to say about that (Forrest Gump).
SLEEPER (TURN ON THE TAPE):
AJ Benton: The transfer from a private school in North Fulton County, GA (Saint Francis) brought the energy that his team needed last week. He was clearly hungry for a big stage. His athleticism allows him to play running back but make no mistake, he’s a big-time middle linebacker. He shot through the gaps and really had a great couple of drives during the late quarters of the game. He’s someone you definitely need to turn on the tape for.
DEVELOPMENTAL (BOOKMARK):
Luke Nickel: I definitely saw the potential that University of Miami’s offensive coordinator and QB coach Shannon Dawson sees in the 2025 quarterback on Thursday night. However, I’m not sure I would have allowed a commitment this early in the next recruiting cycle unless you felt like this kid would develop at a faster rate than anyone could track. Nickel possesses good size, not great but good for the position. He’s also athletic enough to flush the pocket and run for first downs. He’s listed as 6’2 and that’s about what he is. He’s got long arms and throws a decent ball. His arm strength didn’t overwhelm, it was fair. Conditions were wet and the turf was a mess so I won’t oversell after one game evaluation. Did you see some things to like? Sure. And in addition, he didn’t get the help from his receivers he needed in order to win this game but he also had to make a few better decisions, and that ultimately was what cost his team. He didn’t make many mistakes but he just didn’t make enough plays. The aforementioned Belfort did a better job of putting his team on his back. I also didn’t see the leadership out of him that you’d like on the sidelines in a close game (kind of scary). He’s still young so there’s time to develop but I think the jury is still out possibly.
Calerbe Hermane- The young sophomore receiver caught a crucial pass on the scoring drive that put his team up 14-10 and it was enough of a window into what he can become. He dropped a pass in the same area of the field and on a crucial down just a drive earlier. It’s clear because of the wet conditions, he was coached to take off his gloves. It made a difference. Hermane can develop into a go-to target for Western using his 6’3 frame. He doesn’t have the speed to be a downfield threat but can become a nice possession target as his hands become more and more sure. Many colleges have already extended offers based on his great potential. He’s been a varsity starter since 8th grade.
Football Hotbed Showcase alumni who played in the game are as follows:
Davi Belfort: Middle School All-American game, Future 4, National Middle School Invitational Showcase
Marc Essley: Freshman Showcase Game
Dylan Lewis: Middle School All-American Game
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