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Brandon OdoiCollege FootballDivision IIfeature September 20, 20250

Hurricanes 26-7 Over the Florida Gators

Follow Miami Gardens, FL– The No. 4 Miami Hurricanes beat the Florida Gators 26-7 at home in a nationally televised match up aired on ABC. The Gators desperately needed to win in order to bounce back from a 1-2 record and keep head coach Billy Napier off the hot seat in Gainesville. However, the Hurricanes defense combined with a stout running attack ultimately helped Miami to a comfortable victory at home in front of a sold-out crowd at Hard Rock Stadium. what went right? The Hurricanes defense swarmed all game. They held the Florida Gators to just 32 yards in the first half of the game and a total of only 141 yards all game. Carson Beck struggled at the QB spot but the run game was solid as Mark Fletcher rushed for over 100 yards and a TD and Marty Brown 80 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Carter Davis added a 53-yard field goal along with several touchbacks. The Gators defense gave up more yards but played terrible on offense and still kept their team in the ball game by only giving up 13 points.  What went wrong? The Hurricanes third quarter offense. Miami figured things out in the fourth quarter and ultimately put things away but the game was 13-7 after Carson Beck, who had a forgettable day, continued to struggle hitting open targets. The Gators were never able to establish a reliable pass game. Quarterback DJ Lagway was 12 for 23 for only 61 yards. Miami’s total defense held the Gators to just 141 yards total.  Canes Walk dj lagway, qb, florida gators

Brandon OdoifeatureFloridaFloridaHigh School Football August 26, 20250

#TurnONTheTape: 2028 WR Malachi Mayes

Follow Hialeah, FL– In two consecutive weeks, sophomore Malachi Mayes has amazed with his on-field play for the Hialeah Thoroughbreds.  Even in losses during week zero (True North) and week one (Carol City) of the Florida High School Football season, Mayes shined.  The 5’11, 168-pound wide out has elusive speed and great hands and has notched six touchdowns in two short weeks of play. When asked about his potential, Hialeah head football coach, Tony Smith replied in short “he’s only a sophomore”. An indication that Mays’ best football may be ahead of him.  It’s hard to imagine a skill player getting off to a hotter start than Mayes, a relative unknown in the recruiting world who now maybe a prospect coaches need to take a closer look at.South Florida is a known hotbed of football talent.  Kids grow up watching neighborhood heroes turn into college and NFL stars.  And after playing football on many of the same youth parks with those known legends, the dream is all to real for kids like Mays. Add to that, a bevy of developers of speed, strength and position coaches who have left the college and pro ranks, seeking employment training the next generation and you have a unique recipe for perpetual success. Especially at skill positions in the Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County areas.He’s “explosive, can run any route and works hard,” said Smith. “Once he becomes a better blocker, he will be a five-star.”  Mayes and Hialeah lost a close 35-25 game to Miami Carol City on last week.  They trailed 21-0 in the first half and with Mayes help, they came back to take a 25-21 lead.  They eventually would fall to the Chiefs but not before Mayes made a name for himself, earning this spotlight and recognition by the Portal 305 who named him game MVP.  watch Malachi mayes score twice against true North in week o Watch malachi mayes score four times against carol city in week 1 Mayes being presented with post game MVP after scoring 4 TDs against Carol City by the Portal 305

Brandon OdoifeatureFloridaHigh School Football August 22, 20250

Week 1: HSFB Thursday Night Recap

Follow Fort Lauderdale, FL— Thursday marked another year of the Broward County High School Football Showcase. The fourth annual event kicked off another exciting slate of games for teams in Broward County taking on talented programs from across the state and in particular, across the nation.  Thursday’s action began with Peachtree Ridge (GA) knocking off Sunrise Piper in spectacular fashion 31-6 at Fort Lauderdale Dillard High School’s newly renovated turf field stadium. The Lions and head coach Matt Helmrich lost a close game to Coconut Creek Monarch in last year’s showcase. A game they led for the majority of the contest.  So a return trip and a win was a great result for the visiting team from metro Atlanta. The game of the night was perhaps an unhealed matchup between Archbishop McCarthy and Cardinal Gibbons.  In a complete barnburner, the underdog McCarthy Mavs pulled out the upset on the road 42-35 at Gibbons.  McCarthy got the job done on the ground as Damien Grant rushed for 260 yards and two touchdowns on just 17 carries.  An eye popping 15 yards per carry. Malik Denson also hauled in 4 catches for 115 yards and two scores.  The finale of the evening was Coconut Creek Monarch playing host to Jacksonville Bolles.  This Bolles team finished a game short of the state championship in 2A last season, dropping a hard-fought game to Gadsen County who would lose the championship game to Cocoa. Monarch raced out to a 7-0 lead in the game marching down the field over 70 yards.  Bolles would answer to tie the game and then give up a safety.  Monarch led 9-7 in the first quarter and then Bolles took over and went on a 27-6 run to win the game. The Bulldog defense created three first half turnovers leading to an offensive explosion. Bolles should once again figure heavily.In Miami-Dade County, Carol City jumped out 21-0 on Hialeah at Betty T. Ferguson Complex only to let the Thoroughbreds march right back into the game to lead 25-21. Carol City would score twice to win the game 35-25.   Clemson Commit Naeem burroughs Naeem Burroughs, 2026 Clemson Commit Monarch's jabari Brady committed to missouri Elite 2028 EDGE Asher Ghioto spoke to hotbed after the game. ARchbishop McCarthy is for real 2027 WR Malik Denson Damien Grant 2027 RB Archbishop McCarthy Stats v. Gibbons 42-35 Win Rushing #3 Damien Grant 17 for 260 and 2TD #1 6 for 38 yards#8 6 for 24#0 1 for 3 yardsPassing9 for 15 for 206 4TDs and 1 intReceiving #4 Malik Denson 4 catches for 115 and 2 TDs#5 2 catches for 57 2 TDs#0 2 catches for 17 #8 1 for 17Week 1#0 1 tkl#2 Mahki Vance 4 tkl 3 at 1 pd#6 Jacarri Watson 2 at 6 tkl 1 INT#7 Ji’Koi Highsmith 2 tfl 5 tkl 4 qb press 1 knock down#9 Cole Ivy 5 tkl 5 at#11 Joey Shapiro 23 at 3 tkl 1 INT 36yd return#13 1 tkl#14 2 at 2 tfl 2 tkl 1 s 1 q press#15 3 at 3 tkl 1 pd#16 1 s 2 tkl 1 tfl 1 at 1 q#20 3 at 6 tkl 1 tfl#21 2 tkl 1 at 1 pd#24 1 tkl 1 at#33 3 tkl 1 q press 1 at#44 1 at#54 1 tkl 1 at#56 9 qb press 1 tkl 1 tfl#99 1 qb press 1 atSpecial TeamsPat ‘Mike 6/6Mike 7 kickoff 408 l 60 tbPunt 45 4 210 l 65 Tb

feature August 3, 20250

Cypress Bay Talks Motivation to Take Next Step

Follow Deerfield Beach, FL— The 4th Annual Football Hotbed Media Day began with Western Cypress Bay High School opening up the day of 31 teams from across the tri-county area in South Florida.  Head coach Bretmichael ‘Bret’ Hood says his team is the best it’s been since his tenure began.  He told Larry Blustein of Prep Zone Florida that he’s anchored by a lot of guys who have been in the program for many years.Cypress Bay held an overnight retreat at their school and came directly to media day without having slept.  It was a team bonding effort and the establishment of a tradition to help restore the championship caliber efforts of teams at the high school in years past when they made it to the state finals in the early 2000s. The Lightening went 6-4 (1-2) finishing third in Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) 7A District 15.  A district that includes a resurgent Barbra Goleman team who won the title last year traditional power Davie Western High and Taravella.  In attendance for the Cypress Bay High School Football Team were: #3 Micah Nicholls 2026 DB#8 Lorenzo Lopez 2026 TE DE#12 Logan Pelliccio 2027 QB#18 CJ Faso WR, 2027 DB#76 Ben Gula 2026 OL – committed to the University of Colorado Bret Hood, Head Coach Cypress BayBen Gula 2026 OL Cypress Bay High SchoolLogan Pelliccio, 2027 QB Cypress Bay HighCJ Faso 2027 WR Cypress BayLorenzo Lopez 2026 TE Cypress Bay High

feature August 1, 20250

4th Annual Media Day Headlined by Four State Championship Programs

Follow Deerfield Beach, FL— The 4th Annual Football Hotbed South Florida High School Football Media Day is set to begin Saturday August 2, 2025 at 8 AM.  Teams from all over the tri-county area will be in attendance and assembled media include On3.com, Rivals, The Miami Herald, Larry Blustein and 305 Sports. Cypress Bay Monarch Plantation Columbus Royal Palm Beach Barbara Goleman Coconut Creek True North   Southridge Homestead Western Cardinal Gibbons Carol City   McArthur   Miami Killian South Dade West Boca North Miami West Broward Doral AcademyAmerican HeritageSt Thomas Aquinas Piper   Atlantic Miam NorthwesternFlanaganHialeahMiramarDillard Miami Norland Monsignor Pace 

feature July 24, 20250

Bloodline Commitment: Michael Knight Picks Coastal Carolina

Follow McDonough, GA– Michael Knight, a participant in the 8th Annual National Sophomore Showcase commits to Coastal Carolina.  The talented defensive back had an interception and several tackles during his time on the Football Hotbed platform. He chose Coastal Carolina over offers from App State, Charlote, FIU, Jax State, Western Kentucky, Georgia State and Memphis. The 6’3 172-pound member of the Football Hotbed bloodline committed to the Chants in June. He is set to join fellow Football Hotbed Showcase past participants Myles Woods (Grayson, GA), Dante Lunan (Miami, FL) and Tray Brown (Fort Lauderdale, FL) on the roster.  After a great O.V. I am proud to announce that I have committed to Coastal Carolina University🌴 #BALLATTHEBEACH I #FAM1LY I #TEALNATION@BallAtTheBeach@247recruiting @Rivals@RecruitGeorgia @On3Recruits @CoachKent41 @Coachadkinsd @OlaFBRecruits pic.twitter.com/PVnuJMW4Jj— Michael Knight (@MichaelKni3546) June 9, 2025 Michael Knight on the football Hotbed platofrm Thank you @FootballHotbed for the invitation I had a great time. One more interception on the year! Toe tap! 🚫 ✈️ zone! @247Sports @AthleticsHenry @OlaFBRecruits @OLA_HIGH_AD @Beau_Davidson @HustleInc7v7 @borntocompete @totalathlete77 @CoachKent41 pic.twitter.com/ia40pPsFMj— Michael Knight (@MichaelKni3546) January 15, 2024

feature July 18, 20250

2029 National Middle School Invitational Recap

Follow Miami Gardens, FL– The class of 2029 had multiple stand out performances during the two-day 11th Annual National Middle School Invitational Showcase. The overall best performance was awarded to Deerfield Beach, Florida’s Randy Dorvilus. Dorvilus shined on offense and defense during the showcase and had an excellent combine.  He ran a 4.81 laser forty-yard dash time and jumped out of the gym (literally) with a 33.9 vertical. His short shuttle of 4.54 and 9’4 broad jump are freakish numbers for a rising freshman. Chris Coleman from Parkland, FL took home the move valuable Wide Receiver honors, and he was joined on offense by Nicholas Jimenez from Cutler Bay, FL who earned MVP at the running back position. On defense, Julian Bray-Lumbreras from Indianaoplis, IN earned MVP honors and he was joined by Miramar, Florida’s Corey Watson who took home the top defensive back honors. All award winners will be invited to the Freshman All-American game this January in Atlanta GA. It’s the 10th Annual installment of a game that to date, has produced 72 Division I student-athletes having begun on the Football Hotbed National Showcase platform. Other 2029 Standout performers include:Brock Haskett (Kuna, Idaho) 5.11 40-yard at 185 lbs. playing LB Keston Beck (Birmingham, AL)Brenton Grant, Jr. (Miami Gardens, FL)Nyshaun Drye (Ocoee, FL)Drake Betzler (Fridley, Minnesota)William Duncan (Cutler Bay, FL) 30 inch vertical Lyfe Guillaume (Pompano Beach, FL) Jovani Louis (Miami, FL)  Overall MVP Randy Dorvilus from Deerfield Beach, FL Randy dorvilus' combine stat line Jersey #40 yd DashVerticalShuttleBroad Jump1124.8133.94.549’4″ offensive mvps defensive mvps

featureMiddle School Football July 11, 20250

2030 National Middle School Invitational Recap

Follow Coral Gables, FL– The 2030 class of 11th Annual Middle School Invitational Showcase yielded two athletes who were verbally offered scholarships by the University of Miami. Jonathan Sawyer and Seth Griffin were both extended verbal offers from Miami’s Recruiting staff.Several other athletes had stand out performances at the showcase and the overall MVP’s for the class were Leesburg, Florida’s Hy’Quez Russell on defense and James Clark from Miami on offense. There will be a very competitive 8th grade All-American game this January in Miami, FL featuring many of the athletes who competed in this showcase.Of special note, the fastest man in the entire camp was a member of the 2030 class, Keenan St. Germain (Plantation, FL) ran a 4.71 laser 40 yard dash time. He had a top three shuttle time and one of the highest broad jumps also.  Jonathan sawyer 2030 ATH seth griffin 2030 DB

featureMiddle School Football July 11, 20250

2031 National Middle School Invitational Recap

Follow Miami Gardens, FL- The 2031 class has an immense amount of talent and it was on full display at the 11th Annual Football Hotbed National Middle School Invitational Showcase.  All-around athlete Roderick Louis, III (Miami, FL) was named the most valuable player on offense. Defensively, Messiah Adams (Miami Gardens, FL) took home honors. In addition, the University of Miami offered Tavares Spillman, Jr. a scholarship.  Spillman joined Louis who was offered earlier during his 6th grade season.  Both these athletes and Adams were joined by stand out performances in their class by the following:*Lorenzo Walker (Royal Palm Beach, FL) *Osmollo Miller (Miami, FL) *Armani Fagan (Hallandale Beach, FL) Tavares Spillman, Jr. 2031 #12640 time4.84Vert24.2Shuttle4.71Broad8’3″ roderick louis, III 864.7728.64.628’6″ Messiah adams 715.6919.657’2″

featureMiddle School Football July 8, 20250

11th Annual National Lineman Challenge Final Results

Follow Miami Gardens, FL- The 11th Annual National Lineman Showcase allowed athletes to showcase their skills in front of the entire recruiting staff at the University of Miami on day one and complete the competition with athletes from around the country on day two in Miami Gardens, FL. All told, athletes from six different states and twelve different cities in Florida competed on the nation’s largest platform for Middle School Lineman.The overall MVP for the class of 2029 (entering 9th grade) was Roshard Williams of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  Williams became only the second ever back-to-back winner in the event’s 11-year history. Last year, as a seventh grader, he was offered by Mario Cristobal and staff. In the class of 2030, Lucas Ramierz (Miami, FL) walked away with MVP honors and Dexter Morgan (Miami, FL) won overall MVP for the class of 2031.  Morgan will play varsity football in the Fall of 2025 as just a 7th grader. In addition to the MVPs, there were several standout performances by participating lineman athletes. Here’s the list:Class of 2029*Brayden Sjostrand (Fridley, MN) Freshman All-American Invitee*Gabriel Herrera (Orlando, FL) Freshman All-American Invitee*Robert Doctor, Jr. (Homestead, FL) Freshman All-American InviteeClass of 2030*Lionel Sailor (Boynton Beach, FL) 2024 Lineman Challenge MVP*Jace Connelly (Morganton, NC) 2025 Hotbed Middle School All-American Game MVP*AJ Elwell (Naples, FL) Middle School All-American Invitee *Jayden Hall (Miami, FL) Named a Middle School All-American*Macen Stafford (Orlando, FL) Named a Middle School All-American*Colton Notle (Trinity, FL) Named a Middle School All-American*Owen Hood (Chanute, KS) Had the best overall combine of any linemanClass of 2031Isaiah Toles (Lithia, FL) Named a Middle School All-AmericanNext year’s lineman challenge is tentatively scheduled for Chapel Hill, NC at the University of North Carolina.  roshard williams 2029 OL Lucas Ramirez, 2030 MVP Dexter Morgan, Jr. 2031 MVP combine results Lineman class of 2029 2029 LinemanJersey #40VertShuttleBroad 1315.1821.94.747’7″ 1365.5120.45.066’11” 1375.7915.65.126’8″ 1465.26245.17’8″ 1476.4215.55.646’3″ 1485.4319.55.337′ 1497.1810.16.094’9″ 1506.0821.45.357’2″ Lineman class of 2030 2030 LinemanJersey #40VertShuttleBroad 1276.16155.475’9″ 1286.2417.55.255’4 1295.2119.54.846’9″ 1335.32357’2″ 1345.7422.35.27’4″ 1396.314.25.884’11” 1406.7213.45.885’7″ 1415.9218.45.665’9″ 1426.9310.26.124’11” 1436.2313.85.55’10” 1445.8316.55.15’10” 1456.6514.75.115’6″ Lineman class of 2031 2031 LinemanJersey #40VertShuttleBroad 856.1114.15.625’6″ 1085.45204.827’5″ 1255.4218.94.947′ 1388.336.36.913’9″ #turnONtheTape: Check out this strong rep from 2029 DE Brayden Sjostrand @BraydenJ3481 Fridley, MN during the finals of our National Middle School Lineman Challenge. He will be a name to watch as he moves into his freshman year. He's been invited to our Freshman All-American game… pic.twitter.com/uJHQjyvz8s— Football Hotbed (@FootballHotbed) July 5, 2025