Southern Miami-Dade 7-on-7 team has plenty of talent

Well, the off season has started off with a bang, and while there used to be four or five teams statewide who participated in the 7-on-7 events, there are dozens across the Sunshine State.

Nowhere has the talent been more evident than South Florida, where there are up to five teams who will be playing the all-star events during the late winter, spring and summer.

These teams are not just made up with some castoffs from other programs, they are now getting quality, BCS, front-line type of athletes who make a difference.

One of the teams that will be taking part once again in the 7-on-7 season will be the Hard Knocks Foundation, which Derrick Lester and his group, helping many youngsters realize a goal of furthering their education and football skills.

In the past, the Hard Knocks team had some quality football talent, but this year, the athletes from the City of Miami and south toward Homestead have filled roster space.

Like many of the 7-on-7 teams, there are also a number of 2014 and 2015 players to go along with the rising seniors in the Class of 2013.

Among the group of seniors are Northwestern speedy defensive back Artie Burns (6-1, 190), impressive Jackson defensive back Devondre Powell (5-9, 165), Northwestern running back Darius Tice (6-1, 190), Hialeah Champagnat quarterback Charlie Williams (6-3, 190), Killian defensive back Damonte Dent (5-11, 175) and Southridge linebacker Frank Newman (6-0, 210).

THE FUTURE
Among the 2014 players on the team will be Coral Reef receiver Jacob McCrary (6-1, 190) and quarterback Nicodem Pierre (6-3, 220) and South Dade receiver Taji Dantzler (5-11, 160).

Here are some of the other players to keep an eye on. Athletes who have the chance to blow up - in a hurry this off season:

2013
James Atkins, LB, 6-2, 235, Southridge
Tremaine Brock, LB/DE, 6-2, 225, South Dade.
Adrian Campbell, DB, 5-9, 160, Christopher Columbus.
William Cortes, RB/LB, 6-1, 225, South Dade.
Gilbert Henric, WR, 6-1, 195, Miami Christopher Columbus.
Lamar Robbins, WR/DB, 6-3, 180, Miami Southridge.
Isaiah Scott, RB, 5-10, 175, Palmetto

2014
Malik Dandridge, Athlete, 6-1, 185, Gulliver Prep.
Harry Jones, RB, 5-7, 170, Killian.
Karoney Oliver, RB, 5-5, 125, Palmetto.
Deine Smith, DB, Killian.
Brandon Times, WR, 5-9, 165, Northwestern.
Malcolm Vandergraff, WR, 6-2, 160, Christopher Columbus.
Trumanie Washington, Athlete, 5-10, 170, Christopher Columbus.
C.J. Worton, WR, 6-0, 170, South Dade.

2015
Jowan Watson, QB, 6-0, 185, South Dade.

Have something to add or would like to tell us about a player to watch? Contact Larry Blustein at Floridakds1@aol.com. You can also follow him on Twitter @larryblustein.