2022 Players to Watch: South Florida (Part 1)
As we move towards the month of August, I would like to highlight some of the top juniors in the South Florida area. Coming from the Northeast, I am amazed at all the talent this region has to offer. While I have known about it for years, it is still incredible to see it on its face. Therefore, one list piece will certainly not suffice the amount of prospects we have. Look for more in the future…
For now, let’s roll out list one.
Julian Armella – Offensive Tackle – 6-6,300
Armella is an elite tackle prospect out of Columbus High School in Miami. A caveat to his athleticism is his ability to move inside and play guard. Anyway you slice it, Armella has the moxy of an offensive lineman with his physicality and natural toughness. As he polishes his technique, he is going to be a nightmare to match-up against. Last season, Armella started for St. Thomas Aquinas High School on the Raiders 15-0 and 7A state championship team. The Explorers are happy to have Armella, who recently announced his intention to join the program after a rumored move to Gulliver Prep. Currently, over 30 D-1 programs are vying for his services. Armella is the son of Enzo Armella, who played nose guard for Florida State in the early 1990s. Check out his highlights by clicking here.
Shemar Stewart – Defensive End – 6-6,238
Stewart is the type of kid (like many others here) who you could see playing on Sundays in the near future. The 5-star prospect helped Monsignor Pace (Miami) to a 4a regional quarterfinal appearance after registering 15 sacks. Stewart is a lean defensive specimen with long arms to drive back offensive lineman. His current frame gives him an edge over opponents with his top level speed. A luxury for Stewart is he could bulk up and become more of a bull rusher on the end. Additionally, a pop-up on his size could get him snaps on the interior. In reality, just put this kid anywhere on the field at this level and he is going to make plays. Ohio State, Alabama and Clemson have all offered Stewart within the last week. Check out his highlights by clicking here.
Wesley Bissainthe – Outside Linebacker – 6-1,200
Playing for Central (Miami), Bissainthe racked up 69 tackles, 7.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss. The rising junior has good instincts as he intercepted four passes and recovered three fumbles. As of the beginning of July, Bissainthe has 21 D-1 offers from major programs. Look for him to have a big junior campaign. Check out his highlights by clicking here.
Marvin Jones Jr. – Outside Linebacker/Weak-Side Defensive End – 6-4,225
American Heritage-Plantation has a versatile playmaker in Marvin Jones Jr. A four-star prospect in the state, Jones Jr. helped the Patriots to a 10-2 season and a third round appearance in the 5A state playoffs. His father, Marvin Jones Sr., was an All-American at Florida State and played ten seasons with the New York Jets. Additionally, Jones Jr. has another professional teacher in head coach Patrick Surtain. Surtain played 11 NFL seasons with the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs. Jones Jr. will look to propel American Heritage after a loss to Northwestern in the state playoffs last season. Oklahoma University is the most recent of many programs to inquire about his services. Check out his highlights by clicking here.
Jaziun Patterson – Running back– 5-10,170
Patterson is on the verge of a big season for Deerfield Beach. The region got a taste of his talent when he ran for 393 yards and eight touchdowns for the Bucks as a sophomore. Patterson split time with 2020 Miami commit Jaylen Knighton. Patterson is a powerful runner despite his current weight. Therefore, any added size as he develops into his body will only polish him out as one of the better running backs in the state. I will be interested to see his agility as he fills out his frame. The Bucks feature back has 4.6 or better speed. Patterson should be highly viewed as a 2000 yard runner with 20 or more touchdowns as a junior. My expectations for him are very high. Patterson holds more than 30 offers from D-1 programs. Check out his highlights by clicking here.
For any South Florida Prep Redzone news or information…please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.