Going into the 2020-2021 season, we will be doing off-season team profiles of notable teams in the Miami-Dade and Broward County area. We will go in-depth with our analysis of these squads, informing you on players to watch and giving you, the fans, a better idea of what each team will look like going into the next season.
University School is the first school on our profile tour. This Broward power went 8-3 in 2019 and brings back a talented core that should once again contend for a ring next year. The Sharks are led by HC Daniel Luque who took the wheel in 2015 and is 43-14 overall. Consistently showcasing D1 talent on a year to year basis, U School has a wealth of prospects ranging from 2021 to 2024 prospects. Let's get into the Sharks.
Quarterback
U School has soon to be 3-year starter 2021 3-Star Nick Vattiato as their signal-caller. Arguably the top pocket passer in all of South Florida, Vattiato (6'1 180) has thrown for over 5000 yards and 66 total touchdowns in his career. A true D1 prospect, Vattiato is on the radar of a number of schools and should sign Power 5 in the winter. While Vattiato is a Pro-Style prospect, he mirrors the modern-day successful QBs with his ability to not only move the pocket, but move the chains with viable mobility. His athleticism is overshadowed by his arm, but should not be ignored.
Runningback
2019 was modest in comparison to U School rushing attacks of the past. 2020 should be more of a balance as 2021 RB Max Balthazar goes into his 2nd season as the starter. Balthazar ran for 495 yards on just 95 carries with 6 touchdowns. At 5'11 180, he is a true 3 down back who runs in between the tackles, as well as catch the ball out of the backfield (something he showed as a strength at Rivals this off-season). Balthazar has collected a few offers this off-season, 5 since September, and should be another prospect to sign in the winter.
Wide Receiver
This is a unit that can be argued as one of the tops in all of South Florida. Multiple D1 prospect litter this group, spearheaded by 2023 future 5 star Brandon Innis. Innis is the premier '23 prospect in the nation and is coming off a Freshman All-American campaign where he had over 700 yards and 12 total touchdowns to his credit. There is no weakness in his game, especially as he continues to grow (6'1 185). He is smooth in and out of breaks, shows soft hands, and welcomes contact after the catch. 2021 WR Deion Small is a must mention as well. His junior season was highlighted by 1100 total yards and 8 TDs. A slot prospect, Small can expose DBs at either slot or out wide. He is an elite route runner who is deadly in open space. 2021 WR CJ Cage is a vastly underrated player that put up 365 yards and 4 touchdowns as well. He should continue blossom as a vertical threat for the Sharks. 2024 WR James Madison is going to be special over the next few years. At 6'2 175, he has the frame to not only be a big-time prospect but be a big-time producer for the Sharks.
Offensive Line
Coach Luque has proven himself since his years as an assistant to be one of the best OL coaches in that country. His articulation on coaching the technique and art of being a trench bully is unmatched in the South Florida region. His OL group mirrors that expertise, and the prized pupil is 2021 4-star OT Marcus Tate. Tate has trimmed down this off-season and while he has DOMINATED the prep level, he should take his game to another level in 2020. At 6'5 320, Tate shouldn't be so smooth in his kick step as he is. He is a natural LT prospect and a current Clemson commit. 2022 David Espino (6'1 285) is going to be a 4-year starter at U School when all is said and done. 2021 Tahj Nashid is an athletic OG that has the length to play OT at the prep level as well. He easily gets to the second level and toys with LBs. 2022 Center Dawson Alters is another under the radar interior piece that brings stability with his snaps and 6'2 length.
Defensive Line
Replacing 2020 EDGE Jalen Reeves will be tough, but 2021 DE RJ Sorensen should steal much of that lost pass rush. The former Nebraska commit is a menacing 6'5 240 and plays like it. Raw with his hands and hips still, Sorensen is so strong at the point of attack, he is able to push the pocket and dominate the LOS in the run game. 2021 DT Jeremy Acosta (5'11 260) is a diamond in the rough that will shore up the NT position. His ability to bring an interior pass rush spills so many sacks to the ends. A 2022 prospect is Cahlede Jackson. Jackson is a versatile chess piece with grown-man strength.
Linebacker
One of my favorite players in South Florida is 2021 LB Emile Aime. Turn on the tape, he is a side to sideline backer who has an elite resume. He has been an impact player since his freshman year, something U School routinely put out. Just 5'10, Aime has double-digit offers for a reason. He is a Mike LB prospect that can play the passing games, evident by his pick-six in the playoffs in 2019.
Defensive Back
This is a unit that mirrors the WR group with premier talent. The cornerback duo of 2021 prospects Ricardo Hallman and Robert Floyd is ELITE. They combined for 14 INTs in 2019. Both have the ball skills to play on the offensive side of the ball as well. Hallman tackles well enough and covers in zone so well, he could be a great safety at the next level if he wanted. Robert Floyd brings a dog mentality every time he steps on the field. He plays with elite confidence and steps up against elite competition since he was a young player.
Specialties
Very few teams have a comparable special teams unit like the Sharks. 2021 Kicker John Cannon had 56 points in 2019 (7-10, 35-37) and is a 2-time All-State selection. LS Shai Kochav has developed a great rapport with Cannon and is ranked the #3 LS in the state.
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