Miami Central at Vanguard: Prospect Evaluations
Article photo of Miami Central's Armondo Blount and Randy Adirika; credit to Brian Smith
The Miami Central at Ocala Vanguard game had numerous talented players on the field last night. Wanted to take a few moments and provide a rundown of a few of the prospects that were playing.
The following recruits were players that were intended to be scouted, or just flat out made plays. Keep in mind, no place near all of the young men are listed here. It’s incredible the amount of gifted young men from these two schools. Thus, it was hard to focus on everyone. Now, time for the prospects.
First, two players from Vanguard, and then onto Central recruits.
Fred Gaskin III, ATH, Ocala Vanguard - 2024 - USF Commitment
Gaskin has been a dude for several years and last night was further proof. He was often running from almost immediate pass rush pressure and still made play after play with his feet. When Gaskin had time in the pocket, he threw some nice touch passes.When Gaskin escaped the pocket, he was more impactful.
Central defeated Vanguard, but my player of the game was Fred Gaskin III. He made some great passes, and then there was this escape from the pocket and run‼️ | @IiiGaskin | @VanguardFB pic.twitter.com/VttqrbStOY
— Brian Smith (@fbscout_florida) August 19, 2023
He’s probably going to end up playing in the defensive secondary for the Bulls, but Gaskin could probably play running back or wide receiver as well. Talented young man.
Dallen Ponder, Wide Receiver, Ocala Vanguard - 2024 Western Kentucky Commitment
Shifty, explosive and tough, Ponder was the lone Knights player to score against Central. He caught a touchdown pass from Gaskin just before the second quarter concluded.
He was consistently challenged by Central’s athletic secondary, but still got open several times. Ponder has been underrated anyway, and the game against the Rockets was more evidence that his recruiting ranking should be elevated.
Jayden Ford, Running Back, Miami Central - 2026
Despite the fact that Central rotated five different running backs (yes, literally), Ford was a ball carrier that stood out among a great group of runners. He’s as dynamic as any back in Florida; tackling him was a challenge for Vanguard every time he was handed the football.
With only being a sophomore, it’s going to be interesting to see how big Ford becomes. He’s diminutive in stature, for now, but goodness did this young man create excitement!
Lawayne McCoy, Wide Receiver, Miami Central - 2024 FSU Commitment
As shifty as ever, McCoy was tough to deal with during routes and after the catch. There was not, however, much chemistry between any of the three Central signal callers and any of the receivers.
McCoy did get loose with a few short passes and made his presence felt. Watching how well McCoy moved laterally, that stood out the most. Hard to imagine McCoy not being a top-notch return man at the college level in addition to being a flanker and slot receiver. He’s a proven playmaker.
Randy Adirika, Defensive Line, Miami Central - 2025
Seeing Adirika live for the first time, he was impressive from multiple points of view. First, the frame says big-time future college defensive tackle. He was no place near completely filled out at 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds.
Long-term, Adirika will be 280 pounds, no problem. Combining that projection with a player that absolutely hustles and goes all-out, and then his natural power and change of direction skills, he’s a big-time recruit; definitely liked Adirika’s shock-and-pull move as well. He physically removed multiple Vanguard offensive linemen out of his way.
A few highlights from Miami Central DL @RandyAdirika | @TheCribSouthFLA | @JohnGarcia_Jr | @CoachJube | @larryblustein | @DanLaForestFB pic.twitter.com/8Hp6dCaXr2
— Brian Smith (@fbscout_florida) August 19, 2023
Adirika has been offered by several programs already. In the end, he will be a 40-plus offer recruit.
Armondo Blount, Defensive End, Miami Central - 2025
One of the most hyped recruits in the class of 2025, Blounts natural athleticism and raw power stood out during several plays last night. He should be hyped. It was not just raw talent that allowed him to be productive either.
Long-arm, rip, bull rush and other moves helped him pressure and sometimes sack Gaskin. There was one trait that stood out above the others, however.
Blount’s first-step explosion was noticeable over and over. When he decided to “go” it was often a quick blow by the offensive tackle and into the backfield.
As many recruiting fans know, Blount’s offer list has been a who’s who list for quite some time. Like Adirika, he’s going to get over 40 offers and be as heavily recruited as any prospect from the 2025 class.
Ezekiel Marcelin, Linebacker, Miami Central - 2025
He’s up to 205 pounds and looked great on the hoof, and in action. Marcelin’s speed – sideline-to-sideline – was evident all evening. He drove his frame downhill to meet runners near the line of scrimmage as well.
Marcelin showed why he’s already on the recruiting radar for several programs and received scholarships from Miami, Florida State, Michigan, Penn State, Tennessee and many others already.
Now, what position(s) will this young man play at the college level? Not easy to say for sure, but with Marcelin’s athleticism and motor, he does bring up thoughts of former Central and now Miami Hurricanes linebacker Wesley Bissainthe. Frame and style of play were an easy comparison.
It was a blast watching all of these young men play. Look forward to seeing more of each squad throughout the 2023 football season.
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Fan Nation High school football recruiting analyst covering the state of Florida, as well as across the Southeastern United States and the state of Texas.