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Benjamin Report: Top Performers from the Crib Classic Combine

IMG_6270by: Marcus Benjamin07/28/25benjaminrivals
Zac Katz (Photo - Marcus Benjamin)

Miami, Fla. — As the offseason officially comes to a close, the Crib Classic provided one last platform for the top high school football players in South Florida to showcase their talent.

The invite-only event brought together several athletes at Ives Estates Park in Miami to participate in combine drills, concluding with one-on-one matchups.

Here are some of the top performers from the event.

Overall MVP – 2026 WR Brandon Kinsey

The Purdue commit was dominant from his first rep to his last and clearly stood out above the other participants. His ability to catch the ball in tight coverage is what stood out the most.

Kinsey was also able to get separation consistently against high-level defenders, and once he got his hands on the football, he most of the time came down with the football.

The three-star should be the top option for Miami Central this season, and the Boilermakers may have a star in the making.

Quarterback MVP – 2027 Zac Katz

The talented signal caller from True North was impressive at the Crib Classic Combine, making several impressive throws. In tight coverage, Katz was able to throw many receivers open, giving them chances to make plays.

Katz has a quick release, and the ball flies off his arm. The uncommitted talent continues to improve his game and is expected to continue ascending among the national quarterback rankings.

Running Back MVPs – 2026 Morris Choice III, 2027 Cecil Smith, 2027 Darriel Cannon Jr., 2026 Maurice Clark

This was a great group of running backs, but the four that stood out the most were Choice (St. Thomas Aquinas), Smith (True North), Cannon Jr. (Gulliver), and Clark (Norland). All proved to have great balance and explosiveness in drills, and the group had solid performances in one-on-one receiving competition.

Wide Receiver Honorable Mentions

2026 Jeffar Jean-Noel

The Georgia Tech commit was smooth in route-running and was able to get separation consistently. The American Heritage Plantation receiver produced was clearly one of the best route-runners on display.

2026 Santana Carlos

The UCLA commit seemed to make every contested catch. He often threw defenders off-balance with his footwork and displayed excellent concentration to come down with the football time after time.

2026 Jaden Page

The Flanagan receiver caught several deep balls over defenders in the one-on-one competition and was a nightmare for defenders.

2026 Conneilus “CJ” Miller

Miller won several reps in one-on-ones, catching the football with regularity. The Miami Palmetto athlete’s combination of size and speed made him a tough cover all day.

2026 Luc Carroll

Carroll flew past defenders with his speed and consistently created separation. He was also able to catch the football in tight coverage. The Gulliver Prep talent was one of the more impressive receivers and was by far one of the top performers.

2028 Justin Barrera

The shifty slot always found ways to get open, and his sudden quickness was extremely tough to defend. The Atlantic Delray receiver should be a name to know for now and the future.

Tight End MVP – 2028 Meshi Dobson

The talented edge/tight end from Plantation was impressive in the one-on-one competition, catching several contested footballs. Dobson has good quickness for his size and was able to get separation against top defenders—huge upside for the upcoming sophomore.

Tight End Honorable Mention – 2026 King Walker

Walker moves like a wide receiver and performed well against top competition. The Miami Central prospect has a remarkable ability to create separation and locate the football while airborne. A tough cover for any defender.

Linebacker MVPs – 2026 Kendall Smith, 2028 Chanavis Chance

Plantation linebackers Smith and Chance were the standouts from Saturday, as the two were the most consistent in reps. Both were fluid in coverage and able to get their hands on the football for pass deflections.

Defensive Back MVP – 2027 Zayden Gamble

The talented four-star defensive back really turned it on towards the end of the one-on-ones. The St. Thomas Aquinas DB’s competitive nature and physicality helped him win several reps as he was consistently technically sound in coverage.

2027 Semajay Robinson

Robinson might have the highest upside of any defensive back that was on display. He was able to use his long arms to swat footballs down, and his strength was able to re-route receivers. Impressive showing from the Palm Beach Central talent.

2026 Tyrelle Owens

One of the most consistent defensive backs from the combine who should receive more attention from D-1 programs. Owens from Atlantic Delray was able to stay with most of the receivers he faced and often deterred pass-catchers from routes.

2026 Darryl “Tre” Bell

Bell started out as the most consistent defensive back, but was overtaken by Gamble late. The Goleman DB’s strength stands out as receivers had a difficult time getting open with Bell in their pocket. The Florida State commit also showed a great ability to get his head around at the right time for pass deflections.

Other Honorable Mentions

2027 QB James Perrone

2026 RB Anthony Carey Jr.

2027 DB Andrew Davis

2028 WR Desmond Christian

2027 WR Kareem Brown

2027 DB Jemari Foreman

2028 WR Aden Johnson

2027 DB Larry Morgan III

2029 WR/DB Jeffrey O’Neal

2026 WR Joshua Joseph

2026 DB Jhakari Johnson

2027 DB Ajavion Willis

2026 DB Wynton Jones