Congratulations to the sophomore high school football players from Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties who earned recognition from Rising Stars! @_khaliltb @SWiltfong_ @ChadSimmons_ @adamgorney @samspiegs @BrandonHuffman @Spiewak @Zack_Poff_MP @Andy_Villamarzo @Corey_Bender @Blake_Alderman @JeremyO_Johnson @AnnaH247 @BlairAngulo @ZBlostein247 @BrianDohn247 @CKennedy247 @TomLoy247 @MikeRoach247 @BSonnone @benjaminwolk @GabyUrrutia247

Congratulations to Rising Stars’ South Florida 10th-Grade Co-Player of the Week, Doral Academy cornerback Khalil Thomas! @_khaliltb

Doral Academy (FL) ’29 CB Khalil Thomas A Rising Stars All-South Florida selection in both 8th and 9th grade, Thomas is having another impactful season as a sophomore. He recorded two interceptions, two defensive touchdowns and more than 150 return yards on defense—including a 96-yard pick-six and a 50-plus-yard fumble return. Thomas currently holds 18 FBS offers.

Rising Stars is South Florida’s premier platform for identifying and featuring tomorrow’s football stars from eighth through 10th grade. For more than a decade, many of the area’s top players have emerged from this platform. College football coaches and recruiting platforms alike recognize its rich history and consistent pipeline of standout talent over the years. This past season, the cornerbacks leading the way were Khalil Thomas (Doral Academy), Vankino Bethea Jr. (Miami Southridge), and Jamar Brinson (Carol City High School). After playing varsity football as freshmen, each of these exceptional young men earned double-digit Division I offers, including at least six from Power Four programs—a testament to their elite talent and potential. Thomas and Bethea were both selected to the Rising Stars 8th- and 9th-grade All-South Florida Teams, while Brinson earned a spot on the Rising Stars freshman team. Today, all three continue to separate themselves from the competition. Rising Stars has built its reputation by identifying future four- and five-star prospects—and these outstanding cornerbacks appear poised to become the next stars of tomorrow. @vankino3 @_khaliltb @9of9th @ZBlostein247

Doral Academy (FL) 29’ CB Khalil Thomas (@_khaliltb) Thomas is one of South Florida’s rising stars. He’s a veteran when it comes to varsity reps. He has been a varsity player since the spring of his 7th-grade year. Thomas picked up (18) Division I offers this past season, including Power Four offers from Nebraska, Missouri, Cal, Louisville, Pittsburgh, and Kentucky. In his first full season at cornerback, he recorded (4) interceptions and earned selection to the Rising Stars All-South Florida Freshman Team. He’s a cornerback with great hips, the hands and ball skills of a wide receiver — the performance you’re watching came this past spring. The scary part? Last season was his first year playing cornerback full-time. His ceiling is only beginning to be tapped.

Congratulations to the Rising Stars Preseason Top 5 Cornerbacks in South Florida for the Class of 2029! @vankino3 @8gumpp__ @_khaliltb @_Trent_Scott @2steezedkj @ZBlostein247

Doral Academy (FL) 29’ CB Khalil Thomas, a student at Rise Preparatory Academy, adds 18th FBS offer from University of California, Berkeley via Co-DC and DB Coach Da’Von Brown @_khaliltb

Doral Academy (FL) 29’ CB Khalil Thomas (@_khaliltb) Khalil Thomas, a student at Rise Preparatory Academy, has emerged as one of South Florida’s top young football prospects. A former wide receiver who has successfully transitioned to cornerback, he earned recognition on both the Rising Stars All-South Florida 8th Grade Varsity Team and the Rising Stars All-South Florida Freshman Team. Thomas currently holds 17 FBS offers, including Power 4 offers from Kentucky, Nebraska, Pittsburgh, Louisville, and Missouri. Khalil highlights are from this spring and team tournaments.

After speaking with University of Memphis running backs coach Telly Lockette, the following students at Rise Preparatory Academy have received offers: 2028 - Kentavius Porter - Royal Palm Beach (LB) 2029 - Aviyon Darien - Hialeah (ATH) 2029 - Khalil Thomas - Rise Preparatory Academy (CB) 2029 - Vankino Bethea Jr. - Miami Southridge (CB) 2030 - Brandon King - Florida Christian School (DB) 2030 - Nehemiah Floyd - Florida Christian School (CB) @TellyLockette @NehemiahFloyd25 @_khaliltb @vankino3 @aviyondarien1 @KPorterr32

Thank you to the University of Missouri LB Coach Derek Nicholson for visiting Rise Preparatory Academy and offering the following students: 2029 - Vanknio Bethea Jr. - Miami Southridge (CB) 2029 - Khalil Thomas - Rise Preparatory Academy (CB) @vankino3 @_KhalilThomas5 @CoachDNic

Thank you to Florida Atlantic University Defensive Backs Coach Antonio Fenelus for visiting Rise Preparatory Academy and offering the following student-athletes: CB - Vankino Bethea Jr. (Miami Southridge) - 2029 CB - Khalil Thomas (Rise Preparatory Academy) - 2029 CB - Irell Dale (Venice) - 2028 @coachyoyo_ @_khaliltb @vankino3

@9of9th @vankino3 @_khaliltb @CarlosLopez6_ @_Trent_Scott