Miami Central DL Floyd Boucard dominated competition at Under Armour Next camp

MIAMI — In a camp featuring some of Florida’s premier football recruits, it was one of the state’s newest additions who really stood out.

Miami Central rising senior defensive lineman Floyd Boucard, a native of Canada who played last season at Mobile Christian (Alabama), excelled in individual drills and put on a show during 1-on-1 drills during the Under Armour Next camp on Sunday at Ives Estate Park.

“Competition. I saw some big dudes,” said Boucard, who took home defensive line MVP honors. “There was some talent today, I’m appreciative of that.”

The 6-foot-3, 300-pound Boucard showed an elite first step coupled with brute strength. He handily won five of his six 1-on-1 reps, including one where he had an offensive lineman grasping for air.

He said the schools he’s most interested right now are Louisville, Cincinnati, Oklahoma, Michigan State, and UCF. Boucard has official visits scheduled for Louisville, Michigan State and Oklahoma.

For now, Boucard said he’s enjoying the South Florida weather and the coaching at Miami Central.

“Basically, the way they coach us is they want you to quit,” he said. “They want to see if you can bring the potential out of you. If you’re not going to war with them, you can’t be on the team. I feel like I’m where I’m supposed to be. Push me to my limits.”

Naples rising senior running back Shawn Simeon, who scored seven touchdowns in a regional semifinal win against Port Charlotte in November, shared MVP honors with Chaminade-Madonna’s Derrek Cooper.

Simeon showcased his speed, consistently pulling away from linebackers and giving quarterbacks an open target during 1-on-1 receiving drills.

“I had a great time balling out with hand-picked athletes,” said Simeon, who’s getting attention from Florida State, Illinois, Iowa, East Carolina and others. “It’s a great experience to be hand-picked and showcase your talent in front of all the cameras and media. Honestly, I had a great time.”

Benjamin rising junior linebacker Adam Balogoun-Ali was invited to the Under Armour camp last year and had a good feel for what to expect this time. He walked away Sunday as the lone MVP at his position.

Balgoun-Ali’s top offers include Miami, UCF, Penn State and Tennessee and he plans to take an unofficial visit to Oklahoma in the spring.

“For the last month I’ve just been preparing, do my best,” Balogoun-Ali said. “It felt great as soon as I heard my name. I felt like a got a lot better over the year. I definitely want to improve off of that.”

First Baptist Academy rising senior Winston Watkins Jr. and Cocoa rising senior Jayvan Boggs shared wide receiver MVP honors.

Watkins, a former Colorado commit, who has offers from Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Ohio State and several others, said he expected to impress Sunday.

“I just came out and did my standard,” Watkins said. “I expected to win MVP. I don’t think nobody in America can guard me. I just came out, did what I had to do. I made sure I did all my breaks the right way, made sure all my releases the right way, used my hands and used my strength. Preparation is key.”

Boggs, an Ohio State commit who was named Florida Dairy Farmers Mr. Football in 2023, had a stunning one-handed catch during 1-on-1 drills.

“This means a lot,” Boggs said. “Being among the best of the best right now at this camp, it means a lot to do my thing and get MVP for the receivers.”

Miami Central rising senior wide receiver Nae’shaun Montgomery, Chamiande-Madonna rising senior cornerback Chris Ewald and Cedartown (Ga.) rising senior defensive back Tae Harris were invited to the Under Armour All-America Game.

Other MVP winners were St. Thomas Aquinas rising senior offensive lineman Caleb Harris, West Boca rising junior offensive lineman Kerby Vital and Zarephath Academy rising senior quarterback Jordan Durham.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Miami Central DL Floyd Boucard dominated at Under Armour Next camp