2025 NFL Draft demonstrated growth of Miami Palmetto's football program

Miami Herald

14 hours ago

Palmetto Panthers coach Mike Manasco, in his first decade on the job, had never had a player selected in the NFL Draft.
That changed this past April, when the Panthers had two players selected.
The problem?
Manasco couldn't be at the draft parties of both cornerback James Marshall Jr. and running back Brashard Smith.
To solve the dilemma, Palmetto assistant coaches Sheldon Smith and Ray Baker went to Marshall's party; and Manasco attended Smith's event.
'It was frustrating because you want to be at two places at once,' Manasco said. 'But it was a great day for Palmetto football.'
Indeed, Marshall was selected in the fifth round by his hometown team, the Dolphins.
Smith was selected in the seventh round by the Kansas City Chiefs, who have made it to the Super Bowl in five of the past six years, winning three times.
Marshall appears to have a good shot to make Miami's roster at cornerback, a position that is in turmoil now that star Jalen Ramsey has asked to be traded.
Smith may have a tougher challenge to make the Chiefs. But Smith, who started his college career with three years as a Miami Hurricanes slot receiver, is a talented player who could possibly see meaningful snaps behind legendary quarterback Patrick Mahomes this year.
Last year, Smith transferred to SMU, switched to running back and had a breakthrough season with 1,659 yards and 18 touchdowns from scrimmage.
'Brashard is one of the best football players we've ever had at Palmetto,' Manasco said. 'He flourished at SMU.'
Smith and Marshall were on the 2020 Palmetto team that made it to the Class 8A state semifinals – the furthest advance in program history. Defensive tackle Leonard Taylor, who now plays for the New York Jets, was also on that squad.
Unfortunately for the Panthers, they lost that state semifinal, 9-3, to Osceola. Palmetto led 3-0 with 5:25 left, and the Panthers lined up for a 38-yard field goal. However, that kick was blocked, and Osceola ran it in for 79-yard touchdown.
Palmetto never recovered, losing 9-3.
'That was tragic,' Manasco said.
Fast forward to 2025, and Manasco, 46, is preparing for his 12th season as Palmetto's coach.
The Panthers figure to have a loaded offense due to players such as quarterback Andre Bailey; running backs Varian Terry and Aiden Butler; and wide receivers CJ Miller; Kaden Howard; and Amir Barnes.
Bailey, a 5-10 and 175-pound senior, made second-team All-Miami-Dade County last season.
'His accuracy is what sets him apart,' Manasco said. 'He's a great leader and a tremendous athlete.'
Manasco said Terry has 4.4 speed. Butler, a junior, is equally as fast.
'(Terry) is electric,' Manasco said. 'You can't touch him.
'(Butler) may be our most dynamic player because he's an all-purpose weapon.'
On defense, the Panthers feature three seniors in the secondary who are Division I prospects, including Kevin White, a 6-1 cornerback who has committed to Toledo.
Besides having talented players, the vibe is also good at Palmetto, according to Manasco.
'I graduated from Palmetto in 1997, and 95 percent of our coaching staff also played here (for the Panthers),' Manasco said. 'I love the different neighborhoods we serve.'