Miami Hurricanes Alumns Ride the South Florida Express

Oct 8, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive back Jaquan Johnson (4) carries the ball after an interception catch in front of Florida State Seminoles tight end Mavin Saunders (88) during the first half against at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The South Florida Express is a seven-on-seven flag football program that has coached some notable NFL stars and Miami Hurricane alums. Canes Warning sat down with Express Head Coach and founder Brett Goetz for his unique perspective.

Flag Football teams like the South Florida Express provide a developmental ground for skill position players and give them opportunities to hone their skills against some of the best footballers under the radiant South Florida Sun.

Coach Goetz, How much have you seen the seven-on-seven flag football circuit grow over the years?

“When I started 10 years ago it definitely wasn’t what it was today. It has definitely grown. I was one of the first teams down here now I see over 100 teams across the country. Most recently, the traveling aspect has become a huge part of it. We are going to travel to Orlando this weekend for a tournament and then later on this year we plan on traveling to Las Vegas for a tournament.”

Next: Hurricanes Alums and Duel Sport Athletes

Nov 14, 2015; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Elijah Hood (34) runs as Miami Hurricanes defensive backs Artie Burns (1) and Deon Bush (2) defend in the second half at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Who are some of the notable Hurricane alumni/current players that have played for the South Florida Express?

Former Hurricane running back and current Cleveland Brown Duke Johnson, wide receiver Malcolm Lewis, current Green Bay Packer Herb Waters, Cleveland Brown Tracy Howard & Chicago Bear Deon Bush and 2017 (Miami) projected safety starter Jaquan Johnson are some guys who have played for the Express.”

When I was being recruited (as a Quarterback out of St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale), I heard that there was a benefit of being a dual sport athlete. Do you think the benefit of playing football all year long is more beneficial in today’s game?

Playing dual sports is still beneficial. I wouldn’t say that flag football has completely replaced that aspect. Flag football is a different style of game compared to tackle football. But for skill position players, there is a huge advantage in it. The skill position players get to go up against some of the best of the best in practice. I’ve definitely seen a huge advantage over the years for kids who play in these seven-on-seven leagues.

Next: Coach Goetz Advice to Players

Sep 13, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive back Deon Bush (2) tackles Arkansas State Red Wolves quarterback Fredi Knighten (9) during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. Miami won 41-20. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Do your players on the South Florida Express get any added advantages of exposure for their participation?

Oh absolutely. When I started this I would invite reporters to practices all the time. (Still does. Canes Warning was graciously invited to future practices) The reporters would write about the players and you would see college coaches now reading articles about the players. Now that was very important because going into high school spring football, the players were already well known because they were written about. So yes. There is definitely added exposure opportunities.

More talent. More 🔥 gear. More fun.

The #3StripeLife is coming to Florida to take 7v7 to a new level. ✈️ /// 🏈 pic.twitter.com/TBFSspsy4x

— Zach Soskin (@ZSoskin) February 9, 2017

What is your advice to high school football players who will continue to take their talents playing football at the college level?

Unfortunately 98 to 99% of these kids aren’t going to go to the NFL. I just want these kids to talk to everyone. I want them to come outside their box and literally talk to everyone and learn to ask honest questions to coaches. College coaches know who the players are and obviously they want the kids to play for them. But if they could reach out away from their circle of friends and learn to network with everyone and ask important questions I think it could really benefit them.

Ask what opportunities are available for life after football. Ask if there are programs in place. Are there networks in place that will benefit these players once their career in football is over? These are questions they should ask.

Coach Goetz is a well respected and notable coach who has seen his fair share of talented and eventual Miami Hurricane players on his team. His passion and heartfelt advice for players moving onto the next level was genuine and true. The South Florida Express are not only on the tracks for success on the field, but off it as well.