In the competitive world of the NFL, wide receivers from South Florida are making their mark with a distinctive style and flair. The Cleveland Browns, in particular, have tapped into this talent pool, assembling a receiving corps that showcases the region’s signature route-running artistry.
Jeudy and Moore: South Florida’s Finest
Leading the charge for the Browns are Jerry Jeudy, a Deerfield Beach native, and Elijah Moore, hailing from Fort Lauderdale. The duo has been lighting up the stat sheets, with Jeudy ranking fifth in the NFL in receiving yards and Moore on pace for a career-high in receptions.
Their success comes as no surprise to those familiar with the South Florida football scene. As Broncos All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II, another South Florida product, puts it:
“It’s that flair down there. I guess South Florida has got the blueprint to great receivers. Everything is precise, the routes, and they have the speed, the hands.”
– Pat Surtain II, Denver Broncos cornerback
The Route-Running Culture
So what sets South Florida receivers apart? According to Moore, it’s all about the route running:
“We’re all different in our own way, but we’re going to route some s— up.”
– Elijah Moore, Cleveland Browns wide receiver
This emphasis on precise route running is ingrained in South Florida’s football culture from a young age. Jeudy recalls running ladder drills as early as he can remember, while Moore attended weekly camps focused on skill training and one-on-ones.
Former NFL quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, now the head coach at Miami Northwestern High School, says the shiftiness starts in neighborhood pick-up games:
“It starts when you’re on the park… That’s where all the shiftiness begins, on the parks when you already played your football game, and after your game, you’re playing throwback tackle, and you’re making 15, 20, people miss all at the same time.”
– Teddy Bridgewater, former NFL quarterback
Studying the Greats
South Florida receivers also benefit from a rich legacy of NFL greats to study and emulate. Jeudy cites Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, the Cincinnati Bengals legend and South Florida native, as a key influence, while Moore watched Liberty City’s Antonio Brown dazzle defenders with his unmatched elusiveness.
Even Browns offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, who played with Hall of Famer Andre Johnson and standout Roscoe Parrish at the University of Miami, sees shades of his former teammates in Jeudy and Moore. “Jerry’s got the wiggle…like Roscoe,” Dorsey notes.
Building Blocks for the Future
While the Browns have endured a disappointing season, the development of Jeudy and Moore offers hope for the future. As the team navigates uncertainty at the quarterback position, having dynamic route runners who can create separation and make plays after the catch is invaluable.
As Amari Cooper, another South Florida product who spent time with the Browns, explains:
“We’re all kind of cut from the same cloth. We’re all South Florida guys. We’re all really good route runners. We all have been playing football since a very young age, have been running routes from a very young age. So, you kind of have a natural feel for the position.”
– Amari Cooper, Buffalo Bills wide receiver
As Jeudy and Moore continue to shine, they serve as a testament to the power of South Florida’s route-running culture and the impact it can have at the highest level of the game. For the Browns and the rest of the NFL, the lesson is clear: If you want receivers with swagger, speed, and an unmatched ability to get open, look no further than the sunny fields of South Florida.
South Florida receivers also benefit from a rich legacy of NFL greats to study and emulate. Jeudy cites Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, the Cincinnati Bengals legend and South Florida native, as a key influence, while Moore watched Liberty City’s Antonio Brown dazzle defenders with his unmatched elusiveness.
Even Browns offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, who played with Hall of Famer Andre Johnson and standout Roscoe Parrish at the University of Miami, sees shades of his former teammates in Jeudy and Moore. “Jerry’s got the wiggle…like Roscoe,” Dorsey notes.
Building Blocks for the Future
While the Browns have endured a disappointing season, the development of Jeudy and Moore offers hope for the future. As the team navigates uncertainty at the quarterback position, having dynamic route runners who can create separation and make plays after the catch is invaluable.
As Amari Cooper, another South Florida product who spent time with the Browns, explains:
“We’re all kind of cut from the same cloth. We’re all South Florida guys. We’re all really good route runners. We all have been playing football since a very young age, have been running routes from a very young age. So, you kind of have a natural feel for the position.”
– Amari Cooper, Buffalo Bills wide receiver
As Jeudy and Moore continue to shine, they serve as a testament to the power of South Florida’s route-running culture and the impact it can have at the highest level of the game. For the Browns and the rest of the NFL, the lesson is clear: If you want receivers with swagger, speed, and an unmatched ability to get open, look no further than the sunny fields of South Florida.
