2021 Standouts for the Guns Down Denver 7-on-7

The turnout for the Guns Down Denver 7-on-7 was phenomenal! There was no shortage of talent on the field, which produced several amazing plays. The tournament was a charity event held to give players a chance to show their skills and compete in a safe environment while donating all of the proceeds to two local families who were impacted by gun violence. On June 19th, Juneteenth, a 17-year-old by the name of Xaviyar Sturges, was killed in a shooting in Denver. On July 11th, Devarie Armstrong, another 17-year-old, was killed in a shooting at a house party in Denver. Armstrong was a very talented football player who was preparing for his senior season at Denver South High School. With an event as meaningful as this one, it should come as no surprise that there were a lot of players who made sure to leave a lasting impression. Some of whom were playing in remembrance of their lost friends. Below is a list of a few, out of the many, incoming seniors who stood out during the charitable event. Chyon Kendrick - Eaglecrest - CB The Eaglecrest team took home the championship trophy from the tournament, with Kendrick playing a major role in the victory. The tenacious corner was unafraid to play press-man against any would-be opponent. Quick footwork, fluid hip movement, and precise hand placement make him a difficult corner to beat. “The kid doesn’t turn down any one-on-one battles. He’ll get in your grill and put hands on you,” explained tournament organizer, Coach Gregory Thomas III, “I think he’s a guy you need to watch out for, for sure.” [embed]https://twitter.com/ChyonKendrick/status/1287590063648288769?s=20[/embed] <img class="size-medium wp-image-38148 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/07/GunsDownDenver1-300x199.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="199" />[player_tooltip player_id="22538" first="Seyi" last="Oladipo"] - Eaglecrest - DB Oladipo is Prep Redzone Colorado’s fourth-ranked defensive back in the class of 2021. During the tournament, however, Oladipo showed that he is just as capable of being a dominant offensive player as he is as a cornerback. As a result of his versatility, his team finished the event victorious, and Oladipo was named the offensive MVP. The outstanding cornerback has received multiple D-I offers, offers that will surely multiply during the season. Charlie Offerdahl - Dakota Ridge DB/RB This highly talented two-way player was turning heads as a defensive back during the tournament because of his impenetrable coverage skills. Offerdahl has a D-I offer from UNC with many other colleges showing interest in him. Last season, he finished second in tackles (91 total) and tied for second in interceptions with four picks. Offensively, Offerdahl led his team in rushing yards (869), rushing touchdowns (15), kick return yards (477), and all-purpose yards (1,469). <img class="size-medium wp-image-38167 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/07/GunsDownDenver16-294x300.jpg" alt="" width="294" height="300" />[player_tooltip player_id="22553" first="Leslie" last="Richardson III"] - Smoky Hill - QB Richardson is the fifth-ranked QB in his class. He made a lot of great throws during the competition, the majority of which was done so with pinpoint accuracy. In addition to Richardson’s accurate passing, he possesses the ability to put a touch on his throws that places the ball in a spot that only the receiver can get to. He finished last season with a total of 2,858 passing yards, third in the state and first in his class. He has received an offer from Cornell University and has many other colleges showing interest in him. As one of the top quarterbacks in the state, this prospect will undoubtedly be a valuable recruit. Kamari Lewis-Stallworth - Smoky Hill - DB/WR Lewis-Stallworth is a very talented athlete who seemed to fly around the field in an effortless fashion. He stood out as a receiver during the tournament by making more than a few show-stopping catches. He also showed how well he can cover in man and zone, forcing multiple pass breakups and interceptions. His speed and athleticism enable him to be extremely effective regardless of where he lines up on the field. Lewis-Stallworth is an underrated athlete whose name deserves to be known. [caption id="attachment_37756" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-37756" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/07/343F1568-3126-44BA-AA41-39AE63B6AAFB-300x300.jpeg" alt="GunsDownDenver6" width="300" height="300" /> Marlin Andrews[/caption] Marlin Andrews - Highlands Ranch - WR/DB Andrews quickly started turning heads during the tournament because of his speed and versatility. In one match, his shifty route running resulted in him catching back-to-back touchdowns on the same wheel route that almost seemed unstoppable. Even though he was well covered the second time around, he was able to track and catch the ball while being blanketed by a defender. As a corner, Andrews has seemed to excel at the art of pass breakups. Being matched up against receivers that have about four inches on him is business as usual, and he is very capable of handling his business. He is a strong and fast corner who focuses on his man while keeping his eyes out of the backfield. Andrews is an absolute standout who is still under-the-radar. [player_tooltip player_id="22557" first="Ahmir" last="Braxton"] - Vista Ridge - DB/WR Braxton is the seventh-ranked defensive back in his class. During the tournament, Braxton showed precisely why his name should be known and respected by opposing wide receivers and quarterbacks. He had multiple interceptions during the event, two of which were back-to-back. There was a play where he managed to manipulate the opposing QB by purposely giving him an open look at a receiver, then breaking on the route as soon as the QB started his throwing motion. Braxton is a corner who can press at the line and play man, and also cover the flat and deep thirds almost effortlessly. He was definitely an instant standout. <img class="size-medium wp-image-38185 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/07/GunsDownDenver34-300x194.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="194" />[player_tooltip player_id="22571" first="Keyon" last="Burris"] - Vista Ridge - WR The eighth-ranked 2021 receiver quickly stood out as an excellent route runner with an amazing ability to go up and high-point the football. His long wingspan and quick acceleration made him a difficult receiver to cover in man or zone. When pressed, his hand fighting and release skills immediately force corners into trail technique. When playing against zone, his sharp route running enables him to find the openings in the coverage. Regardless of man or zone coverage, Burris has the skill to go up and snag a pass over multiple defenders, making him a serious threat anytime he is on the field. [robo-gallery id="38205"]