Defensive Standouts from the Legacy MW 7v7 Tournament

In today’s piece, we will be highlighting prospects who shined on the defensive side of the ball from this past weekend’s Legacy MW 7v7 tournament. Unfortunately, our scouts, myself included, weren’t able to make it to Michigan to see some of PA’s best 7v7 squads in action. Was a blast covering last month’s Pylon 7v7 in Delaware, but the trip to Michigan proved to be a lengthy one. Despite not being in attendance, I was able to muster enough film, cut-ups, and data to still cover prospect performances from home, thanks to the hard work of coaches on 412Elite, PA Nike Elite, and AthletesInTraining. Without these coaches, photographers, and help from parents, we wouldn’t be able to have gotten this information out there so kudos to all of them and what they do for the kids. We will highlight prospects from three standout 7v7 teams. 412Elite, the likes of which we have already covered and winners of THREE straight titles in the 7v7 field, PA Elite Nike and AIT, two teams who have the talent to compete and win against 412Elite. [caption id="attachment_118938" align="alignnone" width="300"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/03/IMG_4360-crop-3200x2102-1615549904.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-118938" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/03/IMG_4360-crop-3200x2102-1615549904-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> Photo: Via Khaliq Coleman[/caption] &nbsp; Cruce Brookins - QB/DB, 6’1", 175lbs, Steel Valley, C/O 2023 [player_tooltip player_id="107013" first="Mikey" last="Bentivegna"] - RB/S, 5’8", 175lbs, York Suburban, C/O 2023 Nathaniel Kadosh-Harris - WR/RB/DB, 6’0", 205lbs, NHS, C/O 2022 Like our offensive piece, we begin with defensive prospects on the AthletesInTraining 7v7 squad. In our preview of the event, there wasn’t a prospect we were looking forward to seeing more than Cruce Brookins. A ton of hype has been made of his coverage skills, yet the Hudl tapes don’t necessarily scream elite prospect yet, although showing potential and promise. We can now take the step forward in his development. Brookins was dominant in coverage. He’s got the preferred build, tall, lanky long arms but still lightweight to stay with speedy wideouts. His matchup ability showed as he locked down wideouts from all age ranges and sizes. A quiet day for corners is a good day, the fewer balls thrown your way the better, yet Brookins still managed to bring in two interceptions on fewer than 10 targets. Love his LOS/Press game, he shows the ability to float his feet when jamming which allows for quick hip flips to either sideline. What makes me believe in this kid is how he’s producing as opposed to other defensive backs specifically at these 7v7 events. A number of great DB’s will win off of athleticism alone. We know at the next level, everyone is bigger, stronger, and faster. Being able to pair said athleticism with technique is vital. Brookins beats his man not solely on athleticism which leads me to believe he could be due for a breakout campaign this coming season. As for the two other prospects, [player_tooltip player_id="107013" first="Mikey" last="Bentivegna"] was as-advertised. It was nice to a change in position for Mikey. Plentiful reps at safety were in line for Bentivegna due to DB shortage for his squad. Like we said in the preview, what can’t he do? He showed consistency at the last line of defense despite a shaky start for the team communicating responsibilities. His athleticism was on display, showing the range necessary to cover both seams, as well as the ball skills to make plays on balls. Last we have a somewhat unknown prospect whose play has put him on our radar. Nate Kadosh-Harris, a soon-to-be senior, carries a thick, sturdy lower body and looks the part to play linebacker. Excited to watch this kid in pads, although the 7v7 event allowed him to flash his instinctiveness and IQ which his coaches rave about. He’s got good read-and-react ability to passes thrown in front of him. Love to see how he develops in the future. Keino Fitzpatrick II - WR/DB, Montour HS, C/O 2024 [player_tooltip player_id="27679" first="Jashon" last="Spencer"] - WR/DB, 5’7", 150lbs, West Allegheny, C/O 2022 Gavin Moul - LB, 6’1", 222lbs, Bethel Park HS, C/O 2023 Next up, we have the top defensive performers from the PA Elite Nike team. We enjoy every time we are told of a new prospect who hasn’t been recognized. We pride ourselves on discovering talent across every level. Enter Keino Fitzpatrick II who, much like Cruce Brookins, has the makings of a lockdown corner in PA. The kid is just 14 years old but shows coverage traits beyond his years. Gavin Moul’s performance, as well as a look at his Hudl tapes, launched himself onto our watchlist to be ranked this coming summer. Moul, a sophomore out of Bethel Park, shows he can play inside or outside linebacker. The kid shows awesome pursuit of the ball carrier and surprises in his ability to run sideline to sideline. That surprise goes out the window when learning the sophomore runs track. He’s a beefy kid with a ton of athleticism. We can’t leave out our 141st ranked junior [player_tooltip player_id="27679" first="Jashon" last="Spencer"]. The 1st Team All-State defensive back looked the part at this event. Recovery speed, hips, ball skills, its all there with Spencer. He’s the complete package and does so much well. Can’t wait for recruiting to heat up for him. Cameron Thomas - ATH, 5’10", 175lbs, Penn Hills, C/O 2024 Jaquon Reynolds - RB/SS, 5’7", 160lbs, Gateway, C/O 2024 Vernon Settles - WR/DB, Elizabeth Forward HS, C/O 2024 Camron Price - DB, C/O 2024 We know about the stars on the offensive side of the ball for 412Elite, but we can legitimately name pretty much every starter on defense as top performers. This team isn’t winning three straight titles without this loaded defense. We know about our 2nd ranked defensive back [player_tooltip player_id="97979" first="Amare" last="Gee"], and prospects [player_tooltip player_id="64015" first="Jahmil" last="Perryman"], Khalil Taylor, and Bobbie Boyd Jr. put themselves on our radar in Delaware. Now it’s time to show some love to four other defensive backs who are all deserving of some recognition. We begin with Cameron Thomas who deserved to be mentioned in our first piece covering this 7v7 team’s defense. This kid has earned the "ATH" distinction, not because of a lack of a defined position, but because of the myriad skills he brings to the table. Thomas is just as athletic as anyone on the defense and it shows when playing safety. He shows elite tracking ability that I would love to see on display on offense as well. He plays bigger than 5’10", this kid can get up and has strong hands. I want to see what he can do at wideout. Reynolds, Settles, and Price all came up huge for 412 this tournament. No reason these four should be overlooked. Don’t forget, every one of these prospects is 15 and under. Promising young group filled with talent.