7×7 Wrapup: Top 10 Performers
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We’re rapidly approaching the start of preseason camps throughout the state of New Mexico. In fact, in exactly one week, many teams will take the field for the first practice in preparation for the opening weekend of the regular season…
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Continue ReadingWe’re rapidly approaching the start of preseason camps throughout the state of New Mexico. In fact, in exactly one week, many teams will take the field for the first practice in preparation for the opening weekend of the regular season set for Aug. 19-21.
Most – if not all – of the 7-on-7 competition is done for the summer. We watched the games at five different locations and here are our top 10 standout players:
Martell Mora Martell Mora 5'9" | 185 lbs | RB Santa Fe High | 2022 State NM , Santa Fe: Did anybody have a better week than Mora? First he ran the 40 in 4.49 seconds at Eastern New Mexico’s camp in Rio Rancho on Tuesday. Then he went out and dominated at ENMU’s 7×7 tourney in Portales. Mora just makes plays, on both sides of the ball. If we had to name an MVP of 7-on-7 season, Mora would be our guy.
Aden Chavez Aden Chavez 6'5" | 210 lbs | QB Cibola | 2023 State NM , Cibola: Our No. 1 2023 prospect is worthy of the hype. Chavez stands in the pocket and rifles the ball all over the field. Short, medium, deep, it doesn’t matter. The ball is usually on target. The 6-foot-5 Chavez can make all the throws, which is why FBS and FCS schools have contacted him.
Zach Vigil Zach Vigil 5'9" | 190 lbs | RB Rio Rancho | 2022 State NM , Rio Rancho: He’s our No. 1 running back in the state for the 2002 class and Vigil demonstrated over and over why that’s the case. He’s fast and catches passes circling out of the backfield with ease. He’s visiting FCS Drake soon.
Nathan Taylor, Artesia: The Bulldogs’ new quarterback is a lefty. Taylor throws a beautiful deep pass with a perfect spiral and plenty of air underneath it. After a couple of disappointing seasons, Artesia looks to be in good shape with a new head coach, new offense and new QB in 2021.
Aidan Armenta Aidan Armenta 6'3" | 190 lbs | QB La Cueva | 2023 State NM , La Cueva: He’s only played part of one varsity game, but there’s plenty of buzz surrounding La Cueva’s presumptive starting QB. He’s tall with a powerful and accurate throwing arm. One of the highlights of 7-on-7 season was his duel with. . .
Daniel Ayala Daniel Ayala 6'0" | 190 lbs | QB West Mesa | 2022 State NM , West Mesa: Expectations are high at West Mesa and Ayala is a big reason for the optimism along with a talented wide receiver corps. Like Chavez and Armenta, he can make all the throws.
Evan Wysong Evan Wysong 5'10" | 165 lbs | QB Cleveland | 2023 State NM , Cleveland: Wysong is more than just fast (4.52 in the 40). He also can throw the ball with accuracy. Add in his ability to run with the football, and Wysong should be a dangerous dual threat QB this season. He’s the favorite to win Cleveland’s starting QB job.
Abraham Lopez Abraham Lopez 5'11" | 195 lbs | LB Highland | 2022 State NM , Highland: It’s difficult for defensive players to shine in 7-on-7 because the game is slanted towards the offense (that’s why many defensive coaches don’t like it), but Lopez was arguably the top defensive player we saw. He has next level ability and plays with passion.
A.J. Rivera A.J. Rivera 6'2" | 195 lbs | QB Albuquerque Academy | 2023 State NM , Albuquerque Academy: Another tall quarterback with a cannon for an arm. He’s a 2023 graduate, so he has two more high school seasons left. Our guess is by this time next year he’ll be talking with a bunch of schools. He attended the Stanford camp in June.
Nathan Lopez Nathan Lopez 5'5" | 135 lbs | WR Cibola | 2022 State NM , Cibola: Lopez possesses a bubbly personality, but don’t let that fool you. He’s an assassin on the field and with his 4.6 sped can run by defenders, as he did on several occasions when we were watching. He also has very good hands. He rose up to make several acrobatic catches.
2022 Santa Fe RB was flying tonight. Gotta think the ENMU coaches liked what they saw. That 2nd 40 time will definitely get their attention. https://t.co/d1nu2cz93T
— Prep Redzone New Mexico (@PrepRedzoneNM) July 21, 2021
After a week vacationing with his family, 2023 @cibolafootball QB @AdenChavez08 returned to the 7×7 field Mon. night against Eldorado.
His favorite target? @nathanlopezNM. Full recap with VIDEO of the hard-fought matchup with @EldoEaglesFB in 2 parts.https://t.co/kQcCtjg0w1 pic.twitter.com/F6Vg9LfOnl
— Prep Redzone New Mexico (@PrepRedzoneNM) July 20, 2021
Finished up summer 7 on 7’s yesterday. 28 days till first game! @PrepRedzoneNM pic.twitter.com/imO9Wsz4Gs
— Zach Vigil (@zacharyvigil21) July 23, 2021
Thank you @ENMUFootball for checking out the 505 talent tonight! @HiattENMU pic.twitter.com/PW0DfSzvvR
— Zach Vigil (@zacharyvigil21) July 21, 2021