FBU National Championship: Austin 8th Grade Standouts Pt. 1

Programs around the nation are gearing up for the FBU National Championship tournament and holding tryouts to find the best athletes in their area to compete. The FBU National Championship tournament celebrates and promotes youth football through uniting all-star athletes of all backgrounds from across the United States in a true, one-of-a-kind national tournament. The only national football tournament of its kind, the annual FBU National Championship crowns a national champion from brackets in grades 6th, 7th, and 8th. This past weekend at Nelson Field, team Austin held its most recent tryout for the FBU National Championship. Austin has traditionally had a pretty tough run in the tournament as the Texas region is loaded with traditional powerhouses such as Dallas and Houston. This year Austin will have to compete with a tough Mississippi squad as well in the Midwest bracket, but judging by some of the athletes that showed out at the tryout, this team has some very promising pieces. Here’s part one of the 8th grade Austin tryout standouts. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-219862 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/10/KarsonCutwiler2026--150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Karson Cutwiler | 8^th Grade – Class of 2026 | Running Back/Linebacker</strong> Cutwiler, a Roy J. Smith Middle School product, was quick when cutting around the buckets and while may have slipped on the turf, Cutwiler was able to keep his footing. He displayed excellent footwork in the drills. &nbsp; <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-219869 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/10/AlisterVallejo2026--150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />[player_tooltip player_id="331944" first="Alister" last="Vallejo"] | 8^th Grade – Class of 2026 | Offensive Line/Defensive Line</strong> Liberty Hill Middle School’s Vallejo has a lot of power within him but he also has a lot of agility. He also has excellent focus whether it is on the current drill or during 7 on 7 work. &nbsp; <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-219863 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/10/VannHopping--150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Vann Hopping | 8^th Grade – Class of 2026 | Running Back/Linebacker</strong> During receiver drills, Hopping displayed excellent hands even able to catch some tough throws. He also showcased his speed during the receiver vs defense drills and much like Park was able to cut around tackles to get what would be touchdowns. The Bee Cave Middle School athlete showed a lot of promise. &nbsp; <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-219866 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/10/CameronSarinana--150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />[player_tooltip player_id="303593" first="CAMERON" last="SARINANA"] | 8^th Grade – Class of 2026 | Quarterback</strong> Sarinana, who attends Sharyland North Junior High School, was one of two real standouts at quarterback.  During the tryouts as he made accurate throws and really showed off his arm. He was also an excellent leader when going through plays and carried himself with a lot of energy and focus. &nbsp; <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-219868 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/10/ReesWise--150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />[player_tooltip player_id="212438" first="Rees" last="Wise"] | 8^th Grade – Class of 2026 | Quarterback</strong> Wise threw an excellent touchdown pass to the corner of the endzone which connected with Cedar Valley eighth grade receiver Aden Taylor. Although the catch was great, so was the throw as it aligned perfectly with his receiver. Wise really showed off both his deep ball accuracy and his arm on that play.