FBU National Championship: Central Florida 7th Grade Tryout Stars
The FBU National Championship is quickly approaching and regional tryouts around the nation are wrapping up. With Central Florida youth football being a premier location for collegiate scouts and recruiters to find talent, many next level athletes are competing to…
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Continue ReadingThe FBU National Championship is quickly approaching and regional tryouts around the nation are wrapping up. With Central Florida youth football being a premier location for collegiate scouts and recruiters to find talent, many next level athletes are competing to represent their region. Here are some 7th grade athletes who will not only dominate the FBU National Championship, but should also dominate high school football in Central Florida for the next four years.
Landen Holley | Quarterback
Although I already got my eyes on Holley at the previous FBU Central Florida tryout, but he was once again the most impressive 2027 recruit on the day and continued to wow me with his arm strength and accuracy as only a seventh grader. Seriously, this kid has a rocket attached to his shoulder, and can put an insane amount of zip on the ball for a kid of his age. He hit some seam, post, and slant routes with so much velocity I thought it was going to bounce off the wideouts hands and can get the ball downfield upwards of 60 yards with accuracy and a tight spiral that I could watch all day. He does a good job of powering his throws through his hips and making sure his feet get set before his throws. Where he really impressed me this tryout was in his ability to see the field, work through his progressions, and tuck the ball and run if he didn’t see anything he liked downfield. You don’t see a lot of high school QBs be able to see the field past their first read, so I believe that’s a very promising sign for the young gunslinger. I’m a big fan of this kid.
Grady Isaacs | Defensive End
A long, well-built 2027 defensive line prospect at 5-foot-10 and 150 pounds, he was one of the most physically developed 7th grade prospects at the entire tryout. Isaacs was physical, effective with his hands, and could play the run or the pass equally well. He’s able to counter offensive lineman punches and can beat blocks around the edge or across the face of the opposing tackle. I also like how he uses his length to his advantage, as he could long-arm opponents to get to the QB or extend his arms to keep an eye on the ball, and he wasn’t shy about tackling as well.
Alex Rossi | Wide Receiver
While evaluating Alex, being able to run every route on the route tree effectively and precisely enabled him to stand out amongst his peers. The 5-foot-9 140-pound wideout used his head fakes and body language to change his route perception that kept defensive backs off balance during the FBU Championship tryouts. The Apopka product displayed a great initial burst while also using his body to wall off defenders on contested throws showed great promise. With his ability to use his athleticism and understand his route progressions, I see major success in the passing game for team Central Florida at the FBU Championship Tournament.
Kadin Flores | Defensive Back
Let me introduce you to that impressive corner who was battling the aforementioned Rossi on the perimeter of the offense rep after rep on Sunday: Kadin Flores. A speedster who was a natural at playing press coverage, Flores was very physical in his jam and could handle a bigger, stronger receiver at the LOS thanks to his toughness and tenacity. He was consistent at getting a hand on the releasing wideout to knock them off their marks and could flip his hips at the drop of a hat, and I also appreciated his eye discipline and how he wouldn’t look back for the ball until he was in the pocket of the receiver. Flores is a smooth athlete whose size and skillset fit perfectly for the CB position.
Karon Palmer | Athlete
One of the more versatile prospects on this list, Palmer worked as both a QB and WR throughout the afternoon and impressed me at both positions. As a QB, the ball flew off his hand, and he had a smooth throwing motion and could get the ball out quickly and accurately. As a wideout, he showed solid speed at the top end and used his size to his advantage when the ball was in the air. He’s overall a dynamic athlete who has the frame to get a lot bigger as he continues to age.
Brian Dillard | Wide Receiver
The 5-foot-9, 130-pound Dillard possessed the softest hands at the tryout for the 2027s and could cut off his routes smoothly and easily on inside, or out breaking routes. Also had the speed to be effective as a downfield threat and could make contested catches in traffic, through contact, or when the ball is up in the air with the aid of a strong ability to track the football.
Luis Ojeda | Defensive Back
Despite being small in stature right now, Luis is an impact player with major upside. While evaluating Luis at the FBU tryout, his technique stayed consistent, and communicated extremely well. These are attributes that many athletes his age haven’t developed yet which set him apart from the rest. With many defensive backs, being able to come out of breaks, and always stay in phase to their receiver can be tough. When the ball was in the air, Luis always stayed calm, and played the ball well in single coverage. His play recognition is also what stood out. Flipping his hips, staying tight, and using his bail technique were all intangibles that put himself in the correct position to make a play on the ball. I project that Luis (LuLu) Ojeda will make many plays at the FBU National Championship.
David Coleman | Wide Receiver/Safety
Coleman was not padded up like his counterparts at the tryout, but that was because the FBU Central Florida coaches were as high on him and his game as any prospect they have hyped up to me. He’ll be catching passes from the aforementioned Holley on the 7th grade FBU squad from Central Florida, and the two present a very potent offensive attack that I think youth squads across the nation will have trouble containing. The FBU coaches at the event believe he’s the best 7th grade wideout in the entire state, and Central Florida Director Lo Wood has seen more than his fair share of P5 heavyweight prospects over the years, so I cannot wait to see him in a game setting where I can see that game changing speed and athleticism for myself. He’s a definite name to know in the c/o 2027 in both Florida and around the nation.
Vaughn McKenzie | Athlete
Being an athlete that can move all over the field is valuable to any football teams. For Vaughn, he stood out playing the nickel position. Within this position, being able force the football inside on run plays, make tackles in space, and cover the slot receiver is essential for success. The Gotha Middle School product showed great upside in every category and understood the soft spots of the defense. With this position being colossal for success for many defenses, Vaughn should fill up the stat sheet at the upcoming FBU National Championship tournament.