6th Grade Standouts from the Florida FBUNC Bracket
The class of 2028 may seem like it’s a ways away in the recruiting world, but the sixth grade athlete in the Florida bracket of the FBU National Championship tournament came out to play last week. Here’s a look at…
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Continue ReadingThe class of 2028 may seem like it’s a ways away in the recruiting world, but the sixth grade athlete in the Florida bracket of the FBU National Championship tournament came out to play last week. Here’s a look at the standouts from Round one and two of the FBU National Championship tournament in the Florida bracket.
First Round
Rocco DeMando – Central Florida, Narcoossee Middle School, Kissimmee – With a frame that shadowed everyone else on the field, DeMando backed up his size with his play. Ever present in the backfield, he recovered a fumble in the semifinal matchup vs South Florida. Quick off the ball, his frame is extremely enticing. Wearing number 51 over the weekend, DeMando is a great edge defender prospect. His hand usage and quickness off the ball will only get better as he progresses.
Noah Russell – Central Florida, Carver Middle School, Leesburg – Opened the scoring in the game with a pick six, running the interception back over fifty yards. Long frame with good speed, number 22 for Central Florida looks the part of a future college skill player, contributing on the offensive side of the ball as well at receiver. A natural play maker with the ball in his hands, Russell is going to be scary for opposing defenses for a long time. Teams will be fun to watch with this young ball player on them.
Jackson Stecher – Central Florida, Southwest Middle School, Orlando – Number 2 for Central Florida looked like a future star, with his combination of size and poise. Whether dropping dimes or scrambling to keep plays alive, Stecher plays well beyond his years. A pocket passer with mobility contributed a rushing TD in the Semifinal Round vs South Florida. His length and mechanics are both very intriguing from a coaching point of view. He always seemed to escape pressure and extended plays again and again with his escapability.
Tayshaun Gamble – South Florida, Harry Reese K-8, Miami – The explosive defender for South Florida showed his ability all over the field, but especially with a tackle for loss in the first half vs Central Florida. Wearing number 2, Gamble is a fearless player that loves to make big hits and big plays. This defensive back will be a coveted recruit in the future.
Tristan Bryant – Jacksonville, Oak View Middle School, Newberry – Opened the 2nd half vs Southwest Florida with a kickoff return touchdown. Looking like a man amongst boys, number 5 weaved in and out of the competition like he was bored. Keep an eye on Mr. Bryant, his future is bright. With a large frame that can add plenty of size, Bryant will be a force in the state of Florida throughout his high school career. His combination of strength, size, and speed are very rare and stand out very well at this level of his development.
Maikol Armas – Southwest Florida, Martinez Challenger Middle School, Cape Coral – Number 12 for Southwest Florida made an impression on everyone in the stadium with his size. Standing head and shoulders over his competition, Armas is one to look out for in the next few years. His strength is next level, and his ceiling is through the roof as a result. When he plays hard, no one is better on the field.
Second Round
Tristan Bryant – Jacksonville, Oak View Middle School, Newberry – Number 5 made plays all over the field in the Championship game on Sunday against Central Florida. Whether it was catching a touchdown, rushing a touchdown, or delivering big hits on defense, Bryant made his presence known. One of the two best players in the Class of 2028 over the weekend. He has a confidence about himself that stands out, he knows he is the best and he plays like it. With a big frame, Bryant will be a big time recruit out of the state of Florida.
Jordan Battles – Jacksonville, Oakleaf Village Elementary, Orange Park – The other best player from the Class of 2028, big number 6 for Jacksonville wore down the opposition in the 2nd half. Scoring two rushing touchdowns on top of big run after big run, Battles stood out as an unfair advantage for Jacksonville. His size, strength, and speed made him a hammer for the Jacksonville offense. Whether he was running over defenders or past them, the other team just could not handle Battles.
Troy McLeod – Jacksonville, Valley Ridge Academy, Ponte Vedra – The quarterback for Jacksonville was not too bad himself, passing for a touchdown and converting a two point conversion through the air. Leading his team to a championship, McLeod kept his poise in a tight game and helped bring his team back in the 2nd half. Making plays when he had to, the quarterback showed that he belonged.
Emmanual Cole – Jacksonville, Twin Lakes Academy, Jacksonville – As part of a one-two punch in the backfield with Jordan Battles, number 20 for Jacksonville scored a rushing touchdown, caught a two point conversion, and added an interception on defense. Talk about a two way threat, Cole was all over the field in the Championship Game. Whenever Jacksonville needed a play, Cole was there in the clutch. The versatile player has plenty of time to grow into a true position, but at this stage, his versatility is extremely enticing from a coaching perspective.
Dakarin Jackson – Jacksonville, Taylor County Middle School, Perry – Big number 52 for Jacksonville recovered a fumble on the defensive side of the ball, helping spark a comeback and a Championship victory. The defensive lineman helped control the line of scrimmage throughout the game, making stops and causing problems for the opposing team. When it came time for him to step up, he did in a big way.
Geedarious Thomas – Jacksonville, John E Ford, Jacksonville – Number 99 on the defensive line recorded a sack for Jacksonville in the Championship Game. Thomas helped a defense that came up big in the 4th quarter. Going against a good offensive line did not seem to hamper Thomas.
Javeon Long – Jacksonville, Lincoln Middle School, Gainesville – Number 7 for Jacksonville put the game away by securing an interception in the 4th quarter of the Championship Game Sunday against Central Florida. When his team needed him most, Long came up big. He read the quarterback, and made the big play.
Jackson Stecher – Central Florida, Southwest Middle School, Orlando – Number 2 for Central Florida continued his stellar play from Saturday on Sunday, passing for a touchdown and converting three different two point conversions through the air. Looking mature and poised, Stecher commanded the offense well in the Championship Game. His length will make him a very coveted prospect over the next several years. His arm strength and velocity stand out as well.
Rocco DeMando – Central Florida, Narcoossee Middle School, Kissimmee – Number 51 just could not help himself from making plays on Sunday. The highlight for DeMando was blocking a punt capturing the momentum for Central Florida. He broke through the middle of the line, and completely changed the game with his block. Making plays on special teams will only help his stock rise in the future.
Noah Russell – Central Florida, Carver Middle School, Leesburg – Number 22 for Central Florida stood out two days in a row, securing a receiving touchdown in the Championship Game on Sunday. With a long frame and good speed, Russell will be making plays for a long time. His ability to run, change direction, and make defenders miss make him a can’t miss prospect. He is a natural athlete, moving smoothly and making his play look effortless.