Tourney Season Spotlight: Mississippi 7v7 Circuit
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Buzz from Mississippi’s surrounding 7v7 athletes is continually assisting in the rising popularity of the 7v7 circuit within the magnolia state. Mississippi HS football prospects are hungry and looking to get better at their respective positions, during this off-season. The development of local 7v7 squads allows prospects…
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Continue ReadingBuzz from Mississippi’s surrounding 7v7 athletes is continually assisting in the rising popularity of the 7v7 circuit within the magnolia state. Mississippi HS football prospects are hungry and looking to get better at their respective positions, during this off-season. The development of local 7v7 squads allows prospects to do that, while advancing their recruitment. Whether it is through 7v7 tournaments, showcases, or various other events, this new wave of recruiting allows kids to take their recruiting by the reigns. Student-athletes are able to gain exposure by making their name relevant when participating in a variation of off-season events. You may have heard the saying that coaches will always find kids who can really play ball. With that being said, 7v7 is yet another way for these student-athletes to become easily accessible to those recruiting them. The goal of this series is to highlight those athletes and shine a spotlight on players that catch my eye during this 7v7 tournament season.
Emile Picarella Emile Picarella 6'2" | 215 lbs | QB University Lab | 2025 State LA Ι 2025 QB Ι St. Joseph Catholic HS Ι Devoted Dreamers
Offered – Oregon, Ole Miss, & Akron
Emile Picarella Emile Picarella 6'2" | 215 lbs | QB University Lab | 2025 State LA has been very active this 7v7 tournament season. He is one of many star student-athletes that assist in powering the motor, offensively, for the highly talented Devoted Dreamers. The bevy of talent that is being cultivated by Demario Davis and the Devoted Dreamers’ staff is mind-blowing. Emile has been awarded the opportunity to showcase his talent several times this tournament season. Picarella possesses one of the most naturally fluent arms that I have seen from any quarterback this early on. Last year’s tape displays his talented arm, and the potential that he possesses as a passer as well. Often, Picarella impresses scouts and coaches alike with his poise and ability to command offenses at this point in his career. Recently the Devoted Dreamers attended & competed in Championship 7v7’s Dirty South Showdown, where Emile was named as one of the Top Performers of the tournament. The biggest take away from this kid’s overall game is the level of consistency he exhibits as it relates to his ball placement, timing throws, and arm strength.
Jeleel Fleming Ι 2023 FS/WR Ι Vicksburg HS Ι Heat 7v7
Offered – Alcorn, Austin Peay, Western Illinois, Lane College, & Several Junior Colleges
Long and rangy prospect Jeleel Fleming , out of, Vicksburg HS, does a lot of things well defensively. He is most effective in covering ground in the defensive secondary to make plays on the football. This effectiveness is due, in part, to Jeleel’s innate ability to pivot and flip his hips, while maintaining eye-discipline. His footwork and technique are both well-polished. Jeleel has several interceptions and pass break-ups where he relies on instincts and technique to disrupt the oppositions pass-catchers. I was impressed by his ball skills shown as a defender on these type plays as well. Fleming often uses his length and skillset to leap in the air and contort his body to make timely and defining defensive plays. Most times Jeleel is not usually the first to the party in regards to tackling in run support; however, he is implicitly effective in doing so. When specific situations require him to, Fleming’s wiry frame allows him to sift through blockers to make plays on ball-carriers. He understands what the nature of a kid his size brings to the table, and specifically what his position asks of him. As the last line of defense, this understanding is apparent in how Jeleel Fleming carries himself in game-like situations.
Dequadrion Welch Dequadrion Welch 5'10" | 160 lbs | WR Noxubee County | 2024 State MS Ι 2024 WR Ι Noxubee County HS Ι Mississippi Dawgs United
Offered – N/A
Dequadrion Welch Dequadrion Welch 5'10" | 160 lbs | WR Noxubee County | 2024 State MS is a constant contributor as a member of Mississippi Dawgs United 7v7. He provides a spark that any HC/OC would love to have within their offense. The 2024 prospect, at the WR spot, is oozing with potential that is continually rising through the roof. Dequadrion is definitely blessed athletically. Welch’s ability to change speed and direction are the most glaring attributes shown when watching him. The route running ability that he has shown displays minimal wasted movement. That skill-set produces explosive, crisp, and purposeful routes. His offensive prowess, as a Sophomore, shows that he is adept in executing shifty moves and timely nuances to evade defenders in space. With that being said, Welch is a big play waiting to happen. This kid presents himself as a threat to defenses on short, intermediate, and deep routes. Dequadrion does not let this sentiment impede his efforts, while being away from the football or in blocking situationally. Each of the characteristics and traits present a skill-set rare to find in many young wide-outs. There will be several coaches who will figure out exactly who this kid is this coming Summer/Fall.