Talent Rises To The Top on Team Smoke at The Show

A number of the nation’s brightest young stars were in attendance at The Show in Atlanta, Ga. this past week.  Athletes from the class of 2026, 2027 and even a few 2028’s were split into 7-on-7 teams and took to the fields in the 100-degree weather. It was a very deep and talented field of talent–every athlete had to be invited to attend. With that said, below are the athletes that stood out specifically on Team Smoke. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-371605 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/06/EvanJames-1-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Evan James | Tight End | Georgia | 2026</strong> One of the most complete players I watched during the competition at The Show. Measured in at 6-foot-2 and 191-pounds during check-in. Part of a loaded incoming freshman class at Denmark High School, I think James has the potential to be a top 20 Tight End in the country when all is said and done. Rare combination of polished route running and physicality. Has the ability to get open past the second level and not serve as just a check down option. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-371608 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/06/JayreonCampbell-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />[player_tooltip player_id="283859" first="Jayreon" last="Campbell"] | Running Back | Georgia | 2026</strong> Thick framed Running Back that brings a power element to the position. Obviously 7-on-7 is for showcasing the passing game, and while I don’t feel it’s the most conducive for showing off Campbell’s strongest attributes, he still found ways to be effective. Built to carry the load and grind out intermediate runs at a high clip. The more I’ve watched him since his regular season concluded, the more I’m seeing Campbell as an All-purpose back who doesn’t have to come off the field. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-371611 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/06/BRODY-RUDNICKI-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />[player_tooltip player_id="310450" first="Brody" last="Rudnicki"] | Quarterback | California | 2027</strong> Rudnicki shook off some early day mishaps to right the ship and play at the level he’s capable of. The righty was methodical in his decision making and did a nice job of not forcing things that weren’t there. After a lengthy lunch/break between games, Rudnicki led team Smoke to a touchdown in its first game action of the second half of pool play. I could be mistaken, but I don’t think he threw a single incompletion on the opening drive of the game. Again, I didn’t necessarily see him stretch the field all that much, but he owned the short to intermediate game. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-371616 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/06/Jakyri-Watson-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Jakyri Watson | Wide Receiver | Florida | 2026</strong> I wasn’t familiar with Watson ahead of The Show, but I’m glad I got to check him out on the field. While certainly on the smaller side, Watson showed the ability to line up out wide or in the slot. Was sticky-handed to say the least, as I only remember a few balls targeted for him, that he didn’t bring in. When in his routes, set up Defensive Backs and then hit them sudden movements that had the defenders on skates. Perhaps his best asset was his play in the red zone. Obviously has size limitations in one-on-one situations, but can shake Corners with relative and looses them on crossing routes in a compact space. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-371623 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/06/Peyton-Zachary-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Peyton Zachary | Athlete | Georgia | 2026 </strong> There could be a great argument made to call what the McEachern Indians eighth-grade team has this year, thunder and lightning. While [player_tooltip player_id="283859" first="Jayreon" last="Campbell"] (above) was the thunder, Zachary served as the lightning--and the two were teammates one last time this past week. Zachary is headed to Kell High School in the fall, but made his last middle school showcase a memorable one. Bouncing from Running Back to Slot and anywhere else they asked him to, he was a stand out. Another athlete, like Watson above, that lacks ideal size but has very impressive athletic ability and skill overall. Fittingly enough, Watson and Zachery earned Team MVP awards. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-371627 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/06/TreWilliams-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />[player_tooltip player_id="136171" first="Tre" last="Williams"] | Quarterback | Texas | 2027</strong> A late addition to Team Smoke, Williams was on fire early and often. Already selected for the Under Armour 8th Grade All-American Game this upcoming fall, it was easy to see why with this ability to sling the rock all over the field. While Rudnicki was more of the dink and dunker, Williams stretched the field vertically and looked to make a big splash with nearly every throw. While certainly looking for the deep ball frequently, he wasn’t afraid to wait until the very last second to let it rip. Trusted his receivers to get open downfield and trusted his arm to get the ball there in a hurry.