Potenza Sports 7v7 Tryout: Top Standouts
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MINNESOTA– Although we were not able to make it out to the Potenza Sports 7v7 tryouts this winter, we were able to find out who balled out at the tryout in recent weeks from Potenza Sports Owner/Head Coach Japel Hook…
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Continue ReadingMINNESOTA– Although we were not able to make it out to the Potenza Sports 7v7 tryouts this winter, we were able to find out who balled out at the tryout in recent weeks from Potenza Sports Owner/Head Coach Japel Hook who enlightened us on some of the bests from Prep Redzone Minnesota prospects at the tryout. Here is my list!
Tyler Nystrom Tyler Nystrom 6'2" | 180 lbs | WR Mounds View | 2024 State MN , WR, Mounds View (2024) Twitter & Tape
- The length of Tyler’s strides is what gives him such an advantage with his route-running as he stretches his routes like he’s closer to 6’4 than the 6’2 175 pound body he does have
- He shows off some diverse route-running from any wide receiver position out there, as he shows off a significant wiggle that can tie up plenty of defensive backs’ footwork, especially with the slant routes I have watched this kid make over the years of evaluating him in 7v7 and of course on tape.
- We spoke about his length already; Tyler’s upper body has plenty of length with his widened catch radius; he has grown over the last few years we have evaluated him. Yet again, he stretches out his measurables much bigger than what you see in the height and weight category.
- His distinctive vision is built for playing on Saturdays, and I would be remiss if I weren’t surprised this young man doesn’t have an offer yet, as his game has kept getting better and better since I started watching him as a freshman.
Mitchel Rieckhoff Mitchel Rieckhoff 6'2" | 185 lbs | WR Waconia | 2024 MN , WR/DB, Waconia (2024) Twitter & Tape
- Mitchel is another Potenza prospect I have been scouting for a bit now and have enjoyed watching his development take place year after year.
- I LOVE the work ethic Mitchel puts into with his deep and intermediate route running ability, as he is certainly a WR prospect that will work his tail off to get to the ball regardless of the ball placement as he has a quick trigger with high stamina for the longevity of the deeper routes I have gotten to watch.
- Another skill set I have watched Mitchel develop since last season is how effective he has become with his brakes stopping quickly on routes as he’s developed swifter footwork with his agile change of direction that has gotten bigger separation from defensive backs than tape I have watched in years past. He’s also built up excellent QB/WR chemistry with Waconia QB Austin Randall Austin Randall 6'1" | 180 lbs | ATH Waconia | 2024 State MN , as Austin has really grown a ton with his precision to get Mitchel the radius to stretch the field for the Wildcat’s passing offense. Mitchel is another WR on our list that has grown on that stretch in his wingspan to get the bulk of the receptions that come his way.
- Mitchel also has an elite vision in the Wildcat’s return game and will make some waves as a kickoff returner. He certainly has a game time speed that pops off that is destined to play on Saturdays in the coming year.
Riley Grossman Riley Grossman 6'1" | 185 lbs | QB Lakeville North | 2025 State MN , QB, Lakeville North (2025) Twitter & Tape
- Riley first caught my eyes more than a year ago; however, that was on the hardwood, where his plethora of skillsets on and off the ball showed a ton of promise as a multi-sport athlete for the Panthers.
- On his sophomore tape, Riley shows off some excellent ball placement for his age with good poise inside the pocket and doesn’t lose the velocity of his ball under duress when he leaves the pocket as he shows off quick instincts when it comes down to his awareness levels.
- There also is a lot to like with Riley’s arm strength for his age, as I cannot wait to see how much more strength he is going to have even with two more seasons of varsity football under his belt as his quick decision making on intermediate routes show not just great precision but you can already tell he has great chemistry built with his receiving core already. Also, has a fluid touch ball on intermediate routes.
- Riley will likely take over for Finn McElroy Finn McElroy 6'2" | 205 lbs | QB Edina | 2023 State MN as Potenza’s QB1 in 2023, and within that excellent program, look for him to make some big gains as far as his technique and development come the 2023 fall season as I can easily say already he has a college football future brewing.
- The glimpses I got of Dylan this fall season against STMA showed significant promise of what is to come from this young man this Spring and his upcoming junior season for the 2022 state champion from the Maple Grove Crimson.
- He showed off a fluid amount of burst in his sophomore tape in the return game, as you could see his speed and well-versed awareness come thru the deeper he got in his punt returns. He showed off developing agility that will continue to show off more instinct as we reach into the 2023 fall season after his 7v7 season.
- There are not too many clips of Dylan as a pass-catcher, however the clips I found, I LOVE the balance this young man has around the sidelines and his awareness of where the line is as he will be one in 2023 that you can depend on to make the high-traffic catch for the Crimson offense.
- Based on the upside I have seen in his sophomore tape, I think Dylan will show off his massive ceiling in 2023 on both sides of the ball for the Crimson, as their squad is going to look significantly different after graduating a ton of seniors in their 2023, class which will allow new names to lead Maple Grove as the defending 6A champs.
- Jay is the newest name to this list of Potenza standouts from their 7v7 tryout, and after doing his film study, I am certainly intrigued to see what this young man brings in his senior season for the Cougars.
- The first thing that pops out about Jay is his instinctive moment between the tackles that go along with his agile footwork. Regardless of whether it is in the return game or on offense, this young man plays one step ahead of where the defense is reading his feet to go.
- He also has a significant load of durability thru contact within his smaller frame, which is fun to watch, especially when he gets into the second level of the field. I also love how BIG his burst is as a pass-catcher coming out of the backfield, as he also shows a good reach for the ball. Jay shows off an effective one-cutter to make his mark to get to the open field and is well built for his 5’9 frame.
- I believe we will see significant growth from this kid from the 7v7 season to the fall season, as his hands are something I look forward to watching more in-depth in my travel scouting 7v7 ball across the Midwest.