Players to watch: Third and Ten 7v7 National Team Part 1
In this article:
Last year, Long Island football was put on the map during the 7v7 circuit. Third and Ten is a 7v 7 national team that competed against amazing squads all spring and summer during 2022. They were able to come away…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingLast year, Long Island football was put on the map during the 7v7 circuit. Third and Ten is a 7v 7 national team that competed against amazing squads all spring and summer during 2022. They were able to come away with some huge victories including a win over the South Florida Express, who was ranked the number one 7v7 team in the country. Last year they featured some of the best players in the state and now they will be back at it for another year. Read about some of the players on the roster for this upcoming 7v7 season. Stay tuned for part two.
When I saw him up close and personal at the Third and Ten tryouts, his arm strength immediately jumped out. Rainone possesses a cannon, as he showed it on some deep balls throughout the day. He was hitting his Holy Trinity teammates with ease and also had no issue connecting with receivers he has never played with. During his high school season, he was a solid decision maker against pressure and it reflected on what he showed out on the field. His smart and quick choices helped him complete a ton of passes. The quarterback from Holy Trinity has established himself as a winner. He has posted a 19-1 record the past two years and has been a very efficient quarterback. Ranione will be a terrific leader for this 3rd and 10 team.
BJ Norman
BJ Norman
One word to describe Norman has to be “exciting”. Whenever he steps out onto the field it’s a show. He was a stud for Roosevelt High School during his junior year. He is an incredible addition as a wide receiver or defensive back for this 7v7 squad. Norman isn’t the biggest guy but he’s certainly one of the fastest. His north-south speed can completely burn defenders. When running deep routes it was very difficult for any of the cornerbacks to keep up with him. He ran terrific slant routes continuously getting a step on his defensive back. It’s no surprise that he clocked a 4.4 forty yard dash. Norman showed his hands as well, he was able to haul in a ton of passes despite the cold weather he had to deal with. He might not see the same level of competition as other top playmakers on Long Island, but Norman’s name belongs in that conversation.
While Duff wasn’t at the 7v7 tryout I attended, once I got the word he was on this team he had to make an appearance in this article. This was a game changing addition for this 3rd and 10 team heading into the 7v7 circuit. The talented wide receiver played for RAW 7v7 during the off season. That team consisted of some of the best high school football players in the country including Duff’s former rival Ellis Robinson who recently committed to Georgia. Duff brings just about everything to the table as a wide receiver. At 6 foot 5 he is a serious matchup problem for any defensive player. He’ll be lining up on the outside or the slot for Third and 10 and he’ll be making plays. His footwork and hands are on a different level and I’m not sure if you will see many cornerbacks that will be able to handle Duff in the 7v7 season.
Highlights
Going into the tryout I was extremely intrigued to see how Reeder would perform. In the high school season he was one of my favorite pound for pound players on Long Island. He earned his nickname “The Bull” with how he ran between the tackles. He was very tough to bring down in the fall but what I saw during the tryouts was his elusiveness. We don’t see him lineup as a wide receiver for Holy Trinity very often but when he did at the tryout he put on a show. He put defenders in shambles during his time running routes. When he ran short routes, he quickly got open. Now while he mainly played offense, his athletic ability can translate on both sides of the field. He was already a terrific linebacker in the fall, I wouldn’t be shocked if he played that position during the 7v7 tournaments.
Highlights
Richard Paul
Richard Paul
There were a ton of players looking to make a name for themselves and one guy who I can guarantee did that was Richie Paul. The 2025 prospect out of Freeport came away with a huge day during the 7v7’s tryouts. He ran some of the best routes out of all the talented wide receivers on that day. His first step is what really stood out during the tryout. There was no doubt that his ability to create separation was one of the best. His acceleration out of his cuts helped him torch defenders. He made it look really easy and although he didn’t have a flashy sophomore year, he’s a guy everyone will need to watch. Expect him to be able to contribute on both sides of the ball.
The Westhampton Beach native made a statement during the 7v7 tryout. At 6 foot 1 and 185 pounds he was one of the bigger wide receivers and used his size to his advantage. He was able to use effective body control to put himself in great positions against some of the best defensive backs. I was also impressed with his hands. The receivers were given tons of chances to show off their catching ability and that’s where LoRusso shined. He was a consistent receiver by hauling in a lot of passes. He ran crisp routes and I could see him being a reliable target for this loaded 3rd and 10 squad all spring and summer long.