Super 7v7: CTC & NY Hustle Top Performers
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I went down to Wilmington to check out the Super7v7 event to see how these New York teams stacked up against some of the top 7v7 teams in the northeast. Both teams did not have their entire rosters and were…
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Continue ReadingI went down to Wilmington to check out the Super7v7 event to see how these New York teams stacked up against some of the top 7v7 teams in the northeast. Both teams did not have their entire rosters and were missing some top players, but there was a ton of talent, especially young talent, making plays for both. We even got a head-to-head matchup between the both which CTC came out on top 33-10. For the Top Performers, I am going to take 7 guys on offense and 7 on defense while roughly following the positions fielded on 7v7.
Offense
Ben Newman Ben Newman 6’1″ | 190 lbs | QB East Rochester/Ganada | 2025 State NY started off very strong in the first few games for CTC where his timing and footwork were very in-sync. The ball was coming out quick and his accuracy and ball placement were on display. Newman, being the only quarterback at the tournament calling his teams plays was the obvious choice here. There will be much more on PRZ New York from this top 25′ QB over the summer.
Israel Hiraldo Israel Hiraldo 6’0″ | 185 lbs | WR East Coast Prep | 2025 NC showcased why he is a sought after recruit every time he touched the ball. Hiraldo is really quick out of his breaks and has a strong build in which he dominants at the LOS with his physicality. Hiraldo was one of the best receivers in the tournament and shines when targeted. I do with Hiraldo was targeted a little more because when NY Hustle when his way they found a ton of success.
Tyrell Simmons Tyrell Simmons 6’3″ | 190 lbs | WR University Prep | 2024 State NY had a few really nice deep routes that turned into touchdowns for CTC. Simmons made a few really impressive jump ball catches in the redzone but what gets him on this list is the route running ability he displayed in the intermediate and deep levels of the field where he truly was a dynamic threat for CTC.
Highlights
Landan McKnight Landan McKnight 5’10” | 150 lbs | ATH Monroe | 2024 State NY was Mr. Consistent for CTC. Over the middle McKnight won with his speed and made several critical catches when CTC was trailing or on their last down. McKnight won with speed and quickness of the LOS but was very sure-handed and was able to bring in some passes through tough contact.
Kelvin Shepard Kelvin Shepard 5’9″ | 160 lbs | WR East | 2025 State NY played from the slot and a little from the backfield for CTC and he was dangerous after the catch but also showcased some really elite route running within 10-yards of the LOS. Shepard was often Newman’s check down and he did a good job of transitioning shorter passes into extra yards.
Richard Perkins Jr Richard Perkins Jr 6’1″ | ATH South Shore | 2025 State NY showed some versatility stepping in as a quarterback in a few games and showed some success as a passer. However, Perkins Jr showed his best ball as a receiver and was a really solid deep threat for NY Hustle. Perkins Jr, won with speed and did a great job tracking the ball down the field making tough catches. Perkins Jr switching between WR and QB did not let him get into a rhythm at either position but he had some impressive flashy plays at both landing him on this list.
Highlights
Amari Colon Amari Colon 6’2″ | 170 lbs | WR Greece Olympia/Odyssey | 2024 State NY was solid for CTC and showcased really good hands, route running, and the ability to win with physicality against man coverage. Colon made some really solid plays for CTC and stood out winning his 1v1 matchups when teams left him alone.
Defense
Nazhier Wilson Nazhier Wilson 6’0″ | 220 lbs | LB Monroe | 2024 State NY was one of the top LBs in the tournament amongst all teams. Wilson was solid in coverage and only got beat a few times and each time was covering players LBs wouldn’t be expected to cover. Wilson was a good communicator for CTC and was one of the reasons their defense was able to hold multiple teams to limited offense leading to a couple blowout wins.
Derrion Battle Derrion Battle 5’10” | 180 lbs | RB Aquinas | 2025 State NY showed some really solid ball instincts and closing speed on receivers. Battle’s positioning from the LB/Nickel spot was really solid and he either was impacting the ball at the catch point or immediately touching guys down right at the catch limiting opportunities after. Battle’s ability to read the QB or route and anticipate were a level above most other DBs in the tournament.
Highlights
Aiden Johnson Aiden Johnson 6’0″ | 205 lbs | LB Canarsie | 2024 State NY made plays every time I got to get my eyes on NY Hustle but many of those plays go unnoticed. Johnson did a solid job of communicating crossing routes with his other defenders and even was able mask a couple of blown coverages by NY Hustle with his range and ability to close on the ball. Johnson is a very athletic linebacker and showed he can win both athletically and mentally.
Highlights
One of the better safety prospects headed into the tournament, Nartey showed really solid range and instincts for NY Hustle. Nartey had one of the most impressive pass breakups where his range and ball skill were on display. Nartey was not often targeted and did a good job not falling for QBs attempting to move safeties and defenders with their eyes. A very consistent solid performance.
Highlights
Styhles McKenzie-Baker Styhles McKenzie-Baker 5’10” | 155 lbs | DB Monroe | 2025 State NY had the INT of the tournament early on when he played a go route perfectly in coverage, got his head back to the ball, and made an incredible play with the INT. Outside of that McKenzie-Baker was not often targeted and for good reason, the guys he covered were rarely open. McKenzie-Baker showcased some really impressive man coverage skills where mirrored WRs very well.
Highlights
Mekhi Edwards Mekhi Edwards 5’10” | 175 lbs | DB Christ the King | 2024 NJ showcased some of the top coverage skills that we expected from one of the best DBs in New York. Edwards has all the tools and showed athletically he can hang with pretty much any receiver and use either physicality or his speed and quickness to mirror guys well. Edwards also has really solid ball skills and made some good plays on the ball.
Highlights
Mazie Riley Mazie Riley 5’10” | 165 lbs | DB East | 2024 State NY makes this list because the middle trio of defenders for CTC in Wilson, Battle, and Riley were really solid. Often communicating well and in sync on tough route concepts to cover in zone in addition to some really solid man coverage from Riley when guys were in his zone or was forced to play man 1v1 make him a necessary inclusion to this list. Riley and Battle, both were new players to me and both performed very well.