Bootleggers 7v7 New Orleans tryout/preseason 18U eye-catchers
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As the spring nonscholastic/travel 7-on-7 season approaches, Prep Redzone Louisiana will preview some of the state’s student-athletes to watch this spring with a series of tryout eye-catchers and names to know for the coming months. Wrapping up the run through…
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Continue ReadingAs the spring nonscholastic/travel 7-on-7 season approaches, Prep Redzone Louisiana will preview some of the state’s student-athletes to watch this spring with a series of tryout eye-catchers and names to know for the coming months.
Wrapping up the run through the Louisiana Bootleggers’ regional tryouts will be the particularly strong turnout for the New Orleans area, including 10 talented 18U players below.
The Bootleggers are the state’s — and one of the country’s — longest-tenured organization of its kind, going back 15 years, and feature a handful of regional/metro teams that filter up to the statewide “national” team.
(Note: The scout/writer accepted a position this winter coordinating the roster selection of this organization’s national teams.)
Dernell Arline Jr. Dernell Arline Jr. 6'2" | 165 lbs | ATH Riverside Academy | 2026 State LA — 6-2, 165 WR — Riverside Academy (2026)
The Rebels’ speedy track athlete’s tall frame and long stride stood out right away. And while his route-running and hands are still a work in progress as he learns and works his way into football, Arline boasts some athletic traits that can’t be taught as an intriguing foundation.
Brodie DuMontier Brodie DuMontier 6'0" | 170 lbs | WR Brother Martin | 2026 State LA — 6-0, 165 WR — Brother Martin (2026)
DuMontier was back on his grind after missing the bulk of the fall with a collarbone injury. The Crusaders’ standout was one of the top receivers on the day with strong, sure hands that smoothly secure every ball thrown his way to maximize his catch radius and stride.
Trystan Evans Trystan Evans 5'11" | 175 lbs | LB Archbishop Shaw | 2025 LA — 5-11, 175 LB/DB — Archbishop Shaw (2025)
The Eagles’ junior linebacker made several big pass breakups deep downfield where he worked more as a safety, moving well in coverage and making well-timed plays on the ball.
Jokoby Farria — 6-2, 180 QB — St. Augustine (2026)
Koby was among the top quarterbacks at the event with his tall, solid build and strong arm and multiple well-placed balls downfield on which he showed good feel and accuracy to drop in some passes with a lighter touch.
Dedric Lastie Dedric Lastie 5'4" | 140 lbs | RB Riverside Academy | 2025 LA — 5-3, 130 RB/ATH — Riverside Academy (2025)
Lastie played huge all fall to help lead his Rebels to a state championship appearance and looks potentially poised for a big spring as well in a 7-on-7 format particularly well suited to his quickness and will give him more of an opportunity to showcase his receiving ability.
Brandon Lewis Brandon Lewis 5'10" | 185 lbs | DB Bonnabel | 2025 LA — 5-10, 185 DB/LB — Bonnabel (2025)
One of a pair of Bruins teammates on this list (plus another on the 15U list), Lewis was a strong, physical nickel/safety in the middle of the field .
Jabari Mack Jabari Mack 6'0" | 185 lbs | WR Destrehan | 2026 State LA — 6-0, 185 WR/ATH — Destrehan (2026)
The Wildcats’ budding sophomore star was the top receiver at the event with his solid build and impressive combination of his explosive release, speed, leap and body control and ball skills.
David Perry Jr. David Perry Jr. 5'11" | 180 lbs | DB Bonnabel | 2025 State LA — 5-11, 180 DB — Bonnabel (2025)
The quick, physical corner played well in a variety of coverage looks — throwing receivers off-balance in press with his strong hands, then blanketing them stride for stride, or dropping back moving well navigating space and traffic and making well-timed breaks on passes to his area of the field.
Jayden Perry — 6-1, 160 DB — Jewel Sumner (2025)
The versatile athlete spent more of the afternoon working some reps as a receiver, but was at his best when he switched to defense and patrolled the back end of defense in 7-on-7 reps with his long, lean frame.
Jadan Verrett Jadan Verrett 6'2" | 185 lbs | QB G.W. Carver | 2025 State LA — 6-1, 170 QB — G.W. Carver (2025)
The Rams’ rising senior quickly stood out during drills with his solid build, tall posture and quick footwork and backed up the initial eye test with his throws in one-on-one and 7-on-7 segments. Verrett is an interesting hidden gem to monitor on the heels of a fall in which Carver was only able to play its first three games.