Louisiana Bootleggers 7v7 Lafayette tryout/preseason eye-catchers

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.   First up: A dozen talented players who popped out during the Louisiana Bootleggers' tryout event for the Lafayette area.   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.)     ————————— 18U —————————   This list could certainly stretch well past seven players, but we'll stick to that number to keep manageable and allow some space for a few 15U and 14U standouts as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='426961' first='Russell' last='Babineaux'] — 5-9, 170 WR/ATH — Acadiana (2025)   Coming from a run-heavy offense for the Wreckin' Rams, the speedy rising senior was immediately impressive with his work in the slot, repeatedly breaking himself free in the middle of the field and on a couple vertical runs past defenders.   [player_tooltip player_id='401749' first='Cole' last='Bergeron'] — 6-4, 195 QB — St. Thomas More (2026)   The helm of the Cougars' offense looks to be in great hands for the next two years as star senior [player_tooltip player_id='285278' first='Sam' last='Altmann'] heads to college. The rising junior, who saw some varsity opportunities and had reportedly had a particularly strong junior varsity campaign, has the build, confidence and maturity of an older passer to go with his strong arm that delivered tight-spiraled throws to every level during the tryout.   [player_tooltip player_id='710782' first='Chris' last='Helaire'] — 5-9, 150 DB — Lafayette Christian (2025)   The Knights' cornerback, fresh off a breakout junior campaign, was arguably the day's top-performing defensive back with his share of wins in one-on-ones against some of the top receivers and effectively navigating traffic   [player_tooltip player_id='913926' first='Dalyn' last='Lewis'] — 5-11, 155 DB — Acadiana (2025)   A few Acadiana defenders joined Babineaux at the event, with Lewis standing out most of the bunch with his long, lean build at corner all the way to an interception to close the night.   [player_tooltip player_id='145333' first='Diesel' last='Solari'] — 5-7, 175 ATH — Cecilia (2025)   The versatile athlete helped quarterback his Bulldogs to their first state championship appearance since 1995 and, while the tryout marked his busiest day of route-running in more than a year, the explosive Solari was consistently able to work his way open for catches.   [player_tooltip player_id='291094' first='Kylin' last='Wheeler'] — 5-11, 170 WR — Rayne (2025)   The Wolves' speedster appears poised to be a notable stock-riser in the next round of Prep Redzone Louisiana rankings. His speed — with a smooth athleticism — was every bit as anticipated as he glided and zipped past and away from defenders all over the field. And his size and strength to make plays through contact also stood out more than anticipated in a couple opportunities to showcase that aspect of his game.   [player_tooltip player_id='1221040' first='Jake' last='Wyman'] — 5-9, 165 WR/ATH — Catholic (New Iberia) (2025)   Another versatile athlete who shouldered quarterback duties for his high school team but is a more natural receiver or defensive back, the quick-footed Wyman was one of the top pass-catchers in the slot, tracking the ball well and making sure-handed catches in stride and on a couple occasions in traffic or through contact.     ————————— 15U and 14U —————————   Again, this list could stretch well beyond the five players chosen here. Stay tuned for more as the season actually gets going.   [player_tooltip player_id='1372214' first='Chance' last='Archangel'] — 6-2, 210 TE/DL — Anderson Middle (2028)   The young athlete's tall, long frame and solid build stood out notably among his peers, and he moved well working through linebacker drills. Whether Archangel ultimately projects as a tight end or lineman — potentially on either side of the ball — he looks poised to be one of the notable prospects to watch in Westgate's incoming wave of talent.   [player_tooltip player_id='1250303' first='Jayden' last='Dwyer'] — 5-10, 155 DB/ATH — Westgate (2027)   One of a pair of Westgate freshmen on this list, Dwyer performed well in reps on both sides of the ball and particularly excelled as a long, athletic defensive back with well-timed plays on the ball thrown his direction.   [player_tooltip player_id='409932' first='Hayden' last='Monroe'] — 6-2, 175 WR/ATH — Sunset Middle (2028)   In a year in which Brian Thomas Jr. was among the nation's top college receivers and [player_tooltip player_id='285194' first='Trey'Dez' last='Green'] was among the nation's top prospects, "H3" is among the most-promising young standouts in Louisiana's next wave of tall, long multisport athletes with high-level potential as both a pass-catching prospect and basketball player.   [player_tooltip player_id='1250307' first='Jackilon' last='Roberson'] — 5-10, 145 WR — Westgate (2027)   Like his high school teammate, Roberson played well in opportunities on both sides of the ball with a good combination of size and speed at his age. Roberson was one of the top receivers among the younger age groups.   [player_tooltip player_id='1692307' first='Zyier' last='Stokes'] — 5-3, 110 WR/DB — Anderson Middle (2029)   Maybes the youngest and smallest athlete to attend the event was a quick and confident playmaker, particularly as a difficult receiver for his peers to cover. Stokes still has another year of middle school ahead, but looks to be a potential player to watch for years to come for a Westgate program with a strong recent track record of maximizing smaller, but dynamic athletes.

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.