PA Classic 7v7: 18u NY Top Performers
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This past weekend at the PA Classic 7v7 there were multiple New York teams in the 18u division of the tournament hailing primarily from the Syracuse Area. While there was a ton of representation from New York at the 15u…
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Continue ReadingThis past weekend at the PA Classic 7v7 there were multiple New York teams in the 18u division of the tournament hailing primarily from the Syracuse Area. While there was a ton of representation from New York at the 15u 14u and 12u levels at 18u two teams – Syracuse Elite – and – Victory Academy – came to play. Syracuse Elite showcased some solid play on Saturday and an impressive run in single elimination on Sunday while Victory Academy struggled to get into a rhythm as a team but showcased some flashes of young talent in multiple games against tough opponents.
Jaxon Razmovski Jaxon Razmovski 6’0″ | 165 lbs | QB Cicero North Syracuse | 2024 State NY who is the #1 24′ Quarterback in Section III and one of the most talented passers in the entire state took a game or two to get in rhythm but showcased some impressive arm talent and high confidence in his arm and ability. Razmovski has what I like to call “arm arrogance” where he will make really difficult throws often pushing tight windows and making throws with really high-level anticipation. His team worked through some early drops and tough matchups but on Sunday in single-elimination play, Razmovski had back-to-back games where he was unreal making plays all over the field. Headed to Mount Union Razmovski may not be the biggest or most athletic QB prospect but his arm is on par with anyone else in New York State.
Highlights
Headed to Franklin Pierce to play ball at the next level some traits of Tristan Johnson Tristan Johnson 6’3″ | 175 lbs | WR Cicero North Syracuse | 2024 State NY ‘s game showcase his clear high upside as a player. Playing two-way for Syracuse Elite Tristan Johnson Tristan Johnson 6’3″ | 175 lbs | WR Cicero North Syracuse | 2024 State NY was effective both at WR and SAF and the 6’3 prospect showcased high-level athleticism and length. Johnson has good ball skills and the ability to separate down the field. Johnson worked through some struggles a couple of games early but on Sunday was one of the most dominant prospects with some elite playmaking ability on display in multiple games. If Johnson can continue to build more consistency into his game there is no doubt Franklin Pierce will be getting a prospect who can perform beyond expectations.
Highlights
While Johnson may not have made some of the flashy plays everyone likes to see on 7v7 the LB for Syracuse Elite was a big reason they were so successful early on Sunday. Syracuse Elite only allowed 23 points between their first two games on Sunday and Johnson’s coverage and ability to take away the short area of the field were a big reason why. Johnson had an exceptional game against Florida/New England Outlawz national team which features several D1 prospects and helped limit their offense and put their quarterbacks under pressure to get the ball out with limited open targets. Johnson may not have been a top performer in terms of generating INTs or highlight plays but without his coverage and presence in the middle of the field Syracuse Elite’s defense would not have been nearly as stout.
Divine Bennett Divine Bennett 5’8″ | 160 lbs | WR Cicero-North Syracuse | 2024 NY just like his teammates worked through some early game woes but turned up after the first game. Bennett was probably the best pure athlete from New York in this tournament and his speed/burst/explosiveness was evident on multiple occasions. With the ball in his hands Bennett was exceptional showcasing he was one of the better YAC players in the tournament and showcased a good ability to separate and find open space against zone defenses. Bennett also was not just a short area route runner with his twitch and quickness, he showcased the ability to create that space down the field and run a more complete route tree than I expected.
Remir Ratchford Remir Ratchford 5’6″ | ATH CBA-Syracuse | 2024 State NY out of CBA in Syracuse who is headed to play for Alfred next year was a player who on a team with less of a logjam at skill positions could have shown some more on tape at the HS level. Ratchford showcased some impressive quickness and twitch but he made some plays that showed up his bounce and explosiveness. Victory Academy spread the ball around so Ratchford did not end up with a ton of targets but I was impressed with his athletic ability in person. A smaller prospect at 5’6 Ratchford shows the athleticism to be an effective returner and gadget weapon offensively at the next level.
Jeadi Higdon
Jeadi Higdon
Jeadi Higdon was a new name to me in terms of players I have yet to see live and the 5’10 180lb RB from Corcoran was a top performer for Victory Academy. It seemed every time they needed a play Higdon was one of the guys who showed up to make it. Higdon showcased the ability to separate and primarily work out of the slot and was able to win running both in breaking and out-breaking routes. Higdon showcased some burst out of his cuts and was able to transition from catch to working upfield quickly. Higdon plays RB for Corcoran but he showcased some quality receiving skills that you do not see a ton of on tape with a primarily run-first offense on Corcoran.
Honorable Mention Prospects
X’zavion Streiff X’zavion Streiff 6'0" | 170 lbs | QB Bishop Ludden | 2026 State NY QB Victory Academy
Marcus Reed II Marcus Reed II 6'1" | 170 lbs | LB Cicero-North Syracuse | 2025 NY QB/LB Victory Academy
Micah Baker Micah Baker 5'11" | ATH Bishop Ludden | 2026 NY ATH Victory Academy
Nathan Williams Nathan Williams 6'1" | 180 lbs | WR Cicero-North Syracuse | 2024 State NY WR Syracuse Elite
Mikah Combs Mikah Combs 5'10" | 140 lbs | ATH East Syracuse Minoa | 2024 State NY ATH Syracuse Elite