Day 1 of Back 2 Ballin 18U Recap, Observations

CEDAR FALLS - The Back to Ballin 7-on-7 high school tournament kicked off Saturday here at the UNI-Dome. Teams in the 15U and 18U Divisions from around the country and Canada tore up the turf from morning to midnight.   Here's a closer look at what I was able to witness watching 18Us on Day 1:   Iowa Gators   The Gators brought in a ringer for the event. Iowa City West all-state quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='245608' first='Jack' last='Wallace'], who'll move on to St. Thomas this summer, was asked Thursday to step in. He looked great working with a new group of receivers. The arm strength and the ball placement were on point. Wallace has made great strides since I first saw him starting as a Trojan freshman. And physically, he's built his body into a temple capable of holding up to the rigors of college ball.   -It was my first in-person look at [player_tooltip player_id='1234336' first='Deztin' last='McMurrin'] and, boy, was I impressed. He's well put together with a solid frame. He made a crazy touchdown catch on a deep ball, beating his defender badly. He runs precise routes and sells them well. McMurrin is just as sound defensively. College coaches should keep an open mind to that possibility for this quick-twitch athlete with smooth hip movement and an easy backpedal. He breaks crisply on the ball and makes plays. Buy stock in McMurrin.   -Lynnville-Sully's [player_tooltip player_id='1360345' first='Jack' last='Bowlin'] is an interesting prospect. He's a solid 6-3, 195 with a frame capable of filling out more without the loss of his impressive athleticism. Bowlin would work out well as a tight end on the next level. He's got the route-running and pass-catching chops and the body type to develop in-line. Bowlin probably is a better linebacker prospect, however. He runs well, allowing him to stay with receivers. Bowlin would have little trouble sticking with most tight ends.   -[player_tooltip player_id='1241491' first='Torian' last='Cotton'] brings good size and agility to the field. He hauled in a few impressive catches, including a route in which he got deep and brought down a contested ball in the end zone.   -This roster is filled with versatile athletes capable of helping programs on the next level in multiple phases. [player_tooltip player_id='1238634' first='Michael' last='Moeller'], Eli Cosby, [player_tooltip player_id='1656865' first='Eli' last='Fuller'], Tashawn Conner, Ben Fleming, Kenyon Leake, Ben Fleming, Kenyon Leake, [player_tooltip player_id='1241504' first='Johari' last='Muigai'], Dashael Wiseman, Madden Meek and [player_tooltip player_id='1617718' first='Brennan' last='Swanson'] all flashed promise throughout the day.   -Much love to these Gators for persevering through sudden and unexpected tragedy. After program director Matt Meek, 44, passed away on Feb. 20, thought was given to canceling the season. Coe College junior defensive back AJ Ambundo stepped in to coach and was working hard here Saturday. To he and these kids, much love for staying tight through great loss and heartache.   Carroll Chargers   -This squad might not look mighty getting off of the bus, but make no mistake, they're ready to ball. The coaches and players are connected, locked in on the mission. It led to a 3-0 Saturday with a score differential of 85-35.   -[player_tooltip player_id='1242845' first='Kade' last='Spotts'] stuck out in more ways than one. The well-put-together athlete is an intriguing prospect on both sides of the ball. However, his future is most likely as a versatile defender capable of standing out at linebacker or safety, depending on the scheme. Spotts runs well, is a fluid athlete, plays fast, shows excellent instincts and as a keen feel for the game. He should be receiving way more attention from colleges.   -The same can be said about [player_tooltip player_id='850243' first='Brayton' last='Alford'], who is an explosive athlete capable of succeeding on either side of the ball. He has a powerful frame and good feet. Coupling what I saw Saturday with his highlight tape and safety would be a natural fit for him. Alford also is dangerous with the ball in his hands. So, yeah, you choose. You won't be disappointed either way.   -Brayton's younger brother, [player_tooltip player_id='854786' first='Taylen' last='Alford'], pulls the trigger for the offense. The Kuemper Catholic sophomore-to-be is one to watch, closely. With plenty of room to fill out his frame, [player_tooltip player_id='854786' first='Taylen' last='Alford'] has a chance to turn heads. In 7-on-7 (and all football, really), getting through progressions quickly is super valuable. He does that regularly. Alford can make all of the throws and shows advanced ball placement for his age.   -[player_tooltip player_id='854786' first='Taylen' last='Alford'] spreads the ball around beyond tossing it to his brother. He can do that with so many capable receivers at his disposal. [player_tooltip player_id='1656855' first='Adam' last='Malik'], [player_tooltip player_id='1656839' first='Austin' last='Heinrichs'], [player_tooltip player_id='1631385' first='Broc' last='Stream'], [player_tooltip player_id='1656847' first='Jaxson' last='Schnell'], Justice Garvis, [player_tooltip player_id='1688977' first='Trevon' last='Keely'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1242825' first='Quinten' last='Polking'] made plays on both sides of the ball Saturday.   Central Lyon/George-Little Rock   -Happy to be able to see this outfit a few times on Saturday. I don't get up to their neck of the woods much but always impressed with their guys on video. And Reece Vander Zee and Graham Eben are ballers.   -'27 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1581283' first='Jayden' last='Daale'] is at the controls for the Lions. He's solidly built already. His arm strength stands out and he gets the ball out quickly. Ball placement is good, especially on deep throws. Daale is one I'll be watching in 2025. He's a quarterback prospect, for sure, but also an athlete capable of moving off the position depending on development the next two seasons go.   -The rest of this roster is comprised of versatile athletes all contributing to the cause. [player_tooltip player_id='1656879' first='Egan' last='Pedersen'], Logan Koob, Tynan Schipper, Brady Kirch and [player_tooltip player_id='1706508' first='Rylan' last='Maxwell'] were among the performers delivering notable plays.

CEDAR FALLS - The Back to Ballin 7-on-7 high school tournament kicked off Saturday here at the UNI-Dome. Teams in the 15U and 18U Divisions from around the country and Canada tore up the turf from morning to midnight.