PRZ National Championship Top 18U Performers Pt 2

The 2025 Prep Redzone 7v7 National Championship took place in a fitting location—Canton, OH, home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The event showcased talent from across the country, spanning divisions from 10U to 18U. I had the opportunity to closely observe several high-level teams in the 18U division, which concluded with 412 Elite claiming the championship after a hard-fought battle against Michigan Made. Below is the second installment in a multi-part series highlighting the top performers I had the chance to see in action.    Gabe Jenkins – Jenkins looked sharp on the back end playing safety. He's clearly added muscle mass without sacrificing athleticism. He excels in two-high coverages, with smooth hips and footwork that consistently put him in position to make plays on the ball. Gabriel is a ballhawk, which he proved again this weekend as teams tried to stretch the field vertically. He's a bona fide FBS recruit with several Division I offers.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/StaggsBryce/status/1917204602883080304 </div></figure>    [player_tooltip player_id='1163016' first='Bryce' last='Staggs'] – Staggs was another polished quarterback who stood out at Nationals. His pocket footwork and overall fundamentals were impressive. Bryce has a strong enough arm to deliver the ball at all three levels, and he pairs it with consistent accuracy. He makes smart reads and gets the ball out decisively. His ability to anticipate out-breaking routes and deliver the ball on time—like in the clip above—was particularly noteworthy. He's definitely a prospect to keep on your radar this summer.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/MaceoWatkinsJr1/status/1917394453654036640 </div></figure>    Maceo Watkins Jr. – Watkins is a versatile two-way athlete for 412 Elite and Pittsburgh Central Catholic. He was a consistent playmaker who played a key role in helping his team win the tournament. The touchdown catch he made in the semifinal game (clip above) perfectly illustrates his ball skills. With the frame to play as an X receiver or either safety spot, Maceo's game speaks volumes. Even in defeat, his competitive fire showed. His standout traits include leaping ability, press release, and strong, reliable hands. Watkins was a tough cover all weekend and holds offers from Navy, Sacramento State, UNLV, Akron, and New Hampshire.    Taye Redding – Redding showcased advanced wide receiver skills at Nationals. He combines great size with deep-threat speed. He releases cleanly against press and runs sharp, deceptive routes. With reliable hands and red zone productivity, Redding stood out—scoring two quick TDs against The Show Dynasty. His lateral quickness, 6'3 frame, speed, and vertical made him one of the top performers. He currently holds a football scholarship offer from Wayne State.    Zion Taylor – A 2026 prospect from Warren Cousino High School, Taylor played with Team DNA at Nationals. He's an elusive slot receiver with the speed and lateral quickness to embarrass defenders. Zion consistently catches the ball in traffic and competes hard in contested situations. He broke up two red zone fades and scored on a corner route against AB97on7, showcasing both offensive and defensive value.    Grant Biscak – Biscak is a physically impressive linebacker who caught my eye with his movement and physicality in a 7v7 setting. His drop mechanics and route recognition are well-developed for a high school LB. He has the frame and athleticism to cover smaller skill players in man situations. A raw but talented athlete, Biscak is committed to Toledo and is someone to watch going forward.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/AveryHawkins/status/1916521398085849325 </div></figure>    Ja'mauri Jones – Jones showcased serious playmaking ability at the 2025 PRZ National Championship. A do-it-all slot receiver, he's smooth navigating middle-of-the-field traffic and explosive after the catch. His speed is a mismatch for most linebackers, and his route running is crisp. He consistently gained yards after the catch and was easily the most productive offensive player on his team. Jones currently holds a D1 offer from Robert Morris.    Jarius Timberlake-Johnson – Timberlake-Johnson was another standout cornerback. He brings size and versatility, excelling in both press and off-man coverage. His length helps him contest throws against bigger receivers. He's built like a safety but covers like a natural corner. Jarius shows efficient footwork and minimal wasted movement. I watched him make several plays on the ball, including a hands-catch interception. I'd love to see what he looks like in full pads.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TheJEAcademy/status/1916986621196447998 </div></figure>    [player_tooltip player_id='1663045' first='Antowine' last='Smith'] (DB, JE Academy) – Smith was a difference-maker on both sides of the ball. In one game I observed, he recorded two interceptions, including one in the red zone stopping a crucial drive. He also caught multiple touchdowns at wide receiver. Smith has natural man coverage ability, and his knack for playmaking stood out all tournament. He is definitely worthy of making this list.    [player_tooltip player_id='388167' first='Carlos' last='Diggs'] – I've covered Carlos extensively on Prep Redzone, but this weekend was my first time seeing him compete in person. He's clearly a next-level corner. Diggs is strong in both press and off-man techniques, and equally effective in zone coverages like Cover 2 and 3. He plays with confidence and doesn't shy away from tough matchups. He helped lead 412 Elite to a championship and holds offers from Marshall, Maine, and Howard.

The 2025 Prep Redzone 7v7 National Championship took place in a fitting location—Canton, OH, home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The event showcased talent from across the country, spanning divisions from 10U to 18U. I had the opportunity to closely observe several high-level teams in the 18U division, which concluded with 412 Elite claiming the championship after a hard-fought battle against Michigan Made. Below is the second installment in a multi-part series highlighting the top performers I had the chance to see in action.