Off the Beaten Path: Athletes Who’ve Earned a Closer Look

There's something special about this time of year. Pads aren't popping just yet, but you can feel it coming. Summer 7-on-7s are winding down, the heat's still brutal, and everyone's talking about who might be that next breakout name once the lights come on Friday nights.   Lately, I've been bouncing around to a bunch of 7s events and digging through film when I get a chance. And along the way, a few names kept grabbing my attention — guys I hadn't been following all that closely before, but now can't be ignored. It might've been a crazy rep, a physical trait that pops, or just something about how they carry themselves. Whatever it was, they stood out.   Maybe they explode. Maybe they grind and make small gains each week. Either way, I'll be watching — and I think you might want to be, too.    Jadon's a really interesting one because he brings a rare mix of size and quickness that you don't usually see in guys his age. He's about 6'0 and pushing 200, but the way he moves, you'd think he was built like a slot receiver. He's got that suddenness to him — those sharp, twitchy cuts out of his breaks that just leave defenders a step behind. But the part that impressed me most? His hands. Strong, clean, confident, and smooth. He doesn't let the ball come to him, he goes and gets it. A lot of young receivers still rely on their body to make catches — Jadon doesn't. He trusts his hands, and it shows on film over and over again. What makes him such a mismatch is that he's kind of in that in-between zone. Too quick for linebackers, too physical for smaller DBs. It gives him options, and more importantly, it gives his quarterback options. I think he's just scratching the surface of what he can be, and I'm really excited to see how he grows into his role this season.     Roman's the kind of kid you watch and forget for a second that he's just heading into high school. His game already looks polished, like he's been doing this for years at the varsity level. He's not the biggest receiver out there, but you wouldn't know it by the way he goes up and attacks the ball. His vertical and catch radius are flat-out impressive, and he's constantly putting himself in a position to make a play. What really grabbed me, though, is how clean and sharp his footwork is. He's got that suddenness off the line, but he doesn't waste movement either. He's precise — he knows how to shake a defender with just one step and can stop on a dime like it's nothing. You'll also catch him toe-tapping near the sideline like a seasoned player. That's not normal for someone his age. He's already got a well-rounded game and doesn't seem to have any obvious holes. Just a really smooth athlete who's confident in what he does. With Hamilton's track record and the way Roman's wired, I think he's got a chance to be something special if he keeps putting the work in.     J'Cory's one of those dudes that just plays the game with a chip on his shoulder — and you can feel it the second you hit play on his tape. He's not the biggest DB out there, and he's probably heard that a hundred times, but man, none of that matters once the ball is snapped. He's got that gritty, downhill mindset like he's part safety, part linebacker, part heat-seeking missile. What really stuck with me is how smart he is about using what he's got. He knows how to lean into his physical style, how to disrupt plays even if he's giving up some size. You'll see him fight through blocks, throw his body around, and still turn his hips quick enough to stay in coverage. There's just a real edge to how he plays, and that's not something you can coach. He knows who he is as a player, and he leans into that. That kind of self-awareness, especially for a younger guy, says a lot about what he could turn into.     Linc's a 2029 quarterback, but the way he carries himself already feels varsity-ready. First thing that jumps out is undoubtedly the size. This kid is big. Not just tall — he's got a serious frame, and you can see it in how effortless his over-the-top throwing motion looks. He's not going to have trouble seeing over the line or getting the ball out over defenders, and that's a huge plus this early in his development. What really surprised me, though, was how calm he looks in the pocket. There's no panic in his game. He stands tall, reads things out, and delivers a pretty clean deep ball with solid touch. You can tell he's been coached up, but he's also got that natural feel that's hard to teach. Nothing feels rushed, and that kind of poise — especially at his age — isn't something you see often. Casteel's got some depth in the QB room, so there's no pressure to throw him in right away. But being real — there's only so long they're going to be able to let a talent like this stand on the sidelines on Fridays. That size and poise combo is tough to ignore, and I think he's going to make a real case for himself sooner than later.     Jace is one of those guys you might not fully appreciate until you really sit down and watch how he moves. He's not the flashiest receiver out there, but he just does so many little things right. His route running has some polish already, and he's got a knack for finding the soft spot in a zone — something that's easier said than done, especially at this age. What really stood out to me was how natural he looks around the sideline. His body control is legit — he knows exactly how to drag that back foot, keep his balance, and give his QB a window. You can tell he's truly understanding what's going on around him. He's the kind of player coaches trust — not just because he's talented, but because he plays smart and brings real value every snap.     Isaiah's one of those athletes who makes you do a double take. You see him line up at quarterback and think, okay, let's see what he can do — and then next thing you know, he's locking up receivers on defense, too. That kind of versatility is rare, and it tells you a lot about the kind of athlete he is. What really caught my attention, though, was his throwing mechanics on the move. Some guys get sloppy when they roll out — Isaiah doesn't. He keeps everything tight, rotates his hips like it's second nature, and gets real zip on his throws, especially over the middle. And it's not just the velocity — it's how quick the ball comes out and how accurate he can be without setting his feet. He's stepping into a big role for McClintock this year, and with all the changes that program's gone through this offseason, they'll need someone steady at QB. From what I've seen, Isaiah has the tools to lead them. He's athletic, he's confident, and he's got a little bit of fire in how he plays. I'm really curious to see how he grows into that role this season.

There's something special about this time of year. Pads aren't popping just yet, but you can feel it coming. Summer 7-on-7s are winding down, the heat's still brutal, and everyone's talking about who might be that next breakout name once the lights come on Friday nights.