7v7Elite: Central Florida — Notable Top Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fresh takeaways from this weekend's action in Polk County, where several ATHs and playmakers used the 7v7 setting to build momentum heading deeper into the offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Ryan Ferdinand | WR | 2027 | @6ixtimesss (Palm Beach Elite)</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ferdinand was the most complete receiver I saw all weekend. Consistently created separation, showed dependable hands, and won at every level of the field. Clean route runner with vertical upside who continues gaining traction on the recruiting trail.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Joseph Howard | WR | 2027 | Lakeland | @jokerwondr</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carried over his Friday night production into the offseason. Speed and explosiveness consistently flipped field position, giving offenses a big-play threat. Trending upward heading toward spring ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Michael Vernon Jr | WR | 2027 | Jesuit | @MichaelVernon0</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A natural playmaker who brought highlight moments all weekend. Burst, separation ability, and field awareness made him one of the more electric receivers in attendance. Continued physical development raises his ceiling even more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Jayden Rivers | WR | 2027 | Sarasota | @RiversJayd51820 (Fly Division)</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>High-motor slot receiver who consistently won underneath. Sharp routes, quick breaks, and reliable hands made him a steady chain mover throughout the weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Andre Moss | ATH | 2027 | Dunbar | @__amoss1 (AP3Elite)</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A major factor in AP3Elite's 18U championship run. Reliable target who handled heavy volume and delivered in key moments, including a clutch double-move touchdown late. Tough, productive, and consistent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Ryder Ho | WR | CCC | IG: iam.ryderho (SlimeyBoyz)</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nearly unguardable from the slot. Precise route runner with strong hands and excellent footwork. Constantly created problems in space regardless of size matchups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Gary Mitchell | ATH | 2028 | @Garymit7 (SlimeyBoyz)</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Played with confidence and produced downfield. Good size paired with physical catches stood out. Recently earned FIU and Liberty offers — momentum clearly building.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2122864' first='Phillip' last='Michely'] | WR | 2027 | Somerset Academy | @PhillipMichely1 (Palm Beach Elite)</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fast-rising receiver who flashed burst and competitiveness early in pool play. Made enough impact plays to demand attention heading into camp season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Robert Collington | ATH | 2027 | Dunbar | @Robtofye48 (AP3Elite)</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Impact player on both sides of the ball. Offensively created spacing issues with smart route pacing, while defensively brought communication and leadership. True MVP-type presence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Ki'yan McCray | WR | 2030 | IG: zero_in_motion</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Made the catch of the weekend with a one-handed end-zone grab. Beyond the highlight, showed separation ability and natural feel for the game. High-upside young prospect to monitor long-term.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Malachi Hairston | WR | ZCA | @Malihairston</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reliable and productive target with strong hands and physical play style. Gets off the line well and consistently finishes through contact. Quarterback-friendly receiver.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Kai Sainmervil | DB | 2027 | Spanish River | @kai_sain6 (Palm Beach Elite)</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Underrated defensive back who continues stacking strong showings. At 6-0, 190, combines coverage ability with physicality in run support. Important offseason ahead with camp exposure coming.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Blake Marinko | WR | 2028 | @blake_marinko (Trinity Elite)</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reliable chain mover who consistently found soft spots in coverage. Stayed available for quarterbacks and delivered in key situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Bryce Flemming | ATH | 2027 | Wesley Chapel | @BryceFlemming22 (Trinity Elite)</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Strong frame and dependable hands stood out, especially working the middle of the field. Athletic profile suggests potential upside at nickel defensively as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='606160' first='Noah' last='Chieffo'] | WR | 2026 | @luhhchief (Fly Division)</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6-5, brings immediate size advantages. Showed strong hands and vertical playmaking ability. Focus now shifts to stacking consistent performances heading into a key offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2126457' first='Derrick' last='Fletcher'] | ATH | 2029 | Bishop Verot | @showtimedee____ (AP3Elite)</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the more intriguing young prospects physically. Long frame, strong catch radius, and ability to win contested throws stand out early. A prospect likely to rise quickly once camp season begins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Kymani Nichols | DT/OL | 2029 | @lovetofoulkyman (AP3Elite)</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rare size-athleticism combo at 6-5, 290. Even in a 7v7 setting, his movement skills and frame stand out. High-upside trench prospect with long-term potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Nasir Warrick | ATH | Cocoa | IG: @7to_trim (FlawdaYardBoyz)</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fast-rising freshman adding to the growing wave of young talent coming out of Brevard County. Warrick put together a strong weekend performance, earning Defensive MVP honors while helping FlawdaYardBoyz capture the 18U championship.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1238987' first='Mekell' last='King'] | DB | 2027 | Specially Fit Academy | @KingMekell</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Came in motivated and showed clear growth throughout the weekend. Competed well against top receivers and displayed improved technique and confidence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Deionne Holloway | ATH | 2029 | IG: @ho11oway1</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Holloway continues to make noise week after week on the 7v7 circuit, emerging as a fast-rising 2029 prospect. He's building steady momentum heading toward spring ball, showing playmaking ability and comfort at wide receiver. A nice-looking athlete with real danger once the ball is in his hands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best of the rest:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jamarion Corbett</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fredrick Brown</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tithiem Hutchins</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Justice Jones</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ka'Marion Jones</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Deionne Holloway&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dominique Wortham</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1684063' first='Jamari' last='Ward']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jack Newirk&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ayden Hubbard</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->