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<p>The future of Midwest football was on full display at the Prep Redzone 7v7 Ohio event, and while recruiting rankings may still be years away for this group, the talent at the 14U level is undeniable. This is where early traits begin to separate: athleticism, instincts, competitiveness, and the ability to make plays in space.</p>
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<p>Several young prospects didn't just compete — they <strong>set the tone</strong>. Here's a look at four 14U standouts who made a major impression and are names to start tracking early.</p>
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<p><strong>Eric Henderson – ATH – Next Level 14U (Chicago)</strong></p>
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<p>Henderson is one of those athletes you notice immediately when you turn on the field. The Chicago Next Level standout brings an explosive combination of quickness and instincts, allowing him to impact the game on both sides of the ball.</p>
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<p>Defensively, he showed the ability to lock down receivers with fluid movement and strong reaction skills. He plays fast, trusts what he sees, and consistently puts himself in position to make plays. On offense, Henderson understands spacing at a high level for his age, finds soft spots in coverage, and makes himself a reliable target. While there is still room to grow on the mental and technical fronts, the physical tools are <strong>high-level</strong>, and his upside is among the best in attendance.</p>
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<p><strong>Amare Garth – ATH – 14U</strong></p>
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<p>Garth was one of the most naturally gifted athletes on the field throughout the event. He has a strong feel for the game, especially when the ball is in the air, showing the ability to track, adjust, and high-point with confidence.</p>
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<p>What stands out most is his playmaking ability. Garth consistently found ways to impact games, whether it was making contested catches or positioning himself to create turnovers. He plays with confidence and flashes the type of competitive edge you want to see at this stage. As he continues to develop physically and refine his technique, he has the potential to become one of the more complete players in this age group.</p>
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<p><strong>Braylen Dickerson – ATH – MVO 14U (MI) – Class of 2030</strong></p>
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<p>Dickerson was a <strong>problem in the slot</strong> all day long. Defensively, he took on tough matchups and consistently held his own, showing the ability to mirror routes and stay connected through breaks. His footwork and natural instincts allowed him to play with confidence, and he rarely gave up clean separation.</p>
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<p>Offensively, Dickerson displayed a smooth and crafty game. He understands how to create space and make himself available, showing early signs of strong football IQ. There's a natural feel to how he plays, and that, combined with his versatility, makes him a prospect with long-term upside as he continues to develop physically.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2107681' first='Martel' last='Calhoun'] – ATH – MVO 14U (MI) – Class of 2029</strong></p>
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<p>Calhoun is a high-upside athlete who put together one of the more complete performances of the day. On defense, he lined up at corner and showed the ability to compete at a high level. While he had a couple of learning moments — which is expected at this stage — what stood out was his ability to respond. He bounced back with big plays and didn't shy away from competition.</p>
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<p>On the offensive side of the ball, Calhoun was extremely difficult to contain. He consistently created separation and made plays in space, showing flashes of near-unguardability at times. His combination of competitiveness, athleticism, and resilience points to a player who will continue to trend upward as he gains experience.</p>
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<p></p>
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The future of Midwest football was on full display at the Prep Redzone 7v7 Ohio event, and while recruiting rankings may still be years away for this group, the talent at the 14U level is undeniable. This is where early traits begin to separate: athleticism, instincts, competitiveness, and the ability to make plays in space.
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