Standout Performers: 10U Route 66 Classic in Springfield

This group of athletes delivered standout performances and made their presence felt throughout the weekend. Whether it was making big-time plays, showing consistency, or stepping up in key moments, each of these players found a way to impact the game. These are the names that were mentioned by Prep Redzone as standout players in the Route 66 Classic in Springfield, Missouri:

Kruze McPike - 2033 - 5P - WR/DB - (MO)

Kruze was one of the top overall athletes all weekend, impacting the game on both sides of the ball. He high-points the football well and uses strong hands to finish catches, turning multiple receptions into touchdowns. Defensively, he showed the ability to play both man and zone, adding interceptions to cap off an impressive performance. His team came up a little short in the championship game but was definitely a playmaker that caught our eye.

Crash Adams Crash Adams 4'11" | 80 lbs | QB OK - 2034 - TLR - QB - (OK)

One of the better quarterbacks throughout the weekend in this division. There was one pass I watched him make he threw a dot on a rope to his wide receiver that was pretty. You don't see a lot of young guys being able to make this throw. Crash does a good job looking through his progressions and throws over the middle of the field good. He understands the different type of throws he has to make with it being a 1, 2, or 3 ball to allow the wide receiver to go get it.

Karsten Kirkland Karsten Kirkland OK 2034 - TLR - WR - (OK)

Karsten was the top deep threat all weekend, consistently taking the top off the defense every time he ran a route. He showed the ability to track the ball at a high level, turning multiple catches into touchdowns. With strong eye-hand coordination and smooth footwork, he proved to be a dangerous vertical weapon throughout the event. Karsten was fun to cover who made play after play for his team and will be someone to keep an eye out for as we move through the rest of the summer 7 on 7 events.

Nathan Hannah - 2034 - WR/TE - 5P- (MO)

It's hard to know where to start—he was a man among boys all weekend. Anytime 5P needed a big play or a first down, he was the go-to target along with McPike. He consistently won 50/50 balls who would outjump and muscle the competition, showed strong body control, and used his frame to shield defenders so he could make the catch. A true playmaker who put together a highlight-filled performance all weekend. Hannah was fun to watch and was impressed by how strong his hands were out on the field hauling in those catches.

Cory "CJ" Maxwell - 2034 - WR - Southwest 7 Graddy Real Estate (MO)

CJ was a walking highlight reel all weekend, consistently making big-time plays. He competed at a high level, winning 50/50 balls and coming down with some impressive catches. CJ showed strong hands, a good release off the line, and an extended catch radius outside his frame, making him a tough matchup throughout the event. CJ is going to be a name to keep up with for the next several years to see how he keeps progressing out on the field.

Bishop Peters - 2034 - QB - Arkansas Diamond Boys - (AR)

Another quarterback that I was impressed with was from Arkansas and in the class of 2034, Bishop Peters. Bishop showed solid ball placement throughout the weekend and was effective in the sprint-out game, getting the ball out quickly and on time. He did a good job working through his progressions and distributing the ball across the field. Overall, a very impressive performance spinning it with confidence and consistency. You could tell in their final game he was getting more confident in each throw,

Zev Espinal - 2034 - WR/DB - Arkansas Diamond Boys - (AR)

Another player that impressed me from the Arkansas Diamond Boys 10U team was Zev. He played WR/DB and I was impressed with his play on Sunday overall. He was a consistent wide receiver for Bishop and was all over the field on defense in the secondary. He showed good hands throughout the weekend, making several impressive catches. What stood out most was his ability after the catch—displaying excellent change of direction while maintaining speed and never slowing down.

Creeden Myers Creeden Myers OK - 2034 - WR/DB - TLR - (OK)

Creeden is another player on The Locker Room (TLR) who had a good Saturday showing but in day two is where I came away impressed by his game. He uses his hands well and does a great job creating separation with his footwork. He was effective in the short to intermediate passing game, consistently finding ways to get open and making big-time plays. On defense he had several pass break ups and drives on the ball well.

Grayson Kaempfe - 2034 - WR - Strongside KC - (MO)

Another wide receiver that I was impressed with was Kaempfe from Strongside KC out of Missouri. I would say Grayson was one of the better all-around athletes out at wide receiver because the coaches had him running all kinds of routes short, intermediate and deep. He made several catches at all different levels.

Gionvanni Johnson - 2033 - WR - 5P - (MO)

Giovanni had a strong Sunday, showcasing his playmaking ability throughout this past weekend. He displayed good hands, created yards after the catch who showed a little wiggle to him, and consistently worked to get open to make plays. He made several key receptions, including a long touchdown on the opening play of the game.