More Breakout Performers from Back 2 Ballin High ’26

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;howe30&nbsp;in the coupon code area</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/04/day-1-rundown-from-back-2-ballin-high-2026/">Day 1 Rundown from Back 2 Ballin High 2026</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/04/photo-gallery-i-midamerican-7v7-back-2-ballin-high-2026/">Photo Gallery I: MidAmerican 7v7 Back 2 Ballin High 2026</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/04/photo-gallery-ii-midamerican-7v7-back-2-ballin-high-2026/">Photo Gallery II: MidAmerican 7v7 Back 2 Ballin High 2026</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/04/photo-gallery-iii-midamerican-7v7-back-2-ballin-high-2026/">Photo Gallery III: MidAmerican 7v7 Back 2 Ballin High 2026</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The annual MidAmerican 7v7 Back 2 Ballin High Tournament went down last weekend at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. Programs from at least a half dozen states competed in four divisions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I spent the weekend at the event. Here's a look a look at players catching my attention for the first time or guys I've evaluated before raising their profiles with performances:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1956824"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69ea486b59de6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I was able to evaluate Lester in person multiple times last season. The sophomore did well in filling a role and doing what was asked of him on offense during Liberty's first-ever trip to the state championship game. He rushed eight times for 42 yards (5.3 YPC) and a touchdown, caught seven balls for 35 yards, and completed both of his throws for 14 yards. Lester really flashed promise defensively, collecting 24.0 tackles with 15 of them being solo stops. He posted 2.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He averaged 14.0 yards on a pair of kick returns. I received an updated look at Lester when he helped Rip City win the 18U Gold Bracket at the Back 2 Ballin High 7v7 tournament during the middle of April at the UNI-Dome. He showed potential on both sides of the ball, once again. Fluid actions, quickness and burst feed into the success running with receivers in coverage. He utilizes his hands well and understands angles. Lester does well with the ball in his hands, combining explosion and speed. It's a skill that plays well on special teams, too. Lester has the look of a 2026 breakout prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2111007"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69ea49a8bd463"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gerry stood out to me pretty quickly when watching him line up with Nebraska Select 7even 18U at the Back 2 Ballin High 7v7 tournament during the middle of April in Cedar Falls. A legit 6-3 with long limbs and a projectable frame, the Lewis Central sophomore is an interesting receiver prospect. He's a sound route runner for his age, combining easy deep speed with the athleticism to high-point the ball. A natural fit in the red zone, he's a well-rounded wideout capable of winning all over the field. The ability to fill out his frame and add strength keep open a future at tight end and linebacker on the next level. He's fluid in coverage and moves well laterally. Long arms help to keep throwing windows small. Gerry caught six passes and recorded 23.0 tackles (18 solo, 1.5 TFL) with an interception. A breakout in 2026 is loading.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2119998"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69ea4b457af9d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I scouted Cole in person for the first time at the Back 2 Ballin High 7v7 Tournament during the middle of April at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. The Marion freshman stood out right away for his smooth operation and easy release. It's quick and leads to zip on the ball. Cole is a good athlete with the ability to move the pocket. He looks comfortable throwing on roll-outs and when scrambling. Cole cycles through progressions in a timely manner and gets the ball out quickly when spotting an open window. The footwork is smooth and power is generated through the legs. Marion's passing game struggled finding consistency last fall with a senior taking the bulk of the snaps. Cole saw limited reps on the varsity, but appears to be a guy capable of taking advantage of the opportunity. If he gets a shot, he can run with it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1630523"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69ea4c7ccd73e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Petrie spent his sophomore season of 2026 developing behind a senior starter at Cedar Falls, a program among the best in the state at getting guys ready for varsity success and beyond. The son of former Northern Iowa quarterback, Tom Petrie, Baylor looked ready for his opportunity in the fall with his performance at the Back 2 Ballin High 7v7 Tournament during the middle of April at the UNI-Dome. Petrie is solidly built for a sophomore, which helps him put zip on his throws. Technically sound with his footwork and mechanics, Petrie features a compact and quick delivery of the football. He rifles through his progressions and places the ball in places where his guy can make a play while keeping it out of harm's way. Petrie's long arms lead to a higher release point for his height, something that should remain an assets as he grows taller. There are a lot of strong choices to break out around the state in 2026. Petrie would be high on my list.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2119929"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69ea4cf280802"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">ADM is establishing itself as program with a solid foundation. This is achieved by developing student-athletes to step in when good players graduate. With a senior starter at quarterback in 2025, the Tigers will be tested to see how quarterback development is going in replacing him. If Storck's performance at the Back 2 Ballin High 7v7 Tournament during the middle of April at the UNI-Dome was any indication, they'll be in good shape this fall. The freshman completed 10 of 14 throws for 84 yards in his brief varsity exposure in 2025. He added a touchdown on the ground. Storck is a good athlete and can make plays with his legs, evading the rush, keeping plays alive off of schedule or taking off when an opening appears. The arm talent is real for the left-hander. It's strong and powerful form fitting the ball in tight windows or pushing it down the field. He finds success releasing the rock from various arm angles and shows touch. Ball placement is solid as is his ability to survey the field quickly as the play unfold. Storck is a young man with a high ceiling and great chance to make a big move towards reaching it this coming campaign.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->