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<p>The future of the game was on full display at the Buckeye State Blitz 7-on-7, and the 14U division may have been the most electric group in attendance.</p>
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<p>While team success always headlines tournaments, this event showcased the next generation of prospects — young athletes already flashing advanced traits, competitive edge, and the ability to impact the game in a major way. Several names stood out, and each is worth knowing moving forward.</p>
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<p><strong>Amare Garth (2029) – ATH – Da Guyz</strong><br>Garth may have been the most impressive overall athlete in the tournament. He plays the game at a different speed — explosive, rangy, and natural catching the football. What stood out most was his ability to make plays in space while competing at a high level against top talent. The ceiling here is extremely high, and he's only scratching the surface of what he can become.</p>
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<p><strong>Farrell Hall Jr. (2029) – ATH – Oak Park (MI) – KKE</strong><br>Hall Jr. was one of the most dynamic playmakers in attendance. Shifty, crafty, and tough, he consistently attacked the football regardless of placement — high, low, or contested. His high IQ and natural feel for the game stood out, along with his ability to make defenders miss in space. He's a competitor who finds ways to impact the game.</p>
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<p><strong>Zy'Air Shaw (2030) – WR/ATH – Oak Prep (MI) – KKE</strong><br>Shaw's hands immediately jump out. Time after time, when the ball came his way, he came down with it. For his age, his ability to track the football and extend his catch radius is impressive. He plays beyond his years and continues to show traits that will make him a problem for defenses as he develops.</p>
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<p><strong>Jasir Currie (2029) – QB – East Detroit (MI) – KKE</strong><br>Currie controlled the game with poise and confidence. A high-IQ quarterback, he consistently delivered accurate throws and kept his offense moving. His ability to make sound decisions in high-pressure situations stood out, as did his ability to push the ball when needed. He's a quarterback who understands how to manage and elevate an offense.</p>
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<p><strong>Owen Butler (2030) – QB – St. John's Jesuit (OH) – Elite</strong><br>Butler showed leadership beyond his years. In one of the most impressive moments of the weekend, he led his team back in a comeback victory. He has a solid arm and, more importantly, the ability to rally those around him. His presence and composure as a leader were just as impactful as his on-field production.</p>
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<p><strong>Ray Chandler (2030) – LB/RB – St. John's Jesuit (OH) – Elite</strong><br>Chandler brought a physical edge to the tournament. A versatile athlete, he showed toughness, awareness, and the ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Offensively, he found space in the flats, while defensively, he played with physicality and instincts. His motor and IQ make him a name to watch heading into the season.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1325716' first='Ryan' last='Rich'] (2029) – QB – Roseville (MI) – Legacy</strong><br>Rich was one of the most impressive quarterbacks evaluated, regardless of the final result. His arm talent stood out, but what separated him was his confidence and leadership. He consistently put his team in position to succeed, delivering accurate throws and stepping up in key moments. Even in a loss, he showed the traits you want in a quarterback — toughness, composure, and the ability to respond when things get difficult.</p>
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The future of the game was on full display at the Buckeye State Blitz 7-on-7, and the 14U division may have been the most electric group in attendance.
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