Florida 7th Grade (2029) Prospects That Shined At FSG Practice

This roster of the 2024 7th grade Florida Future Stars was smaller than the majority of the other rosters, but the talent certainly wasn't. With a nice mix of returners from a year ago and some new blood on the squad, watching their second padded practice of the week gave me enough juice to withstand the 90+ degree temperatures on the fields at Clemson University. Below is a look at the 7th grade (class of 2029) prospects that stood out to me.    For the second straight year, Norwood was a standout during practices (and in the game(s) as well) for the Florida Future Stars. A varsity Wide Receiver/Defensive Back this past regular season as a 7th grader tells you all you need to know about his athleticism. While he may be waiting his turn to play QB on the varsity level, he was impressive playing against kids his own age. Showed off his dual-threat ability throughout practice. My biggest take away was that he made changing arm angles and release points look easy. Very impressive prospect.     With Florida operating out of a 3-4 front during practice, Johnson was one of two Middle Linebackers that stood out during practice. He's a really nice looking prospect, listed at 5-foot-10 and 165-pounds on the roster. Long arms and long legs make him a candidate to possibly come rushing off the edge too, if the situation or blitz package calls for it. With his ability to move laterally with very good quickness, he was around the ball a lot.     I was shocked he was only in 6th grade last year when I watched him in practice, and I was re-shocked when I saw him again this year as a 7th grader. White is a big, physical kid with the strength of an ox. Started at both Offensive Tackle and Defensive End when the 7th grade Florida Future Stars broke out into the team portion of camp. Florida Future Stars Director Freddy Flowers told me he spends his off-season flipping a 45-pound tired up hill in the Florida heat. That hard work is paying dividends for his ability on the field. He's absolutely a prospect to know in this 2029 class.     One of several 7th grade Florida Future Stars Defensive Backs that really impressed me during practice leading up to the games. Playing a 3-4 defense allowed for more speed and (presumably) more athletes on the field at the same time for Florida. Stewart did a nice job as a Strong Safety and showed off both the physicality to come down in run support, but also defend the deep third against the pass. My biggest takeaway is how thick and muscular he was, specifically in his calves. He's built better than majority Linebackers across the country in the 2029 class, yet has the skill to play in the secondary.     Out of all the prospects on this 7th grade Florida Future Stars team, as of June 2024, [player_tooltip player_id='865618' first='BJ' last='Anderson'] is the prospect I'd be thinking about offering in the very near future. At practice he more than looked the part as a Cornerback. While they did play with two safeties, I'd wouldn't hesitate to leave him alone on an island, because he's that physical and fast. Last year as a sixth grader, he was a standout in the Future Stars Game as a Running Back. While he didn't showcase it in practice, instead waiting until the first game day this year to show off his ability as a Running Back, he's equally as impressive there too. Not to mention what he can do in the return game. I'm very high on his ability.     Another prospect who originally caught my eye last year as a member of the 6th grade Florida Future Stars, [player_tooltip player_id='865620' first='Virgil' last='Lee III'] was again a standout this year. I'm not very much into handing out superlatives or anointing prospects at this level, but as of June 2024 Lee III is the most devastating hitter I've seen in Florida for this 2029 class. A starter at Middle Linebacker, he's built like a rock and was hitting anything that crossed his face. During a live 7v7 period, he delivered a killshot to one of his own teammates who went up and stretched out for a pass that was a little high--the live period was called a few plays later. He's a tough kid that has an ideal Middle Linebacker build at this point. He grew nearly three inches and packed on 20 pounds over the last calendar year and is now up to 5-foot-8 and 175-pounds. If that happens again, watch out next year.     Aside from some of the prospects I recognized from last year's Future Stars event, Garcia was the first prospect that caught my eye when I walked over to watch the 7th grade Florida Future Stars practice. A starter at Defensive End, he's a thick, muscular kid that was tough to block all practice long. Doesn't have the traditional taller, longer, D-End build, but more of a Dwight Freeney type. Played with an attitude and wasn't afraid to let the offense know he got 'em.     I liked him last year as a 6th grader, but loved him this year as a 7th grader on the Florida Future Stars team. Every bit of 6-foot-3 and reportedly around 235-pounds, Jelks continues to grow taller and wider every time I see him take the field. Extremely long legs and arms make him a natural as an Offensive Tackle, which is exactly the position he started at. The Left Tackle tasked with protecting the backside of Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='865621' first='Javian' last='Norwood'], Jelks has a ton of potential that he hasn't even begun to scratch the surface of. Obviously still growing into his body a bit, with a frame like he's already blessed with, watching him develop over the rest of his prep football career is going to be a treat for everybody.     Last year as a member of the 6th grade Florida Future Stars team, Kennedy unfortunately broke an ankle during the event and didn't get to fully show off what he could do. This year, as a 7th grader, he was at full force and did some impressive things at both Cornerback and Wide Receiver in practice. He would eventually do some fancy things as a return man in the game(s) as well. However, at practice, he proved that big things can come in small packages. No matter how you slice it, Kennedy is undersized without question. However, he's elusive and exceptionally quick. Took End-arounds to the outside and made look some very good athletes look mundane on defense. As a Corner, he was step-for-step with Wide Receivers on the outside while playing man coverage.    **Outside Linebacker C. or K. or Q. Mosley was also a standout, but cannot find an accurate spelling of his name to include in the write up. If anyone is aware, please contact me on X/Twitter at @ALPopsFootball

This roster of the 2024 7th grade Florida Future Stars was smaller than the majority of the other rosters, but the talent certainly wasn't. With a nice mix of returners from a year ago and some new blood on the squad, watching their second padded practice of the week gave me enough juice to withstand the 90+ degree temperatures on the fields at Clemson University. Below is a look at the 7th grade (class of 2029) prospects that stood out to me.