Friday Night Lights: Nghtmr 7v7 Tryouts (South Florida)

DORAL, fla. -- In their second-year of existence, Nghtmr 7-on-7 football program, used Urban Meyer's "Friday Night Lights" concept for their tryouts, which attracted over 100 student-athletes from both Dade and Broward County, that were pumped and ready to use the off-season platform to make a name for themselves on a Friday night, under-the-lights at Doral Academy Preparatory. The blue-chip performer of the event, hailed from Coral Gables HS. The soon-to-be senior athlete Johnny Ford, "literally" ran-a-way from the competition.

The next top performers in-line consisted of Christopher Columbus HS sophomore wide receiver Kalani Norris, who schooled multiple defenders using his extraordinary route running and hand-eye coordination. Miami Palmetto Sr. running back Trey Flowers (5-9, 210) made a splash, considering the blend of his speed and quickness for someone on is heavily built. He separated from defenders and displayed great hands. FAU extended an offer recently to the 3.9 weighted GPA student-athlete.

Doral Academy sophomore 4-Star WR Breion Fuller was everything as advertised. He made a "ESPN Top 10" worthy catch over a defender which erupted the crowd. Miami Northwestern HS junior cornerback Divaad Wilson stood out among all defensive backs. He's listed at 6-feet, 185-pounds and from his performance on Friday night, it explains why the buzz is heating up on "71st street" this upcoming fall. In addition, the bulls continued their dominance on the opposite side of the ball, as teammate and junior linebacker Derrick Nicholson was named the top linebacker after allowing little separation during 1-on-1's and 7-on-7's.

Upperclassmen Top Performers

Overall MVP - 18' ATH | Coral Gables HS | Johnny Ford (5-8, 165)

The upcoming senior with local verbal scholarships offers from FIU and FAU was the clear-cut most explosive athlete. He's a "spread offense" offensive coordinator dream and is game-changer on special teams, returning over five career touchdowns. He was to fast to consistently run with and won 98% of his battles.

Offensive MVP - 19' WR | Christopher Columbus | Kalani Norris (5-10, 165)

The younger brother of former Western Kentucky University record-setter and now, NFL Draft hopeful Nicholas Norris. Everyone love top-end speed and eye-popping size, but Kalani combination of speed, route-running and hand-eye coordination is off the charts. He also holds an offer from Temple.

Defensive MVP - 18' CB | Miami Northwestern | Divaad Wilson (6-0, 185)

After watching his performance and factoring his frame, standing 6-feet at 185-pounds with speed, I totally understand why Louisville, USF and Rutgers have quickly extended verbal scholarship offers. He's one of the best hidden gems in South Florida after transferring from Monsignor Pace.

The Best of the Rest

The top overall quarterback of the event was Ferguson HS junior quarterback Bailey Aleman (6-1, 225). The little-known prospect, was the most consistent regarding accuracy and throwing the deep ball. He's someone to keep an eye on moving forward. Coral Gables 18' QB Cory Del Prado, a transfer from Florida Christian made his share of throws finishing as the No. 2 overall upperclassmen gunslinger.

Miami Northwestern junior wide receiver Quavon Beckford, a transfer from Miami Booker T. Washington displayed deceptive speed and quickness during 1-on-1's, and he's another young man to keep an eye as spring rolls around. South Dade junior slot receiver Keyondra Wilson, a transfer from Westminister Christian lacks the ideal size standing at 5-foot-7, 155-pounds, but his production overall was top 5 offensively. His burst and soft hands and quick feet turned heads.

Here's a note, Miami Northwestern 18' CB Kamari Thelon (6-3, 178) from my understanding didn't play football the past season or hasn't played organized football and didn't look bad at all breaking on several passes.

Underclassmen Top Performers

Overall MVP - 20' ATH | Coral Gables HS | Marcus Fleming (5-9, 155)

Here's a young man I have tracked since the youth ranks. Where he scored five touchdowns in the Pop Warner National Championship at quarterback. He can play wide receiver, cornerback and returner. I personally love him at cornerback, but he's just as good at wide receiver. He scored several times during both drills and displays a high football IQ for the game. He blended in with upperclassmen.

Offensive MVP - 20' QB | Everglades HS | Vamir Cadet (5-10, 155)

He's a cool and collected, gunslinger. His accuracy and touch passes had everyone asking for his name. He just missed the top overall quarterback award, just to paint a clearer picture of his production. He's going to put up big numbers this upcoming fall. Mark my word.

Defensive MVP - 20' DB | Doral Academy | Harry Henderson (6-0, 165)

College football coaches love them 6-feet, with long arms, fast and aggressive. Well, I just described Harry Henderson for you. He challenged the 15U group, and was clearly the top defensive back as I glanced multiple times watching both upperclassmen and underclassmen.

Best of the Rest

Coral Gables freshman athlete Rayquan Berry, is the "Mini-me" version of Cavaliers teammate Johnny Ford. He finished second in bid-plays regarding freshman. Christopher Columbus freshman quarterback Brandon McDuffey Jr., just missed the top offensive mvp. He threw fairly well including his intermediate passing.