Florida Fire 7v7 15U Tryouts & Showcase: Top Performers

NORTH MIAMI, FLA. -- Approximately, three years ago as the Florida Fire beatwriter, I observed arguably the best 7v7 football team assembled. Florida Fire's HC/OC Dennis Marroquin and DC Stanford Samuels III was led by two-time state champion and now, Akron Zips redshirt freshman QB Kato Nelson (Akron).

That special group included an arsenal of weapons on offense such as Shawn Burgess-Becker (Alabama), Calvin Ridley (Alabama), Devante Phillips (FSU), Benjamin Victor (Ohio State), Jovon Durante (WVU) and lenwood Joyner (St. Augustine) just to name a few, who captured both the Pylon and IMG 7v7 National Championship.The backups of the Florida Fire were underclassmen and later five-star recruits WR Jerry Jeudy and CBs Stanford Samuels III and Trayvon Mullen who all earned time on the varsity group, but had to wait their turn.

The beauty of the 15U division is now, the underclassmen and elite youth football eighth-graders, can now make an immediately impact while still having the opportunity of later joining the varsity roster comprised of multiple nationally recognized recruits. The 15U division featured several notable youth and high school emerging talent, competing against the best-of-the-best prospects throughout the Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Florida Fire will benefit dramatically, adding a 15U division and placing a fence around the Stars of Tomorrow.

High School Top Performers

2020 | ATH | Xavier Restrepo | Monarch HS | 5-10, 165

Xavier set the tone early, jamming wide receivers backwards at the point of contact and knocking them down within the first five-yards. The combination of his aggressive play, coverage skills and football IQ as well as athleticism, made me want to place him with the varsity division, because he "literally" was a man among boys. He was the clear-cut overall MVP and shined at wide receiver as well. He reminds me of former Florida Fire defensive back Josmar Diaz-Martinez (Valparaiso).

2020 | WR | Emmanuel Belgrave | Miami Southridge HS | 6-2, 180

Emmanuel is an up-and-coming name on the high school football scene. He has a nice build for the position, but also demonstrates strong hands and speed. The soon-to-be sophomore is raw talent, but his upside is through the roof. This is his second consecutive off-season event, earning the top wide receiver honors. He could also grow into a tight end with a similar frame as Miami Southridge TE Kemore Gamble (UF early enrollee) as a freshman and can also play safety.

2020 | CB | Dontrelle Rolle | Champagnat Catholic | 5-8, 150

The Lions class of 2020 features a bundle of talent. Well, add Dontrelle name to the mix. He earned the top cornerback honors after his Saturday's performance. I kept, seeing this #71 at cornerback that was physical and consistently, made plays by breaking on the ball while maintaining hip-to-hip coverage. His upside is through the roof. He also was responsible for a pick six and field goal block for the No. 2 team in Florida at the 2A classification.

Youth Top Performers

2022 | ATH | Michael Jackson | Richmond-Perrine Giants (Pop Warner) | 5-7, 140

Having earned the Florida Fire (South) Open Run most valuable player honors at the youth ranks, he followed up with another amazing performance among three counties earning the ATHLETE MVP. He's going to be a nationally recognized recruit as long as he physically continues to grow over the next few years.

2021 | DB | Cornelius "Fat Daddy" Collier Jr. | Richmond-Perrine Giants (Pop Warner) | 6-0, 160

The son of former FSU (Class of 1999) outside linebacker Cornelius Collier Sr., is making a name for himself. Named Florida Fire Tryouts & Showcase overall MVP at the youth ranks and Top 5 overall at the 15U division. Having played largely within the trenches for the Pop Warner Division 1 National Champions and Miami Dolphins Dade 14U All-Stars, he displayed great coverage skills and instincts. He quickly adapted with high schoolers, as he learned on the go. In my opinion of covering him from league, all-star and now, the Florida Fire Tryouts & Showcase action, he'll be a four-star at the least at the next level.

2021 | WR | Jake Harrington | Calvary Christian (Middle School) | 5-8, 150

The offensive mvp hails from Broward County middle school football. Jake Harrington, earned the best route-runner honors (overall) as well. Think of Wes Welker, and it sums up Jake Harrington game. He made sure, I didn't short him statistically, after winning six consecutive one-on-one's, while I noted him at five. He was focused and hungry, and didn't stand in-line as a spectator.

The Best of the Rest

The talent didn't stop there as up-and-coming talent from all over showcased their athleticism and game. Freshmen cornerbacks Jabari Blakely (Hollywood Hills) and Ralph Celenete (Miami High) also turned in impressive performances.

Jabari, a tall and rangy, standing nearly 6-feet tall and weighing 140lbs was the No. 2 ranked 15U division cornerback. He's certainly someone to keep an eye on moving forward as he fills out physically. He has the same frame of my former Rising Star product and now, 2016 National Champions Clemson Tigers freshman cornerback Trayvon Mullen.

Ralph, a product of the Stingarees, measuring in at 5-foot-10, 155lbs., displayed glimpses of stardom while lacking 'minor' technique at the position. He's extremely aggressive, but understands how to relax and run after the point of contact. He's very smart and has a chance to make a name for himself the next three years with hard work and dedication.

St. Thomas Aquinas freshman quarterback Drew Alexanderdis (5-11, 165) who stood tall and confident during competition, was the most consistent passer among the group of gunslingers. It explains the reason why he's sporting the colors navy and gold.

The wide receiver unit certainly didn't have a major drop-off, regarding talent and production as eighth-grader Dwight Crews (5-3, 110 0) of Pop Warner, Richmond-Perrine Giants put on a clinic, of how to get open. Think of Wes Welker and it sums up Dwight Crews game, but just with a little more swagger.

Deerfield Beach freshman Bryce Gowdy (6-2, 175) who's still a bit raw, once he gets going and he's a major problem. Once, he bring his game together, he's going to be a match-up nightmare. Lastly, freshman WR Keeven McBride (6-0, 160) of McArthur Mustangs just felt short at earning the top overall wide receiver honors. He perhaps displayed the best blend of speed, route-running and hand-eye coordination. Keep an eye on this young man this off-season.