Strong Arm Athletics 7v7 Tryouts & Showcase: Top Performers
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - As Strong Arm Athletics 7v7 football inaugural beatwriter, dating back to spring of 2013, I have personally witnessed a little-known program evolve over the years into the Alabama of 7v7 football of today, based on tournament victories the past two years, led by offensive coordinator Jacquay Nunnally and now, Liberty University freshman QB Stephen "Buckshot" Calvert.
A program that once featured roughly 80 student-athletes (mainly Carol City student-athletes) their initial football tryouts, brought out over 300 student-athletes on a Saturday's afternoon at Betty T. Ferguson complex, along with assistance from linebacker Willie Williams (The nation's No. 1 outside linebacker prospect by Rivals.com) and 2× Pro Bowl running back Willis McGehee.
Four-star sophomore running back Nayquan Wright, who holds offers from the likes of Alabama, FSU and University of Miami (FL), stole the show along with teammate and four-star running back Cameron Davis, who holds approximately 15 subdivision verbal offers per 247sports.
Junior four-stars, wide receiver Dominick Watt (McArthur high school) and LSU commit cornerback Nadab Joseph from Miami Edison made their presence known among the best-of-the-best during 1-on-1's and 7-on-7's. The nation's No.3 outside linebacker (class of 2019) Mikel Anthony Jones (Mater Academy) dominated during the coverage session. He proved he can put his hand in the dirt and play man or zone coverage if needed, he's a complete linebacker.
Atlantic High School teammates, junior wide receivers Corey Gammage (6-3, 175) and Cadarius Gaskin (6-4, 205), who combines for 17 football subdivision offers, made the long trip from Delray Beach to Miami Gardens, approximately 42 miles, and immediately, stood out among the wide receivers, using their frame to shield off the smaller cornerbacks and displayed deceptive speed along with strong hands.
Strong Arm Athletics 7v7 Tryouts & Showcase "Big Man" challenge powered by Trenchsetter (Chuck Brown Jr.)
Three-star junior defensive ends Jason Mercier (Atlantic HS) and Kayode Oladele (Miami Edison) led the pack of nationally recognized recruits. Jason Mercier earned top overall defensive lineman. The youngster from American Heritage-Delray freshman defensive tackle Henry Bryant III (hols offers from Kentucky, Pittsburgh, UAB) made a strong push for the overall MVP at defensive lineman, losing just one battle out of roughly 15 reps. He's a future star.
Carol City HS soon-to-be senior quarterback Marlon Smith (6-4, 175) was the clear-cut top gunslinger of the event. He's going to be a household name by season end in the recruiting world. Miami Edison sophomore running back Marcus Barthell looks to have a breakout year for the red raiders. He sports two football subdivision offers and has the speed, change of direction and hands out of the backfield that's going to upgrade their offense this fall. Freshman cornerback Marcel Williams (Carol City) looked solid during 1-on-1's and looked excellent during 7-on-7's, as his group caused offenses trouble, trying to just complete a pass.
Unheralded Prospects: Top 10 that Shined on the Big Stage
2018 I WR | Phenol Williams | Carol City | 6-1, 170 | Overall MVP
2018 I QB | Marlon Smith | Carol City | 6-4, 175 | Offensive MVP
2018 I CB | Greg Grate | Carol City | 5-11, 185 | Defensive MVP
2018 I CB | Jermaine McMillan | Miami Edison | 6-2, 180 | Top DB
2018 I DL | Demetrius Mays Jr. | Miami Northwestern | 6-2, 230 | Top DL
2018 I LB | Derrick Nicholson | Miami Northwestern | 6-1, 200 | Top LB
2018 I ATH | Seth McGill | Miami Central | 5-9, 165
2018 | CB | James Harris | Pompano Ely | 5-9, 165
2018 | CB | Mark Carter | Carol City | 5-9, 165
2018 | CB | Nathaniel Webster | Miami Edison | 5-9, 165 |
Underclassmen: Overall & Offensive & Defensive MVP's
2019 I RB | Marcus Barthell | Miami Edison | 5-9, 170 | Offensive MVP
2020 | DT | Henry Bryant III | American Heritage-Delray HS | 5-11 3/4, 260 | Overall MVP
2020 I CB | Marcel Williams | Carol City | 5-9, 160 | Defensive MVP
