Best in South Florida - Florida Fire (15U) 7v7 Tryouts Top Performers
By Jerry Williamson
HIALEAH, Fla. – The Florida Fire 7-on-7 organization held its eighth annual tryouts at Milander Stadium on Sunday. Rising Stars were on hand as a bundle of underclassman (and 8th graders) prospects went through position drills ranging from 1-on-1s and 2-on-3s.
Taking center stage on offense were freshman quarterbacks Nick Viattatio (right) and Demetrius Hill (left). Both were single out by a number of coaches. I was impressed by their ball placement, timing, velocity, and throwing wide receivers open. I have a great feeling, a number of stars will be added next to their names come National Signing Day.
During 1-on-1s, Ft. Lauderdale Hurricanes 14U, a member of the Florida Youth Football League, talented wide receiver Keyshon Brown (Chaminda-Mondonna) despite lacking size, made up for it with top-end speed. Brown delivered the most big plays. He's explosive.
Following Brown was wide receiver Troy Stellato (Cardinal Gibbons) who appeared as the most well-rounded wide receiver. He's fast, built extremely well, and displayed a high hand-eye coordination. TOP 5 OFFENSIVE PERFORMERS 1A. Class of 2021 - QB - Nick Viattatio (University School) 1B. Class of 2021 - QB - Demetrius Hill (Miami Springs) 3. Class of 2021 - WR - Troy Stellato (Cardinal Gibbons) 4. Class of 2021 - WR - Vinson Davis (St. Thomas Aquinas) 5. Class of 2022 - WR - Keyshon Brown (Chaminda-Mondonna)
PASSING THE EYE-BALL TEST
Florida Fire 15U featured one particular freshman, who "literally" turned heads. Rising Stars All-South Florida Freshman Team selection and Monsignor Pace safety James Williams, a 14-year-old, who stands 6-foot-3, 205 pounds is one of the best looking Class-of-2021 prospects in the country. Williams, who already holds (2) FBS verbal scholarships, was responsible for two interceptions and out-right manhandled, a number of wide receivers.
Somerset Silver Palms freshman cornerback Jamal Browder, is the next Rising Star in South Florida. After earning Florida Fire (South) Open Run overall MVP at the 15U division. Browder proved he's not just effective within the Southwest Miami-Dade County region, but challenging the best-of-the-best in South Florida. Of note, Browder won the most 1-on-1 drills allowing one catch out of eight battles and also recorded one interception. The next cornerback in-line was Marc Charlemagne of Gulliver Prep. Charlemagne led in interceptions (with 2) during 1-on-1s and displayed eye-catching coverage ability. He'll be the next elite cornerback from Gulliver Prep since 3-Star Cornelius Floyd on signed with Arkansas.
Pahokee HS next superstar is none other than Markevious Brown. He's long and rangy, standing a legit 6-feet. Brown plays physical, fast, and understands zone coverage responsibilities. He's someone that will end up on Florida Fire varsity roster, all said and done.
Miami Jackson athlete Amari Daniels, a Miami Central transfer, flexed his versatility and athleticism during the tryouts at safety. The All-American Freshman Game offensive MVP was responsible for two interceptions during 2-on-3 drills.
Miramar cornerback Torrie Cox, Jr. was perhaps the most physical and intimidating defender at the point of contact. Keep an eye on this young man. He has that honey badger style of play. TOP 5 CORNERBACKS 1. Class of 2021 - CB - Jamal Browder (Somerset Silver Palms) 2. Class of 2021 - CB - Marc Charlemagne (Gulliver Prep) 3. Class of 2021 - CB - Markevious Brown (Pahokee) 4. Class of 2021 - CB - Timothy White (Unknown) 5. Class of 2021 - CB - Torrie Cox, Jr. (Miramar) TOP 5 DEFENSIVE BACKS 1A. Class of 2021 - DB - James Williams (Monsignor Pace) 1B. Class of 2021 - DB - Amari Daniels (Miami Jackson) 3. Class of 2021 - DB - David Mitchell (Unknown) 4. Class of 2021 - DB - Kamren Kitchens (Miami Northwestern) 5. Class of 2021 - DB - Taz Wisdom (Miramar) TOP 3 LINEBACKERS 1. Class of 2021 - LB - Emilio Aime (University School) 2. Class of 2021 - LB - Terrence Lewis (Miami Northwestern) 3. Class of 2021 - LB - Jalen Hood (Cardinal Newman) Cornerback Ryan Turner of Pembroke Pines Charter, displayed impressive combination of hips and transitioning with the speedy and bigger wide receivers. I really wanted to see more of him, but considering he's only an eighth-grader, it was impressive enough. Keep an eye on this young man. He appears to have a promising future. The next two in-line were Marquis Charlemagne and Dedrick Browder. I liked how the coaches didn't have to tell them to jump into the fire. Both 8th graders have an opportunity to earn time on varsity, as long as they continue to compete. The talent is there, the confidence will eventually come. TOP 3 MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT-ATHLETES 1. Class of 2022 - DB - Ryan Turner (Pembroke Pines Charter) 2. Class of 2022 - DB - Marquis Charlemagne (Richmond-Perrine Giants, Jr. Varsity) 3. Class of 2022 - DB - Dedrick Browder (Somerset Silver Palms)
