South Florida Talent, that Shined in Las Vegas at Pylon National Tournament

By Jerry Williamson

Rising Stars goes in-depth with the top varsity 7v7 football playmakers, who hails from the Miami Metropolitan areas, that stole the show at Pylon National Tournament in Las Vegas. Class of 2019 gunslingers Deon Jones (6'0", 180) of Miami Norland and Cairiq Rackley (6'1", 170) of Miami Palmetto, when calculating the best performances from start to finish, topped the list. Both signal callers share a lot of similarities, besides starting at quarterback for Florida Fire. 

The unheralded signal callers, are both three year varsity starters, led their team to multiple playoffs appearances, and finished top 10 in several passing categories in Miami-Dade County. Jones, a little-known gunslinger entered spring and as the long shot, earned the title as Florida Fire 8 starting quarterback. Small-school class of 2019 standout, Nico Casares (6'1", 185) of Palmer Trinity, who's a honor student along with a 3.1 unweighted GPA, made his presence -- delivering several clutch passes during the quarterfinals. This upcoming fall, appears to be his breakout season -- after being named honorable mention as a junior. Deerfield Beach HS rising junior Tyron Herring who without a doubt, passes the eye-ball test standing 6-foot-3 185 pounds displayed a cannon for an arm and has the height Miami Christopher Columbus quarterback Armando Parts, led Hard Knocks stationed out of South Florida deep into the playoffs, with an impression (8-0) record, just falling short during the quarterfinals play. Parts threw approximately 21 touchdowns, which were distributed to wide receivers Cornelius Nunn, Jr., Felix Nembhard, and Devin Essix.  

The top wide receivers in no particular order were class of 2019 wide receivers Kalani Norris and Devin Essix, a converted quarterback. And class of 2020 playmakers Deajaun McDougle, Marc Britt, Brian Robinson, and Johnquai Lewis. Trying to signal out the top wide receiver of this group wasn't an easy task, as Norris torched defenders for six. Britt acrobatic ability to adjust and high point the ball, made him a highlight reel waiting to happen. I noticed, when McDougle turns the light on, he's unstoppable. Junior wide receiver Nigel Taylor of Miami Central, is a prospect to keep a close eye on. He's little-known, but has the talent and athleticism to make a name for himself this upcoming fall.

He scored five touchdowns within two games. Nunn, Jr. Play on offense and defense, was memorable. The 3-star pulled in over 5 touchdowns and recorded 4 interceptions. Let's just say, he will make a hard push to become a four star the next rankings. 

St. Thomas Aquinas dynamic sophomore, Xavier Restrepo of Florida Fire 8, based on my observation, will give 7A powerhouse a reliable target. Restrepo pulled in spectacular grabs from running back, slot and wide receiver. Perhaps, Aquinas most productive addition regarding the passing game. 

The surprise of the tournament, was none other than Miami Southridge sophomore athlete Jahiem Jerry. The versatile athlete was utilized at several positions, taking advantage of his burst, quickness, and leaping ability. 

Jerry appears to make an ideal slot receiver, in newly offensive coordinator Dominic Johnson air raid offense. Junior speedster Amari Johnson of Hallandale kept the defense honest, catching a number of big plays out of the backfield, and reaching the end zone. 

Miami Palmetto freshman, Corey Collier, Jr. and Jason Marshall of Florida Fire, both delivered big plays with multiple interceptions combined. The future secondary of Florida Fire, is going to be loaded.  

Sophomore cornerback Rony Bourdeau of Champagnat Catholic, who recently graded above a 90 rating in both the forty yard dash and vertical jump, added to the interception column, and did an excellent job covering big wide receivers. The additional secondary unsung stars that made game changing plays were juniors Leroy Love of Pahokee High School, Marlin Brandon of West Boca High School, Chris Hill, Jr. of Coral Springs, and Lilton Horne of Western High School. Sophomore Roshaune Downie of Benjamin HS, displayed glimpses of a name to keep an eye on moving forward, as spring football nears.