Battle at the Bottom: Top Performers

Margate, FL --The Battle at the Bottom featured a bundle of sought after recruits ranging from top performers from the Opening Miami and several top ten national recognized recruits such as Deerfield Beach RB Jaylan Knighton and WR Marcus Rosemary, from St. Thomas Aquinas just to name a few. Miami Carol City eighth-graders Duane Thomas Jr. and Lemmie Faulk Jr., who both played for Carol City 13U from the Florida Youth Football League were thrown into the fire and performed exceptionally well. ALPHA DOG The Alpha Dog of the entire tournament was none other than Florida Fire 9 all-around athlete Xaiver Restrepo, a three star recruit apart of class of 2020 who recently earned the Miami Opening wide receiver MVP. Restrepo took over the championship game scoring touchdowns and not allowing a single touchdown on his side of the field. He's certainly a four star in waiting. The kid is always confident and loves to compete and never looks out of place among the four and five stars. TOP 5 OFFENSIVE STANDOUTS

QB, James Ferriero Jr. - Piper HS It's a gift and a curse to be the starting quarterback of Florida Fire 9 football team. The gift is you have an arsenal of weapons, but the curse is making smart decisions and finding open windows before four seconds. Ferriero Jr. standing tall and confident using his 6-foot-3 frame, while under intense pressure, he did all the little things right and never waiver from the big stage.

ATH, Council Allen - American HS The product from American flashed on offense and defense. He is a threat at slot receiver and cornerback. You would think he holds 10 plus offers how easy he makes it looks. Just watch his film and realize for yourself how much of an overrated this rising senior is college coaches.

WR, Damian Alford - McArthur The native from Montreal, Canada recently moved to South Florida this off-season and from my observation, he will have over 20 scholarships all said and done. FIU, Syracuse, Penn State, and FAU have already offered. Alfred passes the eye-ball test standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 207 pounds. His ability to attack the ball at the highest point (using one hand at times) and not dropping a single pass caught my eye. 

Highlight Reel: https://youtu.be/QGcwE1bnj2M

QB, Massimo Foerch - Ft. Lauderdale HS It's safe to say, when observing the talent pool on paper -- the Hotbed 7v7 All-Star football team appeared as the longshots to advance to the finals. Foerch tossed three touchdowns in the championship game versus Florida Fire, which was tied at one point. His leadership and arm talent didn't go unnoticed on Saturday at Margate.

QB, Jaylon Tolbert - Cypress Bay Tolbert is a rising talent who will eventually surface. His ability to scan the field and throw wide receivers open helped his 7v7 All-Star team (Go Get It) advance deep into the playoffs. The Best of the Rest 

WR, Kenarvis Bowles - Pahokee On Saturday, the muck native pulled in six touchdowns and caught a number of clutch passes for his squad. At the moment, Bowles holds no offers, but he's certainly a next level talent that needs to be strongly consider on college football recruiting boards. I love his attitude and drive. WR, Karuan St. Louis - Piper The three star recruit just makes it look easy. His demeanor and ability to make a play is what caught my eye about him. He will make a splash next season.  WR, Elijah Black - Dillard Keep an eye on this kid. He stands 6-foot-3, 187 pounds with wheels. Black currently holds offers from Syracuse, Bowling Green, and Southern Miss. He passes the eye-ball test and is super athletic. His long stride reminds me of Trevon Grimes from the University of Florida. WR, Evans Volcourt - Dillard If you love speed and hands look no further than this kid. I can't keep count the amount of times he delivered big plays. He's also quicker than fast as well, which sums up his production on Saturday when he was challenge in man-to-man coverage. 

WR, Jamal Browder - Miami Carol City

The best wide receiver from Strong Arm was the rising junior who holds a verbal offer from Toledo. Browder appears ready to make a splash this upcoming season after displaying consistent catching ability and top end speed.  TOP 5 DEFENSIVE PERFORMERS

CB, Joshua Pierre-Louis - The Benjamin School One of the best kept secrets on Florida Fire roster and perhaps the state of Florida is the West Palm Beach native who stands on the smaller side at 5-9, 165 pounds, but is locking down opponents big-time wide receivers. He was the best pure cornerback at the tournament.

CB, Jalin Wilson - South Dade Here's a kid I have scouted since middle school football, at Keys Gate Charter. He just looks like a FBS prospect now standing 6-feet, 185 pounds who runs like a cornerback, but looks like a safety. From observing his game and frame, expect a division one offer soon from the standout from B2G.

CB, Trevell Mullen - Coconut Creek The younger brother of NFL Draft hopeful Trayvon Mullen and Indiana signee Tiawan Mullen is the next stat in-line. He already has Trayvon height standing six feet and younger brother fearless mindset of Tiawan. He already holds an early offer from Oregon and starts for Florida Fire 9 elite team as just a freshman, which speaks volumes.

DB - Blanie Anderson - Palm Beach Central The long star on Florida Fire 9 star studded defense is none other than Blaine Anderson. The 5-11, 180 pounder, who sports a 3.6 GPA picked off five passes and helped his team win the championship.

ATH, Jovan Ferguson - Miami Carol City Strong Arm Athlete Jovan Ferguson led the tournament in interceptions with eight. His most notable performance took place against the nation's top 5 wide receiver, where he allowed one reception. The Best of the Rest 

CB, Blake Volcy - American Hertiage Delray When you consider he's just a freshman playing against big-time prospects -- is when you begin to realize just how great this kid can be. I observe him placed on an island several times and besides one long score he did an excellent job. CB, Cedrick Johnson - Semionle Ridge He's not the tallest guy, standing at 5-foot-9 but he's also an athlete. He played the slot position on defense which is the most challenging task and stood out forcing outside passes. Fastest Man Winner

DB, Darius Snow - Miami Carol City Darius Snow, who weighs 205 pounds from Miami Carol City, shocked the crowd winning the fastest man contest. His combination of size and speed is impressive. He's currently transitioning from linebacker to strong safety.