Jaden Hodges has emerged as a standout performer at the 2024 YNC Youth National Championship in Florida, solidifying his reputation as one of the most dynamic athletes in youth football. Competing for the Texas Elite 12u, a team that has consistently ranked in the Top 5 nationwide all season, Hodges played a critical role in his team’s dominant run to the National Championship game.
Performance Highlights:• Lockdown Defensive Back: Hodges showcased elite coverage skills in the secondary, making game-changing plays, including a critical two-round interception that halted key drives. His ability to read the quarterback and close on the ball demonstrated both instincts and technique.
• Special Teams Weapon: On special teams, Hodges electrified the crowd with his return ability. His speed, vision, and agility made him a constant threat to break free, flipping field position for Texas Elite and providing an edge.
• Offensive Playmaker: Proving his versatility, Hodges dominated as a wide receiver, consistently outrunning defenders for big plays. He hauled in multiple touchdown passes, using his speed and route-running to exploit defenses.
Making His Mark
Jaden Hodges proved he’s a true game-changer, excelling in all three phases of the game. Competing against top-tier talent at YNC Nationals, he not only helped lead Texas Elite to the championship but also established himself as one of the premier athletes in his age group. With his combination of speed, football IQ, and playmaking ability, Hodges is a name to watch in the years to come.
Name: Zachary Watts
Position: RB
Team : Rarebreed Apes 13u
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Spotlight Player: Zachary Watts – Rarebreed Ape 13u
Big players make big plays, and few embody this more than Zachary Watts, the electrifying running back for Georgia’s Rarebreed Ape 13u. Competing at the 2024 YNC Youth National Championship, Watts has solidified his reputation as one of the top youth athletes in the nation. With three National Championships already under his belt, Watts is now chasing his fourth title and another MVP trophy to cement his legacy.
Performance Highlights:
• Dominance in the Red Zone: Watts has been unstoppable inside the 20, finding the end zone with ease. His ability to score in critical moments has been pivotal in Rarebreed’s journey to the National Championship game.
• Elite Running Style: Balancing power with finesse, Watts is an aggressive runner who doesn’t shy away from contact yet moves with a smoothness that leaves defenders grasping at air. Whether hurdling defenders or breaking tackles, his runs are a highlight reel waiting to happen.
• Quiet Leader, Big Impact: Watts lets his performance do the talking. His calm demeanor off the field contrasts with his fiery competitiveness on it, inspiring teammates and striking fear into opponents.
Building a Legacy
Zachary Watts has carried the Rarebreed Ape 13u on his back throughout the tournament, showing why he’s a perennial winner and a force to be reckoned with. On the brink of becoming one of the most decorated youth football players in YNC history, Watts is also making a case as the Top RB in the nation. Whether it’s hurdling defenders or smashing through the line, one thing is clear: Zachary Watts is really like that.
Name: Deuce Fletcher
Position: Dual-Threat QB
Team: Real Deal Eagles 9u
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Spotlight Player: Deuce Fletcher – Real Deal Eagles 9u
The Real Deal Eagles 9u have electrified the youth football scene, and at the heart of their success is their dynamic dual-threat quarterback, Deuce Fletcher. Known for his playmaking ability and composure under pressure, Fletcher has led the Eagles on a dominant run to the YNC National Championship Game, proving why he’s one of the most exciting young players in the country.
Performance Highlights:
• Playmaker Extraordinaire: Fletcher delivered one of the tournament’s standout moments in the second round against Dallas Elite, evading multiple defenders in the backfield and breaking loose for a spectacular touchdown run that showcased his speed and vision.
• Elite Passing Ability: Despite his young age, Fletcher has demonstrated advanced skills as a passer. He excels at delivering pinpoint slant routes in tight windows and has a knack for throwing a deep ball with touch and accuracy, keeping defenses guessing.
• Quick Feet, Big Plays: Whether escaping the pass rush or improvising on the move, Fletcher’s quick feet and decision-making have made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. His ability to extend plays and turn broken situations into big gains sets him apart.
Must-See Talent
Deuce Fletcher is the engine driving the Real Deal Eagles’ high-powered offense. With a unique blend of athleticism, football IQ, and composure, he’s captivated fans at the 2024 YNC Nationals. For those looking to witness the future of youth football, Deuce Fletcher is a name to know—and a player who’s just getting started.
Name: Bryce Patrick
Position: DT/TE
Team : Twin City Outlaws
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Spotlight on Bryce Patrick: Dominating Both Sides at YNC 11u
When it comes to locking down opponents, the Twin City Outlaws 11u live and breathe defense. This Georgia powerhouse has cemented itself as a national force, maintaining a Top 5 National Ranking throughout the year and securing its third Youth National Championship (YNC) title in the last three years. Leading the charge for their defense-first identity is none other than 6’2” defensive tackle Bryce Patrick, a game-changer who dominated the competition at the YNC, earning MVP honors.
Defensive Phenom
Patrick is a nightmare for offensive lines. With an imposing frame, lightning-quick reflexes, and a massive wingspan, he’s a disruptive force in every sense. Averaging 4-5 quarterback sacks per game, Patrick consistently collapses the pocket, leaving quarterbacks scrambling. His ability to swat down passes in the lanes makes it nearly impossible to complete plays in his vicinity. His knack for living in the opponent’s backfield has earned him countless tackles for loss, solidifying him as the cornerstone of the Outlaws’ #1-ranked defense.
Offensive X-Factor
While his defensive prowess often steals the spotlight, Patrick’s contributions on offense were equally vital to the Outlaws’ success. Lining up as a tight end, he showcased exceptional hands, catching critical passes and touchdowns in clutch moments. His towering height isn’t his only advantage; his soft hands and incredible catch radius make him a go-to target in pressure situations.
Championship Performance
Patrick saved his best for when it mattered most—helping lead the Outlaws to their third YNC title with a monstrous showing in the championship game. His relentless energy on defense and game-changing plays on offense made him an easy choice for YNC MVP.
As the Outlaws continue their reign atop the youth football world, Bryce Patrick stands out as a generational talent with a bright future ahead. Keep an eye on this rising star as he continues to dominate the gridiron.
Name: Ezrah Brown
Position: QB
Team : OC Buckeyes (CA) 14u
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Spotlight on Class of 2029 QB Ezrah Brown: A Star in the Making
The 2024 YNC Youth National Championship stage was the perfect platform for Class of 2029 #1 ranked QB Ezrah Brown to showcase why he’s one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in youth football today. Following a remarkable 2023 campaign where he threw over 35 touchdown passes and led his 13U team to the brink of a championship, Brown elevated his game to new heights this season.
Transitioning to the OC Buckeyes 14U, Brown benefited immensely from the guidance of renowned West Coast QB guru Wes Taylor. Taylor, known for developing elite quarterbacks, provided Brown with the tools to refine his game in a high-powered offensive system that has produced some of California’s top QB talents. Under Taylor’s tutelage, Brown demonstrated growth far beyond his years, blending precision and poise with an innate ability to read defenses.
What sets Brown apart isn’t just his stats but the intangibles that scream “next-level potential.” Despite following in the massive footsteps of his older brother Elijah Brown—a former Mater Dei star and current Stanford standout—Ezrah has carved out his own path. His field presence is remarkable; from his calm demeanor under pressure to his exceptional football IQ, Brown has become a commanding presence in the pocket. His pinpoint accuracy and ability to distribute the ball efficiently allowed the OC Buckeyes to dominate the YNC 14U bracket, outscoring opponents 73-3 en route to securing the championship—the first of Brown’s young career.
Brown’s contributions were pivotal, earning him MVP honors and solidifying his place as a rising star in the youth football world. With a high ceiling and all the tools necessary to excel, Ezrah Brown may very well be the brightest quarterback to emerge from the OC Buckeyes QB factory. The question now isn’t if he’ll follow in his brother’s footsteps, but how far he’ll surpass them. The future is undeniably golden for this young signal-caller.
Name: Nino Brown
Position: ATH
Team : Atlanta Elite Voodoo
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Spotlight on Youth Football Star: Nino Brown – 10U Atlanta Voodoo
The YNC Youth National Championship always delivers standout performances, and this year, #11 Nino Brown of the Atlanta Voodoo 10U team rose to the occasion. Facing the Texas powerhouse SED Wolverines, also known as the “Party Boys,” Brown delivered a game-changing MVP performance to help his team secure their historic fifth straight YNC National Championship.
Tasked with shutting down the Wolverines’ explosive #2 wide receiver, “Speedy,” Brown demonstrated elite coverage skills, showcasing smooth hips, impeccable ball awareness, and an unrelenting competitive edge. Despite Speedy’s attempts to shake him, Brown stayed disciplined, limiting big plays and quickly neutralizing short gains with sharp tackling. The heated matchup featured plenty of on-field chirping, but Brown’s poise never wavered.
His defensive dominance wasn’t the only highlight. With 30 seconds left in the first half, Brown flipped the script offensively, hauling in a perfectly executed 50-yard go route for a touchdown, extending the Voodoo’s lead to 14-0. The score not only electrified the sideline but cemented Brown’s reputation as a dynamic two-way threat.
With his lockdown defense and timely offensive contributions, Nino Brown’s MVP effort powered the Atlanta Voodoo to a 5th consecutive title, further solidifying their legacy as one of the greatest youth football programs in the nation. Brown’s performance at YNC will undoubtedly make him a name to watch in the years to come.
Name: Rostyn Means-Perry
Position: DT/OG
Team: Bessemer Tigers 9u
Skinny:
Player Spotlight: Rostyn Means-Perry | 9U Defensive Line Dominator | Bessemer Tigers (K.O.B)
The Bessemer Tigers’ 9U squad, also known as K.O.B. (Kings of Bessemer), has solidified itself as a dynasty at the Youth National Championship (YNC), claiming their third consecutive national title. At the heart of this powerhouse is a rising star who dominated the trenches all tournament long—#9 Rostyn Means-Perry, a massive yet remarkably athletic force on both the offensive and defensive line.
From the opening whistle, Means-Perry made his presence felt, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Known for his raw strength and tenacity, he anchored the Tigers’ front line, routinely shutting down opponents’ run games between the tackles and wreaking havoc in the backfield. Whether shedding double teams or chasing down quarterbacks from the backside edge, Means-Perry showcased a rare combination of size, power, and athleticism.
Beyond the physical tools, Means-Perry brought an infectious energy to the field. His ability to back up his words with dominant play made him a vocal leader and a fan favorite throughout Nationals. His relentless pursuit of excellence played a pivotal role in the Tigers’ successful championship run, cementing their legacy as one of the most dominant programs in YNC history.
Keep an eye on Rostyn Means-Perry as he continues to develop—this young phenom is poised for big things in the world of youth football and beyond.
Name: Jaden Francois
Position: RB
Team: Ft.Lauderdale Hurricanes 12u
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Spotlight on Jaden Francois: A Star Among the Youth National Championship Elite
At the 2024 YNC Youth National Championship, where the best of the best from 6U to 14U competed for glory, one name stood out in the 12U division: Jaden Francois, the electric running back for the Ft. Lauderdale Hurricanes, also known as Big Zip.
The Hurricanes entered the tournament as defending national champions, aiming for their second consecutive title. From the very first snap, it was clear that Francois was on a mission to dominate. His performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he led his team in touchdowns and rushing yards, solidifying his reputation as the #1 running back in his class.
What makes Francois special? It’s a rare combination of skills that sets him apart:
• Quick Feet & Vision: Francois consistently found seams in the defense, using his agility and awareness to stay one step ahead of would-be tacklers.
• Deadly Jump Cut: His sharp, decisive moves left defenders grasping at air as he turned broken plays into highlight-reel moments.
• Physicality & Versatility: Francois doesn’t just evade defenders—he punishes them. Whether lowering his shoulder to power through or using his blazing top-end speed to outrun the pursuit, he’s a nightmare to bring down.
• Finisher’s Mentality: Every run from Francois feels like it could go the distance. His ability to finish plays in the open field proved crucial for the Hurricanes’ success.
Throughout the tournament, Francois was on fire, delivering game-changing performances that propelled the Ft. Lauderdale Hurricanes to another national championship. His relentless drive, talent, and leadership made him an easy pick for the Top Performers list at the YNC.
As the youth football world takes notice, Jaden Francois has cemented his place as a future star. Keep an eye on this young phenom—he’s only just getting started.
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