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RNRTOP100 Player Evaluation: Tarus “T3” Smith III
Class of 2036 | QB/OLB | Bay Area Hawks (FL) | 8U
Height: 4’0” | Weight: 55 lbs
Instagram: @t3smitty
Tarus “T3” Smith III is living proof that big things come in small packages. A Class of 2036 athlete out of Tampa, Florida, Smith has already made a name for himself as a dynamic playmaker for the Bay Area Hawks. We first saw him at our Tampa combine, where he didn’t just compete—he stood out against players much bigger and older than him. His confidence, skill set, and ability to rise to any challenge immediately caught our attention, and his game film has only reinforced our belief that he’s a special young talent.
As a quarterback, Smith utilizes his compact frame as an advantage, often slipping through defenders’ vision before bursting into the open field. His agility and quick-twitch reflexes allow him to maneuver out of tight spots, creating big plays from seemingly broken situations. Once he’s in the open field, his elite speed takes over, making him a nightmare for defenses. His background in track and field is evident—when he finds a crease, it’s usually “kiss the baby” as he takes it to the house.
On the defensive side, Smith plays with relentless aggression at outside linebacker. Despite his size, he’s fearless when taking on bigger opponents, using his speed and low center of gravity to his advantage. His wrestling background has clearly sharpened his ability to tackle and fight through contact, making him a disruptive force on the edge. His competitive nature shines through in every aspect of his game, whether it’s football, wrestling, or any other challenge he takes on.
Right now, Smith stands at 4’0” and 55 pounds—not the biggest player on the field, but his heart, athleticism, and will to win make up for any size disadvantage. With his father having good size, a growth spurt is likely on the horizon, which will only add to his already impressive skill set. His dedication to training is clear, and as he continues to develop, he’s on track to be one of the top athletes in the Tampa area for years to come.
Keep your eyes on T3—he’s a competitor through and through, and his journey is just getting started.
Player Evaluation: Liam Leverett
Class of 2034 | WR/CB | Space City Bounty Boys (TX) | 8U
Height: 4’6” | Weight: 85 lbs
Instagram: @iam_liam_leverett
Liam Leverett is a dynamic young athlete who plays both wide receiver and cornerback for the Space City Bounty Boys out of Texas. At the 8U level, passing is often limited, but the volume of targets in his highlight tape speaks volumes about the trust his coaches have in him. Leverett is a versatile playmaker who excels at creating separation, making plays at all levels of the field—from deep shots to quick slants and outs. His agility in and out of breaks makes him a valuable target, and once he has the ball in his hands, his quickness and elusiveness allow him to turn routine plays into big gains. His ability to accelerate and make defenders miss is a key factor in his ability to find the end zone consistently.
Defensively, Leverett brings the same intensity to the cornerback position. He plays with great positioning and instincts, allowing him to challenge receivers and contest passes effectively. His quickness helps him mirror receivers off the line, while his recovery speed enables him to close gaps when necessary. He plays with a scrappy and relentless mentality, always fighting through the play until the whistle blows. His combination of aggression, technique, and effort makes him a disruptive force in the secondary.
One area of improvement for Leverett will be his overall physical development as he continues to grow. At 4’6” and 85 pounds, he is slightly undersized compared to some of his peers, but what he lacks in size, he more than makes up for with his athleticism, toughness, and football IQ. Given his natural talent and work ethic, he has plenty of time to develop physically and refine his skills as he progresses through the youth football ranks.
Liam Leverett is a name to watch in the coming years, and with continued development, he has the potential to be a high-impact player at the next levels. His explosiveness, versatility, and competitive nature set him apart, and it will be exciting to see how he continues to evolve.
Player Evaluation: Namir Thompson
Class: 2032
Height: 5’1”
Weight: 115 lbs
Position: Middle Linebacker/Outside Linebacker (MLB/OLB)
Team: GTOP Sabres
State: North Carolina
Event: Southern Hospitality Showcase
Instagram: @NamirpintThompson
Email: jeromelewisthompson@gmail.com
Overview:
Namir Thompson, a linebacker from North Carolina, is a rising star in the Class of 2032. Playing for the GTOP Sabres, he has shown tremendous promise, especially in his role as the starting middle linebacker. In our recent Southern Hospitality event, he delivered an impressive performance against the West Side Wildcats, racking up 10 tackles and forcing a fumble. Though he may not stand out physically at first glance—standing at just 5’1” and weighing 115 pounds—Thompson proves that heart, effort, and skill make up for what he lacks in stature.
Strengths:
1.Effort and Aggression: Namir plays with unmatched intensity and aggressiveness. He has a relentless motor, constantly pursuing the ball from sideline to sideline. His drive is contagious, and his willingness to attack plays head-on sets him apart from many of his peers.
2.Tackle Machine: Thompson’s instincts and tackling ability are exceptional. He reads plays with an understanding far beyond his years. Whether it’s reading the holes on runs or navigating through blockers, he excels in finding the ball and finishing tackles effectively.
3.Football IQ: Despite his smaller frame, Namir demonstrates excellent football IQ. His ability to anticipate the movement of blockers and ball carriers allows him to stay in the play and avoid getting caught in traffic. He keeps his hands free from blockers and stays square to the ball, making him tough to block.
4.Playmaking Ability: With a nose for the football, Thompson is a game-changer on defense. He not only racks up tackles but also creates turnovers, as seen in his forced fumble during the Southern Hospitality event. His ability to disrupt plays at key moments gives his team an edge.
Areas for Growth:
•Size and Strength: While Thompson’s athleticism and technique help him overcome his lack of size, as he continues to grow, adding strength will only enhance his ability to shed blockers and tackle even more effectively.
•Long-Term Development: Thompson still has plenty of room to grow physically. As he matures, he’ll likely gain more muscle mass, which should help him hold up even better against bigger opponents. The next few years of development will be crucial to his overall growth as a player.
Conclusion:
Namir Thompson is a linebacker who consistently exceeds expectations on the field. His relentless drive, outstanding football IQ, and ability to make plays have already set him apart in his age group. While he may not have the imposing size of some of his peers, his tenacity and athleticism more than compensate. As Thompson continues to develop physically, he has the potential to be a standout defensive player for years to come. Keep an eye on this young linebacker from North Carolina—he’s one to watch.
Prospect Evaluation: Landon Rosado
Class: 2030
Height: 5’0”
Weight: 105 lbs
Position: Running Back (RB)
Team: Union City Recreation
State: New Jersey
Division: 12U
Instagram: _landoniz8
Landon Rosado is an emerging running back prospect from Union City, New Jersey, in the 2030 class. While his film and available footage are limited, what has been observed shows a promising athlete who can make an impact on the field. Rosado stands out for his vision and field awareness, especially when navigating through traffic. His ability to weave through defenders and find open lanes highlights his natural running instincts, and he often finds himself in the open field with a solid group of blockers escorting him to the end zone.
Despite his effectiveness at the 12U level, Rosado does face some concerns regarding his physical development. At 5’0” and 105 lbs, he is currently smaller than the average player for his age and position. While this is certainly a point of concern for his future progression, there is potential for a late growth spurt, which could significantly change his trajectory. Given his age, there’s ample time for him to grow and develop physically, which makes his future potential uncertain but still intriguing.
Rosado’s work ethic is evident, as he consistently showcases his dedication through training videos and participation in several camps. His commitment to improving his skills and competing at a high level signals his desire to grow as an athlete. This competitive spirit and willingness to put in the work will serve him well as he continues to progress through the ranks.
At this stage, Landon Rosado is a player to keep an eye on in the New Jersey area. His athleticism, vision, and drive give him a solid foundation to build on, and with growth and continued development, he could become a notable player in his class. While his size is a concern at the moment, his dedication to his craft suggests that he has the potential to overcome this challenge and make a name for himself in the years to come.
