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Compiled annually, this prestigious list celebrates the best of the best, showcasing players who have demonstrated exceptional skill, performance, and impact on the field.
Compiled annually, this prestigious list celebrates the best of the best, showcasing players who have demonstrated exceptional skill, performance, and impact on the field.
Player Evaluation: Izhon Pugh
Class: 2029
Height: 5’11
Weight: 168
Position: TE/MLB
Team: Oaks Christian Middle School
State: CA
IG: Izhon_Pugh
Izhon Pugh is an intriguing athlete in the Class of 2029 out of Oaks Christian Middle School in California. At 5’11” and 168 pounds, Pugh already possesses the size and athleticism that stands out on the field. As both a tight end and linebacker, he showcases versatility and raw potential that could make him a dual-threat player at the next level.
On offense, one of Pugh’s most notable traits is his impressive hands and ability to make athletic catches. In limited footage, we saw him display soft hands and even make acrobatic catches, including one instance where he adjusted to the ball mid-flight and reeled it in with one hand—an eye-catching play that shows off his ability to track and secure passes in difficult situations. He has the size and skill to be a dangerous target as a tight end and could develop into a standout player in the passing game as he matures.
On the defensive side of the ball, Pugh shows promise as a middle linebacker (MLB). However, there are areas in his game that need to be refined. At times, he appears to wait for the play to develop rather than reading his keys and attacking the hole quickly. This is something that can be improved with coaching, and once he becomes more instinctive, he will be a more dangerous force in the defensive front. When engaging with ball carriers, Pugh is typically the lower man in the collision, and he does a solid job of bringing down the ball carrier, showing his physicality and willingness to get in on the action.
While his football IQ is still a work in progress, Pugh makes up for it with his size, effort, and athleticism. These are qualities that high school coaches will be excited to develop as he enters the next phase of his football career. With his physical tools and willingness to learn, Izhon Pugh has the potential to become a standout player on both sides of the ball as he transitions to high school football. We expect to see continued growth and refinement in his skills as he works to elevate his game to the next level.
Player Evaluation: Maxwell Giovanniello
Class: 2031
Height: 5’5
Weight: 139
Position: MLB/OLB
Team: Unknown (formerly Royal Palm Wildcats)
State: FL
IG: Max_Giovanniello
Maxwell Giovanniello is an up-and-coming linebacker from West Palm Beach, Florida, who is currently in the Class of 2031. Having previously played for the Royal Palm Wildcats, Maxwell is currently undecided on his next team, but his talent on the field is clear. Standing at 5’5” and weighing 139 pounds, Giovanniello possesses a solid build that allows him to compete physically with blockers, yet his agility and quickness give him an edge in open-field situations.
One of Maxwell’s standout qualities is his aggression when taking on blockers. He’s not afraid to step up and meet contact head-on, using his hands well to shed blockers and remain in the play. This toughness is complemented by a high motor, and on multiple occasions, he has demonstrated an ability to track down ball carriers in the backfield and stop them before they have a chance to break loose and turn upfield. His effort and determination are evident, and his hustle to make plays from sideline to sideline speaks to his passion for the game.
While Maxwell shows great potential, there are areas of his game that still need improvement. His foot speed, particularly in terms of his first step, could be quicker to help him get into position faster when reacting to plays. Additionally, while Maxwell’s tenacity is commendable, his tackling technique is an area that requires refinement. Many of his tackles appear to be more arm tackles or attempts where he is reaching instead of making solid, fundamental tackles. Improving his form and consistency in bringing down ball carriers with proper technique will elevate his overall effectiveness as a linebacker.
Maxwell Giovanniello is a promising linebacker with the passion, work ethic, and physicality to develop into one of the top linebackers in Florida. With continued development, particularly in his speed and tackling fundamentals, Maxwell has the potential to become a dominant presence on the field. His determination to improve and his drive to compete will surely lead to a successful future in football. We’ll continue to keep an eye on his progress as he advances through his football journey.
Player Evaluation: Cylas “Sunshine” Sherrod
Class: 2030
Height: 5’9
Weight: 145
Position: QB-Dual
Team: West Texas Longhorns
State: TX
IG: sunshine_sherrod1122
The future is undeniably bright for Cylas “Sunshine” Sherrod, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback out of West Texas who is quickly making waves in the youth football scene. As the field general for the West Texas Longhorns, Sherrod’s performance speaks volumes about his potential. This young QB recently took part in the prestigious AYF Nationals, where he threw a staggering 15 touchdowns in just three games, ultimately advancing to the championship in the All-Star Division.
Sherrod has the qualities of a playmaker. Whether it’s with his arm or legs, he keeps defenses on edge. His athleticism and quick footwork allow him to escape pressure, extend plays, and make crucial decisions under duress. His accuracy is a highlight—he’s able to deliver the ball efficiently to his playmakers, making him a reliable presence on the field. During the national championship game, although the team came up short, Sherrod still had a standout performance, throwing five touchdowns and making a highlight-reel 40-yard catch that was ruled just out at the goal line. His ability to make plays, even when things don’t go as planned, is a testament to his resilience and football IQ.
While Sherrod’s playmaking ability is undeniable, there are areas in his game that could be improved. His footwork, in particular, could use refinement, especially in the pocket. At times when avoiding defenders or running, he has a tendency to carry the ball in one hand, which leaves it exposed and vulnerable to turnovers. Additionally, his overall quarterback mechanics could benefit from some polishing, particularly his dropbacks, foot placement, and release consistency.
At 5’9 and 145 pounds, Sherrod has good size for his age, and there is plenty of room for him to grow and develop as he matures physically. With a solid frame that can support additional weight and strength, he has the potential to be a dual-threat quarterback at the next level, with the tools to compete with some of the nation’s best.
In conclusion, Cylas “Sunshine” Sherrod is a player to watch as he continues to develop. His playmaking ability, leadership, and athleticism already set him apart, and with some refinement in his mechanics, he could easily become one of the top quarterbacks in his class. The future is bright for this young star, and it will be exciting to see how he progresses over the next few years.
https://rnrsportsmedia.com/members/cylas_sherrod/player-detail/
Player Evaluation | Ronan Stacks
Class of 2036
Height: 4’3
Weight: 80
Div: 7U
Team: OVA Falcons
St: AL
Position: QB-D/MLB
IG : N/A
Ronan Stacks is an impressive young athlete, demonstrating strong potential as both a quarterback and middle linebacker. As a quarterback for the OVA Falcons 7U team, Ronan is exceptional at running the ball between the tackles, showing a level of toughness and explosiveness beyond his age. His ability to fight off defenders in tight traffic and break free for long runs indicates a natural running ability that could make him a threat in any offensive system. His quickness and strength in these situations stand out and showcase his raw athleticism.
However, it is on defense where Ronan truly shines. His ability as a middle linebacker is particularly noteworthy. Ronan plays with an aggressive edge, displaying a relentless pursuit of the ball carrier. His instinctive nature to find the ball and make a play is something you can’t teach. He possesses a “nose for the ball” that allows him to be in the right place at the right time, making him a valuable asset for any defensive coordinator. His physicality and aggressive mindset make him a powerful presence on defense, often resembling a “land shark” as he seeks out and neutralizes the opposing offense.
While the footage of Ronan’s play is limited, what we saw was enough to establish him as a rising talent in his class. His dual threat as both a quarterback and linebacker gives him versatility and showcases his well-rounded skill set. Given his natural instincts, aggression, and athleticism, Ronan Stacks has the potential to emerge as one of the top linebackers in the 2036 class. If he continues to develop at this pace, expect to see more of him on the field in the future. His combination of talent and determination suggests that Ronan could be a key player to watch as he progresses in his football career.
https://rnrsportsmedia.com/members/ronan_stacks/player-detail/
Player Evaluation: Ladarious Lymon Jr.
Class: 2034
Height: 5’0”
Weight: 100 lbs
Division: 9U
Team: OVA Falcons
State: Alabama
Position: RB/CB
Ladarious Lymon Jr. is an exceptional young talent out of Alabama who has already made a name for himself at the 9U level. Standing at 5 feet tall and weighing 100 pounds as a third grader, his size, speed, and natural athleticism set him apart from his peers.
From the limited film available, it’s clear that Lymon Jr. possesses elite playmaking ability. As a three-time conference MVP and Offensive Player of the Year in Alabama, his accolades are well-earned. With the ball in his hands, he’s electric—his agility allows him to make defenders miss in tight spaces, and his vision helps him locate even the smallest openings in a defense. Once he sees daylight, his acceleration is unmatched, making him a threat to score every time he touches the ball.
His breakaway speed is one of his most impressive attributes, often leaving defenders in the dust in the open field. He displays great awareness and balance, making him difficult to bring down even when met with contact. While his offensive skill set is undeniable, his ability as a lockdown cornerback also deserves recognition. His quick feet, instincts, and ability to read the game make him a valuable two-way player.
The only potential question mark in his evaluation is the level of competition he faces locally. To truly gauge his ceiling, it would be interesting to see him tested against top-tier national talent. However, given his size, speed, and dynamic athleticism at such a young age, there’s no doubt that Lymon Jr. has the potential to be a standout at the highest levels.
With continued development, he has all the tools to be a dominant force in the coming years. The sky is truly the limit for Ladarious Lymon Jr.
Player Evaluation: Liam Leverett
Class of 2034
Height: 4’6”
Weight: 85 lbs
Division: 8U
Team: Space City Bounty Boys
State: Texas
Position: WR/CB
Instagram: @iam_liam_leverett
Liam Leverett is a dynamic young athlete from Texas who plays for the Space City Bounty Boys in the 8U division. Despite standing at 4’6” and weighing 85 pounds, Liam’s game is far from defined by size—his heart, quickness, and competitiveness shine through in every play. Though some might underestimate him based on his stature, this young man proves that heart and skill matter far more than height.
As a wide receiver, Liam’s speed and twitchiness make him a threat on the field, especially in the slot. He excels at quickly getting in and out of breaks, which allows him to create separation from defenders. His ability to accelerate after the catch gives him the potential to break big plays. He is also effective on jet sweeps, where his agility makes him difficult to catch once he hits top speed.
On the defensive side, Liam’s quickness is just as impactful. His ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and jump routes is a trait of a smart and instinctive player. His anticipation and awareness on defense allow him to make plays that many other players miss. After making a pick, his speed is on full display as he dashes away from defenders, often leaving them in the dust.
Liam has a strong foundation in flag football, and his game film shows flashes of a player who is more than capable of impacting a game at the next level. However, more footage in tackle football would be valuable to evaluate his transition to more physical play. That said, his 7v7 highlights show immense promise and potential.
One area to watch for Liam over the next few years will be his growth spurt. His combination of quickness, attitude, and football IQ will be even more lethal as he matures physically. It’s clear that Liam has the mindset and drive to improve, and as he grows into his body, his already impressive skill set will continue to elevate.
Overall, Liam Leverett is an exciting young talent with a bright future ahead of him. Keep an eye on him as he rises through the ranks, and it won’t be long before he becomes one of the top names to know in Texas youth football.
