Name : Mike Mclean
Position : ATH
Measurables
Class : 2029
Team : Primetime Elite Bulldogs (NC)
Skinny :
One place you can’t deny a player’s upside & impact is AYF Nationals. The Primetime Elite Bulldogs (NC) is a 1st year program but didn’t duck any smoke this year. While this North Carolina program is a division 2 team their loaded like a division 1 team. That’s what you begin to notice when you see their X-factor Mike Mclean dominate offensively & defensively. AYF Nationals was Mike’s coming out party and he didn’t spare a soul.
Regardless of where he lines up at, Mclean is simply a blur due to his speed and agility combined with his playmaking ability. As a defensive-back, he’s naturally loose with his hips, and he has the closing speed to cover for most of his mistakes. He’s a missile in pursuit, and he plays bigger than his size. He’s separated himself as one of most talented prospects in the 2029 class regardless of position. Mclean can play safety or receiver his versatility is what makes him so dangerous. But it’s running back where he can be an elite talent. He’s an aggressive runner who has great vision and breakaway speed. He’s also an established threat as a receiver. With his versatile skill set, he’s a weapon that can be used to gain favorable matchups against defenses that shoots him atop of any ranking.
Name : Christian Marshall
Position : WR/DB
Measurables :
Class : 2029
Team : Southfield Falcons (MI)
Skinny :
In sports they’re a lot of old sayings for instance “Like father, like son”. That saying could go for QB Isaiah Marshall and his father Brian Marshall 3 years ago on the youth level. Now it’s time to mention baby brother in the same breath with his post season performance 2022. Christian Marshall has been regarded as one of the top WR’s in his class, but after 2022 AYF Nationals it’s time to put him in the conversation as best player in his class.
Christian proved you must account for him in all three phases of the game as he impacted the game in a huge way. Marshall avenged his big brother nationals lose to the National Powerhouse Miami Gardens Ravens. Marshall single handedly beat the Ravens with 3 interceptions, on two of those picks he baited the Quarterback running the routes better than the receivers picking the perfect time to jump routes. The Southfield falcons brought home the hardware with marshall being the teams MVP. Marshall is a dynamic player with the ball in his hands. As a receiver, he has the rare ability to explode in and out of his cuts, and he has the type of top-end speed that can take the top off of a defense. You can tell his older brother is a QB simply how polished his route running and technique is setting Db’s up. With his elusiveness in space and toughness in tight areas, Marshall is a shifty playmaker who is a threat to take it the distance every time he touches the ball. Remember “bigtime players make bigtime plays in bigtime games!” that saying best describes this X-factor impact on the game.
Name : Mark Rajgopaul
Position : OL/DL
Measurables : 6’2”-240 lbs
Class : 2028
Team : Brick City Lions (NJ)
Skinny :
The Brick City Physical prowess starts up front while they have arguably the best player in his class Gabe Kemp at RB. The Lions Championship run their trenches really locked in and dominated the line of scrimmage. Leading the charge is Right Tackle Mark Rajgopaul who doubles as an impressive defensive tackle. Rajgopaul is technically sound at the point of attack moving opponents like a snowplow as he reaches second level clearing the path for some of Kemps biggest plays.
Rajgopaul who spent time at both left and right tackle during the AYF National Championship run, is quick and consistent off the snap. He seizes control of a matchup by getting underneath an opponent’s chest plate, giving him the ability to turn defenders. His feet continue to churn as he blocks downfield, though Rajgopaul is equally dominate on the defensive side of the ball he continues to show that dog on the offensive side of the ball collecting pancakes.
Defensively Rajgopaul uses his hands to get off blocks and has the agility to move laterally in quick bursts. He’s able to get consistent penetration as a run-stuffer, and he’s shown the propensity to bat down passes when he can’t get to the quarterback. He continues to show more power and aggression in taking on blocks his higher upside maybe defensive tackle, so skies the limit for this phenom.
Name : Mekhi Kennedy
Position : DL
Measurables
Class : 2029
Team : OG Ducks (CA)
Skinny :
In the biggest upset of the season OG Ducks (CA) 11u Mekhi Kennedy single handedly disrupted the Powerhouse Rarebreed Apes (GA) 11u offensive game plan wrecking pure havoc. Collecting 4 sacks and a host of tackle for loss this phenoms long wingspan and violent hands allow him to create constant pressure killing any chance of an offense getting in rhythm mirroring his performance at AYF Nationals.
What makes Kennedy special is that he can go through or around offensive linemen with equal effectiveness. He’s got a lean frame that could stand to add weight, and he’s versatile and talented enough to play defensive end in passing situations. Overall, he’s a freakish talent with tremendous upside heading into his 12u season. Kennedy 2022 campaign defiantly solidified his name at the top of any defensive lineman national rankings.
Name : Dominick Everette
Position : QB
Measurables
Class : 2028
Team : Hampton Road Wolfpack (VA) 12U
Skinny :
Operating an Air raid fastbreak style offense Dominick Everette took things up another notch regionals and then Nationals. Always the consummate professional this poised young field general is as cool as the other side of the pillow when he is in control working his magic. Everette is a savvy leader who possesses an accurate arm and overlooked mobility. His dropback is consistent and precise, leading him through the same motions on a repetitive basis.
Everette is able to get the ball downfield with velocity and touch. His development and being baptized under fire as a youth should further enhance these traits and make him more battle-ready as he takes on blitzes. The Wolfpack was in a dog fight versus Heir Academy before Everette heated up and got in a groove. There wasn’t a window on the field this kid couldn’t hit as he delivered tight sparrows changing velocity with the right amount of touch leading his team on two consecutive touchdown drives. Nice size, composed, accurate and cannon for an arm has Everette on the fast track to be a highly sought-after Field General entering High School with his high upside.
Name : Grant Nelson
Position : ATH
Measurables
Class : 2029
Team : Westside Steelers (MI)
Skinny :
Give me a player that lays it all on the line when the most is at stake, when the pressure is on you see what Bigtime players are made of. Westside Steelers (MI) 11u X-Factor Grant Nelson has all the makings of a pretty talented star on the rise. Grant is sideline to sideline force at LB you can not outrun and when he has you in his crosshairs he locks in for the kill. Yeah, Nelson is that type wherever you line this kid up you can expect him to impact the game so much, so he plays 95% of the snaps with no drop-off in production.
Offensively Nelson is a unique player his size would indicate that he would be a power back. However, he seems to operate best outside the tackles and in open space. Still, his athleticism at his size is impressive. He’s agile as a receiver and shows a tendency to get yards after contact. Nelson is a back that gets better with more carries, a closer that wears teams down and shuts the door with huge runs. Ayf Nationals Grant Nelson put his age group on notice he is one of the best players and have no problem proving it, so buckle up your chin strap this X-Factor is coming.
Name : Josiah Poyer
Position : ATH
Measurables: 5’11”-200 Lbs
Class : 2027
Team : IB Braves (CA)
Skinny :
Josiah Poyer has the athleticism to play running back in High School, but his ceiling is higher as an inside linebacker. He displays a tenacity in being physical at the point of attack. He also has the speed and agility to make plays as a pass-rusher and in coverage. He will need to bulk up a little more but that comes with puberty, but he has the tools to wreak havoc as a inside linebacker in High School.
Poyer is his team’s leader, so he sets the tone rather it’s a bone crushing hit or punishing run when he enters the second level headed for the endzone. Now when it came to top plays at AYF Nationals Poyer accounted for two hit stick tackles that I’m sure had players listening for footsteps from that point on. A 3-time National Champ Poyer heads to the next level with his stock thru the roof and on top of some of these high school’s wish list as one of the top-rated prospects in his class.
Name : Daven Reed
Position : OG
Measurables : 6’2”- 280 Lbs
Class : 2028
Team : 540 Powerhouse Hawks (VA)
Skinny :
You’ll be hard-pressed to find many 6’2″, 285-pound teenagers who move with the fluidity Daven Reed flashed at AYF Nationals. He glides like a lighter man, using nimble footwork to stay in front of oncoming pass-rushers or pull around to seal off a gap.
At his finest when moving downhill, he establishes a low base off the snap and motors through his initial target before advancing to the second level. Reed’s ability to blow up two defenders on one play shows you just how laser focus this phenom is when it comes to dominating his opponent. Blessed with size and a high football iq Reed is undoubtably the top guard in his class and he has his sights set on top overall lineman if he continues mauling of his opponents.
Name : Rudolph “Blaze” Ingram
Position : RB/ATH
Measurables
Class : 2030
Team : Bay Area Jaguars (FL)
Skinny :
In sports you have guys that are hyped with a huge following on social media that you hear a lot about. AYF 2022 National’s welcomed the fastest kid in his age group who goes by the name “Blaze”. If you check YouTube or Google this phenom film speaks for itself, he is an unbelievable talent. I’ve had the pleasure of covering this kid before the fame, let’s get something straight first and foremost is this kid isn’t premadonna. I’d say he is an old soul who has been here before that’s the only way I can explain how focused he is for his age. Groomed by his father who allows his son to earn everything he is given while staying grounded. Enough about this kids’ mental make-up time to get to the action something that Blaze went crazy on all AYF Nationals.
Ingram is a player you can line up at a number of different positions on offense, defense or special teams. But wherever he is on the field, he’s a threat to make a game-changing play with his sizzling blur like speed.
His vision and instincts make him a dynamic return man, and his hands are good enough for him to be a slot receiver at the next level. He’s a special talent with the ball in his hands.There is no laydown in “Blaze” he is a fierce competitor that takes things to higher levels when he feels threaten. Some of his best plays were defensively from interceptions to pass break ups even the game saving tackles. Whenever the Jags needed a play “Blaze” made one. This kid isn’t defined by a position he is a Football Player that can adapt in any situation. My suggestion is if you haven’t seen this X-Factor play make it your business to catch him in action, I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Name : Jayce Halasz
Position : WR
Measurables
Class : 2028
Team : Heir Academy (WA)
Skinny :
Though Halasz isn’t necessarily a dangerous downfield threat he brings enough quickness to gain release off the snap and exploit gaps in a defensive scheme. His route-running technique is advanced beyond many contemporaries, enabling him to shake off defenders in tight coverage and snag receptions in stride.
Halasz displays excellent body control along the sidelines and remains compact while facing traffic in pursuit of open space. He turned heads at AYF Nationals this kid is so smooth and has mastered the art of creating separation with double moves, Halasz was schooling db’s allowing him to break free for a game winner versus Southfield Falcons 1strd. Halasz put on a pass catching clinic when it mattered the most. Don’t let the size fool you this kid can flat out ball better put your best on him, or it will be a long day for your secondary. Don’t sleep on that Pacific West talent because Halasz made sure he woke folks up big play after big play.
Name : Gabriel Sampson
Position : QB/ATH
Measurables
Class : 2029
Team : RCU (TX)
Skinny :
Two years in a row RCU’s X-Factor QB/ATH Gabriel Sampson has dazzled the AYF Nationals crowd with some spectacular Touchdown runs. I don’t often compare Pro’s to Youth athletes, but Gabe Sampson is Youth Football’s Lamar Jackson. To have the most dangerous offensive threat on the field at the Quarterback position and know the deal and still can’t stop him say’s a lot about Sampson’s impact on the game. Sampson beat the OG Ducks in the 2nd rd by himself in a come from behind victory where he put up 5 td’s. What made the performance special was Gabe was able to show off his arm accounting for 3 touchdowns thru the air. There is no doubt Gabe is an elite athlete adding a rushing td and a 90-yard interception return to make that 5 td’s in crunch time.
Sampson is an ideal offensive leader for an RCU attack that stresses uptempo aggressiveness. His arm strength to some surprise shined throughout his 2022 national run, enabling him to launch well-placed tosses even while on the run, and he’s a threat to reel off an occasional 100-yard rushing game depending on how the defense choses to play him.
Sampson can exploit defenses downfield by scrambling outside the pocket and baiting defenders due to his rushing capabilities. Despite impressive youth production on the ground, it’s on Gabe to add to his passing prowess which can set him apart from many of his contemporaries. Judging from Gabe’s last two years this kid is blessed and can really be a force at whatever position he ends up at, his ceiling is that high.
Name : Jacorey Brown
Position : RB
Measurables
Class : 2029
Team : Ridge Road Titans (MD)
Skinny :
When it comes to the hottest prospects in Postseason play my list starts with Jacorey Brown of the Ridge Road Titans (DC). After seeing Brown in action, I just had to dig up more information on this X-factor seeing as he just hopped on my radar. The DMV folks had stories for days that spoke on how talented this kid is, but what stood out was the fact he calls himself the GOAT if that isn’t confidence in your ability, I don’t know what is.
Brown doesn’t beat teams in ways that fill up a highlight reel, but he simply punishes opponents with repetitive strong rushing attempts.He has an explosive first step and makes himself small at the line, approaching contact with compact strides and quality pad level. Brown drives through contact and makes you earn the tackle by implementing a powerful stiff-arm and shoulder shrug.
Many running backs are quicker, but few are as technically consistent on each carry. Brown’s reliability extends to the passing game, where he graded out as one of the three receivers on this list. No one had the run Brown had when it mattered the most, teams knew they had to stop him for a chance at a W and they were still at his mercy he is that good.
Name : Jamourie Bollin
Position : WR
Measurables
Class : 2030
Team : TNS (TX)
Skinny :
Jamourie Bollin is a smooth operator off the snap and continues that refined approach as a play progresses. He’s a well-balanced pass target who can convert on deep throws in tight coverage or take a seven-yard slant the distance.
His versatility is reflected in the role he played for TNS, where he lined up across the field and steadily took snaps as a running back. Instead of relying on raw athleticism—and there is plenty of it—he began to deal with defenders by being more mentally engaged than opponents.
His workmanlike approach is most appreciated when TNS extends across the middle for highly contested receptions, which he made plenty of at AYF Nationals. Elite leaping ability, fearlessness in traffic and a supremely strong set of hands lead me to believe this X-Factor is defiantly Top Performer worthy.
Name : Adrain Woodward
Position : DB
Measurables : 5’10”-144 Lbs
Class : 2028
Team : Matawan Huskies (NJ)
Skinny :
One of thee most exciting things to find out is when a standout is younger than his peers he plays against but stands out as the alpha. Adrian Woodward is a rangy corner who has the ability to also play safety. He’s someone who will come down and lay the wood to ball carriers in space and he shows good instincts in pass coverage and in his breaks on the ball. He’s still very raw in terms of his technique, but if he can add some weight without sacrificing speed or athleticism, he has a chance to develop into the type of big corners that teams in High School and the College are coveting.
Woodward is an identical twin him and his brother are quite the tandem, but it was Woodward exceptional coverage versus the 3-time AYF National Champs IB Braves. This kid has a long wingspan and knows how to use it as he broke up four passes with two being game changing plays. The best word to describe Woodward’s game is “physicality.” He excels at playing receivers close to the line and jamming them. This kid is nowhere near a finish product but he has the tools that scream Future four to five star recruit.
Name : Amos Varnado
Position : DT
Measurables : 5’11”-256 Lbs
Class : 2028
Team : Mississippi Wolfpack 14u
Skinny :
Varnado has a lot of room to grow considering his age & size, but he has grown man strength that he uses as an advantage to gain leverage and get low off the snap. He flashes a quick burst, which he uses to gain penetration. He has a great motor and uses his hands well in disengaging blocks.
Some may view Varnado’s lack of height as a negative. However, he uses his low center of gravity to get under blocks and then his power to drive through linemen on his way into the backfield. He’s too quick for bigger linemen and too strong for lean ones. Overall, he’s an explosive player and one who should be able to be dominant early in his High School career. All I saw from this kid AYF Nationals was effort and a 110% on every play which is what Top Performers is all about.
Name : Malcolm Blowe Jr.
Position : ATH
Measurables
Class : 2031
Team : Virginia Elite Tigers
Skinny :
Mr. Do everything for the Virginia Elite Tigers 9u Malcolm Blowe Jr. has been applying nonstop pressure to his peers the last 2 years. Blowe is an upright runner who motors downfield with long strides. He’s not a burner, but he’s decisive and gains steam upon locating space.
His ability to damage when traveling north and south far outweighs what Blowe can accomplish laterally. He brings above-average power into collisions and routinely churns out additional yards after contact. Defensively Blowe is an athletic safety with tremendous size on the back end. He’s got great range and sound instincts in pass coverage. He’s also a big hitter who can be an intimidating presence when covering the middle of the field. With his size, it’s not out of the question that he could grow into a linebacker at the next level. One thing about Blowe he defiantly has proved he is that guy in his class.
Name : Darren “Bam” Johnson
Position : WR/ATH
Measurables
Class : 2031
Team : Miami Garden Ravens (FL)
Skinny :
Darren Johnson aka “BAM” has been a versatile terror putting in work at RB & LB playing both positions on an elite level. But when the Ravens were upset the offensive philosophy changed, that’s where Bam savvy skill-set came into play a dominate 7v7 player moved out wide. Johnson added another element of explosiveness to a dominant Ravens offense, which is probably the last thing National defensive coordinators wanted to see. He flashes a highly effective stutter-step off the snap that expedites his release and places him a stride ahead as plays develop downfield.
His willingness to high-point the football in traffic will earned plenty of extra targets that he took full advantage of as Johnson fought for position and plucked difficult passes with desired effort. With this X-factors size and football iq look for him to continue to develop into the top athlete in his class.
Name : Jireh Aleaga
Position : OG/DT
Measurables : ‘6-4”-310
Class :2027
Team : Vegas Strong (NV) 14u
Skinny :
One thing for certain if a player makes AYF National Top Performers twice you can bet he has the upside to be pretty special on the High School level. Vegas Strong Trench Monster Jireh Aleaga is different he doesn’t need a pep talk he is always on go with a nasty streak that kicks in when the whistle blows and his mission is to dominate his opponent.
I love the intensity Aleaga brings to every rep, whether its during pregame drills or in the trenches of a game. He plays angry, displays natural leadership and doesn’t give a damn about how his opponent is feeling.
Aleaga is a mauler in run-blocking and handles power-rushers well while operating in pass protection. His burst off the ball and sheer relentlessness makes him my top-rated 2027 Guards. While I love his upside as an Offensive Lineman, I wouldn’t be surprise if he ends up on the defensive line doesn’t matter his tool box is full now watch him blossom into a highly sought after prospect.
Name : Jamorie Dennis
Position : DB
Measurables : 5’6”-135 lbs
Class : 2028
Team : Mississippi Wolfpack 14u
Skinny :
Jamorie Dennis doesn’t wow you with measurables, but he is a technician who flashes plenty of playmaking ability in the secondary. He attacks the ball in the air like a receiver, and he has great closing speed when he’s beaten off the line of scrimmage. He’s also a potential difference-maker as a return man on special teams, which highlights his ability to make big plays when the ball is in his hands. Nothing is more telling on what he does with the ball in his hands can you say pick 6? Call Dennis his teams closer as the Mississippi Wolfpack celebrated their programs biggest win versus Vegas Strong. Dennis trusted his instincts and jumped a short route for a pick 6 that killed strong’s chance of a comeback.
The youngest on his team his ball skills and his ability to stick to his receivers in man coverages jump out as traits that separate him as an elite corner in this class.
Name : Zaire Taylor
Position : RB/ATH
Measurables
Class : 2033
Team : PME (VA) 7u
Skinny :
Zaire “MuscleMan” Taylor is a power-based rusher who maintains low pad level and makes the most of his physical frame. He attacks defenders with tenacity and refuses to sacrifice yards along the sideline, where he’d rather crash into an opponent than step out of bounds.
That fearlessness is great, but don’t mistake his power running style he can get that corner to loosen up the defense. Taylor has a knack for always seeming to identify ideal rushing lanes, but I love the way he plows ahead if needed and other times displaying patience by decelerating and letting things develop in front of him showing off his patience.
He will fool you as well because he possesses the quick-trigger hips to bounce things outside in a hurry, so at a young age Taylor has developed an enhanced sense of anticipation amid the trenches and beyond. MuscleMan earned team MVP with over 10 td’s at AYF Nationals no team could contain this X-factor for 4 quarters, I guess that’s why PME 7u were crowned National Champs riding this unstoppable thoroughbred.