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Player Evaluation: Daniel Anderson
Class of 2034 | Height: 4’10” | Weight: 95 lbs | Division: 8U
Team: Columbia Knights (SC) | Position: DE/RB
Instagram: Bigdan_2034
Daniel Anderson is a rising star in the Class of 2034, making a name for himself as a dominant defensive force for the Columbia Knights out of South Carolina. A two-time Defensive MVP at the Super Showcase, Daniel has established himself as one of the premier defenders in his age group. His explosive speed off the edge, ability to shed blockers, and relentless pursuit of the ball make him a nightmare for opposing offenses.
On the defensive line, Daniel excels at using his quick first step and natural agility to beat tackles before they can engage. He has a high motor and consistently pressures the quarterback, often resulting in sacks or hurried throws. His ability to play in space allows him to track down ball carriers sideline to sideline, making him a consistent playmaker. Whether sealing the edge or attacking downhill, Daniel’s defensive instincts and physicality set him apart.
In addition to his dominance on defense, Daniel has begun to make an impact on offense as a running back. He runs with power and aggression, refusing to go down on first contact. In short-yardage situations, he’s a reliable option who fights for extra yards. While his vision as a ball carrier is still developing, his natural athleticism, speed, and toughness make him a threat with the ball in his hands.
At this year’s Super Showcase, Daniel once again proved why he’s one of the most exciting young athletes in his class. He was a force in the backfield, consistently shutting down plays on defense while also contributing offensively with a touchdown. His competitiveness and relentless drive to make plays every snap are what separate him from his peers.
Daniel Anderson has the natural talent, work ethic, and competitive fire to continue his rise as one of the top young players in the country. As he continues to develop his skill set, particularly on offense, his ceiling is extremely high. With his dedication and passion for the game, there’s no doubt he’ll be a player to watch in the coming years.
Player Evaluation: Jayce Pacheco Martinez
Class of 2032
Height: 4’11
Weight: 125
Div: 11U
Team: Northeast Bandits
St: FL
Position: TE/DT
IG : j_pacheco0
Jayce Pacheco Martinez is a rising young talent out of the Tampa, FL area, currently making his mark in the 11U division with the Northeast Bandits. His aggressive play style and physicality set him apart, particularly when he has the ball in his hands. As a tight end, Jayce is a tough, downhill runner who embraces contact, often opting to run through defenders rather than around them. His rugby background with the Pelican Youth Rugby team has clearly influenced his game, making him a relentless competitor who thrives in physical matchups.
At 4’11” and 125 pounds, Jayce brings a powerful frame to the field, making him difficult to bring down. His ability to absorb contact and keep his legs churning allows him to pick up extra yards after contact, a trait that makes him a dangerous weapon on offense. While he is already a force, continued growth in height will only enhance his abilities, particularly as a TE. His tenacity, aggression, and willingness to prove himself at every opportunity make him a player to watch as he continues to develop.
Defensively, his strength and physical mindset make him an asset on the defensive line. His ability to engage blockers and disrupt plays will continue to improve with added technique and experience. As he refines his skill set and continues to grow, Jayce has the potential to become a dominant force on both sides of the ball.
With his natural toughness, competitive drive, and multi-sport experience, Jayce Pacheco Martinez is a name to remember. As he progresses through the next few years, expect him to continue making an impact and turning heads.
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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.
