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Player Evaluation: Amare Jackson (Class of 2031, 11u, S/WR/OLB)
Height: 5’3”
Weight: 112 lbs
Team: Ginn Elite (OH)
Position: Safety (S) / Wide Receiver (WR) / Outside Linebacker (OLB)
Amare Jackson is a dynamic and versatile athlete out of Ohio, currently playing for Ginn Elite’s 11u division. On offense, Jackson serves as a jet sweep receiver, utilizing his speed and ability to maneuver in open space. However, his impact is most strongly felt on the defensive side of the ball, where he shines as a safety with excellent coverage skills.
Jackson’s performance at the Northern Hospitality tournament highlighted his knack for timely playmaking, including a pivotal interception that demonstrated his awareness and instincts. At 5’3”, Jackson boasts impressive length, giving him the ability to break up passes and contest throws effectively in coverage. His physical tools suggest continued growth, which could further bolster his defensive presence.
Against the run, Jackson is a reliable asset, providing strong support by shedding blocks on the perimeter. He has shown the ability to hold his own inside the box, displaying toughness, strength, and the capability to take on blockers while making plays in the backfield. In space, Jackson excels at reading plays and delivering secure tackles, both on the perimeter and behind the line of scrimmage.
Recently, Jackson helped lead Ginn Elite to a state championship, contributing heavily to their strong defensive efforts. He also showcased his offensive versatility when flexed to running back, producing effectively between the tackles. Ginn Elite’s national ranking of seventh by Seal Sports is a testament to their defensive prowess, to which Jackson is a key contributor.
Overall, Amare Jackson is a developing talent whose length, instincts, and versatility make him a promising player to watch in future competitions. His ability to impact games on both sides of the ball speaks to his athleticism, work ethic, and potential for growth.
Player Evaluation: Brice Rhoden
Class: 2029
Position: QB/OLB
Team: 14U Long Branch AYF (NJ)
Height: 5’7”
Weight: 147 lbs
Brice Rhoden is a standout athlete with impressive versatility and playmaking abilities. As the starting quarterback for Long Branch AYF, he is a dynamic dual-threat player who excels at both passing and running the ball. Rhoden possesses a quick release and demonstrates excellent field vision, allowing him to execute his coaches’ fast-paced offensive strategies efficiently. While capable of making accurate long throws, he truly shines when using his athleticism to create opportunities on the ground. His track-level speed makes him a nightmare for defenders, as he consistently leaves would-be tacklers behind when breaking into open field.
On defense, Rhoden plays outside linebacker/strong safety and is a critical factor for his team. He excels in pass coverage, showing a natural ability to stay low and read routes in zone schemes, disrupting passing lanes and forcing turnovers. In the run game, Rhoden demonstrates exceptional instincts, frequently making plays behind the line of scrimmage. His quickness, physicality, and nose for the ball ensure he remains an impact player on both sides of the ball.
In addition to football, Brice Rhoden is a well-rounded athlete. He contributes to his school’s track team as the second leg in the 4×100 relay and is a long jumper, as well as a point guard in basketball known for his shooting range. This multi-sport background keeps him in peak physical condition year-round and has allowed him to develop a wide array of skills and movement patterns that translate to high-level performance on the football field.
Looking ahead to high school, Rhoden’s 5’7” frame may present challenges at the next level, particularly as a quarterback. However, his exceptional athleticism and football IQ make him a promising prospect for other roles such as running back or a hybrid rover linebacker, where he can fully utilize his speed, instincts, and playmaking ability. With continued development, Rhoden has the potential to remain a highly effective and impactful player as he progresses in his football career.
In a shakeup that has sent waves across youth football, the Florida Youth Football League (FYFL) has announced it will be adjusting its age cutoff date to July 1, following a similar move made several years ago by the rapidly expanding Florida Elite league which was the first in the nation to do so. FYFL, known nationally for its powerhouse teams such as the Miami Gardens Ravens and Fort Lauderdale Hurricanes, has long been a mainstay of elite youth football in Florida. However, the past year has seen a significant migration of FYFL teams to Florida Elite, a shift that may mark a new era in Florida’s youth football landscape.
Florida Elite’s Rise to the Top
Over the last decade, Florida Elite has grown into the state’s largest youth football league, covering nearly every region in Florida, and positioning itself as the premier league across the state. Founded by Bryan Reed and Dave McCullough, Florida Elite has built its reputation not just on the field, but through its dedication to celebration and spectacle — from the annual Florida Elite ESPYS and Heisman awards to helicopter-delivered Super Bowl trophies. Their recent expansion into South Florida has allowed them to capture some of the most competitive programs in the area, including the Royal Palm Wildcats, Lauderdale Lakes Vikings, Pompano Chiefs, and Gwen Cherry Bulls.
The league’s decision to align its cutoff date to July 1, in line with Youth National Championship (YNC) standards, gives Florida Elite teams a greater chance to compete successfully at national tournaments. This move was welcomed by many coaches and organizations seeking opportunities at the national level, and it has amplified Florida Elite’s appeal to top-tier programs looking for increased visibility and competitive chances.
FYFL Responds with Cutoff Change
With several high-profile teams defecting to Florida Elite, FYFL had to respond. By moving its own cutoff date to July 1, FYFL hopes to level the playing field for its teams at YNC events. However, this adjustment means that FYFL will no longer meet the American Youth Football (AYF) Southeast Region requirements, which had its cutoff date set at July 31. This departure from AYF is a significant pivot for FYFL, one that may attract new teams in search of a league more focused on YNC alignment. Still, only time will tell if this move will be enough to offset the teams lost to Florida Elite.
The AYFL’s Role and Unique Positioning
Adding another layer of complexity is the American Youth Football League (AYFL), another strong competitor in South Florida. With a May 1 cutoff, AYFL is home to several national contenders, including the Delray Rocks, PPO Bengals, Miramar Wolverines, and Boynton Beach Bulldogs. Despite their success, the AYFL’s early cutoff date has sometimes impacted its teams’ rankings and national play, leaving some to question if switching leagues could offer better exposure and opportunities.
Recently, the National C1N tournament adopted a July 1 cutoff, creating tension for AYFL teams wanting to compete on the same terms. As a result, several AYFL teams, including Miramar Brick City and Delray 11U, who were allowed to compete and qualified at their listed age several weeks ago at a C1N showcase tournament, are now not. It’s been rumors of several AYFL teams exploring moves to leagues like FYFL or Florida Elite to align with national tournaments, but It’s just rumors.
Voices from the Field
Opinions among coaches and players have been varied regarding these shifting league dynamics. Many teams joining Florida Elite cited not just the cutoff date but also a desire for more autonomy. “We wanted a place where we had a voice and not be ruled by a dictatorship,” said one Florida Elite South coach. Other coaches expressed excitement over Florida Elite’s expanded geographic reach, which enables them to compete against Central Florida teams and pursue championships at IMG Academy.
Some coaches also raised concerns about FYFL’s policies, which restrict FYFL teams from playing Florida Elite teams that left FYFL. Additionally, FYFL’s requirement that players obtain a release from their original team before switching has stirred debate about player freedom. Coaches also noted the higher fees for the Qwik Cuts film scouting service used by FYFL and AYFL, which has been a sticking point for some looking for more affordable options.
Future of Youth Football in Florida
With these changes, several questions arise about the future of youth football in Florida. Can FYFL’s cutoff date adjustment help it attract new teams or win back those that defected to Florida Elite? Will Florida Elite’s dominance and expansion make it the “SEC” of youth football, as some have speculated? And, most pressing, will AYFL teams continue to stay loyal to their league, or will they be tempted by the opportunities that Florida Elite and FYFL now offer?
As the Florida youth football scene continues to evolve, one thing is certain: the competition — both on the field and among the leagues — has never been fiercer.
Austin, the capital city of Texas, is a vibrant paradox—a fast-growing metropolis that clings fiercely to its “weird” counter-culture roots. While it’s a major hub for technology and government, its soul is defined by a deep-seated love for live music, independent art, and the great outdoors. This unique blend of progress and laid-back authenticity has made Austin one of America’s most dynamic and desirable cities, a place where innovation and creativity thrive side-by-side.
Austin’s history is as colorful as the city itself. Founded in 1839 as the capital of the newly independent Republic of Texas, the city was originally named Waterloo. It was soon renamed in honor of Stephen F. Austin, the “Father of Texas.” Its location was a point of controversy, with many fearing its vulnerability to both Native American tribes and the Mexican army. Despite these early challenges, Austin solidified its status as a political and educational center. The completion of the stunning Texas State Capitol in 1888 and the establishment of the University of Texas at Austin cemented its role as the state’s seat of power and intellect.
Over the decades, Austin has weathered multiple economic shifts, from a trading hub after the arrival of the railroad in 1871 to a quiet college town in the mid-20th century. Its current identity began to take shape in the 1970s, as a new wave of musicians, artists, and progressive thinkers were drawn to its liberal politics and low cost of living. This era laid the groundwork for the city’s unofficial motto, “Keep Austin Weird,” a rallying cry against the encroachment of corporate homogenization.
You can’t talk about Austin without talking about its music. Known globally as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” music isn’t just an industry here—it’s the city’s beating heart. The sound of a guitar spilling out of a bar on Sixth Street, the soulful strains of a blues band in the Red River Cultural District, or a country singer’s lament in a South Congress honky-tonk are all part of the daily fabric of Austin life. With over 250 live music venues, from small, intimate clubs like the Continental Club to massive festival grounds, there’s always a stage and an audience for every genre.
Two annual festivals have cemented Austin’s global reputation: South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival. SXSW, a massive convergence of music, film, and interactive media, transforms the entire city each spring into a sprawling creative playground. ACL, held over two weekends in the iconic Zilker Park, showcases some of the biggest names in music against the backdrop of the downtown skyline. Yet, the real magic lies in the everyday experience. You can catch an impromptu set at a coffee shop or discover your new favorite band in a tiny backyard venue, proving that Austin’s musical soul is not just for tourists, but for everyone.
While music may be its soul, technology is Austin’s engine. Over the past few decades, the city has emerged as a major player in the global tech scene, earning it the nickname “Silicon Hills.” The presence of the University of Texas, a major research institution, attracted early tech giants like IBM and Motorola, and the trend has only accelerated. Today, companies like Dell, Apple, Samsung, and Google have a massive presence, and a thriving ecosystem of startups and venture capital has fueled rapid economic growth.
This tech boom has brought a wave of new residents and opportunities, reshaping the city’s skyline and demographics. While this growth has created challenges, such as rising housing costs and traffic congestion, it has also diversified Austin’s economy and attracted a highly educated and innovative workforce. The fusion of creative arts and cutting-edge technology creates a unique environment where a software engineer might spend their weekend playing in a band, embodying the city’s dual identity.
Beyond the music venues and tech offices, Austin’s natural beauty and commitment to outdoor recreation are central to its identity. The city is bisected by the Colorado River, which forms Lady Bird Lake, a popular spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing. The 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail loops around the lake, providing a scenic escape in the heart of the city.
Locals and visitors alike flock to the Barton Creek Greenbelt, a massive public space with miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. On a hot summer day, nothing beats a dip in Barton Springs Pool, a three-acre, spring-fed natural pool with a refreshing year-round temperature. And from March to October, thousands gather at the Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk to witness the spectacular flight of 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats, the largest urban bat colony in North America.
Austin’s food scene is as diverse as its population. While Texas barbecue is a must-try, with world-famous joints like Franklin Barbecue drawing lines for hours, the culinary landscape extends far beyond smoked meat. The city’s food trucks offer a global tour of flavors, from authentic Tex-Mex tacos to Asian fusion. Meanwhile, award-winning restaurants are elevating the dining experience with farm-to-table concepts and innovative menus.
Austin is more than just a destination; it’s a living, breathing experience. It’s a place where the past meets the future, where country music legends and tech moguls coexist, and where the natural beauty of the Hill Country provides a perfect backdrop for a city constantly reinventing itself. It’s a place that, despite its rapid growth, still finds a way to “Keep Austin Weird.”
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