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Player Spotlight: Aydan Taylor
Class of 2031 | Height: 5’8 | Weight: 150 | Division: 12U | Team: OVA Falcons (AL) | Position: QB-D / DE
Aydan Taylor is a young force of nature out of Alabama who lines up under center for the OVA Falcons, but don’t let the “quarterback” label fool you—he’s more of a freight train with a football. Standing at an imposing 5’8 and 150 pounds, he towers over much of his competition and uses every ounce of his size and strength to his advantage.
Unlike most big-framed QBs who rely on their arm, Aydan thrives on punishing defenses with his legs. When he decides to run, it’s downhill, fast, and violent—more reminiscent of an old-school power back than a traditional passer. His vision allows him to find the smallest crease, and his agility means he can make a cut just when defenders think they have the angle. But when he builds a full head of steam, the smart choice for defenders is often to get out of the way, unless they want to be on the wrong end of a highlight.
While his passing game is still developing, his physicality, leadership, and competitive edge make him one of the most intimidating dual threats in the 12U division. With the raw tools and mentality reminiscent of legends like Jim Brown, Aydan Taylor is a player who could redefine what a youth quarterback can be. The ceiling is sky-high—if his passing game catches up to his punishing ground attack, we could be looking at one of Alabama’s most dangerous young athletes in the years to come.
RNR Top 100 Youth Football Player Spotlight 🔥
Presented by RNR Sports Media – The Nation’s #1 Source for Youth Football News
📍 Player Spotlight
Name: Markiston Curry
Class: 2036
Height: 4’6”
Weight: 81 lbs
Division: 7U
Team: ACA (Alabama)
Position: QB – Dual Threat
At the 7U level, football is all about learning fundamentals — but some players are simply different. While most are still figuring out the game, Markiston Curry is playing it like a veteran. The Alabama native and standout QB for ACA lit up the field this season, racking up 27 total touchdowns and earning Season MVP Honors.
Curry is a true dual-threat, with lightning speed and natural instincts that can’t be taught. As the saying goes, “You can’t catch what you can’t see” — and Curry is a blur in the open field. Whether he’s tucking it and running or dropping back to make a smart pass, Curry plays with a calm confidence rare at this age.
What makes him special? His elite vision, explosive cuts, and sharp footwork — Curry knows how to plant, shift, and GO, slicing through defenses like a seasoned playmaker. He reads the field like a future star and already has a feel for when to make the big play.
While it’s still early in his journey, Markiston Curry is clearly on the right track. With his relentless work ethic and natural ability, don’t be surprised if this name becomes a staple in youth football headlines for years to come.
👀 Stay tuned to RNR Sports Media for more coverage on Curry and other rising stars from around the nation!
#RNRTop100 #YouthFootballSpotlight #CurrySeason #DualThreat #2036Prospect
RNRTOP100 Player Spotlight |
Class of 2031
Height: 5’6”
Weight: 160 lbs
Division: 11U
Team: Troy Titans (IL)
Position: DE
Roman Shafer is quickly emerging as one of Illinois’ premier young defenders. Lining up at defensive end for the Troy Titans, the 5’6”, 160-pound pass rusher is a physical specimen who imposes his will on smaller offensive tackles and relentlessly disrupts opposing backfields. Over the past year, Roman has taken his game — and his frame — to another level, packing on 30 pounds and growing 4 inches, making him even more dangerous coming off the edge this upcoming season.
With a wingspan that allows him to snatch ball carriers and sack quarterbacks before they can escape, Roman’s production speaks for itself — 12 sacks, a pile of tackles for loss, and multiple forced fumbles last season. Even though weight restrictions kept him from advancing the ball on offense, his defensive dominance still found the scoreboard: three touchdowns (two off strip-sack recoveries and one from a blocked punt).
A multi-sport athlete, Roman’s offseason work with Division I and NFL linemen under Coach Terrance Poe shows his commitment to refining his craft. His instincts and ability to diagnose plays make him a versatile weapon — capable of thriving at DE, OLB, or even MLB at the next level, depending on his growth trajectory. Against national competition, his size may project him more as a linebacker, but his high motor, strength, and football IQ ensure his impact will remain elite no matter where he lines up.
Roman’s film shows a gritty, no-clout-needed mentality — a pure disruptor who plays every snap with the intent to wreck the offense’s plans. As he continues to develop and test himself against higher-caliber opponents, expect him to solidify his name as one of Illinois’ instinctual young defenders. Keep your eyes on Roman Shafer — the havoc is just beginning.
RNR Top 100 Youth Football Spotlight
Class of 2030 | Tommy Rettas | QB | West Boynton Wolfpack (FL)
When you talk about consummate professionals at the youth level, Tommy Rettas’ name jumps off the page. The West Boynton Wolfpack dual-threat quarterback is a true student of the game, and it shows every time he steps on the field. Rettas brings a steady presence under center, and while he might not be the flashiest player on the field, he’s one of the most reliable — and that’s what separates him.
Rettas specializes in short to intermediate throws, delivering strikes on a rope with pinpoint accuracy. Whether it’s threading the needle in tight coverage or placing the ball right where only his receiver can get it, Rettas shows poise and confidence in the pocket. His touch improves dramatically with a clean setup, and his understanding of timing routes is beyond his years.
Also a baseball player, Rettas brings athleticism to the table. He can escape the pocket, extend plays, and pick up key yards with his legs — making him a legitimate dual-threat quarterback. That added element keeps defenses honest and allows the Wolfpack offense to stay dynamic.
While his footwork can still be a little choppy at times, Rettas is the type of player who embraces the grind. With his work ethic, that area of his game is sure to improve as he continues to develop. He’s not the biggest QB in South Florida, but Rettas makes up for it with IQ, leadership, and that “gamer” mentality.
At our South Fl Combine he turned in an impressive performance and won the shootout for his class. His knowledge and mechanics scream “I trained for this” and it showed tremendously. At our RNRTOPDAWG at Syracuse Event he competed with some of the top quarterbacks from all over the us, finished with a Top 5 scoring performance, and selected as a top performer by the Syracuse staff.
When the lights are on, Tommy Rettas delivers. He leads his team with confidence and finds ways to win. A rising Class of 2030 signal-caller to watch, Rettas has all the tools to climb the ranks in one of the most competitive football regions in the country. He will continue to compete in the circuit and make his name known through his game over hype and excessive antics. He a true scholar of the game and develops further every time we see him.
Keep an eye on #RNRTop100 QB Tommy Rettas — the definition of steady, smart, and clutch.
