WRITTEN BY : Darrien Green @thesealsports
Player Evaluation: Josiah Williams, Class of 2033, Osceola Kowboys 9U
Position: Defensive Lineman
Height/Weight: 4’10”, 90 lbs
Josiah Williams, a defensive lineman for the Osceola Kowboys 9U, stands out as one of the top young prospects in the Class of 2033. While he doesn’t have the prototypical size of an elite defensive end, Williams compensates with exceptional athleticism, a long wingspan, and an innate ability to disrupt offenses.
Strengths:
•Elite Speed off the Snap: Williams shows advanced quickness and explosiveness when the ball is snapped, often beating larger offensive linemen with his first step. His ability to anticipate plays allows him to break through the line and pressure the quarterback consistently.
•High Football IQ: Despite his age, Williams plays with the intelligence and instincts of an older player. He understands leverage and positioning, which helps him outmaneuver bigger opponents. His technique and awareness in reading plays are well beyond his years.
•Big-Time Hitter: Known for his physicality, Williams plays with a chip on his shoulder, delivering powerful hits that set the tone for his team’s defense. His tackling is fundamentally sound, and he rarely misses an opportunity to make a play.
•Relentless Pass-Rusher: Williams is a genuine threat in the pass-rush game, using his speed, wingspan, and creativity to find alternative ways to disrupt the quarterback. Whether it’s through bull rushes or finesse moves, he continually finds ways to apply pressure.
Areas of Improvement:
•Size and Growth Potential: At 4’10” and 90 lbs, it remains to be seen how much Williams will grow physically. He is tall and long which is an advantage but he is a bit on the light side when it comes to weight. His current skill set allows him to excel, but his long-term development at the defensive line position may depend on his future size. Regardless, he has the tools to transition to another position if necessary. OLB would be where I see him excelling on the next level.
Outlook:
Josiah Williams is a rising star who excels because of his athleticism, intelligence, and relentless motor. He competes with heart and intensity, showing no fear against larger opponents. While his future position may depend on how much he grows, Williams has the raw talent and football IQ to succeed no matter where he lines up. A prospect to keep a close eye on as he continues to develop.
Player Evaluation for RNR Top 100 Class of 2036 Top Prospect: Jay’Ceon Davenport
It’s often difficult to project the future for players just beginning their football journey, but some kids seem born for the game. Enter 6-year-old X-Factor Jay’Ceon Davenport, an emerging star for the Fort Walton Beach Buccaneers. At 4’2” and 61 pounds, Davenport is already showing a remarkable dedication to football, playing as if he’s been on the field for years.
Offensive Impact:
In just the early stages of his youth football career, Davenport has put up jaw-dropping numbers: 51 carries for 1,316 yards and 23 touchdowns. His elusiveness and speed make him a nightmare for defenders. Davenport’s ability to shake off tackles and slip through defenses with slick juke moves showcases rare agility for a player his age. He’s the definition of a big-play threat, capable of breaking off long touchdown runs almost at will.
Defensive Performance:
On the other side of the ball, Davenport continues to shine. With 38 tackles already to his name, he’s not just a one-dimensional player. His ability to cover ground quickly, close gaps, and make critical tackles shows a high football IQ for his age. His speed and instinct allow him to be a disruptive force on defense, often creating opportunities for turnovers.
Intangibles and Potential:
What separates Davenport from his peers is his relentless passion for the game. He plays every snap like his hair is on fire, showcasing energy and focus rarely seen in such a young athlete. His combination of athletic ability, playmaking skills, and passion for football gives him all the tools to develop into a standout player as he continues to grow and evolve.
Summary:
Fort Walton Beach has found itself a true gem in Jay’Ceon Davenport. His natural talent, combined with his work ethic, positions him as one of the top prospects in his region. Keep an eye on this baby baller—his future in football is as bright as his performance on the field today.
Euriel “Big Jap” – Class of 2033 – WR/CB – Lake Wales Steelers (10U)
Don’t let the 4’4”, 72 lbs frame fool you—this Florida native has all the fight you could ask for in a young athlete. Euriel “Big Jap” Bonaparte III brings a relentless competitive edge to both sides of the ball, embodying the phrase “It’s never the size of the dog, it’s the fight in the dog.” Listed as a wide receiver, Bonaparte excels in making defenders miss with his shiftiness in open space. Once he has the ball in his hands, he proves to be a challenge to bring down, using his quickness and elusiveness to his advantage.
What stands out just as much as his offensive playmaking ability is his natural feel for the defensive side of the game. Bonaparte shines at cornerback, showing a level of comfort and confidence that belies his age. His tenacity and never-give-up mentality make him a problem for opposing offenses. He showcases solid leaping ability, breaking up passes with ease, and he’s more than willing to get physical in tackling situations, ensuring any opponent that comes his way is met with a sure stop.
Competing against elite talent at the RnR Youngstars game, Bonaparte walked away with medals, proving that even among the best, he has what it takes to stand out. A scrappy, fearless competitor, Bonaparte is one to keep an eye on as he continues to develop. His versatile skill set, mental toughness, and ability to make plays on both sides of the ball solidify his place as a top prospect in the Class of 2033.
Player Evaluation: Er’Dan Yarbrough Rio – Class of 2031 (Ypsilanti Braves, MI)
Position: Linebacker (Primary), Running Back (Secondary)
Height/Weight: 5’2” / 118 lbs
Team: Ypsilanti Braves 12U
Er’Dan Yarbrough Rio is a standout athlete in the Class of 2031, earning his spot as one of the top prospects in Michigan’s emerging talent pipeline. Known as his team’s enforcer, Yarbrough Rio consistently leads his squad in tackles, demonstrating an advanced feel for the game and a relentless pursuit of the ball. He plays with intensity and decisiveness, showing no hesitation in exploding through gaps and stopping opponents in the backfield. His ability to read plays and make tackles for loss is a hallmark of his game, making him a key figure in the Braves’ defense.
Yarbrough’s physicality doesn’t stop at linebacker. On offense, his toughness is put to good use as a power running back in short-yardage situations. He is trusted by his coaches to grind out first downs and score in goal-line scenarios, using his hard-nosed running style to punish defenders.
While Rio excels in run defense, there is room for growth in his pass coverage skills. Developing his ability to read the quarterback and cover more ground in the passing game will be crucial for his progression toward becoming a true every-down linebacker. Additionally, adding a burst of speed to help create turnovers outside of the box would elevate his game even further.
Overall, Yarbrough is a natural defensive leader. His physicality, football IQ, and commitment to the game set him apart as a key asset for the Ypsilanti Braves. With continued dedication to refining his skills, particularly in pass coverage, he has the potential to be one of the top defenders in his class as he moves through the ranks. Expect this tackling machine to continue making a name for himself in Michigan and beyond.
