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Er’Dan “RIO” Yarbrough
Stars | 4
Class of 2031
Div: 12U
Team: Ypsilanti Braves
St: MI
Position: OLB/RB
IG : Xx_Rio8_xX
THE SKINNY
ER’DAN “RIO” YARBROUGH — A RELENTLESS DEFENSIVE DAWG ON THE RISE!
Er’Dan “RIO” Yarbrough has made tremendous strides since our last evaluation two years ago. The 4-star Michigan standout has clearly dedicated himself to mastering the linebacker position, improving his pursuit angles, aggressiveness, and ability to attack downhill.
On film, RIO is an absolute problem! He dominates the edge with physicality, slips blockers to disrupt plays in the backfield, and closes on quarterbacks in a flash. His relentless motor and ability to pursue plays across the field make him a constant defensive threat.
But RIO isn’t just a defensive playmaker! Offensively, he’s a physical runner who embraces contact and contributes in the passing game. On special teams, his hustle shines through as he consistently races downfield to make tackles and creates havoc on punt rushes.
AREA OF IMPROVEMENT: RIO must continue developing his ability to read offensive keys rather than relying solely on athleticism. Improving his recognition and first-step reaction will elevate his game even further. Continued technical development will be essential as he progresses through the higher levels of football.
RNR VERDICT: Ranked among Michigan’s top young linebackers, RIO has earned his recognition through hard work, physicality, and tremendous growth. His motor, versatility, and competitive mentality make him an exciting prospect to follow.
#RNRCERT1FIED | #RNRTOP100 | #TheSkinny
Er’Dan “RIO” Yarbrough ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Class: 2031 |
Division: 12U
Team: Ypsilanti Braves (MI)
Position: OLB/RB
Instagram: @Xx_Rio8_xX
Ranking: #3 13U LB in Michigan (Michigan Elite Football Athletes)
THE SKINNY
ER’DAN “RIO” YARBROUGH — A RELENTLESS DEFENSIVE DAWG ON THE RISE!
Er’Dan “RIO” Yarbrough has made tremendous strides since our last evaluation two years ago. The 4-star Michigan standout has clearly dedicated himself to mastering the linebacker position, improving his pursuit angles, aggressiveness, and ability to attack downhill.
On film, RIO is an absolute problem! He dominates the edge with physicality, slips blockers to disrupt plays in the backfield, and closes on quarterbacks in a flash. His relentless motor and ability to pursue plays across the field make him a constant defensive threat.
But RIO isn’t just a defensive playmaker! Offensively, he’s a physical runner who embraces contact and contributes in the passing game. On special teams, his hustle shines through as he consistently races downfield to make tackles and creates havoc on punt rushes.
AREA OF IMPROVEMENT: RIO must continue developing his ability to read offensive keys rather than relying solely on athleticism. Improving his recognition and first-step reaction will elevate his game even further. Continued technical development will be essential as he progresses through the higher levels of football.
RNR VERDICT: Ranked among Michigan’s top young linebackers, RIO has earned his recognition through hard work, physicality, and tremendous growth. His motor, versatility, and competitive mentality make him an exciting prospect to follow.
#RNRCERT1FIED | #RNRTOP100 | #TheSkinny
Name: Blue Paxton
Position: ATH
Measurables: 4’10” | 78 lbs
Class: 2037
Team: Osceola Brick Boys 7U (FL)
THE SKINNY
BLUE PAXTON — A YOUNG DAWG WITH BIG-TIME POTENTIAL!
The Osceola Brick Boys 7U have hit their stride, firing on all cylinders and establishing themselves as a team to watch on the national youth football scene. While these young ballers are nowhere near finished products, there’s no denying the advanced skill sets beginning to emerge within this talented group. One young prospect who continues to catch our attention is Class of 2037 ATH Blue Paxton, a fearless, physical playmaker who provides a spark on both sides of the football.
At an age when many players are still developing confidence, learning the fundamentals, and adjusting to the physical nature of the game, Paxton already displays two traits that immediately separate him from his peers: FEARLESSNESS AND PHYSICALITY.
Offensively, Blue is a decisive, north-and-south runner who wastes very little movement once the football is in his hands. There’s no unnecessary dancing or hesitation in his approach. He attacks running lanes with purpose, shows natural instincts in traffic, and possesses the mentality to run through defenders just as comfortably as he runs around them. Whether he’s lowering his shoulder, bouncing outside, or delivering a well-timed stiff arm, Paxton understands one thing: GET TO THE END ZONE!
What makes this young athlete even more intriguing is that his impact doesn’t stop with the football in his hands.
Defensively, Paxton brings that same aggressive mentality, displaying a natural nose for the football and a willingness to initiate contact. His pursuit, physical tackling approach, and ability to make timely stops give the Brick Boys another valuable weapon. He’s the type of young competitor who doesn’t shy away from the dirty work and understands that preventing touchdowns is just as important as scoring them.
THE SEAL’S EVALUATION:
At just 7U, it’s far too early to project Blue into one specific position or determine what his long-term football future will look like. That’s the beauty of evaluating young prospects. We’re identifying natural traits, athletic upside, instincts, and competitive makeup rather than trying to label a finished product.
Paxton’s versatility, physical confidence, downhill running style, and relentless effort are promising early indicators. His next stage of development will be refining his fundamentals, improving his football IQ, and continuing to grow technically as the competition becomes more advanced.
The Osceola Brick Boys are undoubtedly loaded with young talent, but players like Blue Paxton help explain why this group belongs in the national championship conversation. His willingness to contribute offensively, defensively, and wherever his team needs him speaks volumes about his competitive character.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Blue Paxton has a long football journey ahead, and that’s what makes his early development so exciting. The foundation is there, the natural ability is evident, and the fearless mentality is already part of his identity.
Remember the name: BLUE PAXTON — CLASS OF 2037.
The Seal Sports | RNR Top 100
Evaluating Tomorrow’s Stars Today.
Name: Arsalaan James
Position: DL/OL
Measurables: 4’10” | 170 lbs
Class: 2035
Team: KC Dynasty 9U (MO)
ARsALAAN JAMES — A YOUNG TRENCH MONSTER BUILT FOR BATTLE!
Built like a tank with surprising short-area quickness for his compact frame, Class of 2035 DL/OL Arsalaan James of KC Dynasty (MO) is an emerging trench prospect whose natural strength, relentless motor, and physical mentality immediately jump off the film. At just the 9U level, James already displays the kind of raw power and competitive edge that makes him a difficult assignment on either side of the line of scrimmage.
OFFENSIVE EVALUATION:
At this stage of his development, James is most impressive as a run blocker, where his natural strength and willingness to impose his will are undeniable. He’s a physical, aggressive lineman who takes pride in moving defenders off their spots and creating running lanes. What separates James from many young linemen isn’t simply his size, but his ability to establish hand placement, generate movement at the point of attack, and finish blocks with authority.
He plays with a certain grit and determination that can’t be taught overnight. Once he gets his hands on a defender, his objective is simple: MOVE SOMEBODY AGAINST THEIR WILL!
DEFENSIVE EVALUATION:
Flip James to the defensive side of the football, and that same strength becomes a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. His combination of power, short-area burst, and relentless effort allows him to disrupt blocking schemes and create havoc behind the line of scrimmage.
His bull rush is currently his most effective weapon. At this age, many opposing linemen simply aren’t equipped to handle his initial power and continuous leg drive. James doesn’t necessarily need an extensive arsenal of pass-rush moves just yet because his physical advantages allow him to consistently collapse running lanes and penetrate the backfield.
As he matures, developing counters, improved leverage, and a more diverse set of defensive-line techniques will become essential as opponents grow stronger and more technically sound.
STRENGTH | SHORT-AREA QUICKNESS | PHYSICALITY | MOTOR | TRENCH VERSATILITY
The most intriguing aspect of Arsalaan James isn’t just what he’s capable of doing today, but the foundation he’s establishing for tomorrow.
At the 9U level, there’s still an enormous amount of football ahead of him. Physical growth, athletic development, positional technique, and the ability to adapt as competition improves will ultimately determine his ceiling.
Right now, James possesses several promising building blocks: natural strength, functional power, an aggressive playing temperament, and a motor that keeps him involved in the action.
The next step is refining his footwork, pad level, hand usage, and overall understanding of offensive and defensive line play. Those technical improvements will help determine whether his early dominance translates as he advances through the youth football ranks.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
KC Dynasty has itself a legitimate young TRENCH TITAN in Arsalaan James. Whether he’s opening running lanes offensively or disrupting the backfield defensively, his physical presence is difficult to ignore.
We’re not in the business of crowning finished products at 9U. We’re identifying young athletes with the traits and potential to develop into something special.
Arsalaan James has the raw materials. Now comes the development!
CLASS OF 2035 — REMEMBER THE NAME!
The Seal Sports | RNR Top 100
Evaluating Tomorrow’s Stars Today. 🦭🏈
