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Compiled annually, this prestigious list celebrates the best of the best, showcasing players who have demonstrated exceptional skill, performance, and impact on the field.
Compiled annually, this prestigious list celebrates the best of the best, showcasing players who have demonstrated exceptional skill, performance, and impact on the field.
Michael Frye
Stars: 3.5
Class of: 2031
Height: 5’5”
Weight: 150 lbs
Division: MS
Team: John Adams Middle School Falcons
State: WV
Position: OT / DT
IG: @michaelfrye2031
Michael Frye is a four-year RNR alumni, and throughout that time we’ve had the opportunity to watch his development firsthand. From the moment he stepped onto the field at our NC Combine, it was clear he was different. Despite being undersized even back then, Michael consistently overpowered bigger and older linemen using advanced technique and a level of preparation that stood out.
He embodies the definition of a blue-collar athlete—one who leans on hard work, fundamentals, and relentlessness to shape his game. Michael spent years anchoring the offensive line at center, where he was tasked with being the quarterback of the trenches. His football IQ was always evident. Recently, he’s transitioned to offensive tackle, and the move has allowed his athleticism and technique to shine even brighter.
His footwork is arguably his greatest asset. He stays square, recovers quickly when a defender gets an early step, and uses efficient steps to maintain leverage and positioning. Combine that with his growing strength—fueled by consistent time in the gym—and he’s become a difficult matchup for most edge rushers. Once Michael gets his hands locked in, defenders struggle to disengage.
The one challenge he continues to face is his size. Standing at 5’5” and 150 pounds, he holds his own against typical middle-school defenders, but the much larger athletes can give him problems. This past summer at the Top Dog Showcase at Syracuse University, his hand placement and footwork were on full display, but some of the bigger defensive linemen made things tougher for him.
Still, Michael’s commitment to the grind sets him apart. His work ethic, technique, and drive to improve are unquestioned. And if he’s blessed with a growth spurt in the coming years, he has the potential to become a serious problem for anyone lining up across from him.
Michael Frye is what every coach wants in a lineman—disciplined, tough, coachable, and relentless. His future is bright.
Ethan Richardson
Stars: 3 Star
Class of: 2037
Height: 3’10
Weight: 50 lbs
Division: 6U
Team: MBK Montgomery Tigers
State: AL
Position: CB
IG: @ethanisland_7
Ethan Richardson, better known as Ethan Island, is a young cornerback out of Alabama who is already flashing elite instincts at an early age. Suiting up for the MBK Tigers, Ethan has quickly earned a reputation as a true lockdown presence on the edge.
At the 6U level, teams don’t air it out often, so a cornerback’s job becomes containment—and Ethan executes his responsibilities extremely well. His play recognition is advanced for his age, reacting quickly to backfield action and shutting down perimeter runs before they even develop. Offenses are noticeably hesitant to run to his side, and when they do, the result is often a loss of yardage.
While defense is clearly his main focus right now, Ethan shows plenty of upside with the ball in his hands as well. On offense, he displays flashes of strong vision, patience, and acceleration through the hole. Once he sees daylight, he hits the gas and has the kind of burst that turns small plays into touchdowns.
Ethan is a natural athlete with boundless potential. As he continues to grow, learn, and refine his technique, expect him to emerge as one of Alabama’s premier young talents. Keep your eyes on Ethan Island—he’s only getting started.
Carter Fortier
Stars: 3.5
Class of: 2034
Height: 4’9
Weight: 92 lbs
Division: 9U
Team: Simi Valley Bulldogs
State: CA
Position: QB / MLB
IG: @fortywata
Carter Fortier is a young gunslinger out of California who is quickly making his name known on the West Coast. As the younger brother of 4.5-star standout Sean Fortier Jr., Carter comes from a high-caliber football pedigree—and he’s already proving he’s cut from the same cloth.
While his brother is known for calculated precision, Carter brings a more aggressive, risk-taking style to the field. The impressive part? The gamble usually pays off. He has a natural knack for threading the ball into tight windows, and when he gives his receivers a chance, he puts it up with confidence and accuracy. For his age, he already displays a “big play” mindset and is unafraid to seize momentum.
When the pocket breaks down or the coverage locks up, Carter shows he’s more than just a thrower. He’ll tuck it and go, picking up first downs with deceptive shiftiness and a willingness to run behind his pads. He’s not afraid of contact and will make a defender pay if they square up wrong.
The biggest question around him right now is the level of competition he consistently faces. But even with that caveat, his decision-making and timing already compare favorably to some of the better quarterbacks in his class.
Carter is a young prospect with major upside, and his growth curve is trending straight upward. I can’t wait to see this young man in person at the 2026 RNR Super Showcase—expect him to turn heads.
Player Spotlight: Imani Griffin-Deveaux
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐
Class of: 2031
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 155 lbs (and rising)
Division: 12U
Team: Westchase Colts
State: FL
Position: DE / OT
Instagram: @imani_gd
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Imani Griffin-Deveaux is a long-time prospect on our radar—one who has shown steady, undeniable growth over the last three years. Listed at 5’8” and 155 pounds, recent footage suggests a significant growth spurt and mass gain, making him look even more imposing on the field than listed numbers indicate.
His development is clearly measurable. In just three years, he’s taken his Rukkus Rating from the low 30s to an impressive 79.4319—a massive jump that reflects his commitment to improvement in every phase of his game.
This season, Griffin made a major move—transferring from the New Tampa Wildcats to the Westchase Colts, and the results speak for themselves. He looks to have added nearly 25 pounds of functional mass and is now being utilized on both sides of the line. That versatility alone speaks volumes.
On offense, Griffin is showing some of his best work yet. His length gives him natural leverage, and he demonstrates strong hand placement and upper-body strength to steer defenders away from his quarterback. His frame and wingspan allow him to lock in and seal off rushing lanes effectively.
Defensively, he still profiles as a true edge player, able to set the perimeter and force runners back inside. His long reach makes it easy for him to finish plays when ball carriers come anywhere within his range. He plays disciplined football—doing his job, maintaining edge integrity, and controlling his gap.
Areas for continued growth:
•Explosiveness off the line: A quicker first step will elevate him as a true defensive threat.
•More aggressive hand usage: Striking first and controlling the battle will unlock his full D-line potential.
•Pad level: By playing lower, he’ll gain even more leverage—critical for someone with his length and frame.
But the most impressive trait isn’t measurable—it’s his grind. Imani has consistently bought into development, put in the work, and the results are showing up in his size, technique, and performance.
With his continued growth, versatility, and dedication, Imani Griffin-Deveaux is on track to become one of Tampa’s premier trench prospects. His ceiling is still climbing—and we’ll be watching closely.
Player Spotlight: Trayson Blair
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐½
Class of: 2030
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 170 lbs
Division: MS
Team: Waynesboro Little Giants
State: VA
Position: RB / S
Instagram: @unknown.tray23
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Trayson Blair is an emerging talent out of Virginia who flashes big-time potential for the Waynesboro Little Giants. While his available film is limited, what he’s shown is more than enough to confirm he’s a high-ceiling prospect with natural athletic ability.
Standing at 5’9” and 170 pounds as an eighth grader, Blair already possesses ideal size entering high school—and with weight training and continued physical development ahead of him, his frame projects extremely well at the next level.
The first thing that jumps off the screen is his elite speed and acceleration. Once Blair gets into the secondary, it becomes a foot race—and very few defenders are running him down. He pairs that speed with quick-twitch agility, balance, and quick decision-making, allowing him to cut on a dime and explode through lanes.
One standout play shows Blair getting hit in the hole, putting a hand on the turf to steady himself, then exploding for another 15 yards—a sign of rare balance and core strength for his age.
His impact isn’t limited to offense. On special teams, he’s a home-run threat—a true house-call hero. With elite vision and the ability to change direction in tight spaces, Blair turns broken plays into highlights.
Last summer, Blair attended Football Hotbed Middle School Camp, where he was recognized as a top performer—further validating his potential against quality talent.
The lone question surrounding Blair’s evaluation is the overall level of competition he faces locally. It would be exciting to see him compete on a national stage—where his skillset should translate smoothly and prove his ability against top-tier prospects.
Trayson Blair is a name to watch. With his combination of size, speed, and natural instincts, he has every tool to become a major impact player at the next level. A true young baller—one worth seeing in person.
Prospect Report: Keneti “Rhino” Finau
3.5 ⭐️ | Class of 2036
📏 Height: 5’0 | ⚖️ Weight: 120 lbs
🏈 Division: 6U | Team: Renton Rangers
📍 State: Washington
🧢 Position: DT / C
📱 IG: @keneti_malachi_finau11
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Keneti “Rhino” Finau is an absolute force of nature in the trenches — a rare combination of size, strength, and aggression that makes him stand out even at a young age. Hailing from Washington and representing the Renton Rangers 6U squad, Rhino plays with a level of physicality and intensity that instantly commands respect.
On the offensive line, Rhino sets the tone early and often. His violent hands, strong base, and relentless drive allow him to dominate matchups and clear lanes with authority. Once he finishes with the man in front of him, he’s already looking for his next target — showing great awareness and the ability to reach the second level with ease. His tape shows consistent dominance, routinely stacking up multiple pancakes per game and demoralizing defenders play after play.
Defensively, Rhino flips the switch and becomes a wrecking ball in the middle. His natural leverage, power, and sheer presence make him nearly unblockable at the 6U level. He collapses pockets, sheds blocks with ease, and blows up plays before they can develop. His combination of size and aggression often intimidates opponents before the snap — and it’s easy to see why.
Keneti “Rhino” Finau is already one of Washington’s premier young trenchmen. With his natural strength, relentless motor, and love for contact, he’s a name to remember as he continues to develop. Simply put — when Rhino’s on the field, you better beware the Rhino! 🦏
