While much of the focus during the 7-on-7 events is on the varsity teams and what these current stars of the gridiron are doing, very little of the spotlight is on those future prospects – athletes who will start making an impact this coming season.
One of the 15 and under teams that has been changing all that is Hard Knocks. Known for traveling the country with its Varsity and 15 and under programs, Derrick Lester and this group of athletes has been grabbing the headlines so far this season – winning the Doral Battle event and last Saturday, adding another title to this young season.
This past Saturday, the Hard Knocks team added the "Make A Play/The Event" 7-on-7 tournament to the list of off season accomplishments.
Loaded with young talent that is mainly from southern Miami-Dade County and the Lake Okeechobee area, this gifted group once again came together, using future talent that will be around for a long time, to win an event that brought in players from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County, but also from Orlando, Tampa, Clearwater and other parts of Florida.
"The chance to compete against very talented football players has made our team so much better," said Lester. "We have players on this team who are trying to grab the spotlight for the future – and that's why they play so hard."
Because Hard Knocks has been fortunate to expose so many athletes to high level competition away from south Florida, the team attracts top-flight prospects, who relish going to Las Vegas and Tennessee to play elite programs. They also have a chance to visit college campuses, giving the prospects the opportunity that they may not normally have.
Former Hard Knocks players are on high school and collegiate rosters, and they have benefitted from that the 7-on-7 experience has brought them along the way.
"We are looking to go to the Battle Tournament in March," Lester said. "We don't have the budget that many of these programs do, so it comes down to having to fundraise to make these dreams come true. For me, it's always been about the kids. That will never change."
HARD KNOCKS 15 AND UNDER
Chauncey Cobb, Clewiston
Daevon Dandridge, Miami Southridge
Aaron Davis, Belle Glade Glades Central
Devon Dean, Miami Southridge
Alhaji Edwards, Miami Southridge
Atiba Farquharson, Cutler Bay
Michael Holmes, Clewiston
Ashawn James, Clewiston
Maleik Janic, Coral Gables
Devorise Johnson, Miami Southridge
Max Lawrence, Miami Beach
Robert Luckas, Belle Glade Glades Central
Brian Nasr, Miami Westminster Christian
C.J. Perkins, Belle Glade Glades Central
Michael Pride, Miami Southridge
Javon Reid, Rise Prep (Leisure City)
Eric Walker, Miami Southridge
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