SDSU 7 on 7 tournament wrap-up

By Derrell Warren

Top performers:

Offense

QB Andrew Cota Tucson (AZ.) Salpointe Catholic

Probably the most impressive signal caller in the event, Cota went through his progressions and worked the field at all three levels. The ball came out of his hand quickly and he showed great confidence and accuracy as he consistently exploited passing windows over the middle of the field.

RB Michael Garner San Diego Madison

A true all-purpose back, Garner terrorized defenders as he was able to get open deep on a series of wheel routes. It’s not often that you see running backs (successfully) used as vertical threats in these events, but Garner was just way too explosive for any linebacker to handle in open space. A versatile performer who can line up anywhere from running back, wide receiver, or can work from the slot.

RB Limihai Hifo Manifee (Calif.) Heritage

In the games covered, Hifo was probably targeted the most of any running back in the entire event. That strategy was justified as he excelled and caught nearly everything thrown his way. A bigger running back (5'11" 225), he displayed good speed in the open field as he was able to rack up yards after catch. Most wouldn't think his physical style of play (in pads) would translate to this type of format, but he excelled.

RB Adrian Petty La Mesa (Calif.) Helix (2016)

Running backs rarely shine in roles other than pass catchers in this type of event. However, Petty displayed top notch elusiveness on draw runs by consistently eluding the initial defender and getting into second level. He showed creativity as a runner and often made multiple defenders miss. Petty was utilized in the passing game as well, lining up both in the backfield and slot, showing soft hands and running good routes.

WR Cameron Denson Tucson (AZ) Salpointe Catholic

The four-star Arizona commit was superb. Recruited primarily as a cornerback; the 6'1" 170 pound future wildcat did most of his damage at wide receiver. He used his athleticism to get open and 'climbed the ladder' to make plays in the air over outmatched defenders. He displayed the short area quickness to get open and pick up first downs over the middle. In addition, he created big plays via deep posts and fade routes. A true talent who was constantly in the end zone during the games covered.

WR Vincent Parrish San Diego Madison

Parrish was one of the most consistent route runners we observed during the tournament. He was very precise and showed good burst coming out of his breaks. He was consistently able create separation over the middle of the field and showed great agility in being able to elevate, extend, and snatch the ball out of the air.  

TE Sione Takitaki Menifee (Calif.) Heritage

In a potent Patriot offense Takitaki was probably its most consistent pass catcher. A two-way player, he excels on defense as a defensive end/outside linebacker hybrid. The athleticism and burst he uses to create havoc off the edge translated over to offense, as he lined up as a tight end and h-back. He consistently got open over the middle of the field and displayed great hands, finishing plays whenever he was targeted.

TE Mason Vineyard La Mesa (Calif.) Helix (2016)

Blessed with great size and tremendous upside, Vineyard was one of the most impressive prospects on hand at San Diego State, regardless of class. He has a chance to be the best tight end the San Diego area has produced since former Helix Highlander and NFL draftee (Falcons) Levine Toilolo. 

Defense

DB Amaurie Johnson (2015) San Diego Madison

He was one the most impressive lock-down cornerbacks at the tournament. Johnson displayed the ability to mirror receivers on sharp breaking routes and the long speed to stay attached to them vertically down the field. He exhibited a fierce competitive streak as he thrived when being challenged by opposing quarterbacks.

DB Kaelin Deboskie Tucson (AZ) Salpointe Catholic

Although he played on both sides of the ball during the tournament, Deboskie really made his presence felt in the defensive backfield. Playing corner, he display his long speed by staying attached to the hip of wide receivers on vertical routes. An explosive athlete, he was impressed with his ability to drive and close on short and intermediate routes as well. His weekend was highlighted by a leaping, twisting interception early in the tournament championship versus in-state rival Hamilton high school.

DB Matthew Palmer Menifee (Calif.) Heritage

A two way player for his high school team, Palmer was primarily utilized on the defensive side of the ball this weekend. A bigger defensive back (6'3" 195), Palmer was able to mirror routes effectively. He used his length to generate several PBU's. And although he didn't rack up a ton of picks during the event; smaller, quicker, receivers couldn't create a lot of separation versus the rangy defender.

DB Jalen Glover Menifee (Calif.) Heritage (2016)

A rising sophomore, Glover is transitioning over to cornerback full-time after being the lead runner on the Patriots JV team last season as a freshman. He displayed impressive closing burst on hard in-breaking routes and competed in the air versus fade patterns. He will be a fun player to watch progress over the next few seasons.