NFA 7v7: Prospects on the Rise
This past weekend in Myrtle Beach, the NFA national 7-on-7 tournament produced some excellent performers that are gaining attention for their play. Many are already highly-recruited football prospects in the class of 2022 and 2023.
Not all of the big-time players from this past weekend’s tournament came in with name recognition, though. This setting during the offseason is often when many prospects emerge. This tournament certainly allowed some players to make their presence known.
Cole Teschner, QB, 6-2, 190, Chicago (Ill.) Montini Catholic - 2023
Certain quarterbacks possess an “it” factor. While few people know about Teschner outside of the greater Chicago area, this kid can zip it by a defender’s ear without a moment’s notice. Watch the video above and focus your attention on how he powers the ball through his lower body and hips as opposed to throwing with his upper body like many young signal callers. That’s a great sign for a young quarterback when it comes to making big-time throws.
In fact, two of his clutch throws versus Cam Newton 7v7 went for touchdowns, and both were over the middle through traffic. That’s what makes Teschner different from most quarterbacks. He not only possesses the arm strength to blast the ball into a tight window, but he understands the timing and level the ball needs to go through that small defined space to reach his intended target.
The best news, Teschner still holds two more seasons of high school football to play, beginning in March. Illinois will hold an abbreviated make-up season in March and April, and Teschner will be throwing the football for his new school, Montini Catholic.
As for recruiting, COVID-19 truly threw a wrench in his plans. He was set to go see Ball State, Eastern Michigan, and several other Group of 5 programs for a visit. Teschner believes that his time will come with Power 5 offers, and that time could come at any point this spring once coaches watch him play in live action again.
Amongst many options, Teschner mentioned Iowa, Wisconsin, Duke and Mississippi State as some programs that he holds an interest in, but he’s open to anyone that recruits him. As of now, he does not possess an FBS offer. That will likely soon change.
Lance Reynolds, WR, 6-3, 190, Brandywine (Md.) Rock Creek Christian Academy - 2022
When it comes to 7-on-7 football, there almost always seems to be a player that comes out of nowhere. Often an unknown player that suddenly garners recruiting attention after a standout performance. Playing for Dream Chasers out of the state of Maryland, Reynolds is one to watch.
I had no clue who he was prior to the tournament. After watching him just run by players, time after time, that’s no longer the case. Reynolds currently holds no offers. The state of Maryland did not hold a high school football season in 2020 due to the pandemic. Thus, scouts never saw him play a single down of his junior season.
Let me assure everyone, this kid can play FBS football without any question. Here’s the low down. Long, lean, explosive, great hands in traffic, and simply runs by defenders. That about covers Reynolds, although defensive backs had a hard time covering him at any point that I watched.
I will be happy to bet anyone that Reynolds ends up at a FBS school after the conclusion of the 2021 season. In fact, I will be shocked if he does not receive numerous FBS offers. One cannot teach the natural physical gifts bestowed upon him, nor his humble attitude.
Wyatt Sullivan, WR, 6-5, 205, Tallahassee (Fla.) Robert F. Munroe Day School - 2022
If the entire tournament was based on how a prospect looked on the hoof, Sullivan would have been a lock to be on the First Team. To put it mildly, Sullivan looks ready to be a senior in college, not a senior in high school. He’s a natural athlete with NFL size and still a year to go at the prep level. To place it in perspective, Sullivan’s stature could remind one of a young Plaxico Burress. No lie.
Beyond his stature, it’s how he utilizes all of his natural components -- height, wingspan and speed -- to dominate cornerbacks during one on one matchups that counts. Sullivan does have one particular skill....and you guessed it, the fade.
Sullivan is a legit 6-foot-5 and simply towers over most cornerbacks. Sometimes it’s not hard; do what one does best. As long as the quarterback keeps the ball to the outside of the cornerback towards Sullivan, there’s not much of a chance that the end result will be anything other than a touchdown or defensive pass interference.
When running towards the middle of the field, it was unique watching Sullivan be able to plant-and-go unlike most tall wide receivers. Shorter wide receivers can make those sharp cuts, but it’s far easier due to less size and mass to control. Sullivan made sharp cuts on post routes and out routes each time I watched him. That’s a good sign of things to come.
As for his recruitment, it’s an absolute mystery. After transferring to Munroe from Buford (Ga.) High School, the only offer to date would be Florida A&M University. Sullivan did mention that the University of South Florida is close to offering, and that Coastal Carolina and Troy are interested.
Like Reynolds, do not expect this pattern of low interest to continue. Sullivan’s skill is obvious. After a few more offseason tournaments, showcases and Florida spring football (usually in early to mid May), expect offers to pour in for Sullivan.
It was a great tournament in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and now all the really talented players were on the recruiting radar for all the major schools. That will likely change for the three aforementioned prospects, and very soon.
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