Coach Jerome Williams sat in the stands with his notebook full of scribbled observations, his LSU polo drawing occasional glances from other college scouts scattered throughout the facility. Twenty-three years of recruiting for the Tigers had taught him to spot elite talent, and today he was watching something special.
Walker, Marcus - #1, 6'3", 195 lbs. Route running shows polish for high school level. Ball skills are impressive - catches everything thrown his way. Some rough edges but clear Power 5 talent. Major sleeper prospect.
The first half had been competitive, both teams trading blows in a 14-14 tie. But Williams could see some concerning trends. Walker had been targeted only 6 times in the first half, and a few of those throws could have been better decisions by the Dyce kid.
His phone buzzed with a text from LSU's receivers coach Mike Harris: "How's the Walker prospect looking?"
Williams typed back: "Kid's got serious potential. Biggest sleeper I've seen this cycle. QB has arm talent too - Dyce could be special."
As the teams returned to the field for the second half, Williams noticed something in Walker's body language. The receiver looked frustrated - pointing at defensive backs and gesturing animatedly toward his quarterback.
"This could tell us about his character," Williams muttered to the Auburn scout sitting next to him. "How does he respond when things aren't going his way?"
"Kid's been complaining all first half," the Auburn scout replied. "Might be a diva."
Williams made a note: Demanding ball shows confidence and competitiveness. That's what you want in elite receivers
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That Dyce kid brought his team to the line for the first possession of the second half. Phoenix Elite had made adjustments, showing different coverage looks.
From the sideline, Williams watched Walker line up wide right. Even from 50 yards away, he could see the receiver's intensity.
"Yo T!" Walker called out, his voice carrying across the field. "I don't care if they got three on me - throw me the ball!"
Williams frowned and made a note: Poor football IQ - asking for ball in triple coverage. Selfish mentality?
Phoenix Elite was showing Cover 2 with both safeties playing deep, clearly trying to take away the big play. They'd doubled Walker with the safety rolling over top - smart coaching.
"Gun trips right," Dyce called. "Marcus, comeback at 18. Beat the double."
Williams leaned forward. Aggressive call by the QB. Let's see if they can execute it.
At the snap, Walker faced immediate pressure from both the cornerback, James Wilson, and the safety creeping down from over the top. The smart play would be for Dyce to check it down.
But Walker ran his route anyway.
Williams scribbled: Route discipline good despite coverage. Doesn't panic.
Walker used a solid release technique, but Williams noted the footwork could be cleaner. His break at 18 yards was sharp, though he could have used better leverage against the double coverage.
The safety, Brandon Rodriguez, was rotating down to help with coverage, creating a two-on-one scenario. Walker was running directly into double coverage.
Williams was impressed. Kid doesn't back down from competition. That's elite mentality right there.
But then Dyce delivered a perfect strike between both defenders.
"Okay, that was a nice throw," Williams admitted to himself. "Kid's got arm talent."
Walker caught the ball cleanly despite contact from both defenders. The concentration was impressive, though Williams noted he could have done a better job of protecting himself from the hit.
"Good concentration," Williams said to the Auburn scout. "But he's gonna get killed if he was taking hits like that in the SEC."
"True. Nice hands though," Auburn replied.
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Williams continued his evaluation, noting both positives and areas for improvement:
Positive: Route precision improving as game progresses. Hands are reliable. Competitive spirit evident.
Concerns: Route tree seems limited. Mostly comebacks and corners. Can he run the full route tree? How's his speed? Hasn't seen him tested deep yet.
His phone rang - LSU receivers coach Mike Harris.
"Jerome, what you seeing down there?"
"This Walker kid is a major riser, Mike. Best sleeper prospect I've evaluated this cycle. Route running is advanced for his age, hands are elite level. Kid's got that competitive fire you can't teach."
"What about areas for improvement?"
"Needs to see more complex coverages, work on press release techniques. But the foundation is there. This kid could start for us by his sophomore year with proper development."
"What about the quarterback?"
"Dyce is legit. Arm talent is special. Makes good decisions under pressure. Both these kids are Power 5 talents."
"Keep watching. Need bodies at both positions."
Williams hung up and continued his notes: Walker showing advanced route concepts. Dyce has excellent mechanics for his age.
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With the Flight Boys leading 21-14, Phoenix Elite decided to put their best coverage player on Walker in single coverage.
Williams perked up. Here's where we see what he's really made of. Can he beat elite competition one-on-one?
"Gun trips left," Dyce called. "Marcus, fade route."
Williams was skeptical. Fade route against single coverage? Seems like the easy choice. Let's see if he can execute.
At the snap, Walker faced tight press coverage from Rodriguez, who was playing perfect technique. Most high school receivers would struggle.
Walker used decent footwork to release, though Williams noted he was a bit handsy with the defender. His vertical stem was clean, but he could have sold the route better with his eyes.
"Route running is getting more sophisticated as the game progresses," Williams said to Auburn. "Kid's adjusting to coverage in real time."
"True. Those hands are legit too," Auburn replied.
But then Walker made an adjustment that surprised Williams. Instead of continuing to the corner, he broke back on a back-shoulder route, showing good route recognition.
Dyce's throw placement was excellent - behind Walker but away from the defender.
Both players went up for the ball, and Williams watched intently. This was the moment that would tell him everything about Walker's contested catch ability.
Walker caught the ball through contact, but Williams was more impressed with his hand placement and body control than raw athleticism.
Excellent technique on the catch. Body control and spatial awareness are advanced. This kid's a legitimate Power 5 prospect.
"That was impressive," Auburn admitted. "Kid's got serious potential."
"Major sleeper in this class," Williams replied. "Somebody's gonna get a steal."
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During a timeout, Williams called LSU head coach Brian Kelly.
"Coach, it's Jerome. Watching this Walker kid in Tampa."
"What's the verdict?"
"Major sleeper prospect. Kid's got legitimate Power 5 tools and the competitive fire you want. Route running is advanced, hands are elite level."
"What about concerns?"
"Needs to see more complex coverages, work on press releases. But the foundation is there. This could be a major riser in our class."
"Worth an offer?"
"I want to get him to camp first. See him work with our coaches, run our full route tree. But yeah, this kid could be special."
"Keep watching. Let me know what you think after the game."
---
As the game wound down with Flight Boys pulling away 42-14, Williams was filling out his final evaluation:
Walker, Marcus:Positives: Elite hands, advanced route running for age, excellent body control, competitive fire, improves throughout gameAreas for development: Needs exposure to complex coverages, press release techniquesProjection: Major sleeper prospect. Could be impact player with proper developmentOffer status: Camp invite warranted - potential major riser
Dyce, Tristain:Positives: Exceptional arm talent, excellent decision making, poise under pressure, accurate in tight windowsAreas for development: Needs exposure to complex defenses, continue pocket presence workProjection: High ceiling QB prospect. Could develop into elite college quarterbackOffer status: Definite camp invite - track closely
---
After the game, Williams made his way down to the field. He wanted to introduce himself and get contact information for both players.
He found Walker first, who was signing autographs for young fans.
"Marcus? I'm Coach Jerome Williams from LSU. Watched you play today."
Walker's eyes lit up. "LSU? For real?"
"Yes sir. Hell of a performance today. You showed some advanced route concepts and those hands are special."
"Thank you, sir. That means a lot coming from LSU."
"Listen, I want to get you down to Baton Rouge for one of our camps this summer. See you work with our coaches, run our full route tree. You interested?"
Walker's face lit up. "Yes sir! Absolutely!"
Williams handed him a business card. "Call me next week. We'll get you set up. You're exactly the type of receiver we're looking for - competitive, skilled, and coachable."
He found Dyce next, who was talking quietly with his teammates.
"Tristain? Coach Williams, LSU. Impressive performance today."
"Thank you, sir," Dyce replied respectfully.
"That arm talent is real. You made some throws today that caught my attention. Keep developing, stay humble, and let me know how your senior year goes."
Williams handed him a card as well.
Tournament Update
As Williams headed to his rental car, the tournament director announced the quarterfinal results:
Quarterfinal Results - Game 1:
Flight Boys def. Phoenix Elite 42-14 (Series lead 1-0)
South Florida Elite def. Texas Elite Academy 35-21 (Series lead 1-0)
Raw Miami def. Jacksonville Fire 28-14 (Series lead 1-0)
Miami Central def. Bishop Gorman 31-24 (Series lead 1-0)
All four quarterfinal series at 1-0 Game 2s tomorrow morning Semifinal series begins tomorrow afternoon Final Call to Coaching Staff
In his rental car, Williams called receivers coach Harris back.
"Mike, just finished watching the Walker kid."
"And?"
"Major sleeper prospect. This kid's gonna be a big-time riser in our class. Advanced route running, elite hands, competitive fire you can't teach."
"Camp invite?"
"Absolutely. I want both him and that quarterback Dyce at our camp. Walker could be starting for us by his sophomore year, and Dyce has the arm talent to be special."
"I'll get the paperwork started. Good find, Jerome."
"I'll make a note. See you back in Baton Rouge."
Williams started his car, already thinking about tomorrow's games. Walker had shown flashes, but he needed development. Dyce, though - that kid might be something special.
Game 1 Final Stats from Williams' Notes:Walker: 12 rec, 198 yards, 4 TDs (Good numbers but questionable decisions)
Dyce: 18/22, 387 yards, 5 TDs, 0 INTs (Impressive accuracy and decision making)
One game away from the semifinals. Williams would be watching Game 2 with interest.