State 7 on 7 Gets NY Times Treatment

The New York Times Magazine had a 3-person crew of writer and photographers at the state 7-on-7 tournament. The macro idea for the story seems to be the rise of 7-on-7 not only in Texas but with national tournaments as well; the new breed of high school players developing and what drives the summer leagues.

Watching 128 teams sprawled over Texas A&M's recreational fields for three days is a pretty strong visual story as well. Of course, the NY Times also interviewed the state's expert 7-on-7 guru _ TheOldCoach.com's own Matt Stepp.

The writer seemed very interested already in three-time defending state Class 4A state champ Lake Travis and the Cavs' sex-appeal, starting UT quarterback Garrett Gilbert is on the sidelines watching as his brother Griffin Gilbert stands out at receiver. Their dad, Gale Gilbert is a former NFL quarterback who was the Cal quarterback in the memorable Cal-Stanford, band-run-on-the field game.

Senior LT quarterback and Texas Tech commit Michael Brewer was hands-down the top quarterback at the 7-on-7 tournament. Robert Brewer, Michael's dad, walked on at Texas from Richardson after Robert's dad Charlie Brewer had been a Longhorns star from Lubbock. Michael Brewer got an offer to gray-shirt at UT by enrolling for the Class of 2012, but opted to commit to the Red Raiders in March.

Speaking of recruiting classes, try the Class of '17 for Lake Travis. That should include current sixth-grade quarterback Charlie Brewer and likely offensive lineman Koy Spano. Charlie, wearing his Red Raiders t-shirt, was on the Cavs' sideline this weekend as well as Koy, the son of Lake Travis offensive line coach Kyle Spano and younger brother of Nebraska starting quarterback contender Kody Spano of Stephenville.

Top 3 QBs

Enough said about how strong Brewer looked for LT. The other top two quarterbacks: West Mesquite and TCU commit Trevone Boykin and Coppell's Joe Minden. Boykins' passing GREATLY improved and he's already proven he can run. Miden helped spark Coppell's run to the quarterfinals with crisp passing. He'll also a strong runner who will be one of many reasons Coppell is about to have a great season.

Remember, Denton Guyer and Okie State commit J.W. Walsh was at the NIKE national tourney. Walsh and Brewer are the state's most advanced '11 quarterbacks.

Belton quarterback and Texas commit David Ash sure has the body and big arm. But really lacks in accuracy. He's a lot like Ryan Mallett.. huge fastball but needs to learn how to pitch. Look for early enrollment at UT next January and a redshirt year before re-emerging.

Gotta love Ryan Polite, who led DeSoto's trio of major college receivers to the championship final against Lake Travis. Polite is a great leader. Even with all the talent on DeSoto, it's Ryan's team and the players show great respect for him. Polite is stronger at 6-1, 200 than when he was splitting more time as a top baseball player.

His has a stronger arm but his accuracy still is what college coaches question and why Polite is about to start his fourth-year at a top 5A program but getting very luke-warm interest and few offers. This is one college coach's eval: "tries too hard to throw perfect pass." Meaning: Polite has to be that shooter in basketball that knows the ball is going in rather than hopes it's going in.

Best Athlete

More than 2,000 athletes at state tourney, best athlete I saw: Class of '12 DE/LB Jeremiah Tshimanga of Richland. He looks like Sergio Kindle but plays more fluid. Covered inside receivers easily. Could run left or right with hips turned. May grow into a standup-hand down hybrid which is so popular in the mold of DeMarcus Ware.