High school football preview: 7-on-7 tournaments proving to be a haven for recruiters

Thursday, September 02, 2010
by Jeff Greer

Before this summer, Jamarious Rowley was known as an undersized linebacker at Glades Central.

Thanks to 7-on-7 football, many now know Rowley as the Raiders' starting quarterback.

The senior had a huge summer, leading the Raiders to the NFL National 7-on-7 title in Tampa and impressing at several other tournaments, like the Miami Dolphins and Heath Evans Foundation 7-on-7s. Now he's attracting college interest that he might never have had if he hadn't played 7-on-7.

The 5-foot-9 Rowley's rise in recruiting stature is the product of a fast-growing summer-football circuit centered around 7-on-7 tournaments that benefit skill players hoping to play in college.

Like AAU for basketball, 7-on-7 football - where there are only passing plays and no down linemen - has become one of the best showcases for college prospects and is increasing in popularity among high schools and college recruiters.

"It's great - it's a lot of fun," said Rowley, who last week struggled in his first start at quarterback but still led the Raiders to a season-opening victory over Skyline (Texas). "It shows people what I can do."

But the higher demand for more events puts coaches in an awkward spot. There are fewer summer weekends at home, yet there's added pressure to help a potential prospect get noticed.

In other words, it's as if the season never ends.

"It's getting out of control," Dwyer coach Jack Daniels said. "But you have to do it for the kids and for the exposure, even with injury concerns."

Even though it's "touch" football, injuries occur. Boca Raton running back Keith Byars II was kneed in the stomach and ruptured his spleen during a game, an injury that could force him to miss the Bobcats' season opener.

Still, AAU basketball plays the same exact game as regular high school and college hoops. Seven-on-7 is entirely different from regular football: Players are down by contact, there's no blocking or rushing the ball, each possession starts at the 45-yard line and the quarterback has four seconds to get rid of the ball.

The game is built on speed, route-running and passing accuracy, a perfect way for skill players to shine. In regular games, receivers might only see the ball three or four times, but in 7-on-7, recruiters get to see much more of a player.

For schools like Park Vista, which employs a run-heavy offense and relies on being physical with opponents, there isn't much use for 7-on-7. But not playing in 7-on-7 limits the summer exposure for players at those schools.

"It's not realistic at all - you basically draw plays in the sand," Park Vista coach Brian Dodds said. "But it does damage our recruiting."

Regardless of the disdain for 7-on-7 in some circles, more money is flowing into the sport and interest is growing. Its rapid expansion seems unavoidable and its impact on recruiting can only expand.

"It's going to get bigger and bigger," Jupiter Christian coach Bill Powers said. "If it becomes like AAU basketball, I don't think that's a good thing. But that's where it seems to be going."