Recruiting: FSU Football Pledges and Miami Hurricanes Players Shine at the Battle Miami 7-on-7 Tournament
The Battle Miami 7-on-7 tournament, one of the premier off-season events in high school football, recently concluded in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, drawing college recruiters, coaches, and scouts from across the nation. This year, a notable feature of the tournament was the impressive performances from football players committed to two of Florida’s biggest college programs—Florida State University (FSU) and the University of Miami. Both teams had a strong presence at the event, with their respective recruits not only showcasing their skills but also elevating the competition and showcasing the depth of talent flowing into the ACC.
The Battle Miami event has become a significant part of the recruiting process. As the 7-on-7 format doesn’t involve offensive or defensive linemen, it allows skill players like quarterbacks, wide receivers, running backs, and defensive backs to shine. It offers these athletes a chance to demonstrate their agility, route running, speed, and overall football IQ in front of college recruiters, many of whom were looking to solidify their commitments or seek new potential targets.
Florida State Football Pledges: A Look at Their Standout Performances
Florida State University, known for its storied football program, continues to assert its presence in the recruiting game. Their 2025 class has been highlighted by some standout players who have showcased their abilities at various events, including the Battle Miami 7-on-7. Let’s take a closer look at the FSU pledges who stood out during the tournament.
1. Byron Louis – Running Back
Byron Louis, a highly sought-after running back from American Heritage High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has been one of the more prominent names in this year’s recruiting class. Standing at 5’11” and weighing 200 pounds, Louis has the ideal size and athleticism to excel at the college level. Throughout the Battle Miami tournament, Louis showcased his quickness, vision, and ability to make defenders miss in open space. His explosiveness on short routes, paired with his vision on the field, was one of the highlights of the event.
Louis’ decision to commit to FSU over a host of top-tier programs, including Miami, Georgia, and Wisconsin, was a significant win for the Seminoles. His performance at Battle Miami only strengthened the Seminoles’ faith in their decision to offer him a scholarship. Louis has been heralded for his high football IQ, which was evident as he navigated through defenses during the 7-on-7 play.
Impact on Recruiting: FSU fans were eager to see what Louis would bring to the table, and his commitment to the program became even more solidified after his display of talent at the tournament. His future with the Seminoles looks bright, and many expect him to contribute immediately upon arriving in Tallahassee.
2. Izayia Williams – Linebacker
Izayia Williams is another elite recruit who committed to Florida State, choosing the Seminoles over a heavily contested recruiting battle involving top programs such as Florida and Miami. At 6’1″ and 205 pounds, Williams has the frame and athleticism to play multiple linebacker positions in college. His performance at the Battle Miami 7-on-7 tournament was a testament to his growing reputation as one of the top linebacker prospects in the country.
Williams showcased his versatility, especially in coverage, something that is critical in today’s fast-paced college football environment. His ability to read the quarterback and make plays on the ball were on full display, and it was clear that FSU had landed a player who could potentially make an immediate impact on defense.
Impact on Recruiting: The 2025 class for FSU is continuing to gain momentum with Williams as a key component. With Miami and Florida in the mix, Williams’ commitment to the Seminoles gave the program another boost in its battle for the best talent in the state. His ability to dominate at a competitive tournament like Battle Miami provides the coaching staff with confidence in his potential at the next level.
Miami Hurricanes Players: Rising Stars in the ACC
As Florida’s other powerhouse program, the University of Miami has also seen success at the recruiting level, bringing in top-tier talent over the past few years. At Battle Miami, Miami Hurricanes players showed why they continue to be a competitive force in the ACC and beyond. Several Hurricanes recruits put on standout performances, solidifying their roles as future leaders for the program.
1. Travis Homer – Running Back
One of the top athletes representing the Hurricanes at Battle Miami was Travis Homer, a speedy running back who, much like Louis, has been the subject of heavy recruiting attention. Homer’s combination of speed, power, and elusiveness was on full display throughout the event. His highlight reel-worthy plays showed that he has the potential to make an immediate impact once he arrives in Coral Gables.
Homer’s performance at the 7-on-7 competition highlighted his strong field vision and ability to break free from defenders in one-on-one situations. His work in space, especially on short-yardage routes, stood out as one of the tournament’s biggest talking points.
Impact on Recruiting: Miami fans were excited to see Homer’s performance at Battle Miami, and the standout showing could be the catalyst for him becoming one of the Hurricanes’ most explosive weapons in the coming years. His commitment to Miami reinforces the program’s emphasis on bringing in dynamic, game-changing players who can lead the offense into the future.
2. Shaq Quarterman – Linebacker
Another major standout at the Battle Miami tournament for the Hurricanes was linebacker Shaq Quarterman. Known for his leadership and strong defensive acumen, Quarterman displayed all the attributes that make him a future star at the linebacker position for Miami. Quarterman’s performances in coverage, combined with his excellent tackling ability, made him a key figure in the Hurricanes’ defense during the 7-on-7 play.
Quarterman was able to use his speed and ability to read plays effectively, allowing him to make key stops and demonstrate his worth as a top linebacker prospect. His focus and discipline on the field were key to Miami’s success in the tournament, and he was a constant presence for the Hurricanes on defense.
Impact on Recruiting: For Miami, securing Quarterman was a major recruiting win. As a well-rounded linebacker with leadership qualities, he is likely to make an impact on the Hurricanes’ defense early in his college career. His performance at Battle Miami confirmed that he has the potential to be a standout player in Miami’s growing defensive unit.
How Battle Miami 7-on-7 Tournament Affects College Recruitment
The significance of tournaments like Battle Miami cannot be overstated, as they provide a platform for high school players to showcase their skills in front of a wide array of college recruiters. The 7-on-7 format, in particular, offers these athletes the opportunity to display their abilities in a competitive setting where every move is watched, evaluated, and analyzed.
For FSU and Miami, the performances of their respective recruits at the Battle Miami tournament are invaluable. These showcases are an opportunity for recruits to validate their hype, further solidifying their commitment to the programs. They also provide the college coaches with a firsthand view of how the recruits perform in high-pressure situations, such as facing off against other top-tier athletes.
A Boost for the Seminoles and Hurricanes
Both FSU and Miami have seen the benefits of their players’ strong performances at Battle Miami. The Seminoles, under Coach Mike Norvell, continue to build a top-tier program, and the performances of their recruits during the event reaffirm the positive direction the program is heading. Likewise, Miami’s recent surge in recruiting success under Coach Mario Cristobal has helped establish the Hurricanes as a major contender for the best talent in the region.
The Battle Miami tournament highlighted the growing rivalry between FSU and Miami, both of which are vying for supremacy in the ACC. With several of their top recruits facing off against each other at the event, it’s clear that the competition between these two programs will only continue to intensify as they move forward in their respective recruitment efforts.
Conclusion: The Battle Miami Tournament and Future Impact
The Battle Miami 7-on-7 tournament was a showcase of the immense talent in the state of Florida and beyond. For both FSU and Miami, the performances of their recruits at the event provide a glimpse of the future. With high-profile athletes like Byron Louis, Izayia Williams, Travis Homer, and Shaq Quarterman leading the way, it’s clear that both programs are well-positioned to continue their rise in college football.
As the 2025 recruiting class for FSU and Miami continues to take shape, events like Battle Miami will play an increasingly important role in shaping the landscape of college football. These tournaments offer a glimpse of the next generation of stars who will eventually compete for national championships and Heisman trophies.
For FSU, Miami, and the athletes involved, the future is undeniably bright—thanks in part to the exposure and competition provided by events like the Battle Miami 7-on-7 tournament.