National Select 7-on-7 event features top talent

HOOVER, Ala. - One of the most prestigious 7-on-7 passing tournaments in the country starts Thursday in suburban Birmingham. The National Select 7-on-7 Championships feature many of the nation's top prospects and top teams and Rivals.com will be there to bring you complete coverage of all of the action.

The top overall prospect at the event is Foley (Ala.) wide receiver Julio Jones, the nation's third-ranked prospect. The explosive Jones recently drew rave reviews with his showing at "Seminole Showcase", Florida State's prospect camp. Last year, Jones had a coming out party of sorts in Hoover, where he had several good moments and established himself as one of the top rising juniors in the country.

Another five-star prospect, Lucas Nix of Thomas Jefferson (Pa.), heads to Hoover again (his team was in the event last year). Though he's out of his natural position because there are no linemen used, Nix gets the chance to show off his athleticism by helping out at different spots at this event.

Rivals100 defensive end/outside linebacker William Green and Hoover (Ala.) Spain Park will be at the event. The 6-foot-4, 210-pounder will get the chance to show how well he plays in space from a stand-up position.

There's a big decision on the horizon for Norcross (Ga.) wide receiver Brice Butler, who plans to announce his college decision on Aug. 4. First, the talented pass catcher will participate in the Hoover event.

Other prospects to watch from the Class of 2008 include Blount (Ala.) defensive end Willie Bohannon, Shreveport (La.) Calvary Christian wide receiver Khiry Cooper, Shreveport (La.) Evangel Christian wide receiver Roderick Banks, Foley (Ala.) safety Robert Lester, Norcross (Ga.) outside linebacker/wide receiver Devonta Bolton, Prattville (Ala.) wide receiver Dekendrick Moncrief and running back Justin Albert, Hugenot (Va.) wide receiver Rotell Jenkins, Roswell (Ga.) linebacker Ebele Okakpu, defensive back Garrett Embry and running back Alex Daniel, Memphis University School linebacker DeAndre Jones, Saint Augustine (Fla.) Nease quarterback Ted Stachitas, linebacker Riley Haynes and running back Andrew Barnes, Arlington (Texas) Lamar wide receiver Lazarus Anderson, Don Bosco (N.J.) Prep linebacker Alexander DiSanzo, Henry County (Ga.) wide receiver Chris Jackson, Springfield (Ill.) Sacred Heart-Griffin linebacker Leonard Hubbard, McDonough (Ga.) Union Grove linebacker Steven Sylvester and Louisville (Ga.) Jefferson County running back Lamar Brown.

Pool play begins Thursday evening and the event runs through Saturday. Rivals.com will have complete coverage of the event.

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