FBU National Championship: Pair of Youngsters Shine in Austin
Programs around the nation are gearing up for the FBU National Championship tournament and holding tryouts to find the best athletes in their area to compete. The FBU National Championship tournament celebrates and promotes youth football through uniting all-star athletes of all backgrounds from across the United States in a true, one-of-a-kind national tournament. The only national football tournament of its kind, the annual FBU National Championship crowns a national champion from brackets in grades 6th, 7th, and 8th.
This past weekend at Nelson Field, team Austin held its most recent tryout for the FBU National Championship. Austin has traditionally had a pretty tough run in the tournament as the Texas region is loaded with traditional powerhouses such as Dallas and Houston. This year Austin will have to compete with a tough Mississippi squad as well in the Midwest bracket, but judging by some of the athletes that showed out at the tryout, this team has some very promising pieces. If you missed Part One or Part Two of our 8th Grade standouts, please go back to check that out. Nonetheless, here are a pair of younger guys that stood out at the tryout.
Major Bettridge | 7th Grade – Class of 2027 | Defensive Line
Bettridge showcased his strength and his speed to cut around buckets during drills. He was able to stay low to the ground and was able to maneuver around the buckets while staying in tight. Also a standout on the diamond, he showed off that some power and torque he uses in the batter’s box, on the gridiron. Bettridge, who attends Sycamore Springs Middle School, showed the versatility to play as a defensive end or inside as an athletic defensive tackle.
Justyce Hendricks | 6th Grade – Class of 2028 | Quarterback
If you have nickname like “Sniper” you better be able to toss that pill all over the yard—and Hendricks certainly can. The Roy J. Smith youngster showed off his arm during throwing drills, and not only does he has a strong arm, but he also showed borderline elite level accuracy. The obviously well-trained righty made throw after throw, hitting his receivers in tight coverage. Another big plus during the tryout was his ability to place the ball and use the sideline as his guide on deep outs.