FBU National Championship: SW Florida 8th Grade Tryout Studs
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.
Picturesque Naples, in Southwest Florida, is home to the Paradise Coast Sports Complex where the FBU National Championship will take place. It’s also home to team Southwest Florida who is certainly starting to evolve as a program on the rise in the tournament, as last year they saw both their 6th graders (class of 2027) and 8th graders (class of 2025) advance to championship week for the first time. Let’s take a look at some of the 8th grader (class of 2026) that have stood out through out their tryouts.
Landon Wolny | 8th Grade – Class of 2026 | Tight End
A long, lean athlete with soft hands and flexible, quick hips that allow him to show a nuanced route-running skillset for his age. At 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds, coaches raved about his potential as a D1 prospect, as he possesses a high ceiling and plays physically, smart, and makes his teammates around him better. Shows good strength for his age as well on the Naples Gators. Named All-Top Gun Team 2021.
Jayvian Tanelus | 8th Grade – Class of 2026 | Wide Receiver/Defensive Back
Tanelus, who stands out for the South Naples Trojans, is a pure and natural athlete who is smooth and gifted with good size for his age and excellent mobility. Possesses strong hands and noteworthy body control that allows him to make impressive plays on the ball. As a DB, shows instincts and is always around the football, and as a WR can win 50/50 balls and contested catches. Has been a 2-year starter for FBU’s SWFL and is also a good tackler on film.
Carter Quinn | 8th Grade – Class of 2026 | Quarterback
Quinn has good accuracy when throwing to the first and second level of the field and is a mobile, dual-threat QB who can make throws on the run and move well inside and outside of the pocket. The QB1 for the Naples Gators shows good touch on deep balls as well. Coaches noted his understanding of the game and ability to coach his teammates up on the field.
Micah Anderson | 8th Grade – Class of 2026 | Running Back/Defensive Back
The Ft. Myers Firecat product is a dynamic athlete that can play multiple positions on offense and defense and play them all well. Impressive overall athleticism adds to his versatility. Strong, hard runner who can also outrun defenders if given the chance. Defensively, he can lockdown a wideout or an entire side of the field from the secondary and is a strong tackler on film. Passes the eye test and looks good in person for his age.
Jaiden Pettit | 8th Grade – Class of 2026 | Wide Receiver
Great frame with noteworthy length that could add a ton more weight and muscle as he continues to grow and develop. Standout athleticism at his size who can get up and high point the football in special fashion and absolutely jump out of the gym. Already 6-foot-3, the Naples Hurricane standout he’s been able to dunk for the past two years, and has the potential to be the next great WR out of SWFL.
Wyatt Monnin | 8th Grade – Class of 2026 | OL/DL 6’0 / 265lbs
The two-way lineman was referred to as a “trench warrior” for most of the tryout by his coaches. His 6-foot, 265-pounds frame gives him impressive strength for his age allows him to bully and dominate opponents. Shows a good base as well. Two-year starter on the FBU SWFL team and anchors an OL that has their coaches very excited.