2026 M2 QB Academy Showdown VIII: MVP-Top Performing Athletes Observations
The 2026 annual M2QB Academy Qb Showdown VIII took place on June 6 and 7, 2026. I attended the first day of the event and noted the presence of numerous highly skilled rising athletes, particularly during the PM session, where the talent was particularly impressive. In this report, I will spotlight the award winners chosen by the staff and offer a brief analysis of each athlete’s performance during the event and what we knew about each player prior to the event for both Am & PM sessions.
2026 M2 QB Academy Showdown VIII Summary: MVP-Top Performing Athletes Observations
Tweet
MVP – TOP PERFOMERS PM SESSION:
Gavin Brady Massachusetts 2027 6’1″ 195 WR Williston North Hampton
Player Performance Report: Gavin Brady – WR, Massachusetts (2027)
At the 2026 M2 QB Academy Showcase on June 6, 2026, held at Bryant University, Gavin Brady distinguished himself as the overall MVP of the PM session, showcasing high skills that solidify his status as a top prospect. Standing 6’1″ and weighing 195 pounds, Brady is a dynamic playmaker with a natural instinct for finding the end zone post-catch.
His performance highlighted his ability to catch a variety of passes, whether it be a jump ball, post, slant, shallow, or hitch route. Brady demonstrated reliable hands and a quick release off the line of scrimmage, indicating his readiness for the next level. His route-running is precise, complemented by a unique blend of size and speed.
Having reclassified from North Reading High School to Williston Northampton for Fall 2026, Brady’s multifaceted skills, coupled with his competitive spirit, make him an exciting player to monitor in the recruitment process.
Owen DeSalvo Massachusetts 2028 6’0 190 Athlete Buckingham Brown and Nichols Ma
Player Performance Report: Owen DeSalvo, Massachusetts, 2028
At the 2026 M2 QB Academy Showcase held at Bryant University, Owen DeSalvo distinguished himself as one of the standout athletes of the event. Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 190 pounds, DeSalvo showcased exceptional speed and agility, making him a dynamic threat on both sides of the ball. His quickness and physical playing style were evident as he excelled as both a defensive back and wide receiver.
Offensively, Owen’s explosive speed and quick hips allowed him to change direction effortlessly, creating separation and making notable plays. His strong ball skills and outstanding field vision contributed to his impressive performance throughout the day. Selected as one of the top performers by the staff, DeSalvo’s multi-faceted abilities highlight his potential for future collegiate play. Overall, his remarkable speed and athleticism set him apart as a player to watch in the coming years.
Anthony Whaley Massachusetts 2028 5′ 11″ 175 DB, WR Springfield Central High School
Player Performance Report: Anthony Whaley
Anthony Whaley from Springfield Central High School showcased significant talent at the M2 QB Academy Showcase, standing out as a Top Performer. At 5’11” and 175 pounds, Whaley is a very fluid athlete who demonstrated exceptional agility, highlighted by a proficient backpedal and the ability to instantly flip his hips to track the ball. His ball skills were particularly impressive, allowing him to excel on the defensive side, where he made several standout plays. Whaley’s instinctual play and versatility as both a DB and WR will certainly attract the attention of college coaches; he already holds early Div 1 offers. Overall, Whaley’s performance reaffirms his status as one of the top prospects in the region for the 2028 class.
Mekhi Eady Massachusetts 2028 6′ 4″ 165LBS Athlete/WR Middlesex School
Player Performance Report: Mekhi Eady
Mekhi Eady, a 6’4″, 165-pound athlete from Massachusetts, showcased his potential at the 2026 M2 QB Academy Showcase held at Bryant University on June 6, 2026. With a tall, lean frame that immediately stands out, Eady has the physical tools necessary to excel at the next level. Over the two-day event, he exhibited good ball skills, while demonstrating the ability to track and secure passes effectively.
Eady’s athleticism shone through during drill periods. He displayed decent route running and separation from defenders on offense, highlighting his capability as a wide receiver. His performance was marked by a combination of agility and speed, making him a playmaker to watch i. 2026. Overall, Mekhi’s standout presence and performance reaffirm his status as one of the prospects in the 2028 class to know. College coaches should keep a close eye on his development.
Colt Downey Massachusetts 2027 6’1 186 Athlete Pingree School
Player Performance Report: Colt Downey, Massachusetts, 2027
At the 2026 M2 QB Academy Showcase held at Bryant University on June 6, 2026, Colt Downey from Pingree School demonstrated exceptional skills that made him one of the standout performers. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 186 pounds, Colt showcased impressive game speed and agility, running precise routes that consistently created separation. His outstanding eye and hand coordination allowed him to pluck the ball from the air fluidly, highlighting his ball skills on both offense and defense. His ability to track and adjust to throws was evident, making him a versatile athlete capable of impacting games in multiple ways. It was a pleasure to see Colt perform live, as he easily distinguished himself among his peers and left a lasting impression on attending college coaches. With continued development, he stands to be a top prospect in his class.
MVP – TOP PERFOMERS AM SESSION:
Mason Bastien New Hampshire 2028 5’11 170 lbs. WR Hudson NH
Player Performance Report – MVP Performer
During the 2026 M2 QB Academy Showcase, I had the opportunity to observe an impressive young talent who displayed exceptional skills throughout the event. This player showcased remarkable athletic fluidity, making “crazy catches” and demonstrating excellent route-running capabilities. His ability to create separation from defenders indicates a strong understanding of defensive schemes and offensive timing.
Notably, his ball skills are a standout trait; he consistently won 50/50 balls with tenacity and effort, indicating a competitive edge. This performance solidified his status as an emerging prospect in the class of 2028, and I recommend adding him to our SNE ranking list. With further development and exposure, he has the potential to become a significant contributor at the next level.
Patrick McDonagh Massachusetts 2028 6’1 170 WR/Athlete Rockland High School
Player Performance Report: At the 2026 M2 QB Academy Showcase, Patrick McDonagh (2028, 6’1″, 170 lbs, Rockland High School) emerged as a standout performer, earning a selection as a Top Performer by the staff. His long, agile frame is complemented by excellent eye-hand coordination, allowing him to make precise catches in traffic. McDonagh’s route-running skills were impressive; he consistently demonstrated effective technique and the ability to create separation from defenders. His agility and sharp cuts made him a formidable threat on the field. With college coaches in attendance, McDonagh’s performance solidified his status as a promising WR/Athlete to watch, showcasing the potential to make a significant impact at the next level.
Keanu Novaton Rhode Island 2029 5’8 150 Athlete Central HS
Player Performance Report: Keanu Novaton, Central HS – Rhode Island 2029
At the 2026 M2 QB Academy Showcase held at Bryant University, Keanu Novaton, a 5’8″, 150-pound athlete from Central High School, showcased impressive skills that earned him a Top Performer selection. Despite his smaller frame, Novaton demonstrated remarkable athleticism and fluidity, making him a standout on the field. His hands were consistently reliable, and he exhibited excellent short-area quickness, allowing him to get in and out of his breaks with agility. Novaton’s ability to create separation and his dynamic movement patterns suggest significant potential for further growth as he progresses through his high school career. With time for physical development, Novaton could become a highly sought-after prospect in the coming years. Overall, his performance at the showcase highlights his strong fundamentals and ability to compete at an elevated level.
Finn Reardon New England 2028 5’10 165 Wide Receiver Milton Academy
Player Performance Report: Finn Reardon, Class of 2028
Finn Reardon, a 5’10”, 165-pound wide receiver from Milton Academy, showcased his versatility and exceptional athleticism at the M2 QB Academy Showcase. While primarily positioned as a wide receiver, it was his standout performance on the defensive side that truly caught my eye. Reardon displayed remarkable speed, closing gaps quickly to disrupt plays effectively. His fluid backpedal and adept coverage skills allowed him to mirror opponents seamlessly. Notably, he executed impressive diving catches that drew an audible reaction from players and coaches alike. Reardon’s ability to make highlight-reel plays reinforced his reputation as a skillful and dynamic athlete. With his blend of speed, agility, and determination, he is poised to make an impact at the next level, making him a player to watch in the coming years.
Tray Washington Class of 2027 / DB 5’11 175 School: Webster Schroeder NY
Player Performance Report: Tray Washington – Class of 2027
Position: Defensive Back | Height/Weight: 5’11” / 175 lbs | School: Webster Schroeder, NY
At the 2026 M2 QB Academy Showcase held at Bryant University on June 6, 2026, Tray Washington stood out among a talented field, earning recognition as one of the top players. Washington showcased impressive closing speed and the ability to maintain blanket coverage throughout his reps. His fluid backpedal and adept hip movement allowed him to transition seamlessly in either direction. Demonstrating versatility, he excelled both in press man coverage and off-coverage, often disrupting plays with his exceptional ball skills. Although we typically focus on New England talent, Washington’s performance was compelling enough to warrant an exception. His skills and instincts suggest a bright future, making him a prospect to watch for college programs.
