From Central Florida pioneers to national contenders, Excel Speed proves development still matters
Excel Speed 7v7, formerly known as the Central Florida All-Stars, did not begin as a trend or branding play. Long before 7v7 football became saturated with teams, highlights, and social media exposure, the program was founded in 2010 by Coach Lo with a clear purpose: identify elite talent, prepare athletes the right way, and compete at the highest national level.
“We had 75 kids try out and only picked 25,” Coach Lo said. “One team. No extras. Just the best players in the area competing at the highest level.”
That approach quickly separated Excel Speed from other programs. In its early years, Excel Speed, formally known as the Central Florida All-Stars, competed against top teams from South Florida and across the country while developing rosters filled with future college and NFL talent. The program featured first-round NFL draft picks, Power Five starters, and more than 20 high-level prospects on a single roster.
“It wasn’t just about playing,” Coach Lo explained. “It was about learning the game and being prepared to compete with anybody, anywhere.”
As 7v7 football grew, the landscape began to change. The rise of exposure-driven teams shifted the focus toward one-on-one matchups, quick highlights, and entertainment. For Excel Speed, the shift created challenges.
“The game started getting watered down,” Coach Lo said. “A lot of kids just wanted to show up, catch a pass, and dance. That wasn’t what we were built on.”
Excel Speed continued to train with purpose. Practices included multiple days per week of speed and agility work, conditioning, route trees, football terminology, signals, and leadership development. Players were taught how to read coverages, communicate, and prepare for real football situations.
“We weren’t just teaching 7v7,” Coach Lo said. “We were preparing them for high school football and beyond.”
Eventually, Coach Lo stepped back—not because the program failed, but because the mission no longer aligned with where the sport was headed. The return of Excel Speed came directly from the athletes.
“The kids called me back,” Coach Lo said. “They wanted structure. They wanted coaching. They wanted more than just lining up and playing.”
This time, Excel Speed evolved by passing leadership to former players who understood the culture firsthand. Today, the program is led by Bakari Goodson, Brandon Brown-Dukes, and Demario Hogan—former athletes who represent the foundation Excel Speed was built on.
“They know what this program is about because they lived it,” Coach Lo said.
The results have followed. Excel Speed’s 15U team has emerged as one of the top teams in the country, posting dominant tournament finishes and earning national recognition, while the 18U team continues to compete deep into elite events. The program has also earned national sponsorship from Shock Doctor and is preparing to compete at major tournaments, including upcoming events in Houston.
Interest in Excel Speed is once again at an all-time high.
“Kids are beating down the door to get on the team,” Coach Lo said. “But the message is still the same—if you don’t want to work, this isn’t the place for you.”
Excel Speed, formerly known as the Central Florida All-Stars, remains intentionally different. In an era where 7v7 football often prioritizes flash over fundamentals, the program continues to prove that discipline, preparation, and teaching the game still matter—and still win.
