DR7 Road to the Crown Fort Pierce: Notable QB Standouts

By: Drew Johnson

The DR7 Road to the Crown seven-on-seven tournament continued with another competitive turnout in sunny Fort Pierce, FL which featured some impressive athletes who deserve recognition. The mission and goal of The Platform is to Expose the Unexposed and provide adequate coverage of athletes participating in the DR7 7v7 circuit. National Scout Drew Johnson was in attendance to give readers and coaches a glimpse of a few notable prospects. Here is a list of some of the top quarterback standouts from Day One of Pool Play.

 

Joel Morris | Class of 2026 | 7v7: 24K | Lake Gibson High

Morris’s development in the last few months has been outstanding. Since watching him dominate during a college bus tour to some of the top Power 5 schools in the southeast, his confidence and overall game are steadily growing. Morris has a really well-built frame for his age, standing at a solid 6’2, 180-pounds. What stood out most today was his arm strength and footwork mechanics in the pocket. The rising freshman phenom earned a recent offer from Ole Miss but I expect the Lake Gibson product to make some noise starting under center this season. All college coaches in the state of Florida need to become acquainted with Joel Morris. 

 

Zander Smith | Class of 2025 | 7v7: RI5E | Lakeland High

Smith has been able to attract double takes for the last year because of his frame but a third take happens when you find out he’s the starting quarterback. Smith is all of 6’4, 215-pounds with really good arm strength and the ability to complete throws from in the pocket or rolling out. Displayed his developing accuracy today and skills to fit the ball in tight windows. The sophomore prospect said he has received recent interest from the likes of Indiana, Toledo, and Kansas but his recruitment should look a lot different after making the move to state-champion Lakeland High School. Smith is another rising quarterback prospect that college coaches in the state of Florida shouldn’t overlook.

 

Myles McDonald | Class of 2027 | 7v7: SlimeyBoyz 

McDonald is not even in high school yet but was dominating today for his 15U squad. He has above-average accuracy for his age but also has advanced footwork mechanics that not many quarterbacks have yet. I watched him perform during college camps last summer and his overall game has only evolved. McDonald could be the top-ranked 2027 quarterback in the state of Florida because of his size and surprising arm strength. Another young rising prospect to keep an eye on. 

 

Trey Whirley | Class of 2024| 7v7: RI5E | Clearwater High

Whirley is the perfect quarterback in the seven-on-seven environment because of his patience in the pocket and smart decision-making. He looked really good again today in Fort Pierce and has been making a name for himself during this off-season. The Clearwater high product has good timing on his release and can make accurate throws when rolling out of the pocket. Solid poise displayed in the pocket with good touch when needed on his throws. Eager to watch how Whirley does behind center this year heading into his senior season. 

 

Chance Routson | Class of 2026 | 7v7: Epic Elite 

Routson was the first quarterback I watched today and he was still one of the top standouts at the end of Day One. His incredible arm strength stood out the most and when added to his already well-built frame makes him an intriguing quarterback prospect. He completed a deep money ball touchdown on his first throw of the day and displayed good confidence in all of his throws. Ready to watch how Routson performs during championship Sunday. 

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