Written by: Drew Johnson (@RealNews102)
The highly anticipated DR7 7v7 season has kicked off this weekend in Houston, TX, and has already lived up to the hype. With over 105 teams participating, the event was held at C.E King School and featured some of the top Texas talent mixed in with some Louisiana/Florida boys. The first day of the event was action-packed with some thrilling matchups, and we witnessed some standout performances from the participants. As the championship Sunday approaches, let’s take a look at some of the weekend standouts who made a significant impact on the field.
Paris Melvin | DB | 2026 | Cypress Springs | @ParisMelvinJr
This kid is the Real Deal! Melvin dominated the DR7 tournament on both sides of the ball while helping his team take home the 18U championship trophy. He picked up a recent offer from Michigan following the event and holds other offers from Houston, Arkansas, Baylor, + more. Put a star or whatever you need by this kid’s name college coaches and track his overall progression.
Ashton Jones | WR | 2025 | Shadow Creek | @theashtonjones
Jones was one of the big-time wide receiver prospects to attend the DR7 Houston event as he’s known for putting on playmaker shows. The recent Baylor commit is a good-sized WR playing with STEBOYZ who has good speed and route-running skills for his size. Jones showed off his physical play, head-top ability, and strong hands on both days of the tournament, finishing as a top standout. Jones is a lengthy and long-legged WR but still has solid knee bend to create separation when running routes.
Romel Stevens | WR | 2025 | Willis | @RomelStevens
College coaches looking for a potential huge upside wide receiver with great size and physicality to go with it, tap in with Stevens ASAP. This kid was instantly put on my radar just from his sheer size but watching him run tough routes and utilize his frame was something to watch. I enjoy getting my eyes on Texas boys being from the talented state of Florida but it’s kids like Stevens who really bring out the excitement of scouting talent from other states. Really impressive weekend at DR7 for Stevens who is set for a big-time off-season for his college recruitment. Currently holds two Power 4 offers from Colorado & Nebraska.
Cameron Mathews | RB | 2025 | Dobie | @Cam_ontop
One of the more productive junior running back prospects got it done in the 7v7 arena this weekend playing with CAT TAKEOVER. This kid is a monster in the backfield just check the film but it was impressive to watch him run routes and bring in touch catches. His run after catch ability is noted as well but the athletic frame and overall upside at the sport landed him as one of the top prospects to attend DR7 Houston.
Ty Sexton | WR | 2026 | Bridgeland | @Ty_Sexton3
Slick feet. Speed. Ankle snatcher. This kid displayed some of the best route running at the tournament. Didn’t watch many of his games but his team made it to the championship for a reason. He was nearly unguardable in the game I watched because of how hard it is to stay in front of him. Just a rising sophomore with plenty of time to generate buzz around his recruitment.
Eli Lancaster | WR | 2026 | The Woodlands | @EliLancaster4
I was excited to get my eyes on The Woodlands 7v7 team because I know what the program brings to the table. When you add in a guy like Lancaster who is sure-handed, speedy, and vapor on a short route and equally lethal with the ball in open space.
Randall Russ | WR/TE | 2025 | Tomball Memorial | @sho_russ
Russ was an important component in The Lab 7v7 winning the DR7 Houston 18U trophy this weekend. You could instantly see the connection he had with our weekend QB MVP Aiden Martin as they displayed good chemistry on both days. Russ is a decent framed tight end/receiver prospect with a good ability to change direction, find open space, and understand how to get open overall. Solid weekend and showing from Russ and his squad.
Kensington Vidito | ATH | 2025 | Klein Oak | @KC_Vidito
Vidito has developed into a solid defensive back prospect but man was he electric this weekend as I watched him catch two playmaking touchdown catches while showing off his natural speed. Vidito is a dynamic ball player who should see his stock rise during the off-season.
Antonio Johnson | WR | 2027 | @j3susincleats
Johnson represents what I expect when I pull up to Houston for competition. My boy plays with the utmost swag and confidence but backs it up with his productive play. He had a really solid weekend playing with the well-known Elite House 7v7 program. The rising freshman felt Real Greedy as he hauled in multiple tough catches, finishing as a top standout.
Wayne Shanks Jr | ATH | 2027 | Cy Woods | @shanks2cold
One of the top-rising freshmen dominated on the defensive side this weekend with The Lab. He had a productive regular season and is building off of that confidence. College coaches in the Texas area need to have this kid on their radar as he can develop to play at multiple positions.
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