Written by: Drew Johnson (@RealNews102)
The Road to the Crown is on fire with another successful tournament this time, with a stop in the D-Town featuring some of the top talent in Texas and as far out as Oklahoma, Kansas, Louisiana, and Florida. The 7v7 circuit allows for scouts and coaches to get eyes on various kids early on from different areas. As the championship Sunday approaches, let’s look at some of the weekend QB standouts who made a significant impact on the field. The mission and goal of The Platform is to #ExposeTheUnexposed and provide adequate coverage of athletes participating in DR7 tournaments and around the country.
QBs:
Carter Lind | QB | 2025 | Liberty | @CarterLind2025
It’s always rewarding to find a Real Deal under the radar prospect when traveling to different states for 7v7 coverage. This kid was my top QB standout hands down as he dominated the competition for a 3-0 day at DR7 Dallas while playing with TX Epic. It wasn’t a cakewalk as Lind battled tough competition and the elements with rain coming down throughout the day. That didn’t stop him from displaying his talent and ability to play at the next level. The 6-5, 215-pound Liberty Christian product showed he’s not just a big body but has legit arm strength, solid footwork in and moving around the pocket, and understands how to throw his receivers open. This kid should have 15+ offers but expect his recruitment to pop with more in-game reps this fall season.
Chad Warner | QB | 2025 | Cibolo Steele | @Chad4Warner
Got my eyes on one of the more notable 2025 QB prospects in the state who made an appearance this weekend playing with Defcon: TX. Warner has a good frame at 6-3, 180 pounds with time to grow more into his body as a deadly pocket passer with advanced footwork mechanics, good arm talent, and the ability to get mobile. Fresh off an incredible record-breaking statistical season, Warner seems determined to continue developing and stamping his name as the Real Deal in Texas.
Marco Rodriguez | QB | 2025 | Bishop Miege | @MarcoRod555
Another under-the-radar prospect that could easily have 10+ college offers. The 6-5, 180-pound rising junior made his way out from Kansas to display his ability to deliver when moving around in the pocket and deliver accurate deep balls. I came away impressed with his overall talent at the position but want to see how he handles championship Sunday.
Carson Kirby | QB | 2026 | Bixby | @CarsonKirby14
A state champion from the state of Oklahoma was in the building this weekend at DR7 Dallas showing off the swag and confidence of a leader who has earned success. Despite the brutal weather, the rising 2026 QB was on point and finished as one of the more accurate deep-ball throwers of the day. Kirby was in one of the notable showdowns of the day where he completed some big-time throws when it counted. I have to find him early tomorrow on championship Sunday for a full evaluation.
Best of the Rest:
Chuck Smith | QB | 2026 | Highland Park | @ChuckSmith_8
I’m not sure if there was a more on-point QB to attend Day One than Smith who played with the well-known True Buzz 7v7. What stood out the most was his quick but good decision-making skills when leading the offense downfield. He’s another slept-on 2026 QB riser who can generate some interest around his recruitment with more film and in-game experience.
Aiden Scott | QB | 2026 | Shawnee Heights | @Aiden_Scott14
Another talented QB prospect came out from Kansas to display his potential to make an impact at the next level. I will have to watch more of him on championship Sunday to get a full analysis and breakdown of his game, but the kid has a decent arm with a college-ready frame for the position.
Players to watch for:
Keegan Anderson | QB | 2025 | Wylie | @KeeganDAnderson
Hayden Benoit | QB | 2025 | Loreauville | @Hayden_Benoit3
Kingston Burnett | QB | 2028 | @KingstonB_2028
