Written by: Drew Johnson (@RealNews102)
The Road to the Crown has been on fire with successful tournaments to start the year, this time with a stop in the D-Town featuring some of the top talents in Texas and as far out as Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Florida. The 7v7 circuit allows for scouts and coaches to get eyes on various kids early on from different areas. The mission and goal of The Platform is to #ExposeTheUnexposed and provide adequate coverage of athletes participating in DR7 tournaments and around the country.
Romel Stevens | WR | 2025 | Willis | @RomelStevens
This kid is every bit of 6-6 with a crazy catch radius, strong hands to come down with tough catches, and a developing route running game for his size. It was my second time getting eyes on Stevens competing on the DR7 circuit and there’s no doubt he has all the tools to be a Real Deal college prospect. Combine the size with the catching ability and mix that with the added blocking component during the fall season; Stevens should have 20+ offers.
Camron Marsh | WR | 2025 | Rockwall | @cantguardcam_
Always good to meet kids from Texas who remind me of Florida speed and that DOG mentality. Marsh was pure electricity and one of the top standouts of the weekend hands down. He caught nearly everything thrown his way while displaying elite route-running skills and turbo speed for eye-popping downfield receptions. The 5-11, 187-pound junior riser still has time to generate college interest with more eyes on his game. Got to keep eyes on his development and overall recruitment.
Jalen Cooper | WR | 2025 | Cibolo Steele | @RouteKingCoop
This kid finished as one of the top DOGs of the weekend because of his swagger and demeanor while playing both sides of the ball. He’s a Division I wide receiver product but his ability to line up at defensive back was impressive as well. Cooper is a pure athlete with good size as well and still has time to add weight to his frame. Came away really impressed with this kid and am sure his recruitment will continue growing.
Marshall Kenner Jr. | ATH | 2027 | Steele | @Beast24Mj
One of the younger DOGS on the list but certainly a top standout of this weekend was rising 2027 ATH Marshall Kenner. He was one of the first kids to catch my attention because of his vocal play in the middle of the defense and then transitioned to the offense where he displayed elite route running ability and good catch radius. Check the stats and film on this kid folks. He recorded 30 touchdowns last season as a freshman. Every college coach in the area needs this kid on your radar.
Brody Mahan | TE | 2025 | Honey Grove | @brodymahan
Man, this kid was a BEAST all weekend and simply unstoppable across the middle because of his sheer size in the 7v7 setting. Mahan is a 6-2, 230-pound athlete that can punish offensive linemen but also be a dominant college tight end prospect. He has to get offers rolling in with more eyes on his potential in the pass-and-run game.
Kensington Vidito | WR | 2025 | Klein Oak | @KC_Vidito
Viditio is a pure athlete who can get it down with blazing speed and sure hands in the slot position but has mainly been used as a lockdown defensive back. His high school program has to find a way to put the ball in his hands because of his big-play potential and overall ability to add an extra component to the offense. No doubt, he’s a DOG at the DB position no matter the size, and has displayed fluid feet and hips in coverage in two DR7 tournaments.
Jordan Grady | WR | 2026 | Harlan | @gradyy2026
Grady was a dominant outside burner and deep ball man who recorded multiple downfield receptions while displaying elite speed and talent to beat defenders at the line. The rising 2026 5-11, 170-pounder is one of my true sleeper prospects who had a productive tournament showing. He’s not all speed but showed off his impressive route running and good hands in traffic as well.
Case Messer | WR | 2026 | Highland Park | @CaseMesser32
This kid catches everything thrown his way! I’m not sure I witnessed him drop a pass this weekend. Messer is an underrated route runner with good hands to come up with contested catches. He even came down with some notable head-topping catches against talented defensive backs. Real good size for a rising sophomore at 6-3, 170 pounds with the potential to add more size to his frame.
Rising Stars:
Royal Capelle | WR | 2025 | Cibolo Steele | @CapellRoyal
Always a good weekend when I can evaluate one of the premier studs when traveling to different states. Capelle is a rising star and made an appearance this week playing with the 18U trophy winners: Defcon TX. He already has some impressive Division I offers heading into an important offseason period as his senior season approaches.
Next Up Risers:
Cash Clark | WR | 2027 | South Grand Prairie | @cee1xxx_
With a name like Cash Clark, you have to be money on the gridiron. Telling you now folks, this kid will be cashing in touchdowns for years to come. A true 2027 rising prospect that is under the radar but not for long. He put on a show this weekend in Dallas and has been added to our Next-Up radar list.
Sleeping Giant:
Luq Jacquemard | WR | 2026 | Carroll | @luc_jacquemard
I’ve watched this kid compete a few times now in DR7 tournaments and have been impressed with his overall upside at the receiver position. Jacquemard has sleeper speed, route-running ability, and sure hands that haven’t been noted enough. One of the slept-on productive 2026 prospects in the area that colleges should get eyes on.
