By Platform Scout : Nate Shivers @NathanielShive1
The Road To Crown Dallas showcased some top talent ready to make a mark and elevate their game. With big plays, stellar defense, and impressive throws from the quarterback position, these players demonstrated their readiness to step into the spotlight. Their display of sound fundamentals further solidified their potential to excel when it counts most. The mission and goal of The Platform is to #ExposeTheUnexposed and provide adequate coverage of athletes around the country giving them exposure. Here are a few standout players who showed they are primed to take that next step and make a name for themselves on the field.
Ben Self | 6’1″ 185 | Defensive Back | Eaton High School | 7v7: Wall Street | Class of 2025
Ben Self is a safety that doesn’t let receivers get behind him. There wasn’t a lot of traffic in his area often and he didn’t get tested too often in the games I watched at DR7. When it was time for him to step in and make a play, Ben won’t shy away from the big moment, seems the higher the stakes, the higher he performs! He has all the tools that elite defenders possess, he’s sticky in coverage, his footwork is clean and he has a nose for the football. This was on full display when he stepped in front of a receiver to grab an interception, taking it back to the house in a crucial moment in the game!
Carson Kirby | Quarterback | 5’11” 175 | 7v7: Sooner 7 | Bixby High School | Class of 2026
Kirby works well within the pocket when distributing the football, he goes through his progressions quickly, showing great field vision which enables him to find his receivers in stride and on time. Kirby’s ability to make throws outside of the pocket on the move was impressive. This allowed him to be consistent and his ability to be accurate was a key trait that stuck out in his game. Carson is well on his way to be one of the top passer in his class in the state of Oklahoma.
Jerrod Williams | Defensive Back | Heritage Hall High School | 7v7: Sooner 7 | Class of 2026
Jerrod Williams works well in off man coverage, which enables him to lockdown one side of the routinely. Williams has great patience with the ability to plant, cut and change directions quickly post throw getting to the catch point with great timing. On multiple occasions he was able to stick his hand in at the right moment to knock the ball away from the receiver. Jerrod has superb ball skills, a nose for the football and his natural instincts allow him to stay locked in on his opponents. Williams had a stellar weekend in Dallas and expect him to turn up the heat this offseason whenever he steps on the field.
Case Messer | Wide Receiver | 6’3 175 | Highland Park High School | 7v7 : True Buzz | Class of 2026
Case Messer’s combination of size and speed made him a big producer this weekend for True Buzz in Dallas, his catch radius makes him an easy red zone option for his quarterback and his big play ability was on full display all weekend! Messer utilizes his strength and basketball background to dominate in contested catch situations! He has strong hands, he track the ball well in flight and his ability to attack the football aggressively are tools in his box that make him a tough cover. Messer is just scratching the surface. Expect him to make some noise this fall over at Highland Park.
Cameron Pitts | Defensive Back| 5’10 175 | 7v7: Def Con Texas | Cibolo Steele High School | Class of 2026
Cameron Pitts is a remarkable athlete at the cornerback position, he has great ball skills, he is physical at the point of attack and he was a standout player on the Def Con Texas defense all weekend long in Dallas. Pitts had two interceptions to change the momentum, his clean footwork and his ability to stay in phase with receivers, altered their routes off of the line of scrimmage, enabling him to shut down drives on several occasions. Pitts has the skill set that elite defensive backs possess and his standout weekend in Dallas left no doubt that he is ready to take that next step to elevate is game and attract attention to his game on the recruiting trail.
