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 New Orleans featuring some of the top talents in Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, 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.
Peyton Houston | QB | 2027 | Evangel Christian Academy
One of the top 2027 national QB prospects appeared on the DR7 circuit in his hometown state of Louisiana this weekend with the LA Bootleggers. This kid will be a premier recruit on the market in the next few years. He has everything you want in a young rising QB including advanced footwork and lower body mechanics, deadeye pinpoint accuracy in the pocket or moving around, and has that leadership aura needed to excel at the position. I’ve been impressed with each time he has performed in the 7v7 setting and expect for his overall game to continue developing.
Jabari Mack | WR | 2026 | Destrehan | @JabariMack7
A four-star product and one of the top WR prospects in Louisiana is in fact the Real Deal. This kid was instantly on my radar because of his sheer size but when watching him work through his routes and finish contested catches throughout the day was noteworthy. Mack was a top standout on Day One while showing off his catch radius, strong hands, and solid speed. He has plenty of Power 4 interest at the moment but watch the 2026 riser continue climbing to the top of the rankings.
Keylan Abrams | EDGE | 2025 | Desoto | @KeylanAbrams
It’s rare to evaluate elite edge rushers or outside linebackers on the 7v7 circuit but none of that matters when you are Keylan Abrams. This kid has all the tools in the box to be a big-time college prospect. He’s known for dominating the edge and causing problems for opposing QBs but Abrams showed off his strength in man coverage and the ability to drop back if needed at the next level. For me, that makes an all-great linebacker. One that contains the gaps and can be reliable in coverage. Abrams has a huge upside after earning a state championship with nationally known Desoto HS.
Aiden Hall | DB | DB | 2026 | Edna Karr | @Slime1of1_
I knew this kid was a baller when watching him read and react while standing in the middle of the defense where he took an INT on the goal line and made it look easy. When you combine that high DB IQ with his 6’1, 190-pound frame, you have an interesting college prospect that needs to be on coaches’ radar. He’s picking up traction on the recruiting trail with a few big-time Power 4 offers. Still has plenty of time to add to his frame and technique but Hall has been one of the top DBs I have scouted this year.
Shmar Akande | DB | 2026 | South Broward | @Shmar12385321
It’s just something different about Florida talent. Akande was in my first few noted standouts after watching him display his fluid hips and high DB IQ in game one for the Bootleggers. When I got a chance to see his speed and close-out agility on a Pick Six, I listed him as the Real Deal. It was only confirmed when learning he was far from his South Broward home but played comfortably and confidently in coverage throughout the day. Got to get my eyes on this kid for championship Sunday.