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 New Orleans featuring some of the top talents in Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and Florida. The DR7 national circuit allows 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.
When utilized correctly, 7v7 allows young men to build chemistry with their peers, and get comfortable performing in a competitive environment. It also allows coaches and former players to provide the right guidance and information for kids to succeed. This article will feature rising prospects on the KREAM ELITE 18U National 7v7 Team.
Cortland Brownfield | QB | 2025 | Woodlawn | @cortlandb1
Always a good weekend when evaluating some of the top talent in various states. DR7 stopped in New Orleans, Louisiana where I was introduced to one of the premier QB prospects in Cortland Brownfield. The rising junior leads KREAM ELITE’s National 18U Team and is listed as the 3rd ranked Dual Threat QB prospect on the QB Hit List. The son of 3x Grambling State national champ Corey Brownfield, this kid has risen to the top of his class but continues to be slept on. Standing at 6-1, 185 pounds, he was able to display his good footwork and lower body mechanics, a natural throwing release, and solid accuracy on downfield throws this past weekend. His natural ability to go through his reads and developed fluid movement in the pocket will help the production during the coming fall season. Brownfield is locked in for an important offseason that will help generate even more interest around his recruitment during the 7v7 and camp season.
Ryan Brown | WR | 2025 | Woodlawn | @GlitchBrown
There weren’t many slot wide receivers this past weekend in Louisiana who had the on-point connection with his QB and ability to always seem open like this kid Ryan Brown. He was dominant when leaking out to the open field where he could display his sticky glue hands and electric speed. No matter the size, this kid was a true DOG who played both sides of the ball for his squad this weekend. Don’t sleep on his route-running talent and ability to get open downfield for some big-time TD receptions. He was one of the better wideouts that I evaluated on championship Sunday. College coaches looking for legitimate speed and a reliable/versatile offensive piece need to get eyes on Brown this camp season.
Dylan Shelmire | LB | 2026 | Zachary | @shelmire23
One of the premier rising 2026 linebacker prospects in the state made an appearance this weekend at DR7. This kid is a pure athlete who already possesses a college-ready frame at 6-0, 205 pounds with plenty of time to add weight and muscle to his overall frame. Shelmire plays with 4x state champ Zachary HS who featured talented senior linebackers this past fall but Shelmire will have his chance to make his impact this coming season. Shelmire was a solid backer presence this weekend with KREAM ELITE 7v7. Crucial period for the young man to work on his technique and eyes to be dominant at the position. With more in-game experience/film and proper exposure, this kid could rise to the top.
Brenton Paul | RB | 2026 | Denham Springs | @BrentonPaul27
Another premier 2026 RB prospect made an appearance playing with KREAM 7v7 this past weekend in New Orleans, Louisiana. Paul is listed 5-9, 182 pounds and has displayed his ability to be a versatile shifty runner who can be a solid receiving back as well. Paul plays with a talented Denham Springs team during the fall and should have an even bigger role for the offense this season. This kid has track burner speed and is starting to put it all together when it comes to understanding the program’s system. I enjoy scouting running backs or wide receivers that remind me of DOGS in my home state and Paul has the tools and upside potential to be the Real Deal.
Dontrell Waldon | ATH | 2025 | Scotlandville | @ybb_trell
Talk about being a pure athlete, Waldon can play all over the field as he possesses a solid frame and overall talent for the sport. He’s recently played the quarterback position for his high school but when it comes to 7v7 and camp period you may see him lined up at wideout or the defensive back position. That may be his path to the next level when evaluating his frame and skillsets. Waldon is a physical prospect at 5-10, 180-pounds who has time to add to his body to become more available on the recruiting scene.
Broderick Peters | WR | 2026 | Hammond | @3Bpeters
College coaches looking for a young 2026 6-3, 209-pound versatile athlete that can line up on the outside or tight end position and potentially rush the edge, get in touch with this kid Broderick Peters who is still raw but has time to work on his overall game. I was impressed with his sheer size but it’s evident he has solid hands and smooth feet to create separation. One of the more underrated kids in the state that needs to get more exposure during the offseason period. Once he puts it together, this kid has it all to play at the next level.
