Written by: Drew Johnson (@RealNews102)
There’s no doubt that nobody has done it like DR7 when putting together a structured tournament and now combining the credible scouting service of The Platform has the organization unmatched. The Road to the Crown has been on fire with successful tournaments to start the year, this time with a stop in The Woodlands, TX featuring some of the top talents in the state and surrounding areas. 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.
Jack Daulton | QB | 2026 | The Woodlands | @JackDaulton10
This kid is truly slept-on but I’m telling you now that his natural throwing talent and potential upside to produce at the next level will be notable real soon. My second time watching Daulton compete on the DR7 circuit while leading a top successful 7v7 program in The Woodlands. This kid just simply gets it done with smart/quick decision-making and pinpoint accuracy. Has been a top QB standout since the offseason and should continue to rise.
Braden Baker | QB | 2027 | Cypress Ranch | @BradenBaker_10
What a weekend for Baker playing with Tha Money $quad this weekend on the DR7 circuit. This kid had to be one of the taller QB prospects at the tournament standing at a legit 6-4, 175-pounds with good footwork mechanics and notable arm talent. Baker has continued his dominant offseason performances where he can show off the obvious frame but his ability to be deadly with the ball in his hands. Book it, Baker will rise to the top of the 2027 QB class with more eyes on his game during camp and spring periods.
Max Gerlich | QB | 2025 | Anderson | @max_gerlich
Gerlich made an appearance this weekend with Elite House which has been a premier program competing on the DR7 circuit. This kid was slinging the ball around this weekend while showing off his college-ready frame and solid footwork mechanics moving in the pocket. Big-time offseason heading into the spring period where he can generate some legit college interest.
JoJo Stewart | QB | 2025 | Shadow Creek | @JosephStewartJ2
One of the premier 2025 QBs who is fresh off a productive junior season under center has been dominant in back-to-back DR7 tournaments I’ve had the chance to scout him. This kid has elite natural arm talent that he uses to whip the ball around to complete downfield passes and tough throws on the route tree. I’ve been impressed with his ability to lead while showing off his accuracy and good ball placement. His time is coming and he has another season to put it all together.
Parker Stephenson | QB | 2027 | The Woodlands | @_parkersteph
Another stout QB prospect in The Woodlands area who seems to be on the right track for the next few years under center. Stephenson has plenty of time to grow on his frame and overall mechanics. He had a really solid weekend leading his team and made some guys look good with his ball placement and accuracy.
Grant Smith | QB | 2026 | Conroe Grand Oaks | @grantsmithtexas
A true riser in the 2026 class has dominated this offseason competing with the Texas Nightrydas 7v7 program. Natural arm strength as the ball zips out his hand because of his developing mechanics and lower body usage at 6-3, 206 pounds. One to keep an eye on in the state to continue impressing heading into the spring.
Gabriel Couisnard | QB | 2028 | @GGcousy
This kid had a solid day where I watched him throw a few dots in two games. Has decent QB mechanics and puts the ball where it needs to be. He’s continuing to develop at the position and has been a standout multiple times now competing on the DR7 circuit.
Nolan Mitchell | QB | 2027 | @nolanmitchellqb
Mitchell got it done with a boot on foot this weekend but that didn’t hold him back from showing off his arm talent and solid footwork despite being limited. Kid has played baseball for the majority of his time in sports but has transitioned over to the gridiron where he can use those throwing traits in his own game.
Prospects to Watch:
Chuck Smith | QB | 2026 | Highland Park | @ChuckSmith_8
Mason Norman | QB | 2026 | Santa Fe | @Masonnnnn9
Kameron Jenkins | QB | 2027 | @KameronJ08
Carter Jack | QB | 2028 | @CarterJack_30
This young man stood out because of his accuracy and ball placement. Impressed with the 2028 riser who could develop into a lethal dual threat at the varsity level.
Kameron Hubbard | QB | 2027 | Westfield | @KameronHubbard4
Corbin Smejkal | QB | 2028 | @Corbin_Smejkal
Another young gunner playing with the well-known All-En 7v7 program. This kid has earned the respect of founder Justin Allen because of his arm talent and potential upside to progress.
