Written by: Drew Johnson (@RealNews102)
Crown Sunday at DR7 Road To The Crown at The Villages brought out the best in some of the top young talents from across the state and beyond. Whether it was highlight-reel catches, lockdown defense, or clutch performances, these athletes made a name for themselves on the 7v7 circuit. Here’s who stood out when the lights were brightest. Our mission at The Platform is to Expose the Unexposed.
Azuri Jackson | ATH | 2026 | Tampa Bay Tech | @ajdiesy
Jackson plays with a natural flair, and he delivered again this weekend. His combination of athleticism, body control, and elite ball skills allows him to rise above defenders and snag passes in traffic. He also showed off ball hawk skills with a few INTs, but the next step is proving it with the pads on. If he can replicate this production on Friday nights, expect his recruitment to explode.
Kaneilius Purdy | ATH | 2027 | Lake Wales | @KaneiliusPurdy
Purdy’s playmaking ability is undeniable. His speed, instincts, and versatility allow him to impact the game on both sides of the ball. He’s already one of Polk County’s brightest young stars, and with major offers rolling in, his name will only get bigger on the national stage. As more eyes turn to him, expect his stock to skyrocket.
Drew Follett | TE | 2027 | Bishop Moore | @DrewFollett2027
At 6-4, 230 pounds, Follett is already built like a Division I tight end, but his skill set is what truly makes him special. His route running is crisp, his hands are sure, and he made difficult grabs look routine all weekend. Add in his blocking ability, and he’s shaping up to be one of the more complete tight ends in Florida’s 2027 class.
Damari Green | DB | 2025 | Lakewood | @14Damarigreen
Green let his game do the talking, and it spoke volumes. The Team Tampa DB locked up receivers all weekend, playing with discipline, smooth footwork, and a relentless motor. His efforts earned him Defensive MVP honors as he helped lead his team to the 18U championship. He’s already picked up a few offers, but the senior should be on the way as coaches dive into his film this offseason.
Michael Vernon Jr | WR | 2027 | Jesuit | @MichaelVernon0
Vernon made the catch of the weekend—a one-handed, mid-air snag in the end zone that had everyone talking. Beyond the highlight, his ability to separate, his natural burst, and his field awareness made him one of the most electric young receivers in the tournament. With added weight and continued development, he’s going to be a serious problem for defenders in the coming years.
Demontia Hudson | ATH | 2026 | Wiregrass Ranch | @Demontia_1
Hudson’s breakout is happening in real-time. He made plays on both offense and defense, proving why his name is buzzing in recruiting circles. Expect him to be one of the hidden gem risers in the 2026 class heading into spring ball.
Curtis Dewberry III | ATH | 2026 | Lake Brantley | @C4Dew
When the game was on the line, Dewberry was the one making plays. Not once, but twice, he came up with game-sealing interceptions, proving his ball-hawking skills and high football IQ. Gridiron Elite is known for its offensive firepower, but Dewberry’s defensive presence was just as vital in their run. He was one of the top DBs at DR7 Orlando.
Austin Ho | WR | 2025 | Calvary Christian | @iamaustin1ho
Ho is the type of receiver that just gives defenders headaches. His footwork, speed, and precision in route running make him incredibly difficult to guard in space. Whether he was working underneath or stretching the field, he made himself a reliable target throughout the weekend. A true slot weapon, Ho has the tools to be an impact player at the next level.
Jordan Jackson | DB | 2026 | Winter Park | @JordanJacksonj9
Jackson looked like a prototype defensive back this weekend. At 6-2, 178 pounds, he already has the size, and his ability to flip his hips and stay in phase with receivers showed why he was recently rated a three-star prospect. He’s just scratching the surface, and with a strong offseason, his stock will only rise further.
Noah Flores | ATH | 2027 | MCC | @nflores_671
Flores is one of those hidden gems that 7v7 helps bring to light. He has the athleticism, physical tools, and versatility to be a difference-maker, and his performance this weekend put more people on notice. As he continues to fill out his frame, expect him to emerge as a name to know in the 2027 class.
David Coleman | DB | 2027 | Sanford | @DavidLColemanJ2
Coleman is a rising star in the secondary. Already standing at 6-foot, 170 pounds, he has the speed and physicality to lock down receivers. His ball-tracking ability is advanced for his age, and his ability to read the quarterback makes him a playmaker on the back end. A strong spring could push him firmly onto the radar of college scouts.
Corey Simms | RB | 2026 | Mitchell | @CoreySimms18
Simms is already known for his production on Friday nights, but his 7v7 performance showed another side of his game. His ability to be a receiving threat out of the backfield makes him even more dangerous. If he continues to polish his all-around game, there’s no doubt he’ll find himself on a Division I roster.
JoJo Howard | WR | 2027 | Auburndale | @jokerwondr
Howard is one of the more underrated prospects in Polk County, but that won’t last for long. He’s a pure route runner with smooth separation skills, and with the right QB this season, his production should take off. He’s been consistent across multiple events, proving he’s a name to keep an eye on.
London Green | WR | 2026 | Lennard | @londondgreen12
Green is a problem for defenders. His quickness, polished routes, and ability to separate make him a nightmare in coverage. He’s already shown he can compete at a high level, and with his frame filling out and his athleticism continuing to develop, he’s on track to be one of the top receivers in his class.
Neal Sajare | LB | 2028 | @Nealsajere0101
Sajare made the trip down from Georgia with Nxt Gen Academy and made sure people took notice. He already has the build and instincts to be a future star at linebacker, but he also flashed in coverage, including a highlight-reel interception. For a 2028 prospect, his upside is undeniable.
Best of the Rest:
•Terrance Dixon | WR | 2026 | Lake Mary – Explosive athlete who had a solid weekend with Gridiron Elite.
•Ja’Mario Bradford | DB | 2026 | Osceola – Underrated DB with great instincts.
•Devin Coleman | WR | 2028 | East River – One of the most impressive underclassman receivers.
•Tre Punter | WR | 2026 | Tohopekaliga – A vertical threat who can take the top off defenses.
•Zeke Louis | DB | 2028 | North Forsyth – Made a strong impression with Nxt Gen Academy.
•Tristan Gunn | ATH | 2027 | Winter Park – Rising name in Central Florida with a bright future.