The journey to greatness continued in DFW this weekend as The Road to the Crown made its latest stop on the DR7 7v7 tournament, showcasing some of the top young talent in the area. The competition was fierce, with standout performances from rising prospects in the 14U division, proving that the future of football is bright. The mission and goal of The Platform is to #ExposeTheUnexposed and provide adequate coverage of athletes around the country giving them exposure. As teams battled through Saturday’s pool play, several athletes emerged as ones to watch, making big plays and setting the stage for an electrifying Crown Sunday. Here’s a look at some of the top performers who stood out in DFW.
Kaiman Flowers | ATH | Class of 2029 |@flowers_kj10
Kaiman Flowers emerged as one of the more impressive players in the 14U division, combining elite athleticism with an imposing 6-foot-4 frame. He has elite quickness, solid hips, and sticky defensive instincts, Flowers consistently disrupted plays as a linebacker during pool play for Texas EPIC. Seeing him excel in a 7v7 setting only reinforces his versatility and potential. With a promising future ahead, he is poised to become a dominant force for the Longview Lobos on Friday nights in the coming years. Get to know him now—he’s a rising star you won’t want to miss.
Austin Hill | QB | Class of 2029 | @ProStyleQB17
QB Austin Hill emerged as one of the top passers in pool play within the 14U Division at DR7 DFW. With a quick release and an athletic posture in the pocket, Hill consistently made impressive plays on the roll out. His dynamic ability to extend plays and find open receivers not only highlighted his versatility but also established him as a crucial asset for Texas EPIC. His playmaking prowess will be key for the team as they look ahead to Crown Sunday.
Grayson Minshew | ATH | Class of 2029 | @GraysonMinshew
Grayson Minshew showcased his versatility during pool play, demonstrating the ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball. With strong hands and impressive quickness in space, he made a memorable play by bursting downfield to take a pass for a touchdown. His performance not only highlighted his explosive athleticism but also confirmed his status as a dynamic playmaker to watch.
Ja’Keilyn Barkins | ATH | Class of 2029
Ja’Keilyn Barkins was a standout performer for Texas EPIC 14U during pool play, showcasing an explosive and versatile skill set. He made an impact on both sides of the ball, displaying excellent ball skills and strong hands that turned challenging plays into highlights. His ability to consistently create opportunities for his team shows why Barkins is considered one of the bright spots for Texas EPIC.
Trevor Vitali | TE | Class of 2029 | Prestonwood Christian Academy
Trevor Vitali emerged as one of the primary offensive targets for 940 Elite 14U during pool play. With a big frame, extended reach, and great hands, Vitali proved to be a reliable playmaker on the field. His precise route running and innate understanding of how to get open allowed him to consistently find space against tight coverage. Vitali’s combination of physical prowess and football intelligence made him a standout contributor to his team’s offensive success during pool play.
Braylon Young | ATH | Class of 2029
Braylon Young emerged as one of the top players for MBK 14U during pool play, showcasing an explosive blend of athleticism and versatility. Quick off the ball with the speed to stretch the field deep, Young consistently made dynamic plays on both offense and defense. His strong hands and excellent ball skills were evident as he secured crucial receptions and even recorded a pick-six, highlighting his ability to change the momentum of a game. Young’s overall performance displays his status as an elite playmaker.
Anthony Garcia | QB | Class of 2030 | @Antmoney_01
Anthony Garcia was one of the top quarterbacks in the 14U division during pool play, putting together an impressive showing with his ability to make plays in the passing game. Armed with a strong arm, Garcia consistently delivered accurate throws across the entire route tree, showing great touch on the deep ball and the confidence to thread the needle in tight coverage windows. His performance was a key factor in his team’s success, and as a young player on the rise, he’s one to watch for the future.
Cason Lambert | QB | 940 Elite 7v7
Cason Lambert had a stellar day leading 940 Elite in the 14U division, guiding his team to a 3-1 record in pool play. The talented quarterback displayed a quick release and strong arm, with the ability to push the ball outside the numbers and deliver with precision. Lambert showed impressive touch on his deep ball and proved he could fit passes into tight coverage windows, making him a dangerous threat in the passing game. His performance will be crucial on Crown Sunday as 940 Elite looks to make a championship run.
Gauge Trossbach | ATH | Class of 2028 | @GaugeTrossbach
Trossbach has good quickness in space, he used that to his advantage to get open and this enabled him to make plays for Texas Epic during pool play on Saturday. Defensively he showed good instincts and his ability to change directions quickly enabled him to deflect several passes while playing in the defensive backfield. He showed that he has a versatile skill set to make plays on both sides of the ball.
