By: Nick Gradney (National Scout) @StatZ_G
29′ WR Demarcus Ware Jr will be one of the highest recruited players in Texas once his class rankings come out – I’m calling it now! He is the son of pro football hall of famer and Super Bowl Champion Demarcus Ware. This young phenom already has the size and frame of an established high school athlete. He’s a really good, diverse route runner, very fluid and has the speed and ability to line up anywhere. Demarcus can switch gears and flip the field at any time. His hands are superb and rarely catches with his body. This kid has no wasted movements. Ware Jr says he’ll likely be taking his talents to perennial Texas powerhouse Southlake Carroll for the next four years. This is a baller to keep an eye on.
29′ RB Carmelo Bradford (@ca53501) had a great showing during pool play at DR7 – Fort Worth, TX. Bradford aka “Cinco” is an incredible athlete who can jump out the building and turn 50/50 balls to his advantage. He’s primarily a running back, but his ability to stretch the field will add a dynamic element to his team’s offense. Bradford made big time catches, specifically in traffic, which impressed the crowd. Carmelo is definitely a young player to have on your radar. He will attend North Crowley in the fall.
29′ RB Jordan Cooper (@texascoop_d1) is a big running back in the 2029 class with huge upside. Cooper can catch out of the backfield and take it the distance. He owned the short and intermediate area on Saturday. Jordan has great vision and is a downhill runner that will make defenders think twice before trying to bring him down. He has adequate speed to create separation and make things easier for his quarterback. In the fall 2025 season, he’ll be attending North Crowley.
26′ EDGE Donovan Ughanze (@Dee_yvng_G) is a very intriguing prospect. He immediately passes the eye test as soon as you see him. Standing 6’4 and weighing 215 pounds, this young man is a specimen with the measurables to be a Division I athlete. Ughanze is an elite run stopper and his quick first step off the line makes him a viable option as a pass rusher. This young man is an athlete – I watched him cover receivers in 7v7 and he was a force in the middle of the field, disrupting anything underneath. Donovan is a twitchy athlete and he is an explosive player in space. He’s a state champion for the nationally ranked North Crowley Panthers and looks to have a breakout senior campaign. Recruiters, trust your eyes.
26′ DB Joshua Lunnon (@Lunnon1Joshua) has all the tools necessary to play at the next level. Lunnon is a tall, athletic defensive back with really good instincts. Lunnon can cover outside, the slot and drop back in a zone as a safety. His coverage skills has no limitations. He’s fluid in the hips and he doesn’t get caught looking in the backfield. The more impressive thing about Joshua is that he is a willing tackler, which seems optional nowadays for a lot of players in the secondary. This kid reminds me of NFL draft prospect Jahdae Barron, style wise due to his versatility. Lunnon goes to Panther Creek high school in the Frisco area. He’s starting to gain traction with his recruitment so it could be a matter of time before his name really takes off.
26′ QB Landon Gigliotta (@landonqb8) is a gunslinger, to say the least. The ball jumps out of his hands and it is consistently a good looking, tight spiral. Gigliotta has really great mechanics and it’s hard not to notice how great of a throwing motion he has. Landon scans the field effectively, he places the ball to where only his guy can get it and he can fit throws into congested windows. He makes great reads and protects the football, which is always a plus for a young signal caller. In his junior season at Fort Worth Christian, he had 2,310 passing yards and 25 passing touchdowns. This kid is also a threat with his legs, averaging almost 8 yards per carry. He already has an offer from Miami (OH) and has some interests from Dartmouth and Stephen F. Austin. Rising 2026 quarterback Landon Gigliotta is a name to watch out for.
26′ SAF Damarion Ross (@ballhawkpoo) is basically what his @ name on X says – a BALL HAWK! Ross is very active safety in the secondary. He’s technically sound and is a football magnet. This young standout has the ability to read the eyes of a quarterback, break on the ball and jump the receivers route. Ross has really good game speed and he looks the part as well. However, the most impressive part to his game was his communication. Ross was bred to be a leader on the field and any college recruiter who gives him an opportunity will have an immediate impact player on their hands. Expect a huge senior season from this kid in 2025.
29′ QB Reid Ellis may have been the most dominant quarterback in DR7 – Fort Worth, TX. Ellis showed off his arm in a major way and his upside is massive. This young star in the making has so much zip on his passes without forcing anything. He’s extremely accurate and can make any throw, simple or tough. He just makes it look easy. From the waist down, he’s sound in his mechanics and you can tell his training/coaching is paying off. He gives guys a chance every time he drops back. As a young athlete, he showed tremendous poise in the pocket. Reid is only in the 8th grade, so he’s just scratching the surface. Be on the lookout for this rising signal caller for years to come.
