Written by: Drew Johnson (@RealNews102)
The DR7 DFW stop on the Road to the Crown circuit featured a loaded field of talent, and several athletes made sure their names would be remembered heading into the spring. From game-changing defensive backs to dynamic offensive playmakers, here are the standouts who left an impression over the weekend.
Defensive Playmakers
Thomas Cook Jr. | DB | 2026 | North Crowley | @Thomascookjr_7
Some defensive backs just have that natural gift for making plays—and Cook proved he’s one of them. With three interceptions in a single game, he showed elite ball-hawking ability, anticipation, and lockdown coverage traits. Cook plays with high energy, and that confidence translates into production on both the 7v7 circuit and under the Friday night lights.
Mikhail McCreary | ATH | 2027 | Johnson | @MikhailMccreary
McCreary is one of the fastest-rising names in Texas’ 2027 class. He’s got the length, physicality, and instincts to develop into an elite defensive back, but he also showcased his versatility by flashing offensive upside as well. His technique and ability to close in space stood out, and his early offers from Baylor, Texas Tech, Houston, and UTSA are just the beginning.
Dynamic Pass Catchers
Jeramie Cooper | TE/WR | 2027 | North Crowley | @Jeramie_D1
Good luck trying to stop Cooper in a one-on-one matchup. The 6-4 playmaker is already ranked as a top-120 national prospect in 2027, and his offer list—Tennessee, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and Nebraska, among others—reflects just how dominant he is. His blend of size, footwork, and elite hands made him nearly unguardable all weekend.
Jaivion Martin | TE | 2026 | Pflugerville | @JaivionMartin
Martin is a quarterback’s best friend—big, reliable, and always in the right spot. At 6-4, 245 pounds, he moves well for his size and uses his frame effectively in contested-catch situations. He consistently found soft spots in coverage and made tough grabs over the middle. His elite body control allows him to adjust mid-air, making him a true red-zone weapon.
Kade Smith | WR | 2028 | North Crowley | @KadeSmith24
Smith stole the show in the 15U championship game, earning MVP honors while proving why he’s already got six Division I offers as a freshman. His explosiveness off the line makes him tough to contain, and he showed reliable hands and the ability to rack up yards after the catch. Expect his recruitment to take off even further this offseason.
Camden Capehart | WR | 2026 | Winnsboro | @Camden123123
Speed kills, and Capehart has plenty of it. The Winnsboro standout clocked a ridiculous 10.08 in the 100 meters last spring, and that elite track speed makes him a serious deep threat. Mississippi State has him locked in for now, but a recruiting insider tells me UCLA and Florida State will push hard to flip him.
Kambrien Blackmon | WR | 2027 | Conway | @kamblackmon
Blackmon is a technician at receiver—quick off the line and smooth in his route-running. His explosiveness out of cuts makes him difficult to cover, and he consistently found ways to create separation. On top of that, he’s a legit vertical threat who can take the top off a defense. Expect him to be a sought-after receiver in his class and area.
Joshua Rushing | WR | 2026 | MacArthur | @JoshuaRushing15
Rushing showed why he’s one of Oklahoma’s premier 2026 playmakers. He has the size and athleticism to be a true outside receiver at the next level, and his ability to go up and win 50/50 balls makes him a major weapon. His recruitment is already heating up, and he backed it up with strong play for C4 this weekend.
Explosive Running Backs
Kenny Golston | RB | 2026 | Valliant | @GolstonKenny
The muscled-up 2026 prospect is gaining FBS interest as both a running back and linebacker, with Washington State, Oregon, and Missouri leading the charge. He looked solid throughout the weekend as one of the more fast rising recruits to attend this weekend. He’s got the blend of power and speed that translates well to both sides of the ball.
HD Davis | RB | 2026 | Wolfe City | @HDDavis5
Davis is still flying under the radar, but that won’t last long. He’s coming off a monster high school season—2,789 yards and 33 touchdowns—with just UTEP as the only school to take a chance with a verbal offer. He showed his explosiveness in space this weekend, making defenders miss while proving he can be a weapon in the passing game.
Best of the Rest
•Elijajuan Houston | DB | 2027 | North Crowley | @Fats_D1 – Strong coverage skills, showed ability to cover various routes.
•Haedyn Patterson | WR | 2029 | @deuce_patterson – Only a 2029 prospect, but already flashing elite potential at the WR position.
•Lukas Bryant | DB | 2026 | Liberty Christian | @d1ttayyy – Solid ball skills, physical in coverage.
