By National Scout: Coach Buckets @PreWarWesley
With the nation’s top high‑school talent converging for the DR7 The Crown National Championships, the 18U division delivered an outstanding showcase of future college stars. From pinpoint quarterbacks to lockdown defenders and explosive playmakers, these athletes rose above elite competition to lead their teams to victory. Here are the standouts that scouts, coaches, and The Platform need to know.
Ben Milliken (2026 QB | @b_milliken2026 | Sarasota Christian HS – GAIN Sports 7v7)
Milliken operated with veteran savvy all weekend, dissecting coverages pre‑snap and getting the ball out faster than defenders could react. At 6’2”, 190 lbs. (and room to add on bulk), his deep‑ball touch was surgical, fitting darts “in the bucket” on nearly every throw. He finished with 12 touchdown passes, and boasts visits to Florida, Furman, and South Florida (camping at each), with more offers expected from a litany of FCS and AAC programs. A pro‑style QB with “it” between the ears and the arm to back it up.
Gavin Wittmer (2026 WR | @gavinwittmer2 | Oasis HS – GAIN Sports 7v7)
A true deep‑threat specialist, Wittmer consistently burned defenders with top‑end speed and an advanced mid‑route technique to create separation. At 6’3”, 190 lbs. with plenty of growth ahead, he hauled in more long‑ball catches than anyone in the division. Programs seeking a polished deep‑route runner need to get in on Wittmer now, his frame and technique project instantly at the next level.
Hunter Schaller (2026 DB/LB | @huntercs15 | Forest HS – 352 Reapers 7v7)
Schaller was a defensive force, combining press‑man physicality with zone coverage IQ to lock down any target in his area. He pulverized receivers off the line, then sat back to patrol his zone, finishing the weekend with 4 interceptions, 1 pick‑six, and 7 PBUs. A true throwback defender who mixes toughness, instincts, and athleticism.
Trent Richburg (2027 TE | @D1trent17 | Forest HS – 352 Reapers 7v7)
Richburg flashed the prototypical TE build and explosion, bulldozing DBs off their feet to win contested catches. His strong hands and ability to box out defenders made him a consistent red‑zone threat. Already holding an offer from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, he’s drawing interest from UCF, Georgia State, Yale, and other FCS powerhouses. Bring him to camp, and you’ll add his name to your board.
Brysen Wright (2028 WR | @bfye904 | Mandarin HS – Apex Elite 7v7)
Fresh off an OT7 Week 2 MVP nod, Wright dominated again, snagging contested balls in double‑ and triple‑coverage like they were routine. At 6-foot-2 and still growing, he’s already amassed 20+ Power‑5 offers (Oregon, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Miami, and more). Watch for his recruitment to skyrocket even higher as he continues to outshine DBs on the national circuit.
Rhys Brush (2026 QB | @RhysBrush | Armwood HS – Team Tampa 7v7)
The South Florida commit backed up his Elite 11 Tampa camp hype with pinpoint accuracy all weekend. Brush’s powerful arm produced no over‑ or under‑throws, dropping deep balls in the bucket and threading needles on short‑to‑intermediate routes. One of the most mechanically sound QBs at The Crown, he’s an absolute can’t‑miss quarterback prospect.
Kaneilius Purdy (2027 ATH | @KaneiliusPurdy | Lake Wales HS – Certified Dawg 7v7)
FSU’s next DB‑U star? Purdy didn’t allow a single catch all weekend, shadowing receivers with elite speed and fluid hip rotation. At 6’0”, 190 lbs., with time left to add muscle, he locked down every route he faced. Seminoles fans should be thrilled. Purdy is on track to continue FSU’s tradition of shutdown corners.
Deontay “DJ” Hicks (2026 ATH | @DJ_Hicks26 | Lake Dallas HS – Certified Dawg 7v7)
Hicks was the YAC king of the tournament. Using quick feet off the snap and a violent jab step, he created separation on any route, then turned short catches into long gains with between‑the‑tackles power. A compact body build , allows him to fit the mold of an elite backfield runner, he finishes runs like a RB and catches passes like a receiver. He is an ideal weapon for any offense.
