Written by: Drew Johnson (@RealNews102)
There’s no doubt that nobody has done it like DR7 when putting together a structured tournament and now combining the scouting service of The Platform has the organization unmatched. The DR7 national circuit allows scouts and coaches to get eyes on various kids early on from different areas. The mission and goal of The Platform is to #ExposeTheUnexposed and provide adequate coverage of athletes participating in DR7 tournaments and around the country. Let’s evaluate a few standouts from this weekend in Tampa, Florida.
Jesse Harden | WR | 2026 | Spoto | @Atr_UNO
Talk about an MVP type of performance this weekend. Harden was all over the field making plays with a long frame and crazy catch radius at around a 6-3 height. This kid is the Real Deal in the 2026 class. If he can put together a productive spring/summer period, I wouldn’t be surprised if his name rises on national radars.
Christian Sims | QB | 2025 | Lincoln | @SimsChristian15
College coaches on the edge about this kid have to actually get eyes on him in person. He has legit arm talent and mechanics to get it done at the next level. The developing accuracy and ball placement he has displayed this off-season has stamped him as a solid upside QB prospect in the North Florida area.
Alijuan Bleechington | ATH | 2025 | Lincoln | @ABleechington
Not sure how this kid is under the radar. He was easily one of the better 18U wideouts but when watching him move fluidly at the DB position was even more notable. I think Bleechington has the tools, and body frame to develop into a Power 4 defensive back. He has the athleticism and speed to make an impact on both sides. Will keep an eye on his recruitment as we navigate through the off-season.
Azuri Jackson | ATH | 2026 | ZHS | @ajdiesy
This is the second time now that Jackson has been a top standout on the DR7 circuit. In the first game I watched him compete this weekend, Jackson caught two eye-popping head-top catches in the corner of the endzone. He’s displayed great athleticism that he uses to boost his catch radius combined with his solid catching skills. Another 2026 riser that coaches need to get eyes on.
If there’s one QB prospect that has risen on my upside list from this weekend it’s Zack Paulk. The ball came off his hand smooth and natural as he zipped passes around the field with ease. The solid accuracy and footwork ability was what stamped him as a real deal solid QB in this type of setting. He displayed poise in tough situations and delivered strikes all weekend. He’s made a recent move to Bradford HS where he’ll have another year to show college coaches he’s an impactful prospect.
Austin Ho | WR | 2025 | Calvary Christian | @iamaustin1ho
Slick feet. Speed. Route running. These are things that pop up when watching this kid go to work. Each time I see him on the 7v7 circuit he continues to be one of the more tough to guard wide receivers. This kid is a stud in the slot position that can be productive for college coaches at the next level. He’s a versatile gadget piece that can move around the field and get open in space. Ho always goes to work and was one of my top WR standouts. He’s set up for another productive season heading into the spring period.
Darryon Williams | WR | 2026 | Gaither | @DarryonWilliam8
I came away really impressed with this kid and his overall potential to develop into a stud recruit. Williams has a compact build that he uses to create separation in his route running. It’s the slick movement and electric speed that causes problems for defensive backs. Solid weekend for Williams who I needed to get eyes on to stamp his name. Keep an eye on this kid who has two seasons to work on his bag and frame.
Demontia Hudson | ATH | 2026 | Pasco | @Demontia_1
Hudson has been a notable standout at various 7v7 tournaments this offseason. He’s been making plays on both sides of the ball and has proved to be one of the better under-the-radar 2026 prospects in the area. Hudson put on a show this weekend as he caught multiple down field bombs while making an impact on the defensive end. Watch out for Hudson to be a true riser and have a productive season for his high school.