Day one of the DR7 Road to the Crown Houston 7v7 tournament featured several standout defensive prospects, showcasing top recruits and rising stars. From elite cornerbacks with great ball skills to safeties with impressive range, these players made their presence known. The mission and goal of The Platform is to #ExposeTheUnexposed and provide adequate coverage of athletes around the country giving them exposure. As the event continues, expect more attention on these defenders.
Ezekiel Alkire | Class of 2026 | Pearland HS | STE 7v7 | @StrengthofGodEZ
Alkire made a big impact on day one in the 18U division for STE at the DR7 Road to the Crown Woodlands, showcasing his defensive skill set. With great range, excellent vision, and the speed to cover ground, Alkire was all over the field. He came up with a huge pick-six, further proving his playmaking ability.
Coming off a strong junior season at Pearland, where he recorded 80 tackles and two interceptions, Alkire was voted 1st Team All-District. His instincts and athleticism make him a defensive standout, and his performance at DR7 only reinforced why he’s a name to watch.
Braylon Watts | Class of 2027 | Iowa Colony HS | STE 7v7 | @Braylonnnnn2
Watts put his defensive skill set on full display for STE on day one at the DR7 Road to the Crown Woodlands. The 6-foot-3, 175-pound defensive back has a long, lean frame, smooth footwork, and strong ball skills, making him a tough matchup for opposing quarterbacks.
Watts made a key play in the secondary, breaking on the ball for an interception that shifted momentum for his team. His combination of size, athleticism, and instincts makes him a playmaker defensively.
Trason Richardson | Class of 2026 | Fort Bend Crawford | SOS Select 7v7 | @TrasonRichards2
Richardson has the skill set of an elite defender, combining size, speed, and technical soundness to excel in coverage. Standing at 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, Richardson uses his length to his advantage, making him a tough matchup for receivers. He’s productive on the field, as shown by his solid junior season where he recorded 55 tackles and 6 pass breakups.
Richardson’s impressive combination of athleticism and technique has earned him offers from UTEP and Bethune-Cookman.
Jaiden McLemore | Class of 2026 | Fort Bend Crawford | SOS Select 7v7 | @itzthajway_2
McLemore is a sticky defender who stood out for SOS Select at the DR7 Road to the Crown Woodlands, showcasing his strong defensive skills. With excellent footwork and the ability to move fluidly in space, McLemore was tough to shake off for receivers. His quickness and awareness allowed him to break on the ball in flight, leading to several pass breakups. McLemore’s ability to stay tight in coverage and disrupt passing plays made him a standout defender during pool play.
Ladarion Howard | Class of 2027 | Katy | Shotime 7v7 | @LadarionHoward5
Howard is a gifted athlete with the traits of an elite cover cornerback. His ball skills are exceptional, allowing him to track and make plays on the ball, especially as it’s in flight. Howard’s oily hips, great arm length, and ability to close quickly on the ball make him a difficult defender to beat.
He plays with controlled aggression, ensuring he stays within himself while being physical when needed. As a natural cover corner, Howard’s technique stands out—his clean footwork and technical soundness allow him to mirror receivers and stay in tight coverage. He’s a highly skilled corner who excels in both man and zone schemes.
Jaiden Fields | Class of 2027 | Hutto HS | Juice 7v7 | @JaidenFields10
Fields is a standout safety with natural ball skills and excellent field vision. At 6-foot-1, 180 pounds, his stout build and speed allow him to patrol the back end of the defense, covering ground with ease and making plays on the ball. Fields’ ability to read the field and react quickly makes him a dangerous presence in the secondary.
His skill set, combined with his athleticism, has caught the attention of college coaches, and he currently holds offers from SMU, Houston, and Tulsa. Fields is the type of player who can impact a game with his coverage skills, tackling ability, and overall awareness.
Rodney Thomas II | Class of 2026 | Episcopal HS | STE 7v7 | @DeuceThomas44
Thomas II is an elite cornerback prospect with a long, lean frame and the skill set to dominate at the position. A sticky defender, Thomas II has great hips and uses his length effectively to stay tight in coverage. His superb ball skills allows him to make plays on the ball, and his ability to close on passes with speed makes him a constant threat in the secondary.
Thomas II recently picked up an offer from LSU, adding to a list that already includes Boston College, San Diego State, and Texas Tech. His combination of athleticism, technique, and instincts makes him a standout player and one to watch closely in the coming years.
