Written By: Coach Buckets (@PreWarWesley)
Day one of DR7 Oklahoma City set the stage for an intense battle on the road to the championship, with standout athletes making their mark early in the tournament. From dominant offensive playmakers to lockdown defenders, several players delivered high-level performances, showcasing their skill, athleticism, and ability to rise to the occasion. As teams fought for positioning heading into bracket play, these athletes separated themselves with game-changing plays and consistent excellence. The mission and goal of The Platform is to #ExposeTheUnexposed and provide adequate coverage of athletes around the country giving them exposure. Here’s a look at some of the top performers who shined on the opening day of competition.
Denton Townsend | Class of 2028 | WR/DB | 7v7: The Unit 918
Townsend put together an outstanding performance on day one of DR7 Oklahoma City, making plays all over the field as both a wide receiver and cornerback. On offense, his precise route running set him apart—using an excellent drop step off the line of scrimmage to gain immediate momentum, allowing him to create separation early in his routes. His technique on breaks, with bent knees and sharp cuts, consistently gave him an extra step on defenders, making him nearly unguardable. Against zone coverage, Townsend displayed high football IQ by identifying switch points, settling into open spaces, and making defenders miss after the catch. His impact was undeniable, finishing Game 1 with three touchdowns on five catches, adding two more catches in Game 2, and closing out the day with two more touchdowns on three catches in Game 3.
Defensively, Townsend was just as impressive, playing sticky coverage that forced quarterbacks to look elsewhere. When targeted, he used disciplined hand placement and a textbook rip technique to break up passes and shut down opposing receivers. His ability to dominate on both sides of the ball makes him a rising star in the 2028 class, and with performances like this, expect his recruitment to heat up in a big way. Townsend is a name to watch as he continues his climb up the rankings.
Cole Slepecki | Class of 2026 | Quarterback | 7v7: GC7 | Twitter: @Cole_Slepecki
Cole has been one of the most dominant quarterbacks on the circuit, making defenses second-guess their approach every time he steps on the field. His throwing motion is near flawless, generating some of the most powerful and precise passes of the tournament. The ball jumps out of his hand with elite velocity, tight spin, and pinpoint accuracy—delivered like a dart thanks to his strong mechanics, which incorporate excellent hip and torso rotation.
What separates Cole even further is his ability to process the game at a high level. His field vision allows him to anticipate openings, making the game appear slower as he remains poised and in total control. While other quarterbacks may rush throws under pressure, Cole moves through his progressions with confidence, staying relaxed and delivering the ball with perfect timing and placement.
Coming from Bentonville High School, a proven quarterback and offensive powerhouse in Arkansas, Cole is on track to be heavily recruited. His performance in Oklahoma City only further solidifies his reputation as one of the top 2026 quarterbacks to watch.
Laykon Brassfield | Class of 2028 | Quarterback |7v7: Okie TakeOver | Twitter: @LaykonBrass10
Brassfield is proving to be well ahead of his peers, displaying quarterback mechanics and football IQ that set him apart from other players at this stage of his career. His footwork is exceptional—staying light on the balls of his feet with a controlled, choppy drop that keeps his hips and torso fluid, allowing for unrestricted shoulder rotation and a powerful, efficient throw. His high ball carriage at chest level ensures a quick release, preventing defenders from reacting in time to make a play on the ball.
Brassfield’s anticipation is what truly makes him special. He doesn’t wait for receivers to get open—he already knows where they will be in their break and delivers a perfectly timed pass to maximize separation. His ability to read defenses, process the game quickly, and fire pinpoint throws before defenders can adjust is rare for a quarterback in the 2028 class.
With his advanced mechanics, elite accuracy, and high-level field awareness, Brassfield is on track to receive serious attention from SEC and Big Ten programs in the coming years. His natural ability and refined technique make him one of the most promising young quarterbacks on the circuit.
