Eye-catchers from Battle Miami 7v7
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The off-season is underway and talented blue-chip recruits from across the country competed at Battle Miami this weekend in one of the biggest 7-on-7 tournaments of the season.
Several of the nation’s top skill-position prospects at receiver, cornerback, safety and athletes were on hand along with a handful of talented quarterbacks, linebackers and tight ends.
Here is the latest recruiting buzz coming out of Battle Miami.
Here are On3’s eye-catchers from the star-studded event from On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons and National Recruiting Analyst Sam Spiegelman.
Five-Star Plus+ WR Dakorien Moore
Five-Star Plus+ WR Dakorien Moore came up with a handful of outstanding catches, including the grab of the day on Saturday coming down with a jump-ball in a crowd full of defenders jockeying for the rock. Moore was even more productive on Sunday with several big plays on both sides of the ball, including big grabs downfield and underneath that he turned into large chunks, as well as a few breakups lining up at DB. Moore’s elite hands were on full display. He also showcased his vertical speed to get downfield and also took advantage by the goal line as well. The LSU commit is a crafty route-runner and gets open seamlessly, and has a compelling case as the top ball-winner in the 2025 cycle.
Five-star S DJ Pickett
Long, rangy five-star S DJ Pickett was a standout playmaker on both sides of the ball. The 6-foot-3, 170-pounder was sharp in coverage and moves well operating outside at cornerback. He cut off several routes underneath and closes quickly on the ball. He’s long and feisty jamming receivers at the line. Pickett also made the most of his snaps on offense with a handful of impressive grabs in the end zone and overall athletic traits.
Four-star WR Cortez Mills
Cortez Mills pushed double-digit touchdowns this weekend and was a consistent force. He flashes strong hands, the ability to catch the ball in traffic and that burst to get separation. He is set to visit Georgia next weekend and schools like Clemson, Florida State, LSU, Miami and Nebraska are on his radar. —Simmons
Four-star TE Linkon Cure
Six-foot-4, 215-pound Linkon Cure was a mismatch working in the middle of the field and outside the numbers. The four-star TE has excellent hands and made several receptions in traffic and consistently found holes in the end zone. Cure has a massive catch radius and the athleticism to match as a jumbo-sized receiver who can give fits to opposing defenses and moves well after the catch. Kansas State is trending on the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine for the in-state blue-chipper.
Four-star CB Trey McNutt
Trey McNutt was a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the ball. Rarely tested in coverage, the On3 Industry Ranking top-30 prospect was sound in coverage and flew to the ball on throws underneath. McNutt was also used as a receiver on offense and was equally as dynamic with the rock in his hands and hitting a new stride after the catch. He moves well on offense and defense with game-breaking ability. Ohio State is a team buzzing with the legacy CB, who collected a Miami offer over the weekend.
Four-star QB Kee’lon Russell
SMU-committed On300 QB Kee’lon Russell was dealing during this weekend’s tournament. In his first action since capturing a second state championship at Duncanville (Texas) High, Russell was hitting receivers in stride and in a rhythm for much of the afternoon. He has great field vision and anticipates his throws very well. The SMU commit has a quick release and also slides well in the pocket. He also creates different arm angles to deliver strikes at different levels of the field.
Four-star QB Faizon Brandon (2026)
2026 four-star QB Faizon Brandon was outstanding throwing to all levels of the field during pool play on Saturday. The 6-foot-3, 185-pounder throws with anticipation and gets the ball out on time and accurately. Brandon also delivered a handful of fantastic off-platform passes and throws on the move to an array of different playmakers on offense. Brandon visited Duke and North Carolina this month and heads to Knoxville to check out the Vols next weekend.
Four-star WR Derek Meadows
Four-star WR Derek Meadows’ was limited on Day 2 after pulling up with a hamstring injury early in the day, but he still put points on the board 10 times. On Day 1, he showed that size and won one-on-one matchups with seven total touchdowns. He added three on Day 2 and he created a buzz throughout the event. Notre Dame is a school trending for Meadows and Michigan State is another high on his list. He is in no rush to make a decision.–Simmons
Three-star QB Tramell Jones
Tramell Jones was throwing darts. He is known for his arm strength and it was on display in this event. Whether he was set in the pocket or throwing on the move, the Florida State commit showed he could make short, intermediate and deep throws with accuracy. He made some nice back-shoulder throws as well. —Simmons
Four-star CB Dijon Lee
Four-star CB Dijon Lee not so quietly went about his business this weekend. Rarely tested, the 6-foot-3, 180-pound long corner worked inside in the slot and was physical at the point of attack and dynamic changing direction and fluid in coverage. Lee turns and runs very well for a corner with his size. He was very impactful and showcased his position versatility as well. USC is the heavy favorite on the RPM for the elite West Coast CB.
Three-star QB Luke Nickel
Luke Nickel was one of the most consistent quarterbacks at this event. His timing stood out and he delivered nice ball after nice ball from different platform. His game has contributed to trend upward over the last six months and the Miami commit was hot all weekend. –Simmons
Four-star CB Cortez Thomas
Four-star Mississippi CB Cortez Thomas was on his game this weekend for the Louisiana Bootleggers. The 6-foot-2, 180 pound corner was lights out in coverage working on the outside during Saturday pool play, then made a handful of plays early on during the team’s run on Sunday. Thomas has size and consistently finds the rock. He heads to Ole Miss for a visit on Saturday. The Rebels have dialed up the heat up on Thomas since his junior season ended.
Four-star WR Vernell Brown
Four-star Florida WR Vernell Brown III was arguably the top two-way player of this event. He picked off one pass on Saturday and two on Sunday on limited time on defense. On offense, he scored five touchdowns. His speed, ball skills and his athleticism were all on display. Brown has yet to narrow his list down. Oregon offered recently and that has his attention. Florida, Florida State and Miami are strong players in this race. Alabama and Ohio State are two more out of state schools Brown has mentioned. —Simmons
WR Nikko Boncore
2025 Peoria (Ariz.) Centennial WR Nikko Boncore burst onto the prep scene in Arizona last season and that momentum has translated quickly into the off-season. Boncore (6-foot, 175 pounds) made several contested catches in the middle of the field and along the perimeter. Boncore showed off his superb hands and body control, as well as the ability to quickly get open and make plays in tight windows seamlessly.
Four-star RB James Simon
Rarely can a 5-foot-11, 205-pound future SEC tailback run routes on the perimeter and also create separation over defensive back and also make tough, contested catches in the middle of the field. Simon did both and is as gifted as a pass-catcher and he is running between the tackles. Simon was at Texas earlier this month and will visit Texas A&M this upcoming weekend.
Four-star WR Winston Watkins Jr.
Four-star WR Winston Watkins was a go-to guy for Nickels. The former Colorado commit moved the chains, scored touchdowns and made two-point plays. Whatever Cam Newton’s team needed, Watkins made the play. He was tough to cover and showed consistent hands. — Simmons
Four-star ATH Keisean Henderson (2026)
2026 four-star do-it-all ATH Keisean Henderson flashed the full arsenal during Sunday’s portion of the tournament for DefCon Texas. Henderson, who plays quarterback for his high school, shined back deep at safety roaming in coverage as well as at receiver. Henderson is a big target (6-foot-3, 180 pounds) with outstanding hands and a fantastic catch radius. He was dynamic in tough matchups winning balls on Sunday.
Three-star WR Ja’Kayden Ferguson
Three-star Texas 2025 WR Ja’Kayden Ferguson was among the biggest playmakers over the course of the weekend’s tournament. Ferguson, who has size at 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds, and also speed, was superb creating separation and big plays for Trillion Boys. Ferguson also showed off his ability to win on jump-balls with ease and strong hands. He can beat you with speed deep as well as in space. Ferguson visits Kentucky on Wednesday.
Three-star WR Jalen Cooper
Three-star 2025 WR Jalen Cooper was extremely productive, per usual, for DefCon Texas. Cooper is extremely quick out of his breaks and is a crafty route-runner who consistently gets open. Cooper is also a big target with speed to win easily downfield and tracks the ball at a high clip with fantastic body control. Houston, Nebraska and Baylor are all in the mix with Cooper, who visited Texas as well.
Four-star CB Bralan Womack (2026)
Talented four-star 2026 CB Bralan Womack operated at safety in this tournament was covering a ton of ground on the back end of the defense. Womack has excellent range back deep and great ball skills. He helped defend several deep-ball attempts and also flew in on throws underneath. Mississippi State, Georgia, LSU, Ole Miss, Ohio State and Texas all covet Womack.
2027 WR Braylon Calais
2027 Cecilia (La.) WR Braylon Calais made arguably the catch of the tournament on Sunday as the 6-foot-2, 185-pound freshman from The Boot out-jumped a host of defensive backs and came down with a highlight grab that shook all those in attendance. Calais was productive over the course of the weekend. He’s very sure-handed and has outstanding hands to make tough catches in traffic.