Defenders Shine at DR7 Tournament in Houston

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Houston-area talent was on full display over the weekend at the DR7 Tournament in Houston, as several standouts made their presence felt. With big plays, lockdown defense, and even some contributions on offense, these athletes showed why their stock continues to rise this offseason. From highlight-reel moments to dominant performances, they proved they belong among the top names to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1629265"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bc9421ceb8a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Thomas has a versatile skill set that enables him to play pass defense with great athleticism and he has the ability to be a run stuffer defensively when in pads. He can rush the pass from all angles with great speed and quickness. Seeing him a 7v7 setting moving fluidly defending the pass shows why he is one of the fastest rising recruits in the 2026 class. Just last week he picked up offers from Texas, Michigan. Notre Dame and Wisconsin.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1196401"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bc9421cebe7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Richardson is an elite defender who has great length and size at the cornerback position that enables him to play the passing lanes aggressively. He plays with violent hands at the point of attack, that allows him to redirect receivers at the snap and his extended reach enables him to get his hands on the football to shut down passing windows. Richardson had a solid junior season racking up 55 tackles and 6 PBUs. He should see his recruitment rise heading into his senior season. He has offers from UTEP and Bethune-Cookman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1219574"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bc9421cec2f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Alkire has great awareness, he has excellent ball skills and he tracks the ball well in flight. He has excellent vision, he sees the field well and this enables him to cover ground on the backend to shut down passing lanes. Seeing him recently in a 7v7 tournament, he displayed the traits of a top notch safety. Last fall he has an outstanding year, registering 80 tackles and 2 interceptions. He is a sure tackler who lays the wood and plays fast. Get him on your radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1247961"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bc94c98d84e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A four-star defensive lineman, Vickerson displays his quickness, agility, and dominance in the trenches. Over the weekend, he showcased his tight end skills in 7v7, making tough catches with strong hands and using his physicality to body defenders. Vickerson holds offers from Wisconsin, SMU, TCU, Ole Miss, and Michigan State and continues to prove his versatility.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->