Development 7v7 Top Performers

Apex, NC – The inaugural Development 7v7 Invitational wrapped up yesterday, spotlighting some of the top young football talent from across the region.   In the 15U division, Fighting Cancer emerged as champions, while Quality claimed the title in the highly competitive 18U division.   The majority of participating athletes hailed from eastern North Carolina, with many under-the-radar prospects making a name for themselves. The tournament served as a showcase for rising stars — a true display of the region's untapped potential.   MVP - QB [player_tooltip player_id='1111451' first='Christian' last='Smith'] c/o 28 SE Raleigh    [player_tooltip player_id='1111451' first='Christian' last='Smith'] Dominates at Development 7v7 Invitational   [player_tooltip player_id='1111451' first='Christian' last='Smith'], a rising sophomore quarterback from Southeast Raleigh High School, was named the top overall performer at the Development 7v7 Invitational — and for good reason.   Smith began his day by leading Fighting Cancer to the 15U championship, demonstrating maturity, leadership, and pinpoint accuracy throughout the tournament. His ability to command the offense and make smart decisions set the tone early.   Later in the day, Smith was called upon once again — this time for Team Quality, who had just lost their starting quarterback due to an unfortunate situation. Without missing a beat, Smith stepped in and took over at QB. He remained calm, collected, and in control, consistently taking what the defense gave him and making the right reads under pressure.   From start to finish, Smith's performance was nothing short of outstanding. Whether it was leading his team to a championship or stepping up in a critical moment for another squad, he proved he's already one of the most poised and talented quarterbacks in his class. Right now, he's playing some of the best football of any quarterback his age.    #2 - DB Tristan Rogers c/o 27 Rolesville    Tristan Rogers Poised for Breakout Season   Tristan Rogers, a talented defensive back and safety, made his presence felt last season playing for both the Rolesville JV and Varsity squads. But heading into next year, expect Rogers to make an even bigger impact.   With solid size and elite natural ability, Rogers stands out in the secondary. He's known for his exceptional route recognition, allowing him to anticipate plays before they unfold. Whether it's locking down receivers or making plays on the ball, he consistently shows up in the right place at the right time.   A true playmaker on defense, Rogers has all the tools to be a difference-maker at the varsity level this season. Keep an eye on him — his breakout is coming.    #3 - DB Cam Bullock c/o 28 SE Raleigh    Cam Bullock | WR | Southeast Raleigh | Class of 2028   Small Frame. Big Game.   Cam Bullock is the definition of a clutch performer. The go-to receiver for Southeast Raleigh, Cam consistently delivered when it mattered most—converting critical first downs, securing extra points, and accounting for the majority of his team's touchdowns. Despite his smaller frame, his playmaking ability, toughness, and football IQ made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Cam doesn't just show up—he shows out when the lights are brightest.   Keep your eyes on Cam Bullock — he's a name you'll be hearing a lot more of soon.    #4 - DB [player_tooltip player_id='1730595' first='Cameron' last='Hargraves'] c/o 28 Hillside    [player_tooltip player_id='1730595' first='Cameron' last='Hargraves']: Bull City's Next Star in the Secondary   [player_tooltip player_id='1730595' first='Cameron' last='Hargraves'] is a rising star out of Durham's Hillside High School, and he's quickly making a name for himself in the Bull City.   A Class of 2027 prospect, Hargraves already possesses the size, skill set, and instincts of a high-level defensive back well beyond his years. Whether it's locking down receivers in man coverage or making plays on the ball in zone, his presence in the secondary is impossible to ignore.   Now entering his junior year, Hargraves should be firmly on the radar as one of the top defensive backs in his class. With his combination of physical tools and football IQ, he's only just getting started.   If he's not on your watch list yet — he should be.    #5 - ATH Tzion Stone c/o 28 Knightdale    Tzion Stone: Knightdale's Dynamic Playmaker   Tzion Stone is a talented two-way athlete for Knightdale High School, and he's a threat to score from anywhere on the field.   With elite vision and playmaking ability, Stone has a natural knack for finding holes in the defense — perhaps thanks to his high-level performance on the defensive side of the ball as well. That two-way perspective gives him an edge that few players possess.   During tournament play, Stone emerged as the go-to receiver, consistently making big plays when it mattered most. As the fall season approaches, expect him to be a key contributor and a name to watch for Knightdale.   Stone is electric with the ball in his hands — and his breakout moment might just be around the corner.    ***18u on athletes   #1 - QB Damacio Cueto c/o 2027 Leesville Road    Damacio Cueto: The Field General at Leesville Road   Damacio Cueto, quarterback for Leesville Road High School, plays the position like a true point guard on the field — controlling the tempo, distributing the ball, and making everyone around him better.   He may not be the biggest guy out there, but Cueto is easily one of the smartest and most impactful players on the field. His decision-making, vision, and ability to extend plays keep his team consistently in scoring position and in the game.   Cueto's leadership and football IQ make him a true difference-maker at quarterback — someone who elevates the offense every time he steps under center.    #2 - ATH Jayden Hill c/o 2025 Lee County    ayden Hill: Elite Athlete with Power 4 Potential   Jayden Hill, wide receiver out of Lee County High School, was arguably the most impressive athlete over the weekend — and it wasn't even close.   A superb, elite-level talent, Hill made acrobatic catches look routine, showcasing body control, explosiveness, and strong hands that separate him from the pack. While he also saw time at safety, his upside at wide receiver is undeniable.   With continued development and the right opportunities, Hill has the tools to be a Power 4-caliber WR. His athleticism, versatility, and playmaking ability make him one of the most exciting prospects in his class.   Remember the name — Jayden Hill is on the rise.    #3 - ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1390471' first='Tyrice' last='Davis'] c/o 2025 Marion High School    Ty Davis: Big-Time Playmaker from Marion   Ty Davis, a Class of 2025 ATH from Marion, looked every bit the part of a big-time player over the weekend — and he backed it up with his performance.   Davis was a consistent difference-maker, coming up with several key catches to keep drives alive. He found the end zone four times in his first two games, showing his ability to dominate early and often.   With his size, strong hands, and ability to win contested catches, Davis is a major red zone threat and a matchup nightmare for defenders. His stock is on the rise, and he's quickly becoming a name to watch in the 2025 class.    # 4- DB Jaihyon Elliot c/o 2026 EE Smith    Jaihyon Elliot: Defensive Leader Ready for a Big Senior Year   Jaihyon Elliot was a bright spot on defense for E.E. Smith High School last season — and all signs point to him building on that momentum heading into his senior year.   A fast, physical athlete with elite playmaking ability, Elliot continues to prove he belongs among the top defensive talents in the area. He showed out at this past weekend's tournament, recording multiple pass breakups and a key interception, showcasing his instincts and ball skills.   With his combination of size, speed, and football IQ, Elliot has all the tools to play at the next level — he just needs the opportunity. Coaches looking for a smart, tough, and versatile defender should have their eyes on this rising senior.    #5 - DB [player_tooltip player_id='1513723' first='Yuri' last='Richardson'] c/o 2026 Lake View High School    [player_tooltip player_id='1513723' first='Yuri' last='Richardson']: Lockdown Corner with Elite Speed   [player_tooltip player_id='1513723' first='Yuri' last='Richardson'], a super athlete from Lake View High School, put on a clinic at cornerback during the tournament — and made it clear he's a name to know.   Primarily playing on the outside, Richardson didn't allow a single catch — let alone a score — throughout the entire tournament. Whether it was locking down short routes or tracking deep balls, he consistently shut down his side of the field.   On deep passes especially, Richardson's elite speed was on full display, allowing him to recover, close gaps, and make plays that most DBs can't.   With his combination of athleticism, instincts, and pure speed, Richardson has all the traits of a true lockdown corner — and his stock is only going up.

Apex, NC – The inaugural Development 7v7 Invitational wrapped up yesterday, spotlighting some of the top young football talent from across the region.