Ten players we're watching at OT7 Week 4
DALLAS -- OT7's fourth season of 7-on-7 competition returned to the Lone Star State earlier this spring, and we're gearing up for Week 4 of the competition -- the final weekend of action before the Golden Ticket Tournament next week and the OT7 Championships on June 26-29 in Florida.
This season, 18 teams have been competing over this four-weekend season. More on the OT7 Tournament here.
Advertisement
The field has featured several blue-chip recruits in the 2026, 2027, and even 2028 classes so far. Previous top performing prospects included USC-bound QB Jonas Williams, Texas WR commit Chris Stewart, and five-star CB Havon Finney Jr.
Here are 10 more players Rivals will be watching closely during Week 4 action at OT7:
FOUR-STAR QB LANDON DUCKWORTH, RWE
Landon Duckworth is one of six quarterback ranked inside the top 30 of the Rivals250 in the 2026 cycle. The four-star passer from Alabama possesses as much -- or more -- upside than anyone in this class. Duckworth is an efficient distributor with big-play ability attacking vertically and extending plays outside of the pocket. In this 7-on-7 setting, the elite QB will have an opportunity to showcase his processing and decision-making early and often.
FOUR-STAR ATH JOEY O'BRIEN, LEVEL82
Four-star Joey O'Brien has been tabbed as an ATH in the Rivals250 given the 6-foot-3, 180-pounder's ability to make plays at receiver and at defensive back in various settings. The four-star has found a home playing safety and is a prospect with size, range, length, and playmaking ability at the position. O'Brien's should see plenty of action against a stout group of pass-catchers this weekend.
FOUR-STAR WR VANCE SPAFFORD (GEORGIA COMMIT), CALIFORNIA POWER
Four-star Vance Spafford was absolutely electric in this setting this time last year -- and is very much in the conversation to be the No. 1 SLOT WR in the Rivals250 by the end of this recruiting cycle. The Georgia verbal from the West Coast will get an opportunity to line up against various NICKEL defenders. We're excited to see Spafford at work and how he directs coverages with so much star power around him on the Cali Power offense.
FIVE-STAR QB RYDER LYONS, COLD HEARTS
Ryder Lyons made his 7-on-7 debut Week 1 of the OT7 season. After two days of action, the five-star QB was well-acclimated to the speed of the game and found a rhythm. Lyons has a live arm and a talented cast of receivers around him. He wasn't shy about taking shots downfield -- and we anticipate seeing a different version of the touted passer this weekend.
FOUR-STAR TE MARK BOWMAN, CALIFORNIA POWER
Elite TE Mark Bowman is one of a handful of prospects to reclassify into the 2026 cycle. The top-30 recruit from California moves at a different speed at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds. He also should be a mismatch in the red zone. Bowman should draw the attention of several talented linebackers and safeties along the way.
FOUR-STAR WR JABARI MACK (LSU COMMIT)
Four-star WR Jabari Mack has been enjoying a stellar off-season so far -- shining in various settings, including Week 1 of the OT7 season last month. The speedy pass-catcher from The Boot is up to 200 pounds this spring -- and has continued to deliver big plays downfield and highlight catches each and every event this spring. Mack is one of the several elite WR committed to LSU in this cycle.
FOUR-STAR ATH SALESI MOA, COLD HEARTS
Four-star ATH Salesi Moa was superb in his last outing at OT7 in Week 1. The dynamic two-way player from Utah was one of Lyons' top receiving targets -- making deep catches downfield and also working underneath effectively. Moa was equally as good in coverage playing cornerback. Moa's father played in the NFL and a brother at Michigan State, and he has a skill-set to follow suit.
FOUR-STAR SAF JETT WASHINGTON, LO-PRO
Jett Washington is known for being the late great Kobe Bryant's nephew -- and he also has an established reputation as one of the top defensive backs at OT7 the past two seasons. The top-100 SAF has outstanding range and length patrolling the back end of the secondary and can fly to the football. Washington, unsurprisingly, is also a standout basketball player.
THREE-STAR WR JAMES SCOTT, TUCSON TURF
Touted 2026 WR James Scott out of the Lone Star State was one of top performers in OT7 Week 1. The big-framed pass-catcher was outstanding by the goal -- playing above the rim and consistently winning one-on-one matchups inside and also working on the perimeter. Scott was one of the biggest stock-up recruits at the position so far this spring -- and has programs like Houston, , TCU, Texas A&M, and USC in pursuit.
THREE-STAR SAF KENTAVION ANDERSON, RWE
We're ecstatic about our first live evaluation of touted 2026 SAF Kentavion Anderson. The South Carolina native constantly puts himself by the football. Anderson largely works in in the box and covers a ton of ground -- and his skill-set should translate well in this 7-on-7 setting. Anderson is set to make his college commitment on May 16.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
2 hours ago
- USA Today
USC's Caden Aoki, Abbrie Covarrubius, Jack Basseer named to all-Corvallis Regional team
USC's Caden Aoki, Abbrie Covarrubius, Jack Basseer named to all-Corvallis Regional team On Monday, USC baseball's season came to an end in the Corvallis Regional final. For the second consecutive game, the Trojans were blown out by Oregon State, this time falling 9-0 as the Beavers advanced to the Super Regionals next weekend. The trip to Corvallis did not go without any recognition for the Trojans, however. Three USC players were named to the All-Corvallis Regional team, senior pitcher Caden Aoki, sophomore infielder Abbrie Covarrubius, and junior outfielder Jack Basseer. Aoki shined in the Trojans' tournament opener against TCU, pitching an absolute gem. He threw 114 pitches over eight innings of work, allowing just one run on four hits. Covarribuius led the charge against Saint Mary's on Saturday, recording a three-hit performance. Against TCU on Friday, he also drove in two runs. Basseer had six hits across the Trojans' three tournament games. Like Covarribuius, he also had a two-RBI game against TCU. Head coach Andy Stankiewicz still has a lot of work to do in rebuilding the program. But as the all-regional team highlightedk the Trojans are starting to put a foundation of talent in place.
4 hours ago
NBA mock draft: Duke's Cooper Flagg closing in on completing journey to becoming No. 1 overall pick
There's little to no drama when it comes to predicting the No. 1 overall pick for this month's NBA draft. Cooper Flagg was earmarked for that spot before ever stepping foot on Duke's campus last fall. He did nothing to disappoint as a one-and-done college standout, guiding the Blue Devils to the Final Four while becoming only the fourth freshman to be named The Associated Press men's college basketball national player of the year. The other three? Texas' Kevin Durant in 2007, Kentucky's Anthony Davis in 2012 and Duke's Zion Williamson in 2019. Of that group, Davis and Williamson were No. 1 picks, while Durant was picked No. 2. Flagg, headlining the AP's NBA mock draft, will fit right in when the first round begins June 25. Fresh off trading away Luka Doncic, the Mavericks luck into a versatile 6-foot-8, 221-pound forward who can thrive as a scorer ( Atlantic Coast Conference freshman-record 42 points against Notre Dame) or playmaker (team-best 4.2 assists). His length and competitive edge can impact games defensively (team highs of 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks). And he has an all-around game more advanced than his age with room to develop as he turns 19 in December. The son of former NBA guard Ron Harper offers size at the point (6-5, 213 pounds) and averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists as a freshman. He could join NBA rookie of the year Stephon Castle in the backcourt for star Victor Wembanyama. Still, there's an awkward question of how a team with Harper and fellow one-and-done prospect Ace Bailey went just 15-17. The only benefit to injury-riddled seasons for stars Joel Embiid and Paul George was landing a high pick for a team that still has designs on contending in the Eastern Conference. The 6-4, 193-pound Edgecombe, who turns 20 in July, could help with two-way potential, rim-attacking athleticism and 3-point shooting. The 6-8 forward is a versatile athlete capable of stretching defenses (five January games with at least four made 3s) and tools to develop defensively. He averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds, though for a losing team despite featuring Bailey and Harper as the NBA-bound headliners. The Hornets already have 2023 No. 2 overall pick Brandon Miller as a wing forward, so this would bet on talent over position need. It's a simple selling point for the league's worst team: the 6-5, 190-pound freshman can score. He averaged 19.9 points to lead the Southeastern Conference while shooting 39.7% on 3s. He broke Durant's freshman Longhorns record when he scored 39 points against Arkansas in February. The Wizards need help in multiple areas after winning 18 games, and the 6-5 guard has shown an all-around floor game. He averaged 15 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists as a freshman, including one run of six straight 20-point games including against then-No. 1 Tennessee. The 6-3, 180-pound combo guard averaged 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists in his lone college season. Highlights included a four-point play to beat a ranked Michigan team, along with scoring 57 points in two SEC Tournament games. But he'll need to improve his outside shot (28.4% on 3s) and add bulk. With four first-rounders, the Nets could start retooling with the 6-7, 217-pound Knueppel as an efficient scorer who was named ACC Tournament MVP. Knueppel shot 40.6% on 3-pointers and ranked sixth in Division I by shooting 91.4% at the foul line. The freshman also had 10 games with at least four assists to show potential as a secondary playmaker for a Final Four team. The 7-1, 253-pound South Sudanese big man projects as a rim-protecting lob threat. Maluach had the combine's biggest wingspan (7-6 3/4) and showed stretches of capably defending guards on switches in his lone college season. He shot 71.2% largely on dunks and putbacks, so he'll need time to refine a raw offensive game. The son of former NBA guard Jason Richardson would offer longer-term benefits for a team that finished second in the Western Conference. Richardson is small (6-1, 178) for a combo guard, and he mentioned after a recent workout with Portland that he's working to prove he can play the point. Shooting 41.2% on 3s is enticing regardless. The sophomore has a strong frame (6-7, 240) that could allow him to work some on the wing and bang inside with a nearly 7-1 wingspan. He contributed as a capable scorer (16.8), rebounder (8.3) and defender (1.3 blocks, 1.5 steals). The 6-9, 248-pounder earned a spot in March Madness lore by banking in a buzzer-beating runner to beat Colorado State and reach the NCAA Sweet 16. The nimble move illustrated the still-developing upside for a skilled freshman who nearly averaged a double-double (16.5 points, 9.0 rebounds). The 6-9, 224-pound freshman who helped the Bulldogs return to the NCAAs for the first time in a decade offers versatile upside, though the 19-year-old will need time to get stronger and improve his shooting (29.2% on 3s). The lanky 6-9, 194-pound forward from France has been honing versatile skills in Germany and turns 19 in December. He has the ability to run the court and attack off the dribble, averaging 12.4 points and 5.3 rebounds in Germany this season. The 6-7, 215-pound freshman reserve shot 37.1% on 3s and showed defensive potential by averaging a block per game despite playing just 19 minutes a night. He had one of the top max vertical leaps at the combine (39.5 inches). The 6-9, 263-pound freshman offers a strudy interior presence with a 7-6 wingspan, proving capable of operating in the post or in traffic while also flashing face-up skills. The 19-year-old could help himself by developing his 3-point shot (6 of 37, 16.2%). The 6-8, 232-pound Fleming increased his output in three college seasons and brings a sturdy frame to the NBA. He averaged 14.7 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks, and has improved his 3-pointing from 31.3% through his first two college seasons to 39% last year. He also had one of the combine's biggest wingspans at better than 7-5. A top international prospect from Russia, the 19-year-old Demin spent a season at BYU as a playmaker with size (6-9, 199). That could allow teams to run offense through him as a strong passer who had 15 assists against two turnovers in 54 minutes of work during his last two NCAA Tournament games for a Sweet 16 team. After grabbing Knueppel at eighth, the Nets could further bolster their perimeter with the 6-6, 201-pound lefty from Israel. Saraf has proven adept as a scoring playmaker, averaging 12.8 points and 4.6 assists this season in Germany. The 6-7, 215-pound McNeeley jumped right in as a freshman starter for the two-time reigning NCAA champion Huskies and projects as a floor-stretching wing, including with 22 points in the NCAAs against eventual champion Florida and a 38-point showing against then-No. 24 Creighton. The 6-11, 252-pound junior thrived in moving from the Ivy League (Yale) to the Big Ten as a low-post presence, averaging 13.2 points and 9.7 rebounds while ranking among Division I leaders with 15 double-doubles. He also showed the ability to step outside (38 made 3s in 37 games). The 6-5, 175-pound guard from France is a scoring playmaker and has been regarded as a possible lottery prospect. The 19-year-old had previously drawn recruiting interest from programs like Duke, Alabama and Gonzaga before opting to remain in his home country last year. The freshman from Canada worked as a top reserve averaging 12.6 points. The 19-year-old Riley has potential as a scorer and passer with size (6-8) as he refines his game and develops physically (186 pounds). The 6-5, 202-pound Clifford took his time developing as a five-year player, though the 23-year-old is coming off a huge year (18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists). He also improved his outside shot, going from making 33.8% over three seasons at Colorado to 37.7% on higher volume in two years with the Rams. The 6-2, 199-pound combo guard was an AP first-team All-American and Final Four's most outstanding player in the Gators' national title run. That included monster tournament performances — notably the frantic comeback against Texas Tech in the Elite Eight and a career-best scoring effort against Auburn in the Final Four — that bode well for a gamer who repeatedly rose to the challenge. The 7-1, 253-pound center from China turns 20 the night of the draft's second round. He has intriguing size (9-3 standing reach, nearly 7-3 wingspan) to go with shooting touch and solid passing in a developing game. The 6-3, 202-pound senior was an every-game starter while missing just one game during the past three college seasons. His scoring and playmaking ability (19.2 points, 5.9 assists) made him a finalist for last year's Cousy Award presented to college's top point guard. The 6-5, 213-pound Coward has taken an interesting path. He started his career at Division III Willamette and spent two seasons at Eastern Washington, then played six games at Washington State due to injury and planned to transfer to Duke. But he stayed in the draft after testing well at the combine, including the best wingspan (7-2+) and standing reach (8-10) among guards, a 38.5-inch max vertical leap, and solid shooting-drill showings. Beringer, who turns 19 in November, projects as a mobile threat who can work in the pick-and-roll and as a lob threat. The French big man needs time to strengthen a lean 6-11, 230-pound frame. The 19-year-old with a 6-6, 205-pound frame has flashed shooting range and the ability to attack off the dribble. He earned MVP honors after helping the Under-18 Real Madrid team win last year's Euroleague Basketball Adidas Next Generation Tournament (ANGT) in Berlin. ___ Also considered (in alphabetical order): Ryan Kalkbrenner, center, Creighton; Noah Penda, forward, Le Mans Sarthe Basket (France); Drake Powell, guard/forward, North Carolina; Maxime Raynaud, center, Stanford. ___ ___
USA Today
6 hours ago
- USA Today
USC's Mark Carrier returns to College Football Hall of Fame ballot
USC's Mark Carrier returns to College Football Hall of Fame ballot USC football fans know that the Trojan version of Mark Carrier is separate from the other Mark Carrier. USC's Mark Carrier played in the secondary for the Trojans. The other Mark Carrier became an NFL receiver, coming out of Nicholls State. USC's version of Mark Carrier is once again on the College Football Hall of Fame ballot. We wrote this about the historically important Trojan: "Carrier owns an important place in USC football history. He helped coach Larry Smith make three straight Rose Bowls, returning the Trojans to an expected standard after the mediocrity of the Ted Tollner years and a general dry spell for much of the 1980s. "USC made the Rose Bowl only once in a seven-year span from 1980 through 1986. Carrier lifted the Trojans back to the Granddaddy on a regular basis, which is the kind of transformation the program seeks today under Lincoln Riley, having made the Rose Bowl only once since the 2008 season (2016 under Sam Darnold)." USC had a powerhouse defense in the late 1980s, with the 1988 team being one of the very best in college football. Mark Carrier was an important part of that team, making him one of the greatest Trojans ever. Maybe this will be the time when Carrier gets carried over the finish line and into the College Football Hall of Fame.
