At Nexus Park in Columbus, IN, 7v7 teams from across the Midwest gathered to compete in the Elite 7evens tournament. 

During pool play in the 18U division, it was clear that the talent gap was much smaller compared to the younger divisions, however by the end of the tournament four names stood above the rest: Dohnavin Ward, Wyatt Pleck, Luke Pennington and Judeah Kniskern. 

Wyatt Fleck, WR, 2026

The Huntley High School (IL) transfer, Fleck impressed all weekend with his tall and lengthy frame. 

Although he may lack some size when it comes to weight and strength, he more than makes up for it with his athletic ability and sure hands when leaping for the ball. 

Fleck continually found the open space for his quarterbacks and even ended up playing some solid defense when needed. 

Fleck has the size and ball skills for the next level and will be a prospect worth monitoring as he prepares for his junior football season. 

Luke Pennington, QB, 2025

Quarterback of the 12-1 Sayre Spartans in Lexington, KY, Pennington impressed with his skills during tournament play. 

Coming off a 50 touchdown, zero interception junior season, Pennington plays with a confidence that is not often found in high school quarterbacks. 

With a tight spiral and strong arm, Pennington impressed most with a perfect thrown fade ball time and time again. 

An elite 11 regional participant, he possesses what is needed to throw the pigskin at a FBS level. 

Judeah Kniskern, WR/DB, 2026

One of the more under-the-radar guys at the entire event, Kniskern comes from West De Pere high school in Wisconsin. 

Kniskern and his squad showed the most persistence of any team this weekend, playing with just one sub and requiring most players like Kniskern to play every single snap of the weekend. 

Despite this Kniskern showed off his quick twitch and ability to get open on the offensive side of the ball. Winning multiple jump balls, including a few game winners, Kniskern showed no signs of fatigue despite the heavy workload. 

Dohnavin Ward, QB, 2025

A local Pike high school product, the first thing that catches your attention with Ward is not anything on the field — but his energetic and happy-going expressions he shares with his teammates on the sideline. 

However — once he steps on the field one thing is certain —- this kid has a cannon. Seen by his three 70 yard passes in limited reps this past season, Ward showed off his strong arm down the field all weekend long. 

A calm and composed presence during his drop back, Ward was most lethal when throwing a deep wheel route down the opposite sideline that took the top off the defense time and time again. 

Ward showed off his ability to throw on the run, continuing to roll cross body to his left before finding his crossing receivers down the field. 

All in all, Ward has the skillset to play somewhere worth mentioning at the next level, it just all comes down to getting a full year of 6A football under his belt first.