Long before social media highlights, nationwide rankings, and year-round football exposure became the norm, Baron Flenory Jr. saw the future.

What started in Texas in 2006 as a way for athletes to sharpen their skills during the offseason eventually evolved into one of the most influential movements in modern high school football — competitive 7-on-7.

Today, Pylon 7-on-7 Football has become one of the premier offseason football circuits in America, helping produce thousands of Division I athletes and hundreds of NFL players. From quarterbacks and wide receivers to defensive backs, the fast-paced passing format has transformed how skill-position players train, compete, and get recruited.

But before the national championships, sponsored events, social media coverage, and packed tournaments across the country, there was simply an idea: create a platform where athletes could develop, compete, and gain exposure without the physical wear and tear of full-contact football. That idea changed youth football forever.

Under Baron Flenory’s leadership, Pylon became one of the first organizations to build a true nationwide 7-on-7 structure, featuring regional qualifiers, elite camps, scouting partnerships, and national championship events that attracted some of the top high school talent in the country.

Over the years, countless future stars have competed in Pylon events before eventually reaching college football and the NFL. The organization has helped create a pipeline that many coaches, trainers, and athletes now view as essential in today’s recruiting landscape. At the same time, the rise of 7-on-7 football has also sparked debate throughout the football community.

Supporters believe the format improves quarterback development, route-running, defensive coverage skills, football IQ, and exposure opportunities for athletes who may otherwise go unnoticed. Critics, however, argue that the growth of 7-on-7 culture has shifted too much focus toward skill positions while reducing emphasis on physicality, offensive line development, and traditional team football.

Regardless of where people stand in the debate, one thing is undeniable: the game has changed. Much of that evolution traces back to Baron Flenory and the rise of Pylon. As 7-on-7 football continues expanding nationally and globally, its influence on recruiting, branding, training, and youth sports culture only continues to grow.

I caught up with Baron Flenory Jr. for a Q&A session to talk about the rise of pylon, 7-on-7, and how Baron helped change High school football.

 

When you first created competitive 7-on-7 football, did you ever imagine it would become this big nationally?

To be honest, I actually did. Twenty years ago, I felt there were major inefficiencies in how talent was being evaluated. Kids were being judged on measurable drills that many high school athletes didn’t have access to training for. The first time we ran a 7-on-7 event, the energy was electric. You could feel it. There was something different about it. From that moment, I believed it had the potential to become much bigger than anyone imagined.

You’d be surprised at the number of people that told me it would not work. But they weren’t there watching then four star quarterback, Steven Shimko throw a bomb to Dejaun Miller, a five star Oklahoma recruit and the entire camp erupted. Had they seen that they might’ve been believers from the onset.

 

What was the original vision behind creating Pylon?

It started because I lost scholarship opportunities due to not running a great 40-yard dash. That experience put a chip on my shoulder. I felt there had to be a better way to evaluate HS football players than a handful of testing numbers. The original vision behind Pylon was simple: disrupt the status quo and create a platform where players could be evaluated based on what really matters—their ability to play football.

 

Why do you think 7-on-7 became so important in modern recruiting?

From a recruiting standpoint, skill position players today are more developed because of 7-on-7. I recently spoke with an NFL scout who said he could often tell which players had played 7-on-7 because their skill level was noticeably higher. Even, former Steelers coach, Mike Tomlin set it at a draft a few years ago. Beyond development, many 7-on-7 coaches have built strong relationships with college programs and do a great job advocating for their athletes. It’s similar to elite basketball circuits like EYBL, where trusted coaches become a natural pipeline to college recruiters.

 

What separates successful athletes in the 7-on-7 world from athletes who only rely on talent?

It’s the work. Whether it’s 7-on-7 or any other sport, the separator is always preparation. The weight room. Nutrition. Recovery. Film study. Today’s athletes have access to more resources and information than ever before. The difference isn’t access—it’s application. You can quickly see who takes their development seriously and who doesn’t. Talent may get attention, but work ethic determines how far you go.

 

Some critics say 7-on-7 has changed football culture too much. What’s your response to that?

I’d actually say they’re right—it has changed football culture. The question is whether change is good or bad. Some people prefer things the way they were, and that’s okay. I tend to focus on what things are and what they can become. That’s how innovation happens. Like anything else, 7-on-7 has positives and negatives, but overall it’s been a tremendous platform for player development and exposure. Most of the coaches involved take it very seriously and genuinely care about helping kids improve.

 

How much has social media changed youth football and athlete exposure?

Social media completely changed the game when it comes to exposure. Highlights alone won’t earn a scholarship—coaches still need to watch Friday night film—but social media creates awareness. Athletes can instantly share highlights, visits, workouts, offers, and accomplishments. It gives coaches a reason to turn on the tape and learn more about a player. In many ways, social media has become the front door to the recruiting process.

 

What do you believe parents misunderstand most about recruiting today?

I think many parents underestimate the importance of getting their child into different competitive environments. Seeing athletes from across the country provides perspective. It shows where your son or daughter truly stands and what level of work is required to reach their goals.

Another common misunderstanding is fit. Recruiting isn’t just about how good a player is. Every college program has specific physical and athletic profiles they’re looking for at each position. Parents should study the rosters of schools their child is interested in. Look at the height, weight, and athletic traits of players currently on the roster. If I were a quarterback today, that’s one of the first things I would do. Understanding fit can save families a lot of time and frustration.

 

What qualities do college coaches consistently look for beyond athletic ability?

Body language tells you a lot about an athlete. Coaches pay attention to how players carry themselves during warmups, how they respond to mistakes, and how hard they compete. Do they bounce back quickly after a bad play? Do they continue to play with energy? Are they constantly around the football?

Even if you’re not making every play, coaches notice effort. If you’re on defense and you’re showing up in every frame because you’re flying to the ball, people take notice. Effort is hard to hide.

 

Looking back, what moment made you realize Pylon had truly become a national movement?

I was sitting at the top of the stands during Pylon Nationals at AT&T Stadium. I rarely stop and appreciate the moment because there’s always more work to do. But that day, I watched thousands of athletes and families from across the country moving through the event, and everything was operating without me having to direct every detail.

That’s when it hit me.

Another moment happens more often than people would think. I’ll be in an airport or at a basketball tournament and see someone wearing a Pylon hoodie or shirt. Most of the time they have no idea who I am. They’re not supporting me—they’re supporting the brand. That’s when you know something has become bigger than yourself.

 

What advice would you give young athletes chasing college scholarships today?

The first thing I’d say is keep your grades up. It sounds obvious, but it’s one of the most underrated parts of recruiting. Sit in the front of the class. Build relationships with your teachers. Ask questions. Seek extra help when you need it. Those habits show maturity, and they open doors.

Good grades dramatically expand your opportunities. Not everyone is going to play in the NFL or attend a Power Four school, but strong academics can give you access to schools like Ivy League institutions, Rice, Vanderbilt, and many others that some athletes simply can’t get into.

I’d also tell athletes not to get caught up in the idea that they have to start at a major program. With today’s transfer portal, sometimes the smartest path is to begin at a smaller school, play immediately, develop, and then transfer. I’d rather be a productive player with value than sit on the bench at a bigger school and enter the portal with no film and no leverage.