Last weekend, I decided to witness the college experience at the Texas high school football level. In Friday’s game, I covered some Classification 5A Division I action featuring No. 1 Denton Ryan versus No. 2 College Station at Baylor’s McLane Stadium. On Saturday, I covered the state’s top-ranked team in the 6A Classification in Westlake as they battled Vandegrift at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
Playoffs Round 4:
Denton Ryan
- Austin Jordan: The 2022 four-star defensive back committed to the Longhorns in July and has produced for Ryan on both sides of the ball this season. Against College Station, Jordan made the highlight catch of the night on a sliding touchdown grab which cut College Station’s lead to 20-14 in the third quarter. In addition to his deep touchdown reception, Jordan also made another solid diving grab earlier in the game. However, Jordan’s prowess comes on the defensive side of the ball where he was able to come away with a nice pass breakup and lock down his side of the field. While the Longhorns are still looking to add Denver Harris, there are already a couple of very intriguing pledges in the secondary of Texas’s 2022 recruiting class, including Jordan.
- Anthony Hill Jr.: In my opinion, Jordan’s teammate, 2023 five-star linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., has proven to be the best player on the defensive side of the ball in the state’s 2023 recruiting class. Hill, standing in at 6’2″ and 225 pounds, has a decent mixture of size, speed and power which makes him easily stand out from the crowd. On defense, Hill had 11 tackles, two of which came for a loss, and a forced fumble. Additionally, Hill provided a spark for the Raiders on offense with 62 yards and a rushing touchdown. Following next week’s early signing day, much of the focus for the Longhorns will shift to the transfer portal and the 2023 recruiting class. As a result, expect to hear more about Hill and his standing with Texas in the coming months.
College Station
- Marquise Collins: The junior three-star running back was the driving force for the Cougars on offense, finding a way to rush for 228 yards and 3 touchdowns against one of the best defenses in the state. While Collins is listed at just 5’9″ and 180 pounds, he has been one of the most productive running backs in the state, rushing for 2,395 yards and 34 touchdowns this season. Recently, Collins has picked up offers from schools such as Baylor and Utah as he continues to lead College Station on the road to a state title.
- Houston Thomas: Thomas has great size for a tight end, standing in at 6’4″, and uses his frame well when trying to make contested catches. On Friday, the senior three-star tight end hauled in two catches for 45 yards against Ryan in College Station’s 26-21 playoff victory. As of today, Thomas has earned 17 scholarship offers from schools such as Kansas and UTSA.
Westlake:
- Connor Robertson & TJ Shanahan: Robertson, the 6’4″ and 296 pound Texas pledge, continues to feast on the opposition during his senior season, helping Westlake to cruise so far throughout the playoffs. This season, Robertson has been starting at left guard for the Chaparrals. In addition to Robertson, junior four-star offensive lineman TJ Shanahan has been another contributor on the best offensive line in the state of Texas. After transferring from Timber Creek High School in Florida to Westlake, Shanahan has been starting for the Chaparrals at right tackle. Both offensive linemen were a key reason for why Westlake was able to rush for 322 yards and 9 touchdowns against Vandergrift in their 70-7 win.
- Jaden Greathouse: Thanks to Westlake’s success on the ground, the Chaparrals elected to not air the ball out a ton but, when they did, Greathouse was there as he finished the night with four receptions for 81 yards. The junior wide receiver has already amassed more than 2,800 yards and 38 touchdowns in his high school career and holds an offer from the Longhorns.
- Ethan Burke: The senior three-star defensive lineman committed to Michigan earlier in the week and made an impact against Vandegrift despite a relatively quiet stat line. Burke showcased active hands, swatting down a pass, and also tallied a sack in Saturday’s contest. The 6’7″ edge rusher became a nice diamond in the rough for the Wolverines as his stock had quickly exploded just prior to his commitment.
- Cade Klubnik: With Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney in attendance, Klubnik threw for 133 yards and rushed for a touchdown before getting to enjoy the rest of the game from the bench with the rest of Westlake’s starters. On Tuesday, it was announced that the Clemson commit was named the Texas Gatorade Player of the Year. With just two more wins needed to win his third consecutive state title, the five-star quarterback will look to have a fairytale ending to his high school career.
Miles Logged:
- 214 (Total)