If you're here you know what's going on by now. Top 50 Safeties of East Texas since 2000. Here's the formula:
Just a quick insight on the process of making these type of lists. Am I going to miss some, absolutely. The purpose is not demean or tell someone that they suck if they're not on this list. I'm just simply celebrating the best after going through my process. What is my process, because just how in the f* do you rank the best 50 East Texas anything over a 25 year period. So here's my formula:
1. Go back to Smoaky and use the News-Journals and ETSN.fm's All East Texas teams since 2000.
2. Write all of the players down.
3. Research their high school numbers, if they're younger, go watch their hudl highlights. If you can't find tape or numbers, go research what they did in college.
4. Based off their resumes or tapes, give them a grade.
5. Put them in order of their grades. Here we go.
Eddie Pope at 6'3 200 lbs. he was just too much of an impact on defense to be left off here. Pope started at safety and receiver as a sophomore and continued this throughout his career. On offense he was a First Team All-State at receiver and 3rd team All-State on defense as a senior. He was ranked as the #2 safety in Texas, and other sources had him as the #16 athlete in the nation. Pope played receiver at A&M, but in high school he was both 1st Team All East Texas at receiver and safety.
Jordan Burton started out as a cornerback in 2009 for the state qualifying Longview Lobos. In a reserve role he made 28 tackles. His junior he stepped into the role of strong safety, making 110 tackles, one interception and 2 forced fumbles. As a senior in the same down safety position, he made 106 tackles, 3 for loss and 4 pass break ups. As a punt returner he averaged 12 yards a return with one touchdown. Burton chose SFA initially out of high school, but later transferred to Kilgore College. After transferring to Kilgore, Oklahoma State offered Burton to play the same down safety position he played in high school. He was an All Conference caliber of player, and went to rookie camp with the Chicago Bears.
Jon Writt started the trend of Longview safeties having big tackling numbers. He finished his junior year with 61 tackles. He took major steps over the summer leading to one of the best seasons recorded. As a senior Writt tallied 150 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 8 pass break ups, and 3 interceptions. Writt set the team's record for tackles in a season, on his way to a first team All East Texas, All District, and honorable mention all state. Writt went on to Southern Arkansas where he was a 3 year starter and all conference.
Josh Aubrey was a stand out safety for the Tyler Lee Red Raiders in 2007 and 2008. Two time all district player, Aubrey was known for his range in coverage and hitting like a ton of bricks. Aubrey signed a scholarship with Stephen F. Austin. Aubrey had a strong season for the Lumberjacks and although he went undrafted, got the opportunity to play in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns in 2013.
A 4 year varsity player for Ricklan Holmes at JT, it was Ausborne's junior year that put him on the map. In 2012, Ausborne made 86 tackles and had six interceptions. As a senior Ausborne came back with 82 tackles, 12 pass break ups, 4 interceptions and 1 returned for a touchdown. Ausborne signed with ACU out of high school, but transferred to Trinity Valley in search for a greater opportunity. He got that chance where he finished his career at ULM.
A 3 year starter and 2 time member of my top 100 list, Kalil Deckard was a big time playmaker on two talented Pine Tree Pirate teams in 23 and 24. Deckard was a coverage safety, coming away with 4 interceptions as a junior and 5 for the Pirates in 2024. A 2 way player, Deckard shined on the offensive side of the ball as well for the Pirates.
As a prep All-American, All-State and two time all-district player, Thompson was an impact player. As a sophomore he was in a reserve role to another safety on this list, but helped the team go 7-4 and make the playoffs. His junior year, Thompson recorded 33 tackles, 1 for loss, 9 pass break ups, and 1 interception. As a senior Thompson recorded 71 tackles, 10 for loss, 2 interceptions, 5 pass break ups. The numbers don't scream All-American, but when you play behind another All-American, the clout shines on you too. At the University of Texas, Josh made the switch from safety to corner. In his time, Thompson made 22 starts out of the 48 games he played in. He made 109 tackles and had 2 interceptions in his career at Texas.
Jackson was a head hunter on the 2005 defense. An outside backer/safety stories about JAckson's speed and collisions are still on the internet. Jackson was a ball hawk at safety, picking off Evangel 4 times in 2005. The numbers aren't online, but the tape is; Joe Jackson was a baaaaaaaad man.
Davion Hall was an all around dog for the Leopards. In 2011, he played a multitude of offensive positions but on defense was a fixture at safety. He made 83 tackles with 1 interception and 1 fumble recovery. As a junior, Hall's offensive production went up, but defensively was still solid. He made 64 tackles, had 2 interceptions, one returned for a pick 6. As a senior, Hall was Mr. Everything for the Leopards offensively, defensively he finished with 53 tackles, 2 interception and a 75 yard fumble return for a touchdown. Hall went on to Baylor where he played receiver for the first 2 years on campus. That offseason he was moved back to safety he was impact. He started 10 of 13 games as a junior and 6 of 11 as a senior.
Rated as a 2 star leaving New Boston, Johnson was one of the slept on players leaving high school. As one of the team's key players,, Johnson played both sides of the football for New Boston. His last two seasons for New Boston Johnson had 171 tackles and 8 interceptions. Johnson left New Boston and headed to Northern Illinois. After a redshirt year, he was moved to linebacker where he competed. In his 30 games there he started 16 games. He transferred to TCU as a senior where he took over as the starter late in the season. He started the final 7 games of the year, and earned a shot with the Seattle Seahawks and in the XFL.
Corey Bartley is another member of an outstanding 2011 and 2012 defense in Longview. He transferred back into Longview after spending time elsewhere and had an explosive junior year. The 5'6 155 pound free safety finished with 110 tackles, five tackles for losses, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, six passes broken up and two blocked punts, on his way to a 3rd team all state honor. He didn't disappoint in his senior year, making 1st team all state with 138 tackles. Bartley led Longview with seven interceptions, 21 pass breakups, and five kick blocks. He also forced one fumble, recovered one fumble, blocked one punt, and scored one defensive touchdown, all at the 5A level in 2012. Those numbers on a 6'1 frame makes for a division one player.
Van Zandt was a beast for 3 years for the Lions. As a sophomore, he started at safety for the Lions making 51 tackles, catching 3 interceptions, one fumble recovery, 9 PBUs and scoring a defensive touchdown. As a junior, in a shortened season he had an interception and 4 PBUs. As a senior Van Zandt took over the starting tailback position and rushed for 1,582 yards and 22 touchdowns, while also making 54 tackles on defense. LaKendrick signed with TCU out of high school where he started 19 of 39 games. Van Zandt had 97 tackles and 3 interceptions during his time with the Horn Frogs.
Zachuan Williams got his start in Tyler as a cornerback, and he was pretty damn good at it too. As a freshman, Williams started for Ricklan Holmes sophomore Williams made my top 100 at 98. He had great coverage skills and could break on passes and compete with the best. As a junior, Williams slid over into the middle of the field to play safety. Zach was special as a senior, making my list for the second time in his career after 68 tackles, 4 interceptions, 3 blocked kicks and 10 pass break ups as a senior. For a career Williams made 161 tackles, 123 of them solo, 47 pbus, 12 ints, and 12 blocked kicks.
While I tend to take credit away from small school guys on this list, Malcome Kennedy is undeniable. As a junior Kennedy caught 47 passes for 763 yards and 10 touchdowns. Kennedy made the switch from wideout to quarterback and the rest is kind of history. Kennedy went 88/168 for 1,515 yards and 22 touchdowns while rushing the ball 209 times for 2,357 yards and 25 touchdowns. Defensively, Kennedy was an intercepting machine at safety. As a junior Kennedy had 45 tackles, 3 for loss, 7 interceptions, 2 pick 6's, 4 fumbles recovered and 2 fumbles forced. As a senior, Kennedy came back with 90 tackles, 3 for loss, 8 interceptions, 1 pick 6, 2 fumbles forced and 4 fumbles recovered. Kennedy signed on with Texas A&M after high school. While probably unknown for his high school work, Kennedy caught the game winning touchdown from Johnny Manziel against Alabama for the biggest upset of the century.
A consensus 4 star, as a sophomore Dunning was named District Newcomer of the Year and honorable mention All-State, after 62 tackles, 5 interceptions and 6 pass break ups. Dunning missed his entire junior year due to injury, but in the spring he was Nike's The Opening Defensive MVP. As a senior Dunning had 79 tackles, 5 for loss, 1 fumble recovery, 3 interceptions, 1 for a touchdown and 1 pass break up. At A&M, Dunning made the move to linebacker. There's no recollection of Dunning after 2017.
At 6'2 185, LSU turned Teague into a corner, but at Carthage he was the centerfielder of the defense, tracking down 8 interceptions his senior year. His stat line reads 79 tackles, 8 interceptions, 3 for touchdowns, 9 pass break ups, four fumble recoveries, 5 blocked punts and 2 blocked field goals in 2005. That effort was good enough to be called First Team All-State. He went over a 1,000 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns while also catching 20 passes for nearly 500 yards and 4 touchdowns. Teague finished as the 65th prospect in Texas. After LSU, Teague transferred to TJC where he re earned a scholarship to Texas Christian University. At TCU, Teague was a starter his senior year after starting a couple games his junior year. During his time he made 60 tackles, had 4 interceptions and 14 pass break ups.
One of the best backs in ETX history is also one of the best safeties in ETX history as well. La-Jathan Allen had an incredible 2019. Allen was the 3A Player of the Year after rushing 247 times for 2,133 yards and 28 touchdowns. Allen excelled in an offense that was limited. Allen led Pewitt, damn near single handily to state after having 131 tackles and 7 interceptions on defense as well. Pewitt came up short in the state game 43-22 against Gunter.
Bledsoe had a huge senior year, being named first team All-East Texas as he amassed 170 tackles, 3 for loss, 9 interceptions, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble and 2 fumble recoveries. Bledsoe led that Vandal team all the way to the 4th round of the playoffs before coming up short to Kennedale, 34-28. He was the District MVP and that stat line deserves recognition. For a career at Van, Bledsoe finished with 425 tackles, 13 interceptions and was All-District all 3 years.
Barr had a career for the ages at Gilmer. In 2011 as a sophomore, Barr collected 11 interceptions en route to being named first team all-state and All-East Texas. As a junior, Barr took over at Quarterback after beating out a younger McLane Carter and produced. He threw 244/404 for 2,946 for 25 touchdowns to 14 picks. He ran for another 903 yards and 5 touchdowns as he led Gilmer to the State Championship game, losing to Navasota. As a senior, Barr fell just short of taking the team back to state, losing in the 3rd round. He put up crazy numbers though: 219/308 for 3,334 yards for 40 touchdowns to 7 interceptions. He ran for another 538 yards and 3 touchdowns, en route to being named 2nd Team All East Texas.
Before becoming a cornerback for the Texas Longhorns and Carolina Panthers, Byndom was an outstanding safety for Coach Outlaw at Lufkin. He's a 3 time first team all-district selection. As a sophomore, Byndom had 78 tackles, 2 interceptions and a fumble recovery. His junior year he had 79 tackles and 3 interceptions in 12 games. As a senior his production went down to 53 tackles, 5 for loss and an interception. At Texas he became an All-Conference corner who started for 3 years, before signing with Carolina through free agency. With the Longhorns, Byndom had 5 career interceptions, 34 pass break ups, 4 forced fumbles, 3 blocked kicks, and made 189 tackles.
Boo, a 2 year letterman, made the most out of his play time his junior season. The first safety come off the bench, number 30 would rotate in at free and strong safety in the defense's dime package. Howard showed his worth breaking up passes and getting an opportunity to return punts. His senior year Howard changed numbers and became an absolute baller. Howard finished his senior year with exceptional numbers. He returned 2 interceptions back for touchdowns and had 4 on the season. Howard had 83 tackles (53 solo), 3 fumbles recovered, 9 pass breakups, and returned 1 punt for a TD. Those numbers were good enough to make Howard 1st Team All State, as well as East Texas and All district. He teamed up with Alonte' Darden, and became the best safety duo to come through Longview.
Joe was a 3 year starter for Longview, starting over 35 games and playing in 47 for his career. As a sophomore he was a starter in the nickel package at free safety. He was a contributor to a defense that made their way to a state title game, finishing with 68 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 1 pass break up and 1 interception. It was a great warm up for what was to come his junior year. Joe racked up a team leading 115 tackles, 3 for loss, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 4 pass break ups 1 interception and 1 defensive touchdown from the strong safety position on his way to earning all district honors. As a senior Joe switched positions to free safety where he became the most important player on the defense, a statement that can't be said about any other player on this list. Joe finished with 163 tackles, 2 for loss, 5 fumble recoveries, 1 forced fumble, 7 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions that year, resetting the team's tackle record from Writt. Joe was named first team all state and signed a scholarship with Northwestern State University.
If there's ever a time to make a play, it's during the playoffs. Stripling made 2 of his biggest plays in back to back weeks to help the Tyler Lee Red Raiders win State in 2004. A pick 6 in the state semifinal against Euless Trinity and a 69 yard pick six against Spring-Westfield pushed the Raiders over the top. Stripling was voted First Team All-East Texas as well as District MVP in 2004.
At Washington State, Stripling made a position change from safety to linebacker where he started his senior year at Washington State.
Keaton Daniels looks like a football player. 6 ft, 180 pounds he was the glue to the defense in 2002 and 2003. Seeing time at strong safety his junior, then moving to his pivotal spot at free as as a senior. Defensive backs live for the turnover. There's nothing more demoralizing to an offense then sudden change. Keaton his junior year was a thorn in the side to opponents. 6 interceptions his junior, 2 taking back for the ultimate prize against Marshall and Ruston and 3 fumble recoveries. Keaton played in the dog days of Lobo Football, back when the Lobos were apart of a 4 team district that played each other twice. That 2002 team finished in a heartbreaking 24-21 loss. 2003 Daniels opened the season off scoring an 85 yard fumble return against Marshall, while also recovering another fumble. 2 weeks later he picked off Lake Highlands, another 2 weeks against Tyler Lee, and his last of his Lobo career coming in defeat against South Garland. In an era where throwing the football was rare, 9 career interceptions from the safety position is immaculate.
Marqueston Huff was a solid producer at Liberty-Eylau. As a junior, Huff made 53 tackles, forced a fumble, blocked 2 kicks and picked off 2 passes. As a senior, Huff came back with 85 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, and one blocked punt. His efforts were good enough to land him a scholarship to Wyoming. A cornerback his first 3 seasons at Wyoming, as a senior Huff balled at safety. He made 127 tackles, had 2 interceptions and 6 pass break ups. That spring he was selected in the 4th round to the Tennessee Titans.
Hurt was an absolute baller in his seasons with Gilmer. He helped win state in 2014 as a contributor, and he finished his career with 28 interceptions over the last 2 seasons of his career. He was named 1st Team All-State and All East Texas as a senior, and 2nd Team All State and East Texas as a junior. Hurt signed with Louisiana Tech out of high school where he was a reserve safety.
The 6'4 210 lbs. Cuba is a 2 Time All-State and a first team All-East Texas guy, just an outstanding player for the Tyler Lee Red Raiders. A 2 year letterman at Lee, Cuba was instant impact his junior year being named 2nd team All-State. In his senior year, Cuba was named first team All-State after an 87 tackle, 5 for loss, 3 interceptions, 1 forced fumble and blocked field goal performance. For a career he had 145 solo tackles, 78 assisted tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and 3 defensive touchdowns. Cuba signed to play with TCU, and during his career he made 21 starts out of 42 games, had 152 career tackles, 5 pass break ups and 2 fumbles forced.
In 2020, Lindale went on a special run to the state title game on the legs of Jordan Jenkins, but also through the crafty and on time playmaking of safety Airik Williams. Williams had 153 tackles, 11 for loss, 7 interceptions, 3 pick 6's, 8 pass break ups, 3 fumbles recovered, 2 fumbles force, 1/2 sack. That year he finished as the number 9 player on my Top 100 list. At 5'9 165 pounds, Williams made incredible plays all year long, providing momentum and changing games for the Eagles.
I'm not sure how many years Wade played varsity ball at John Tyler, but his senior year numbers scream worthy. Wade made 122 tackles, 6 interceptions, 12 pass break ups, 3 fumble recoveries, 2 he returned for touchdowns. He started all 14 of JT's games that season. He was named first team All-East Texas as well as second team All-State, and of course, District Defensive Most Valuable Player. He was All-Conference at UTSA and made it to camp with the Seattle Seahawks. While at UTSA, Wade started the final 4 games of his freshman season, and every year afterwards. He was named a team captain finished his career as UTSA all-time leader in tackles (288), pass break ups(34), forced fumbles(8), fumble recoveries(6), and yes interceptions(12.)
Quincy Aldridge lit the scene up as a freshman as a cornerback catching 7 picks. As a sophomore Aldridge slid back to safety where he had decent production. He had 51 tackles, forced a fumble and recovered one, and had 5 interceptions and 8 pass break ups. As a junior Aldridge was an all district caliber of player, catching 3 interceptions, and as a senior Aldridge had 48 tackles and 4 interceptions. 19 high school interceptions for Aldridge. He signed with TCU, but after a couple of years left their roster.
In 2004, Keenan Clayton made Smoaky All East Texas at the cornerback position, but Clayton played safety. His senior year was a huge year for him. As a senior, Clayton finished with 111 tackles, 4 interceptions and 2 pick 6's. Over his three years as a Wildcat starter, he had 221 tackles, seven interceptions, a school-record seven kickoff returns for touchdowns, and also played running back. He was recruited to play safety at Oklahoma and was moved to linebacker while there. He started in 2008 and was an all-conference player in 2008 and 2009. Clayton's career at Oklahoma was a great one. He finished with 185 tackles, 17 for loss, 6 sacks and 3 interceptions. Clayton was drafted in the 4th round by the Philadelphia Eagles.
At 5'8 170 lbs. Lister was an absolute machine for Longview. As a sophomore, he was an honorable mention All-State after 91 tackles, 7 for loss, 2 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 2 pass break ups and an interception. As a junior, he was named 2nd Team All-State after a 144 tackles, 89 solo, 4 for loss, 2 sacks 6 pass break ups, 4 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, and 2 blocked kicks. As a Senior he was named 6A Defensive Player of the Year and All-East Texas Defensive MVP after 135 tackles, 6 for loss, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery. His Swan Song was in round 5. Against Amarillo Tascosa, Lister had 26 tackles and looked like a man possessed. That's 3 years, and 3 All State Recognitions. For a career Lister finished with 370 tackles, 17 for loss, 6 sacks, 7 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries and 5 interceptions.
A prep All-American, First Team All East Texas, First Team All-State for an incredible senior year, Chris Hackett was big time. He was named East Texas Defensive Player of the Year after a mind boggling 12 interceptions, 16 pass break ups, 62 tackles, 2 for loss and four forced fumbles as a senior. The 6'2 Hackett went on to TCU where he started 3 years after redshirting before electing to go pro. In 2014 he was voted First Team All Big 12 after a big 75 tackle, 7 interception and 6 pass break up performance. Although he went undrafted, Hackett signed with Tampa Bay and Oakland out of free agency, but failed to make any rosters.
Most notably known for his offensive skill, Rohan Fluellen was a ball hawk during his time for the Buckeyes from 2020-22. Fluellen burst onto the scene as a sophomore making first team All Smoaky with 33 tackles and 7 interceptions as well as being named District Newcomer of the Year. As a junior, Fluellen was just as special. Fluellen finished with 8 interception and 1 pick 6. As a senior, Fluellen finished his career with 24 tackles and 4 interceptions. 19 career interceptions for a man that signed a scholarship to play offense.
One of three players to ever be on varsity at Lufkin as a freshman, and what he's done in his career already is enough to be considered one of the best. As a sophomore, he was a first team All-District selection, after 95 tackles, 5 for loss, 7 pass break ups, 4 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 4 interceptions. As a junior, he was District MVP after 90 tackles, 4 for loss, 15 pass break ups, 1 fumble forced, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 interception. After two extremely productive years, coaches took at heed to Thompson. He had just 59 tackles, 3 for loss, 2 interceptions, one returned for a touchdowns, 2 pass break ups and 1 forced fumble. He signed with the University of Texas where he was a big time producer. In his 49 games with the Longhorns he started 31 and made 176 tackles, 5 interceptions and 10 pass break ups. In 2024, Thompson transferred to Auburn where he had 65 tackles, a sack, and 2 picks. Thompson hopes to hear his name called in this year's draft or have an opportunity to play in camp this fall.
Travin Howard got his start as a junior and showed right away he had a knack for the ball. Howard had 64 tackles, 3 for loss, 2 int and 2 pbus. As a senior, Howard became the player we know him for. Howard had 89 tackles, 10 for loss, 1 sack, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 8 pass break ups, 8 interceptions, 1 blocked punt, and 6 defensive touchdowns. Howard's senior year garnered the attention of Gary Patterson and was recruited as a 2 star to play at TCU. Howard redshirted his first year and went on to set the tackle record for defensive players at TCU under Gary Patterson. Howard currently with the Buffalo Bills.
A Prep All-American, 2 time All-State, 3 year starter who was All-East Texas his sophomore year after a 95 tackle, 5 interceptions, 1 returned for a touchdown, and 8 pass break ups. That effort was good enough to be named honorable mention All-State. He only had 30 tackles and forced 2 fumbles his junior year because he only played in 5 games. As a senior he came back with a vengeance, finishing with 124 tackles, 16 for loss, 2 interceptions, while playing both ways, scoring 8 touchdowns on offense. Jones went on to sign at the University of Texas where he went on to start 35 of 46 games for the Longhorns. He made 233 tackles in his career, caught 4 interceptions and had 11 pass break ups. Jones was selected in the 3rd round of the NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. He's a starter in the NFL and currently is on the Denver Broncos.
No Kendrick Muckelroy?
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