So for as long as the Lobos are playing football I'll be featuring some type of Lobo Football post here on The Garden. Today's list is another controversy filled argument waiting to happen, so let's jump right into it: Dream Lineup. This Dream Lineup will consist of players who may not have even made the Top5, but their talent was so great that it can not be denied. This is one game, the players at their best abilities.
I hope readers do not think I'm disrespecting the class of 97' and for that matter any class before them. I just find it hard to develop an opinion about something that you didn't watch when it happened. Nothing replaces real life experience.
QB (1): Haynes King 2017
I initially did not want to do it. One, I know my boss absolutely hates for us to talk about his son, and two because he's so young. But there isn't one quarterback that has possessed the ability to throw the ball the way this kid can. Even as a 16 year old sophomore, Haynes talent to throw the ball short and down the field accurately is unmatched. Is he a perfect quarterback, no. But the kid will continue to grow into his 6'2 frame, continually gain confidence in his running skills (John Tyler and Rockwall Heath's quarterback draws this year) and if you don't believe it now, he'll definitely make you a believer throughout these playoffs and over the next two seasons.
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| Even at such a young age, the poise in the pocket and ability to throw the ball accurately makes King the top dog. |
RB (2): Vondrell McGee (2003-05) and Willie Andrews (2001)
Vondrell McGee is a physical specimen and just a different type of ball player. At 5'9 205, Vondrell ran through defenses repeatedly on his way to be an All-American his junior year, rushing for 27 touchdowns in a mere 13 games. Vondrell was the biggest superstar on a team that has two current NFL players on that roster. He's great and if I had one game to play, he's starting at tailback.
Willie Andrews is the perfect compliment to what Vondrell does. Vondrell had speed, but is mostly known for being a power runner. Willie was a slasher, and that slashing ability led him to being an outstanding returner at Baylor and for the New England Patriots during his time in the league. Willie Andrews did some incredible things running the ball his senior year, all on a team that wasn't loaded at other skill positions, unlike Vondrell and Tyler McCray.
FB (2) Chris Ivory 2004, 05 and Mark Johnson (2005-07)
Chris Ivory is known for his bruising power style for the Jacksonville Jaguars, but one of the most underestimated qualities about Ivory is his blocking abilities. The same way he explodes through linebackers and defensive backs now, he attached on to them and blazed a pathway for Vondrell to tote. These two were a deadly duo together and there's no reason not to duplicate this magic.
Mark is the perfect counterpart to the running backs that are on this list. On the smaller side for fullbacks, Mark's one of the strongest players to play at LHS and also one of the most elusive to ever run the ball. The man had moves for days, but when it was time to drop his pads he would do that as well. Mark Johnson is the perfect screen player, and one of the best one back players to play at Longview and even at Southern Arkansas, setting the school's record in touchdown.
WR (4) Malcolm Kelly 2002-2004, David Robinson 2005, Carey Forston 2008, 09 and Aaron Johnson 2007-09
Malcolm Kelly set the school's record for reception touchdowns and he's renown as the GOAT as Longview's Wide Receiver. At 6'4 205, Malcolm went on to do great things at Oklahoma and during his time with the Washington Redskins. No need to explain what people already understand, Malcolm is the starting X receiver.
Opposite side of Kelly is a man that I was ragged on for leaving him off the Top5 list David Robinson. At 6'5 180, Robinson is one of the most gifted receivers to play. He can jump ball with the best of them and had tremendous speed to get down the field. Pairing Robinson up with Kelly gives King two options to throw the ball up to, that would be impossible for any team to stop.
Carey Fortson was one of the fastest players to play football. Legit 4.4 speed, Fortson allows you to stretch the field vertically right away, and with all the play action opportunities this bevy of backs would create, Fortson would kill on drags and bench routes. Juice is legit and you've got to have him in the slot.
With King's abilities to throw the ball you've got to have 4 receiver packages and maybe the best athlete to ever play at Longview is a great option to throw to. Aaron started his career his sophomore year out at wide receiver and made catches and plays to win games. Although I felt he was better at quarterback because of his leadership and threat to run, Johnson had a great set of hands that allowed him to excel when given opportunities at UH and Southern Arkansas.
TE (2) Adrian Reese (2003-2005) and Jaylin Brown (2015-2017)
Adrian Reese was one of the most impressive athletes and bodies to ever play. At a legit 6'7 and 4.7 speed, Reese would be a match up problem for any safety or linebacker that's charged with the role of trying to stop him. Reese's production as a receiving tight end wasn't great here, but his ability to affect the game blocking at tight end, and his sparingly pass rush played major parts in the success of his teams.
Jaylin Brown is going to be the most decorated receiver by the end of his playing career. As of now, Jaylin is tied for most touchdown receptions in a career with 17. After balling junior year, Jaylin is on pace for an all state year. It's not just the receiving with Jaylin. In order to be successful in King's offense you have to be able to block, and that is something that Jaylin does very well. He's a really good ball player and will cause the defense fits when we line up in two tight end sets and sneak out on play actions.
OL (6) Trent Williams (2003-2005) Bryce Redman (2007-2009) Darron Sheppard (2002, 03) Tim Clay (2014,15) Spencer Borens (2008-2010) Broderick Washington (2013, 2014)
Is there really a lot to say about Trent Williams? Not really. Trent was just as dominate in high school as he was at OU and now for the Redskins. If you don't know his resume by now, google him.
At left guard Bryce Redman is another sure pick. Bryce Redman was a model of consistency at the left guard position for Coach King. He was the prototypical player for King: 6'2 270-290, strong as a bull and ran a 4.8 40. Bryce could pull and obliterate opponents, while also drive guys off of the ball with his amazing strength. He wasn't a perfect player, but the smarts, combo'd with the amount of passion he played with, equated to a monster of a lineman. Bryce played his college ball at the University of Houston where he red-shirted, played goal line tight end for the Cougars, before starting his last three seasons at center.
At 6'1 250(?) Darron Sheppard was a two year starter for Longview in 2002 and 2003 and finished his career as an all stater. He was a massive force in the middle of the offensive line, a power lifting guy who picked up football as a junior and had immediate success due to a great motor and great strength. He's a guy I watched as a 3rd and 4th grader, paying attention and he was constantly in motion. Shep went on to have a great career at Texas A&M Commerce, and even went to camp with the Green Bay Packers.
Tiny Tim Clay was anything but Tiny. At 6'6 385, Tim was an immovable object up front and a mauler as a run blocker. Clay wore defenders down having to repeatedly try to thump with the large guard. Tim played here and there his junior year, but his senior year he became a full time starter. By the time playoffs rolled around, Tim was a beast up front and could even climb to the second level to block linebackers. Top5 for career, no. But one game, at his best, sign him up.
I listed two right tackles for this post because I could not leave myself off of MY DREAMTEAM. Of course I've got to be out there. For those unfamiliar to what I did with Longview, I was a 3 year starter, 5'8 225, at center and left tackle. I hold the record for most starts in a career, and there was no slack in my play. A 1st team all district selection and an All East Texas selection, I played with tons of passion and fight.
Broderick Washington, a 6'3 280lb tackle, currently a starting defensive tackle at Texas Tech, was a dominant force for Longview his two years as a starter. but after that he rolled through the district competition. Broderick was big, strong, fast, and was an absolute jerk on the field. He was a baller in every since of the word, and his athleticism shows as he now strives on the other side of the ball in the Big 12.
Defense
DL: TJ Norris (2004,2005) Bubba Vactor (2008,2009) Zay Henderson (2011-2013) and Roderick Allen (2001, 2002)
Defensive line is all about attitude and the four playing in this dream game have plenty of it. Undersized for a defensive end, Norris was an absolute monster. Relentless is the best way to describe him. Having to deal with Trent Williams on a daily basis made Norris a monster. While Cody Williams, a 6'5 245 lbs Texas A&M graduate, got the most attention, Norris too was an unanimous all district selection. Norris not only was a standout defensive end, but when the defense flaunted their 3-3-5 look, Norris would sometimes slide in front of the nose.
Bubba Vactor gets the nod as the top defensive tackle and will play over the center. He was an absolute monster and always seemed to show up at crucial times. He was a 2 year starter, an all stater. Vactor was supposed to be a 3 year starter, but separated his shoulder too many times during fall practice his sophomore year. The 5'11 300 lbs load, ran a 4.8 in the 40. His pursuit speed was top notch, as well as his ability to eat up double teams and allow linebackers to flow to the ball. His personality is just as large and infectious as they come. Bubba's lively personality was the center piece to two defenses that made it to the state championship games: loud, fast, and only obnoxious to those who had to block him.
Zay Henderson is the best athlete on the defensive line. At 6’2 300, Henderson can move with the best of them and is impossible to block in a one on one situation. Bubba’s going to demand a double team, which should lead to a feast for #52 as he defeats 1v1 blocks all day long.
Doja. This is out of pure respect. Allen, a 2 year lettermen, has the respect of every Lobo that was in his class and afterwards. Allen's going to bring a lot of attitude to the defense and the first time he smacks someone it's going to the start the party. None of these guys on the DL our soft guys, but Doja is different. He was heavily recruited at 6'2 210, long and rangy and an absolute bull. He was a 2 star prospect on Rivals and played on the team that lost to Lufkin in 2004 at SFA.
Linebackers (3) Marvin Byrdsong 2000, 2001, James Stephens 2002, 03, Demarkus Lathan 2010-12
With the defensive line I possess these linebackers are going to be clean and free to smack people around. If teams ever try to go heavy and run the ball, they’ve got 3 of the best bulls Longview has ever produced. Byrdsong is the biggest of the 3 and at 6’3 230, he was a sideline to sideline boomer. If there’s a need for a SAM linebacker to take on fullbacks, he’s my choice and watch them crack.
James Stephens was robbed of a Top5 spot but I’m not foolish enough to leave him out of this lineup. He was on the smaller scale of linebackers but his constant double digit tackle performances needs to be on the field. Rumored to be one of the hardest hitters to strap it on for the ‘Bos, Stephens is going to feast behind this defensive line at a WILL linebacker.
Lathan was a 2 time all stater his junior and senior year and is a guy that knows how to play. If he’s in the middle of these two guys, the production will only increase. At 5’7 175 pounds he was the best defender in 5A football. I wouldn’t be afraid to say he’d make the most plays in this dream lineup.
Safeties (3): Cartez Beall 2004-05, Travin Howard 2012-13, and Jon Writt 2006-07
If I want to play the base 4-2-5 defense, the two safeties I want playing the run and pass are Beall and Howard. Beall has the ability to make you leave on an ambulance and also showed the ability to make interceptions. He strikes exceptionally well, a guy I could really use as a blitzer from the weak side, and he’ll have the same impact that made him the district’s most valuable player.
Poopy Howard didn’t learn how to play football at TCU. He played with the same savvy and speed he plays with now and kept his hands on the football. He was an outstanding punt returner and is tied for the most defensive touchdowns in a career. A great open field tackler and tremendous ball skills, and one of the most intelligent players to play within the scheme.
Jon’s the biggest free safety to play since Lee Jack and since I’m omitting ‘97 and Bobby Taylor, he’s the one I want dotting the I on defense. Writt has great ball skills and was a fearless hitter. Other than Joe Brown and T-Web, Writt’s the only guy that will put his face in an opponent play after play. If a guy is fortunate enough to make it through the front, I’m confident Writt will be the guy to take them down.
Cornerbacks (4) Corderra Hunter 2004, Chris Lacy 04-06, Jalen Carr 2017, Laderrick Satterwhite 2005
If a dream team is going to play another dream team, I need to match height with height. I love big, fast, physical corners. Corderra Hunter was all three. With 4 interceptions his senior year, he’s shown the ability to play the pass, and at 6’2 running 4.4 Hunter will be able to play the jump ball against possible 6’3 to 6’6 guys.
In a 2 cornerback formation Chris Lacy will be the team’s other starter. Base has the respect of both older and younger Lobos as having the best coverage skills since 97. If the ball touches his hands he’s going to score it. With 4.3 speed he’s got the recovery and acceleration to go get the 🏈. In a nickel package, Base will slide to the nickel corner and be paired up with the dangerous slot receivers, who love those quick underneath routes.
I value ball skills. There aren’t any corners who can brag about having better ball skills than corner Jalen Carr. His concentration when the ball is in the air is top notch, and of his 9 interceptions only 1 was a gimme. Jalen recognizes route concepts extremely well, and if we ever go nickel, Carr’s the first corner to come out.
At 5’10 Satterwhite was solid as they come in his one year of football. The skills he possessed on the court translated perfectly to corner as he was an all East Texas selection and 1st team all district after his 4 interception performance his senior year. Satterwhite’s ability to stick with men and anticipate the ball makes him another perfect guy to play in the slot or on the outside. He makes a four corner team that’ll be paired up with linebackers and safeties to shut down opponents.
Punter (1): Chris Kessler 2016-17
Kessler is the current punter for the Lobos and is a consistent one. He averages around 45 yards a boom and he creates great depth with his kicking ability. There hasn’t been a punter that consistent, and there’s no horror story of him kicking in backwards, or putting the team in bad situations in the clutch.
Kicker (1): Josh Scobee
The long time Jacksonville Jaguar kicker and former LA Tech kicker, is the most decorated kicker in school history. With the offense we’ve got I don’t anticipate using him for other than PATs, but to know you’ve got a weapon that can boom from 50+ is a gem.
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