Lufkin Top 50 since 2000

on

(Live from my mother's basement somewhere in Dallas..... clueless mfs lol)

I've always admired East Texas Football. It's been a big part of my life since I was a kid, and I've always respected and appreciated the programs that my Lobos played. So here's the start of a string of Top 50's. I included a couple of Lufkin natives to help me out, if they wanna come forth I'll let them do it on their own. Nonetheless here we go..... The Top 50 Players from Lufkin High since 2000.

50. Malik Jackson


Years: 2016-18
College: ULM

Malik Jackson was lightening in a bottle for Lufkin. One of the best slots to come through Lufkin, Jackson is an extreme talent. A 3 year letterman, Jackson had 39 catches for 463 yards and 2 touchdowns as a sophomore. As a junior, 52 catches 1,030 yards and 10 touchdowns and as a senior, 65 catches 839 yards and 8 touchdowns. For a career that's 156 catches for 2,332 yards and 20 touchdowns. Jackson also was a great kick returner, finishing with a kickoff return for a touchdown. 

49. Tyler Stubblefield 

YEAR: 2011-12

College: TExas A&M (Baseball)

Highlights:

The not as hefty lefty had a big arm and plenty of talent to toss the ball around to during his playing days at Lufkin. Ja'Bryce Taylor set receiving records under Stubblefield in 2012, while Keke Coutee emerged as one of the top prospects in the state his sophomore season. Stubblefield set the school record for completions throwing 202/330 for a school record 3,582 yards. His 39 touchdown passes are also a school record, as well as most yards in a game with 562 against A&M Consolidated.


48. Rashad Hunt


Years: 2003-04
College: Texas Tech

Hunt, a 2 year letterman, is in the era where full grown men played up front for Lufkin. One of many great Lufkin DL talents, Hunt finished on Smoaky's 3rd Team All East Texas for defensive line, while playing amongst some of the greats in 2004.

47. JaMArcus Walker

Years: 2010-11
College: N/A

Walker had a great 2010 going for over 1200 combined yards before missing the season with an ACL tear. In 2011 he had a big season. He rushed for 1,344 yards (6th for a season) and 27 touchdowns (2nd for a season.)

46. Demarquez Freeman

Years: 2007-2008
College: TJC


Freeman, a corner in the 2007 and 2008 seasons, was a great opportunist, turning over opponents throughout his tenure. His numbers are hard to locate, but he resonates amongst Lufkin crowds as one of the school's top corners.

45. Ja'Corey Shepherd

Years: 2001-03
College: Rice

Back when the Panthers ran east Texas, they had a couple of lockdown corners on their roster. As a junior in 2002, Shepherd had 52 tackles, 4 interceptions and 8 pass break ups. As a senior he had 67 tackles and 6 interceptions. A 2 time All-District player, this Panther is worthy of the recognition.

44. Boom Massie 

Years: 2013-15
College: Kansas State

A 3 star prospect out of Lufkin, Massie was a consistent force for the Panthers during his career. For a career Massie amassed 173 tackles and 26 sacks through his 3 years. His senior year was his best year making 80 tackles and 10 sacks. Massie was named first team All-District, East Texas and was an Honorable Mention for 5A All-State. 

43. Steven Sowell

Years: 2014
College: N/A

One of the forgotten about players over the past decade, Steven Sowell balled in 2014 for the Panthers. His 1,574 yards is 4th most in school history for a season. Sowell was a slighter back with good wiggle and breakaway speed. The contingency didn't vote him in but the CEO trumped Sowell here to the 43rd spot. 

42. Charles Proctor

Years: 2002-04
College: N/A

Proctor was a 3 year starter for THE PACK during one the hey day of their run. Ranked a 2 star prospect by Rivals, Proctor at 6' 275 has gained the respect of the Lufkin faithful and his name pops up here at 42. 

41. Johnathon Kegler

Years: 2000-01
College: SFA

I couldn't find any trackable stats on Kegler, but he was a great corner and finished at number 41 in the voting. Kegler is now a Principal in the Aldine school district.

40. Eric Taylor

Years: 2005
College: N/A

Taylor is a member of a vaunted 2005 defense. At outside linebacker, Taylor flew around the field and made plays. My Lufkin contingency viewed Taylor as the 40th best player since 2000. 

39. Quinn TRimble

Years: 2008-09
College: TJC

Trimble couldn't help but get compared to Dez Bryant in high school. At 6'3 190 and even wearing number 8, Trimble flashed the potential, but never quite reached Bryant height. Nonetheless, Trimble was a headache for opponents. In 2008, Trimble caught 55 passes for 1,146 yards and 12 touchdowns. Trimble produced in the 2009 season as well but his numbers can't be tracked down. Nonetheless, Trimble shined as a Panther and came up as number 39 on the list. 

38. Patrick Arrington

years: 2001
School: N/A
A member of the 2001 State Championship Football Team, Arrington was voted on as the 38th best player since 2000. 

37. Joe Hadnot
Years: 2002-03
SChool: UL

Hadnot had a huge senior season at defensive end for the panthers. Hadnot went on to ULM where he went on to play outside linebacker for the Ragin Cajuns. No numbers on him, but Hadnot was voted 3rd Team All-East Texas by SMOAKY.COM in 2003. 

36. Max Taylor

Years: 2004-06
SChool: Mary Hardin Baylor 

At 6'2 220, Taylor was a workhorse at Right Tackle for the Panthers. Taylor had an incredible punch and was a technician. He moved his feet well, and at 220 his athleticism was a A+ for an offensive lineman. 

35. Travoskey Garrett

Years: 2009-10
College: TCU

Garrett is a sleeper, a relatively quiet prospect, the 6'1 corner had a solid season and impressed Gary Patterson enough to earn a scholarship at TCU. He finished his senior season with 85 tackles and 3 interceptions. He was voted here at 35 by the Lufkin contingency. 

34. Jacolby Ashworth

Years: 2007
College: Houston

Ashworth's career in high school wasn't much to write home about; it just got better and better after he left Lufkin. Voted as the number 34 player, Ashworth finished as a first team all-district player. He went on to Houston where he was a 3 year starter and even got a chance in the league. 

33. Tomme Mark

Years: 2010-11
College: Houston

A 3 star prospect, Mark was a consistent producer on the DL for Lufkin in his years. As a junior he had 67 tackles, 14 for loss and as a senior had 53 tackles, 17 for loss and 7 sacks.  

32. Joe Jackson


Years: 2005-2006
College: TJC

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. Jackson finished as an honorable mention all-east Texas selection from SMOAKY.COM

31. Drefus Thompson

YEAR: 2001
COLLEGE: n/a

THompson had 85 tackles on a state championship defense that included real superstars like Skinner, Shelly, Parks, and many more. He was a solid LB and the contingency placed him 31.  

30. Ataymian Skinner

YEAR: 2001
COLLEGE: n/a

One of the original head hunters from the legendary 2001 defense. Skinner finished with 121 tackles that year leading the team in tackles alongside Shelly, Arrington and Thompson. 

29. A.J. Penson

Years: 2004-06
College: UNT

In 2005, Penson was First Team All-District as a defensive end. He had 85 tackles, 22 for loss and 3 sacks. He made the move to mike linebacker and it was a successful move. He made 85 tackles, 14 for loss, on his way to being named Second-Team 5A All State. Penson went on to North Texas where he was a 3 year starter for UNT.

28. Jamar Ballard

Years: 1999-2001
College: N/A

Ballard was a big time starter at offensive tackle for the Panthers in 2001. Ballard was voted as the 28th player by the contingency, and is best known for a bone crushing block that sprung Reggie McNeal to the end zone for the State Championship. 

27. Germard Reed

Years: 2006-2008
College: UTEP

Reed was a fantastic player in 2008, playing all up and down the DL throughout his career. As a junior Reed had 57 tackles, 12 for loss and 6 sacks. As a senior he had 80 tackles, 12 for loss and 5 sacks. Reed went on to UTEP where he balled and earned his way to a Seahawk roster spot in 2014. 

26. Ja'Lynn Polk
Years: 2017-19
College: Texas Tech/Washington
Highlights: https://youtu.be/1Q3_lWR8vbo

Polk emerged on the scene as a sophomore, totaling 40 catches for 667 yards and 6 touchdowns. His junior year he took a step back, only catching 37 passes for 695 yards and 9 touchdowns. His entrance on this list was because of the huge senior year he had, prior to a season ending shoulder injury. Through 8 games Polk had 54 catches for 1,050 yards (4th in school history) and 9 touchdowns. For a career Polk caught 131 (second all-time) passes for 2,812 yards (1st All-Time) and 24 touchdowns (3rd All-Time). 

25. Girverius Shelley

Years: 2001
College: N/A

Shelley was a monster at linebacker for The PAck on that 2001 State Championship team. Shelley finished with 125 tackles that year. He was a monster in the middle, could cover from sideline to sideline and lower the boom when he got there. A very talented defense and linebacker core, Shelley may've been the test. 

24. Carrington Byndom

Years: 2007-09
College: Texas
Highlights: https://youtu.be/CTnFRu3Jay8 

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.

23. E.J. Shankle

Years: 2004-05
School: Texas A&M

Idk what to say: Lightening in a bottle, faster than the speed of sound, and whatever cheesy lingo to put in for a super shifty, fast, elusive runner. Shankle could catch and was a match up issue for every one who had to defend him. No recorded stats found on the legend, which explains his omissions from previous list, but nonetheless the contingency placed him here at number 23. 

22. Ja'Bryce Taylor

Years: 2011-12
College: SMU/Navarro/UTSA
Highlights: https://youtu.be/BVOyJetzNhU

Maybe not the Lufkin receiver you remember, but JaBryce Taylor is definitely one of the Pack's best. As a junior, Taylor introduced his self to the world with 40 catches for 494 yards and 4 touchdowns. That modest season turned into a monster season as JaBryce caught 87 passes (1st All-Time) for 1,628 yards (1st All-Time) and 16 touchdowns (2nd All-Time) . For a career, Taylor finished with 127 (3rd All-Time) receptions for 2,122 yards (5th All-Time) and 20 touchdowns. 

21. Darius Terry

Years: 2005-07
College: LA Tech

A 3 year letterman for Coach Outlaw, D-Terry used a big senior year to catapult himself into D1 status and jump players on this list. As a senior Terry had 56 tackles and 5 interceptions. He was named All-State for that performance. 

20. Tyson Kirksey

Years: 2002-03
College: Garden City CC/ Washington State

At 5'11 215, Kirksey was a 2-Star prospect out of East Texas who balled. Kirksey finished his season in 2003 as First Team All-District and First Team All-East Texas. He signed with Washington State out of high school but had to take an alternative route to Garden City CC. He signed to go back to Washington State but it never materialized.

19. Jeremy Claybon



Year: 2005-06

College: SFA

Highlights:

At 6'1 180, the 3 star Dual-Threat Jeremy Claybon was a headache for a high powered offense in 2006. Claybon was a multi year starter for Lufkin, leading them into deep playoff runs in his career. In 2005 Claybon threw for 2,448 yards and as a senior 2,877. Claybon threw for 60 touchdowns (second in school history). Clay ranks 3rd in school history behind Moore, and McNeal with 5,32S passing yards.


18. Aaron Darks


Years: 2001-03
College: Kansas State

Another 6'1 205 mean mf, in the middle of Lufkin's defense who absolutely punished opponents. He got a chance to play early in 2001 on the state team and took over as a starter in 02. His junior year he had 65 tackles, 9 for loss and 4 sacks. As a senior in just 11 games he finished with 66 tackles, 16 for loss and 5 sacks.
17. Alton Dixon

Years: 2002-04
College: Texas A&M
A 3 year letterman and starter in the secondary, Dixon played both corner and safety during his time with the Panthers. A physical presence, at 6' 190 Dixon was a 3 star prospect and a baller. Even with no stats, Dixon's play was so strong that the contingency placed him in the 17th position. 

16. JaMarcus McFarland

Years: 2006-08
College: Oklahoma 

An All-American, 3 Time All-District, 2 Time All-State, and 2 Time All-East Texas selection, JaMarcus McFarland is one of the best defensive tackles from East Texas. It started in 2006 for McFarland. While his numbers are missing, he made first team All-East Texas as a sophomore. As a junior he repeated that accolade after a 46 tackle, 12 for loss, 10 pressures and 5 pass break ups. McFarland commanded a double team on every snap in 5A football. Going into his senior year he was ranked a 5 star prospect and the number one defensive tackle in the nation. He was named All-American after 53 tackle, 10 for loss and 4 sack year in 2008. 

15. Terrance Parks


Year: 2002

College: Baylor


The 6'4 240 pounder was a 3 star athlete in the class of 2003 ranked 91 in the state of Texas by Rivals.com. Parks started his career out as a receiver in 2000, and was a player. He backed up Reggie McNeal at QB and ran the ball in a package, but when he got his chance to QB Lufkin he made the most out of it. Parks completed 198/366 passes as a senior for 2,677 yards and 19 touchdowns while also rushing 185 times for 703 yards and 12 touchdowns. Parks came up short of a back to back, losing in the 5th round against 5A Southlake Caroll.


14. Ralph Thomas

Years: 2004-2006
College: Oklahoma State 

Rafael Thomas is easily one of the best players in Lufkin history. But with no stats to be found, you had to be there to know it. Thomas was a 2 way monster in high school, starring at both corner and the receiver position. He started as a sophomore at receiver, and his senior year he was dominate at both. Lightening fast, (won state in the 100m Dash) great hands, (one of the top baseball prospects in the nation) and a mean streak to finish and punish receivers. With all sports and abilities into account, RT may possibly the school's best athlete of all time. 

13. Isaiah Phillips

Years: 2015-17
School: ULM

Phillips started at outside linebacker as a sophomore and junior and was an aggressive good football player. As a senior he made the return back to tailback and he was absolutely special. Phillips ran for 2,012 yards and led Lufkin all the way to the state quarterfinals. They lost a heart breaker to Longview 33-32, but it wasn't his fault. All Phillips did was rush for 237 yards and 4 touchdowns that day. Isaiah is currently competing for the starting RB job at ULM. 

12. Dez Meyers

Year: 2000
College: SAU

Dez Meyers doesn't have any stats on the internet, but is considered one of the school's best safeties. The contingency had him right on the cusp of the top 10, finishing at 12. Meyers played college ball at SAU, and in the hearts of Lufkin's finest, he's one of the best. 

11. Ju Parks

Years: 1998-2001
College: Texas A&M

At 6'1 325, Ju Parks was a mammoth on both the offensive and defensive lines for the Panthers. He's immortalized by his huge goal line stop on 4th down stop in the state semifinal. Ranked as a 2 star prospect, Parks went on to A&M on full ride and finished his career there. In 2017, Parks was recognized as an American Rivalry Series Hall of Fame member for their Nacogodoches and Lufkin Rivalry game. 

10. Mandela Roberts

Years: 2004-005
College: Indiana

Roberts style of play matched his name. Mandela put the man in Mandela. At 6' 220, Roberts was 2nd Team All-State his senior year after a 128 tackle performance his senior year. He signed with Indiana and played 2 seasons with the Hoosiers before discontinuing his career. 

9. Jerrin Bugg Thompson

Years: 2016-19
College: Texas

One of three players to ever be on varsity at Lufkin as a freshman, Bugg has been making plays in high school football for quite sometime. He just finished his career for Lufkin High, 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.
8. Eric McCoy

Years: 2012-14
College: Texas A&M

Not only has his NFL and college career been impressive, but McCoy's high school career was as well. McCoy, an All East Texas selection, started three years for Todd Quick in Lufkin and was a dominant player. His junior year he was first team All-District as well as his senior year where graded out at 95% making 27 pancake blocks and 34 knockdown blocks. His senior year he was second team All-State before heading to A&M. His freshman year McCoy started all 13 games for the aGgies earning Freshman All-SEC team status. His sophomore year he started 11 games at center and 2 games at guard. His junior he was elected a captain, starting in all 12 Aggie games, earning the Offensive MVP Award and helping his self get selected in the 2019 NFL Draft to the New Orleans Saints in the second round pick 16. 
7. Keke Coutee

Years: 2012-14
College: Texas Tech
Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhCPcZQRlSo

He's probably your favorite receiver your friends don't know about on Madden. Coutee was an animal for the Lufkin Panthers, the same way he was for the Raiders at Texas Tech and the Houston Texans. Through his 3 year stint Coutee was a baller each year. As a sophomore, Coutee caught 60 passes for 864 yards and 5 scores. As a junior, Coutee caught 69 passes for 995 yards and 8 touchdowns. As a senior he continued his great play catching 56 passes for 841 yards and 12 touchdowns. For his career, Coutee caught 185 passes (1st All-Time) for 2,700 yards (2nd All-Time) and 25 touchdowns (2nd All-Time). Coutee went on to become 2nd all time in receiving yards at Texas Tech and is the slot for the Houston Texans.  


6. McKinner Dixon

Years: 2002-04
College: Texas Tech

At 6'4 255 pounds, Dixon was a grown man on the edge for Lufkin. His junior year, Dixon was a nose and made quite the impact. With 88 tackles, 14 for loss, and 3 sacks, Dixon earned first team district honors. As a senior, he was moved to the defensive end position and he wrecked shop. He finished with 96 tackles, 31 for loss and 12 sacks. He added 14 pressures and forced 4 fumbles, recovering 2 and returning 1 for a touchdwon. He was the number 15 prospect in the country according to Scout, while others had him way further down their lists. He arrived to Tech as a defensive tackle where he was a quality reserve, even being named 2nd Team Freshman All-American after making 6 sacks. 

5. Leonard Hewitt

Years: 2003-05
College: Texas Tech

The numbers weren't easy to find, but anytime a man is a two time First Team All-East Texas selection, he's probably one of the most dominant corners in school history. In 2004 Hewitt caught 11 interceptions and back-doored that performance with 8 interceptions as a senior. On top of being All-East Texas he was First Team All-State in 2004 and 2005.

4. Quentin Holman 

Years: 2001-02
College: N/A

Doing these type of lists over the last 3 years you find guys you didn't know. Quentin Holman is the OG of great Lufkin receivers. If it weren't for Dez Bryant he'd be the number 1 receiver in Lufkin, and there's some who will whisper Holman was even better than Bryant. Holman was the main target for a State Championship and State Semi-Finalist team. He finished his career with 117 catches for 2,394 yards (4th All-Time) and 20 touchdowns. In 2002, Holman went off with Parks for 12 touchdowns. Imagine Holman in a 2020 style offense. OP.
3. Dez Bryant

Years: 2005-06
College: Oklahoma State
Highlights: https://youtu.be/wRMUX38TQ-A

Dez Bryant was a 4 star recruit and got his first varsity action in the playoffs as a sophomore. In those games Bryant had 103 receiving yards for 4 touchdowns in 2 playoff games. His 2 full varsity years at Lufkin he put up great numbers. His junior season Dez caught 48 passes for 1,025 yards and 16 touchdowns. Those numbers improved his senior year when he caught 53 passes for 1,207 yards and 21 touchdowns (1st All-Time). For a career Bryant finished with 121 catches (3rd All-Time), 2,398 yards (3rd All-Time) for 41 touchdowns (1st All-Time.)

2. Jorvorskie Lane


Years: 2002-04
College: Texas A&M

The 6' 265 pound running back was folk lore, myth, legend, and then it was real. Lane was insane. Through his career he rushed for 3,767 yards and had over 70 rushing touchdowns. touchdowns. He also had 82 catches for 1,060 yards. Seeing his weight you'd think he was a straight plower, but Lane had the agility of a man 100 pounds less his size. He could move left and right, drop his hat and run you over, and coast his way for 6. He was really first of his kind; Lane slid over and played quarterback at times. A true legend.  In 2003 as a junior, Lane rushed for 1,197 yards for 23 touchdowns. In 2004, he finished second in school history rushing yards with, 1,945 (which is now 3rd in school history) and a school record 41 touchdowns.

1. Reggie McNeal



Years: 1998-2001
College: Texas A&M

Reggie McNeal is in the Texas High School Hall of Fame. He was the #1 QB in the nation (4.35 40 time) his senior year leading Lufkin to it's only State Championship in school history. Reggie dealt out of the shotgun, something that was unforeseen in the area. That 15-1 season McNeal was the East Texas Player of the Year, throwing for  2,835 yards and 24 touchdowns while rushing for 856 yards and 10 touchdowns. McNeal spent time as a defensive back intercepting 7 passes his senior season. In the season finale, Reggie threw for 223 yards and ran for 159 more.  

Comments

Post a Comment