2024 East Texas Top 100 Preseason Players

The material this season will be few and between this year, so why not give you all a detailed look at the best 100 players returning back to the area in 2024. East Texas to me is from Canton to Waskom, East to West, and Texarkana to Lufkin, North to South. 

100. SR. Lurbryson Ross - RB Winona

Small in stature, big in game, Ross gets it done at the RB spot in Winona. He's got a great burst and can accelerate his way into monster gains. Coming off a 720 yard, 10 TD performance, the Senior is looking to explode in 2024.

99. SR. Colton McMahon - WR Mineola

McMahon is a tall, slender receiver with sure, confident hands. McMahon made a number of plays as Mineola's top target last season with 37 catches for 879 yards and 7 touchdowns. With continued success could see his self elevate to the Top 100 East Texas Players. 

98. SR. Caden Rowe - WR Van

Rowe emerged as the top receiving threat for Van last season catching 42 passes for 735 yards and 7 touchdowns. With QB Jaxon Moffatt returning, Rowe has a chance to have his numbers increase and possibly make the Top 100 for 2024.

97. SR. Jordan Taylor - WR Pine Tree

Taylor was the big play threat for the Pirates in 2023, and with returning QB MJ Cates, Taylor is bound to have an even bigger senior year here in 2024. Taylor was named District Offensive Newcomer of the year after his performance last season. 

96. JR. Benny Smith - RB Carthage 

Benny the Bull is the power back behind KJ Edwards, but trust me he could start damn near anywhere else in East Texas. He runs with ill intentions and all the leverage in the world. He's a great counter from the shifty, elusive Edwards, and he's bound to ball and score double digit touchdowns in 2024.

95. SR. Krisean Preston - WR Lufkin

Preston's a big redzone threat with competitive hands and a great usage of body. He competes for every pass and showed the ability to make people miss and run through would-be tackles. Lufkin's ushering in a new quarterback, and Preston will be a great target to turn to. 

94. SR. Peyton Harrison - QB Atlanta

Harrison is a smooth athlete that can deliver the ball accurately and on time. He can extend plays when necessary, and while he isn't the scariest runner, he's a true dual threat at QB with his mobility. This is year 3 as a starter and hopefully Harrison emerges as a Top 100 Player.

93. JR. Lemarion Coleman - S Henderson

A two way starter in Henderson, Coleman's speed is an asset on both sides of the ball. He's got the ability to house it on the jet sweep, while that same accelerations allows him to track the football through the air on defense. Henderson looks to improve from their record in 2023, and using key athletes around the field. 

92. JR. Nick Bells - RB Pleasant Grove

Bells was a backup behind Kaden McFadden and Jaylen Boardley last season, but in PG's dominant season, Bells got several opportunities. The speed he possesses is crazy. Once he gets in the open field he has visions set on the end zone. With both Boardley and McFadden Bells is the name expected to pick up the load.

91. JR. Jett Taylor - QB Grand Saline 

Shifty, mobile, tough. When things breakdown Taylor’s at his best. As a sophomore, Taylor took over as Grand Saline’s QB. While he doesn’t have game breaker speed, Taylor’s a threat true dual threat to gain yards every play.

90. SR. Mason Shelton - LB Athens

Shelton plays with incredible patience at linebacker that allows him to decipher runs and evade lineman to make plays. A 2 way player, Shelton adds physicality at the RB spot as well. 

89. SR. Braylin Allison - NG Carthage

The big fella is a stump in the middle of the Bulldog defense and is a big reason why LB Klayton Ingram can roam freely around Carthage. Allison eats up blocks and grounds runs through the middle.

88. SR. Jaden Trigg - C Atlanta 

Trigg was a big piece of a successful offense in Atlanta in 2023. AT 6' 290, Trigg can get things moving on the interior, and is a great centering piece of an offensive line. 

87. SR. Cade Christensen - OLB Van

One of my favorite defenses to watch year in and year out is the Van Vandal defense. You’re in for a tough, physical night lining up against them, and this year Cade should be the star of the show. Christensen is a hitter and loves to be the enforcer on the field. He delivered some vicious strikes last season, and I expect the same this year.

86. SR. Austin Moffatt - RB VAN 

Van was RB by committee for a portion of 2023 until Austin Moffatt decided to just go off at the end of ‘23. Moffatt is an embodiment of the style that isVan. Tough, gritty and physical. He runs through tackles and punishes weak defenders. Defenses will have a tough time with the Moffatt Bros. this year. 

85. SR. Zane Shearer - DE SABINE

Zane Shearer is a big dude. At 6'5 220, Shearer has the size all schools covet. He has decent speed off the edge, but what I'm anxious to see if he can up his level of physicality in 2024. Shearer played a lot of outside backer/defensive end and tight end in 2024. I'm ready to see him have bigger hits, play blocks tougher. With his size and athleticism, if the physicality picks up he'll be able to go wherever he wants. 

84. SR. L’Marion Hunter - RB Pine Tree

Monsta finished 2023 in strong fashion, giving Texas High the blues for over 150 yards in a playoff clinching berth game. The Pirates have a number of returning players who look to make big noise in a smaller district in 2024.

83. SR. Wylie Mitchell - Kilgore DE

Wylie Mitchell is an aggressive member of one the better coached position groups in East Texas. The Bulldogs get after it up front and Wylie’s strong punch and great effort lead to him making plenty of plays up and down the field for Kilgore.

82. SR. Keldric Davis - C CHAPEL HILL

Davis was the best center in East Texas last season and graded out at 89 last season. Davis is a big SOB in the middle of an offensive line and can be flat out dominant in the run game. 

81. JR. Duncan McGee - DT TEXAS HIGH

McGee was an instant splash for the Tigers in 23 as the sophomore clocked in and got to kicking ass instantly. McGee was a standout using his quickness and spry strength to dismiss offensive lineman and destroy backs.

80. JR. Landen Jones - RB Marshall

LJ is as throwback as they come piling ahead for yards and catching balls in the flats at fullback for Marshall. Jones physically is a grown man, mad will be the best player on offense for the Mavericks in ‘24.

79. JR. Vincent Johnson - OT Sulphur Springs 

An absolute huge human, Johnson routinely towers over his opponents and outweighs DEs. He has a great punch and accelerates his feet in rum blocks. After a dominate junior year, he’ll explode on the recruiting scene this year

78. JR. Carsin Cooper - RB Gladewater

A dude. Cooper toted the rock for Gladewater as a sophomore and ran like a grown man. He's prototypical size for a high school back, and he's a typical Gladewater kid: Tough as hell, hard to bring down and can go that way. 

77. SR. Jamarion Hope - DE Texas High

There's a long line of lineage of great ends at Texas High. Hope is another one of those guys. Tall, skinny, and explosive athleticism, Hope gives offensive tackles hell when they try to block him. He dominated at times against Longview in the scrimmage, this dude will be a baller this year.

76. SR. Joshua Blackwell - OL Texas High

A dominant interior lineman, Blackwell shined at guard last year for Texas High. Texas High should be dominant up front with all the cats they've got coming back for 2024. Between Blackwell, Damien Chisum and Qua Ford look for the Tigers to maul cats up front this year.

75. Sr. Johnathan Bateman - OL Henderson

The biggest mobile guy in East Texas, Bateman is a true mauler. At about 6'1 320, Bateman can move, and when he gets his hands on you it's a wrap. He was an effective puller last season, and plays with a mean streak to finish opponents into the ground. Henderson has talent, and I expect Bateman to lead a turnaround in 2024 for them.

74. SR. Colt Sparks - QB/TE Sabine

Sunshine. Sparks is a big dude playing QB. At 6'3 he has an intimidating presence, and with his athleticism he can tote the pill and even go out wide and fade you up. He's a great athlete, and with a great SR. year he can turn heads out there in Sabine.

73. SR. Gavin Carrell - QB Redwater

At 6'2 224 pounds, Carrell is a big ass QB at Redwater. He's got great touch on his deep ball, and with that size he can move chains and is a red zone scoring threat. He has a phenomenal receiver to throw in Marquez Jones, and the 2 should connect in a major way in 2024. 

72. Sr. Rod Bailey - WR Hooks

A receiver with tremendous RAC ability, Rod Bailey's going to explode in 2024. With Boogie Johnson and Keyshawn Walls gone, Bailey will takeover as the number 1 offensive weapon for Hooks this season. Bailey's fast and makes it look easy with the ball in his hands, and I'm expecting big things in 2024. 

71. Sr. Fernando Longoria - LT Longview

Longoria saw his first start in round 2 of the playoffs his sophomore year. He went out and balled, and started the next 3 games at left tackle for the Lobos. Last season as a junior he played well, earning 2nd Team All-District. He's weighing about 255 pounds now, up from the 230 he played at in 2023. He's got the experience, he's well coached, and I'm expecting a huge jump from Longoria in 2024. 

70. Sr. Baylynn Williams - OL Palestine

Baylynn Williams is a big dude. He's 6'5 290 and mobile. He punishes smaller defenders, and in high school football he's bigger than 95% of the defenders he plays. He can pull, he's got good feet. I'm expecting his strength to be much improved, and I believe he's going to take a huge jump from his junior to senior year. Athleticism can be improved; strength can be added. You can't teach size.

69. Sr. Larren Vaughn - LB Sulphur Springs

Vaughn is as solid as they come. He'll stop you in your tracks with great leverage. He can cover and has ball skills to catch interceptions, and he's sideline to sideline. He graded out at an 88 last season, and with a jump in plays he can see his self competing for a spot in the Top 100 in 2024.

68. SR. James Morrow - DT Carthage

A big plugger in the middle of the DL at Carthage, Morrow is a dominant Nose Guard. He can whip anybody 1v1, and does a great job of displacing the line of scrimmage backwards. Morrow has been a stud at Carthage since his sophomore year and should have a dominant senior year.

67. Sr. Hudson Barron - TE Whitehouse 

Barron's a great route runner who can own the middle of the field. At 6'1 he's not the biggest target, but he runs great drag routes across the middle and provides a great security and target for his QB. He's a good run blocker and is used to seal the backside as well as lead the way on counter. Barron's a good player and I'm expecting a big 2024.

66. Sr. Tim Johnson - DB Center

Tim Johnson is a fast flying safety for Center. Johnson's not only a ball hawking safety but an outstanding receiver as well. He anticipates and drives to the ball when he sees it, and after he catches it, it's up. He breaks up a lot of passes and is willing to come up and tackle. With Cash Cross gone, I'm not sure what level of production Johnson will have as a receiver, but as a DB he'll be needed to cash in on interceptions and give the Roughriders a chance. 

65. JR. Ashton Rowden - RB New Boston

Graded out as a 91, Rowden was unstoppable at New Boston his sophomore season. He definitely benefits from the level of competition, but Rowden truly looks like a difference maker when he has the ball in his hand. With added speed and weight, Rowden will be a true prospect. 

64. Sr. Micah Strickland - CB Brownsboro

At 6' 175 Micah Strickland has the size to get it done. He's offered up and considered a 4 start prospect by 247. Stickland has great speed and anticipation and is well coached and savvy. He disguises his coverages well and can fool undisciplined quarterbacks. In man coverage he stick to receivers like glue, and drives on the football either for an interception or a pass defense. He's an intriguing prospect that graded out as a 91 for me last season, putting him 111 last year. I'm expecting to see him in the Top 100 this year. 

63. SR. Trevor Allen - RB Spring Hill

Allen’s a tough, physical runner who thrives in SH’s physical veer running scheme. Several times Allen went for over 200 yards last season and will be called upon again to do the same for the Panthers.

62. Jr. Decorian Thompson - CB Mount Pleasant

Brother to Utah signee, LaTristian Thompson, Decorian has size and pedigree on his side already. As a sophomore he graded out as a 91 as a cornerback, just on the cusp of making the Top 100. He's about 5'11 175, and is aggressive. He is physical, can get in your face and press you and cover you all the way down the field. You can tell he is locked in and bought in to the cornerback position, and I expect him to take more steps forward and make the Top 100 like his brother this year. 

61. Sr. Jayden Doss - CB Mount Vernon

There's a sense of swag at Mount Vernon and Jayden Doss is kind of the embodiment of it. He's a dude. If you throw him a gift he will gladly accept it. He had 8 interceptions last season, and maybe with added muscle and more impact in the run game, Doss will crack the top 100 after scoring an 87 overall last season.

60. Sr. Jaxon Moffatt - Van

Van’s offense has been run heavy since 2021, but with going into his 3rd year of starting Jaxon Moffatt should be ready to take more of the toll. Moffatt is a strong runner and leader, and is effective in the RPO game as well. Van is full of tough dudes that care and play for each other, and I’m expecting the last 2 seasons of experience to pay off for Jaxon Moffatt and Van this season. 

59. Sr. Marquez Jones - Redwater

One of the best hidden secrets in East Texas is Marquez Jones. He's got incredible foot speed, and eats up cushions with ease. He's a physical specimen, especially at Redwater. His physical attributes can take over games. They give it to him in all kinds of ways: jet sweeps, bubbles, seams, any way you can think it he gets it. Expecting a huge 2024 for Jones. 

58. Sr. Jackson Phillips - Kilgore

Phillips is a big, strong defender in the middle of that DL for Kilgore. Kilgore's inside 2 were hell on offensive lines, and guess what, they're both back. Phillips scraps with the best of them on the inside, and was a productive player for Kilgore in 2023. Kilgore does an incredible job on their DL throughout the years and Phillips is another one of those productive Bulldogs.

57. Sr. Jordan Smiley - QB Kilgore

A true dual threat, Smiley can run it on the inside or outside. He has a live arm and can make all the throws on the field for the high school game. Smiley transferring to Kilgore is a real game changer. His skill set mixed in with a great run game and receivers to go and get it makes Kilgore a real threat to hoist the State Trophy in 2024.

56. Jr. Camden Capehart - Winnsboro

Capehart is one of the fastest in East Texas and showcases it on Friday Nights in Winnsboro. Last year he emerged on the scene, speeding past defenders and making incredible catches. Now that Finney is gone, it'll be interesting to see how Capehart and the Winnsboro offense will do. Whoever takes over the QB spot will have one fast and explosive target to throw to. 

55. Sr. Markeylin Batton - RB/CB Atlanta

Batton is a speed demon out there in Atlanta. He graded out as a 92 last season, just on the cusp of making the top 100. If he gets the edge, you can forget about it. I don't know how fast he truly is, but there aren't 10 guys in East Texas that run faster than him with the ball in his hands. He's a true dude, and I expect him to finish Top 50 this year. 

54. Sr. Kiyun Pellum - DE Henderson

Pellum has that special athleticism that HS tackles hate lining up in front of. He's strong enough to displace a base block, and too athletic to reach, and will run you down if you try to run away from him. He's a splash play guy that will "break the rules" from time to time. While his coaches may not enjoy it, he does make quite a few plays that way, and with that athleticism I expect him to make even more in 2024.

53. Sr. Rakadrian Minter - DE Hooks

At 6'3 220, Minter brings length and speed to the defensive end position, a nightmare for a HS offensive tackle. Minter has an explosive first step, and with his long arms he has a bevy of moves he can get to. The most impressive thing about Minter in 2023 was his effort. He's relentless in pursuing the ball. With added strength, Minter could very well see his self on the Top 100 list in 2024.

52. Jr. Jordan Ervin - Henderson

Ervin is an explosive tight end that gave big production in a small sample last season. He's fast with long arms, has a tremendous first step, and has that rebounder's ability to catch the ball and make big plays for the Lions. Ervin's production should rise dramatically in 2024, and I believe he'll emerge as one of the best players in East Texas. 

51. Jr. Cameron Christian - DT Kilgore

Last season, I got the opportunity to watch the battle of the Bulldogs in the playoffs last season, and Christian jumped out to me. While Chapel Hill did have success running it early, Christian started to dominate on the inside, and in the second half things slowed down tremendously. Christian is tough against the run, but can rush the passer as well. I'm expecting a huge jump between his sophomore and junior year, and I expect CC to make the list in 2024.

50. Sr. David Potter - QB Texas High

David Potter is a protoypical Texas High quarterback. He’s got great height, a big cannon, and can throw the football upright. Potter has two great backs to lean on in Javari Johnson and Tra Ball, but T-High will be replacing top receiver Tavarus Gray. Potter can play ball, and has been a great QB for the past two years. Texas High is expected to compete and will go as far as their offense can produce. 

49. Tyson Johnson - RB Winnsboro

Johnson graded out as a 92 and just barely missed the cut. Kyler Finney, deservingly, received the most credit for an incredible Winnsboro offense, but Johnson was the horse for the running game for the Red Raiders. Johnson a big, physical running back that can wear you down. Not sure what Winnsboro's offense will look like without Finney, but they'll have a major piece in Johnson.

48. SR. Kendravian Boyce - S Texas High

Another dude that just barely missed the cut, Boyce plays nickel and safety for the Tigers and he's a savvy coverage player. He's shifty as hell with the ball in his hands, a threat to return any type of turnover to the crib. He tackles, just like that whole defense, and I believe he's a definite Top 100 guy this year. 

47. Sr. Kaiden Rodgers - Marshall

You better not have slow feet trying to block Kaiden Rodgers. 11 is one of those receivers turned defensive ends, and trust me you don't want to stutter and hesitate with this one. Rodgers plays with a relentless attitude, can handle a base block, and for dang sure set the edge. He's super athletic, but he's got that dog mentality, and I expect him to show a stronger, even more physical version of his self in 2024. 

46. Sr. Nick Wallace - Daingerfield

Nick Wallace is a dominant 2 way player in Daingerfield. He's got a great punch, and he's mean. He's going to stay on the block until he punishes you into the ground. He's got a great first step and his hands seem like they stick to defenders extremely quickly. He plays both sides of the ball for the Tigers and will be a critical piece if they're going to go all the way in '24. 

45. Jr. Brandon Allison - Carthage

Brandon Allison was the best center in East Texas this past season. He graded out at 92, and just barely missed the top 100. Allison snaps with a long arm that allows him to move his feet faster. He accelerates in the run game, and with his long arms he's dominate in pass blocking. Carthage is well coached, and Brandon Allison is great athlete at the center position. 

44. Sr. Alex Jones - Texas High 

At 5'11 185, Alex Jones is one of those new breed linebackers. He's a DB, probably a corner in 2002, but in today's spread out football game, he's an outside linebacker. More like a nickel, Jones gets in the flats and dismissed passes right and left. With his athleticism he can cover a lot of ground from his starting position to the sideline. He has an incredible vertical, and if he can catch some of those tipped passes, he'll find his way into the Top 100 for 2024. 

43. Sr. MJ Cates - Pine Tree

Cates can do it through the air and on the ground. He’s one of the faster QBs on this list and has the ability to house call the ball from almost anywhere. Cates showcases a great deep ball with a tight spiral, and with Jordan Taylor returning, he brings back his top receiver from 2023. Cates is going to have to ball to take PT back to the playoffs, as they should be ready to compete with Kilgore and Chapel Hill.

42. Jr. Judson Dotson - West Rusk

Boy is Dotson fun to watch. Graded out as a 92, Dotson just barely missed the list. He's listed as a QB on hudl, so maybe a position change is amongst us, but last season he was a Swiss army knife. He lined up everywhere and made plays all over the field for the Raiders. Dotson high points the ball extremely well, and has the athleticism to stink to defenders like glue. He was a star in the return game last year, played WR and started at Cornerback. It'll be fun to keep up with Dotson this year. 

41. Sr. Kason Brooks - LB Longview

Brooks is as gifted as any player in East Texas. A 2 time winner of the Lobo Ironman competition, Brooks has an uncanny combination of speed and strength and shows it in flashes on the field on Fridays. Brooks was ineligible for the top 100 last season after being names 2nd team all-district, but there ain't a school in East Texas he's not starting at linebacker for. I'm expecting a jump in production in 2024, and a guy that will make the list in 2024.

40. Jr. Dequane Prevo - Liberty Eylau

Prevo exploded on the scene with one of the best seasons from a freshman in recent East Texas history. Last year as a sophomore he was a productive player, but L.E. struggled. Recruiting hasn't slowed down for Prevo, and I expect him to be an elite player again in 2024, much like he was in 2022. 

39. SR. Ja'Borian Cook - RB/S Chapel Hill

Ja'Bo cook is a physical presence on both sides of the ball. Rickey Stewart and Demetrius Brisbon, deservingly so, receive most of the credit for the run game in Chapel Hill, but Ja'bo is a dog with that ball in his hands. He's physical as hell on defense too. Graded out as a 92, he'll make this year's list.

38. SR Julius Simms - S Whitehouse

Simms graded out as a 92 last season, so he's a definite baller. Committed to TCU, Simms has the size and speed that colleges covet. He's slippery against the run, evading defenders with ease while keeping gap integrity. He covers ground well, and will catch the ball if you throw it his way. He's a bonafide dude, and will probably go from on the cusp to a Top 30 player in 2024.

37. Sr. JJ Garner - Timpson 

Garner was Timpson's best player for the early part of 2023 before Bussey stepped back on the field. Garner was a major producer at running back and outside backer for the Bears. Garner played quarterback at the beginning of 2023 and could very well slide back to that spot for 2024. If so, Garner's skillset as a runner still keeps Timpson extremely dangerous for 2024. 

36. Jr. Dawson Witherspoon - Mount Vernon

Witherspoon was a tough runner in 2023. From a production standpoint, there wasn't much of a drop off between Witherspoon and his predecessor Makenzie McGill, who's currently at North Texas. Dawson's a dude. He graded out at 92 and was about 4 spots away from making the Top 100 in 2023. Witherspoon's bound to make the list, and I expect improved speed and even longer runs for the kid in 2024. 

35. Jr. Damien Chisum - Texas High

Chisum is a dog. He's old school hat and hands and is trying to deliver an ass whipping on every play. He's big and mobile. At 6'3 275, he's offered up as a youngster, and the list and attention will only grow in the following days. Chisum is a dominant guard blocking for 2 very good running backs at Texas High. I expect Texas High to be the best offense in East Texas in 2024.

34. Sr. Seth McFarland - Pine Tree

Seth McFarland might be the best PT linebacker I've seen. At 6'3 220, McFarland has tremendous size, and he gets after it. He makes great reads, makes great tackles, and can run. He's offered up, and honestly kind of a sleeper. He graded out at 92 and was 102 overall last year. I expect a jump, and for McFarland to be one of the best players in ETX for 2024.

33. Sr. Brenden Reese - Longview 

Reese, like Brooks was named a 2nd Team All-District guy and was ineligible last year to be on the list. Keep it a buck, Reese can ball. At 6'2 220, Reese has the size and the punch to be a major impact player. He's offered up, and like McFarland, I expect a jump and for him to make the list in 2024. He can play end too, but he's best at LB, standing tall making calls and punishing the ball.

32. Sr. Jaylen Holloway - Pittsburg

Holloway is dealing with the least amount of help on the list, but the physical tools he shows on Friday proves his placement on this list. Holloway's a defensive player's nightmare. The team wasn't great, but you felt it after you played Pittsburrg. Holloway is a physical runner. It takes a lot of hats to bring him down, and he's trying to hand out pain on every run. He's got breakaway speed, and Holloway will be the biggest reason why if Pittsburg can scratch back to .500 in 2024.

31. Sr. Colt Hodges - Carthage

A 2 way starter that plays with incredible effort on both sides of the ball. Hodges was DL of the year in his district and also a 2nd Team all-district as a RT. Hodges is slippery off of blocks. He knows how to get off blocks and he is extremely productive. Hodges is going to get you to the ground. He had 79 tackles, 18 for loss and 7 sacks in 2023, and I am ready to see what type of finale he puts on for 2024. 

30. Sr. Kenny Mosley - Daingerfield

Mosley emerged as the number 1 target for Daingerfield last season even with Aeryn Hampton. What gives the Tigers and Mosley good reasons for competing for the state title and Mosley competing for the number 1 spot is what they have coming back in Chase Johnson. Chase Johnson's been one of the best QBs in East Texas for the past 2 seasons, and the veteran already has a great relationship with his number 1 target Kenny Mosley. Mosley went over 1000 yards last season and double digits in touchdowns. I expect both of those numbers to increase. 

29. SR. Khalil Deckard - S/WR PT

Khalil is a dude. Making the list last season, Deckard made plays as a physical hitting safety and a playmaking wide receiver last season. Deckard's not the biggest player on the field, but plays like one of the biggest dogs. I'm expecting major production from Deckard in his SR. Year.

28. Sr. Zion Williams - Lufkin

Zion Williams graded out as a 90 last season, and with his size, it's easy to see why schools are hovering around Lufkin, Texas. Zion is a big man. 6'3 290 pounds, and when his motor's on he can't be blocked. He made great improvement between his sophomore and junior seasons, and with another year of substantial growth, Zion will be a top 40 players in East Texas in 2024.

27. Sr. Bari Rochelle Jr. - Pleasant Grove

BJ Rochelle moved into PG midseason, and with his athleticism, he's scary. This mammoth of a man and is the most explosive off of first step, and the poor guys in his district have an incredibly tough time once he gets to going. Rochelle's challenge is to come up big later in the season, and not just flash against the sorrier teams he'll face this season. I want to see Rochelle make plays against Carthage. If he does, his placement only jump tremendously. 

26. Sr. Johnathon Bush - Whitehouse

Johnathon Bush is one of the strongest guys in East Texas, and it shows in his play. He's 6'3 290 pounds and he's offered up as well. He's not as mobile as some of the other players on this list, but he does have functional athleticism. He plays tackle for Whitehouse, but would benefit to moving on the inside at center or guard, because of his strength. He touches people and they fly. With improved athleticsim, Bush could score in the Top 50 in 2024.  

25. Soph. Qua Ford - Texas High

At 6'4 250, Qua Ford stepped right on the varsity field as a freshman, and he played like a 6'4 250 pound junior. He's got great ball get off, and he fits right in with the nasty play style that is the Texas High Offensive Line. Ford's gonna be able to throw a dart on a map and pick his school in the next 3 years, and he's about to make a huge jump between his freshman to sophomore season.

24. Sr. Lance Jackson - Pleasant Grove

Longhorn commit Lance Jackson flaunts incredible size and pedigree as well as athleticism. At 6'7, 225 Jackson can extend his arms and ensure an offensive lineman can't block him. He's the brother of All-SEC and former 5 star prospect Landon Jackson, and he's a 2 way star at PG. Jackson has great speed in the open field, and that same speed helps him track runners down in the backfield. He's bound to have a great 2024, and land in the top 30 of the Top 100. 

23. Sr. Chris Love - Jefferson

At 6'3 180, Chris Love is a problem. He extends his arms to make catches and snags the ball like a true rebounder. He's got great speed and is a great competitor when the ball is in the air. He is back with Tihmyus Taylor for their senior year, and after a great junior year, I'm expecting an explosion in 2024.

22. Sr. Kamran Williams - Jefferson

For the past 3 seasons, Kamran Williams has been a mainstay in ETX. Since his Freshman days, Williams has shown elite speed and breakaway ability. His first 2 seasons Williams didn't finish the season due to injury, but his junior year Jefferson had him the whole season. They competed for a district title and Williams made the Top 100 for the first time in his career. Williams has great teammates, and it'll be interesting to see just how successful the Bulldogs will be in 2024.

21. Boosie Washington - Longview

For the past two seasons, Boosie Washington has splashed and starred in a key role alongside Taylor Tatum. This season it's Boosie's turn to be the guy. Boosie's a tremendous speed threat and the Slick Show can do it in the return game, in the slot, but is best when you just turn around and hand it to him. Longview's back in 6A, but something tells me that Washington is about to have a special, special season. I look for him to return back to the Top 100.

20. Sr. Kash Courtney - Cathage

Kash Courtney is a Baylor commit that is big and nasty. He's about 6'4 275 pounds and can get instant movement. He's got long arms and gets his mitts on defenders quickly in pass protection. Kash is a real baller and will be a part of a hungry group of Carthage Bulldogs who didn't win state last year. Look out.

19. Jr. Kaleb Walker - Lindale

Explosion. Explosion. Explosion. Walker is a monster at defensive tackle, and has and incredible first step and punch. He can destroy opponents, whether it be offensive linemen or whether it be a ball carrier. Walker splashed like no other in his sophomore year, putting up a monster stat line: 45 tackles and 9 sacks. Lindale usually sports the best OL in ETX, and correspondingly they typically have tough ass DL year after year as well. Walker is the latest. 

18. Sr. Skylar Lewis - Sulphur Springs

Sky Lewis has balled the past two years with Brady Driver. He showcased a bunch of abilities. Great hands, great speed, rac ability, great routes, Lewis is the total package at receiver. Without the Superman figure at QB in Driver, what will Lewis look like? Lewis's positioning on the list will come down to who can get him the ball, and who will allow him to showcase their skill set the best. Lewis can ball, but who will get him the ball?

17. Jr. Tradarian Ball - RB/WR Texas High

Tra Ball is a grown man and has been since he was a freshman. A two time member of the list as a junior, barring injury, Ball will be the third 4 year member of this list. At 6' 190 pounds, Ball is an intimidating force running the ball, and Texas High lets him get the football every way possible. He's an inside zone and counter runner, but he's also heavily involved in the screen game. Ball can play and if Texas High is going to make that deep run, it'll be because of their explosive offense. 

16. Sr. Klayton Ingram - Carthage

Grown man alert. Klayton Ingram hits like bricks. He's an incredible blitzer, times up the snap as well as anyone in ETX. He pursuits and makes tough tackles all over the field. He had a pick 6 last year, so is he capable of covering and taking it back. Athleticism and speed seems to be the biggest thing to improve with Klayton, and if he can improve of that he'll have a huge 2024, and go down as one of the best Ingrams to come through Carthage. 

15. Sr. Jon Denman - RB Palestine Westwood

Jon Denman is the most physically imposing runner on this list. He's 5'10 205 pounds, he looks like a legitimate 4.4 runner, and he's gotta skill set that's off the charts. Denman can run it inside or outside, he can juke you or run you right over. Denman shared the load with teammate Ti'Darion Crawford in 2023, but Denman should be the number 1 runner in Palestine, and with a fair load, it wouldn't surprise me if he was atop the Top 100 come January.

14. Sr. Javari Johnson - Texas High

For all the talk about Tra Ball, older teammate Javari Johnson has been there every step of the way, actually leading the Texas High Tigers in rushing over the past 2 seasons. Johnson's not as intimidating as Ball, standing at about 5'7 and weighing around 175. That size doesn't limit him in anyway on the football field. Johnson can run it anyway you want it, and is the better of the two runners on the inside zone. Johnson's got great vision and burst, and is on the second level before you blink. He's got one season left to make a run with the talented Tigers, and hopefully they'll make a deep run in 2024.

13. Jr. Cameron Griffin - OL Lindale

Cameron Griffin is nasty. At 6' 250 pounds, Griffin has unique athleticism for an offensive lineman and is mean. He destroys opponents when he pulls, and is not stopping until he can get you on the ground. Lindale has been one of the best places in East Texas for offensive line play for the past 3 seasons, and Griffin was the next special guy to join their Top 100 OL alum.

12. Sr. D'Caanan Sueing - Tyler High

Sueing is incredible. He's not a blitzer. In the scheme he plays, in he sits, reads and goes and makes tackles. He's really good at it too. Sueing reads blocks well, fits lanes well and then brings hat when it's time. He's a tough football player and ain't taking anything from anybody. One of my favorites to watch across East Texas, I'm expecting big things from Sueing in 2024.

11. Sr. Javon Towns - WR/S Kilgore

Towns and Sanders are the only 2 returning defensive backs who made the Top 100 last season. Towns finished 33rd on the list after an incredible 94 tackle, 8 interception performance last season. Talk about a guy that plays bigger than his size, at just 5'6 165 pounds, Towns can tackle anybody in East Texas. He's as smart as they come, relies on his instincts and make some incredible plays on the football. He's bound to score if he touches it, scoring on defense, offense and returning kicks for touchdowns last year. There ain't too many like #1 in Kilgore.

10. SR. Brenden Webb - WR/DB Gilmer

If him was from Gilmer, he'd be Brenden Webb. Webb's playoff runs was incredible. He balled in every facet of the game last season. He's a stand out receiver on offense and will top you or run from 75 on a tunnel. He's a ball hawking safety on defense, and he's dangerous af in the return game as well. Webb balled like no other last year and is bringing it back for his SR. year. 

9. Sr. Chase Johnson - QB Daingerfield

Chase is a 3 year starter and improved greatly from his sophomore to junior year. Chase has always had a strong arm, but the timing of his throws improved as he hit receivers in stride more in 2023. Chase improved vastly as a runner as well. He’ll never be confused with a true dual threat, but Chase has the athleticism and size to move chains and break, especially at the high school level. Chase loses perhaps Daingerfield’s best player ever in Aeryn Hampton, and it will be up to him to try to lead the Tigers to the promised land. 

8. JR. KJ Edwards - RB Carthage

KJ Edwards is that guy. As a freshman he saw crucial carries late in the season, but as a sophomore he took over as the starter. Edwards went for nearly 1700 yards and 24 tds in his first season as the starter, and that's splitting carries with talented Jr. Benny Smith, another guy on the radar for the top 100. Edwards, Smith and Jett Surratt all return for their junior years after an overtime playoff loss to Gilmer in the state quaterfinals. I expect a fully motivated Carthage group, and that means heads will roll.

7. Sr. Demetrius Brisbon - QB Chapel Hill

An absolute stud. Brisbon is the best runner on this list. He makes fantastic plays on a regular basis, and is truly a runner at the QB position. He has 3 years of playmaking experience, but his receivers for this season are unproven. It took a Superman effort to get the Bulldogs to state in ‘23, he’ll have to put the cape on again in ‘24.

6. Sr. Cadon Tennison - QB Gilmer 

Cadon Tennison had one of the greatest playoff runs in recent history. After an embarrassing loss to Pleasant Grove in district, Gilmer went on a 10 game run to win state. Tennison played better each week. Gilmer’s offense scored 56, 49, 59, 64, 69, 41, 34, 47, 79, 28 in their last ten games. Gilmer had a slew of weapons to get the ball too, and Tennison, who threw for 2,703 yards and 27 touchdowns will be called upon again to defend the Buckeyes state title. 

5. SR. Jayden Sanders - Wr/CB Kilgore

Jayden Sanders is the preseason number 1 defensive back, and trust me, teams do not fw him while on the field. If he gets an opportunity at corner, he's picking it. And he probably won't see the ball on defense again for the next 2 weeks. At 6'2 190 pounds, Sanders is as imposing as they come at defensive back. He can cover, he can tackle, and he can hit. There's a difference. On offense, Sanders shines as a WR, and too can return kicks to the house. Kilgore will be strong again, and Sanders will be the best Bulldog.

4. Jr. Jett Surratt - Carthage

Jett was everything you expected him to be with the last name of Surratt. He put up senior type numbers in his sophomore season and led the Bulldogs to the quarterfinal round, before losing to Gilmer in OT. Surratt was 3rd in Texas in passing yards with 3,807 yards and 46 touchdowns. While not being a burner, Surratt has functional athleticism that can get away from a lot of people. Surratt loses his top 2 receivers for 2024, but returns an awesome back in KJ Edwards. Coming off a loss, I expect a motivated Carthage team, possibly 16-0.

3. SR. Rickey Stewart - RB Chapel Hill

Rickey Stewart and teammate Demetrius Brisbon are slated to be the first 2 guys to ever make the list all 4 years of high school. They took the world by storm as freshmen leading the Bulldogs to the 5th round. As sophomores the duo did it again, and as juniors they took their team to state. Last season, Stewart had 3,179 total yards and 44 total tds both rushing and receiving. That production is other worldly. Stewart has garnered attention from all over the country and is currently committed to the University of Texas. Stewart's a dominating talent, and all eyes will be if he and Bris can win the title in 2024.

2. SR. Isaiah Dowden - LB Texas High

After watching Darrin Finley I thought it'd be incredibly tough to unseat him as the best linebacker from Texas High and recent memory. Then comes Isaiah Dowden. Dowden graded out as a 97 last season, and there ain't nothing to kid can't do. He's a punishing hitter, great blitzer, sideline to sideline as a backer, and can cover. He reads his keys as well as any linebacker in East Texas. He's the best inside backer returning, and I expect him to be in the Top 5 this year.

1. Sr. Trevor Brooks - S/LB/DE Chapel Hill

The only player that could be considered better than Dowden is Trevor Brooks. Brooks lines up all over the field. He plays an outside linebacker in a 4-3 over scheme, where he is chasing down things from the front side of the line and harass your QB. He had 143 tackles, 39 for loss, and 15 sacks in 16 games last year. Insane production. As a sophomore he played backed up in a nickel position where he can deflect passes and catch interceptions. He's the best athlete on the field and you've gotta deal with Micah Parsons, I mean Trevor Brooks on every play.