Stock Risers from the 2021 Texas High School Playoffs

Logan Tuley-Tillman

January 4, 2022 @ 07:55 AM

Looking back, the Texas High School playoffs featured a multitude of talented players and exciting matchups. The players listed below were some of the most impressive and all improved their stock by their play in the postseason. [player_tooltip player_id="258573" first="Peyton" last="Bowen"], a class of 2023 safety out of Denton Guyer. Peyton is a explosive athlete with elite change of direction and ball skills. His team came up short in their match-up vs Westlake High, but he still put on a show. What impressed me the most about Peyton, was the fluidity that he has in his hips. He flew around all night and made big plays despite what the score was. Along with his ability to cover, he displayed a willingness to come downhill, and provide support in the run game. The 2023 standout recently pledged his commitment to play football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Peyton’s commitment is a huge early win in recruiting for first-year Notre Dame head coach, Marcus Freeman. Another talented defender that made a name for himself in the playoffs was class of 2022 linebacker, [player_tooltip player_id="60715" first="Jordan" last="Crook"]. Jordan has elite football IQ, excellent change of direction, and the ball skills of a defensive back. In addition to being an all-state performer on defense, Jordan also played running back on offense. Jordan’s leadership and electric play, helped land the Duncanville Panthers back in the state championship. They, unfortunately, lost to North Shore High, but Jordan showed well and displayed multiple tools that will help him be an impact player at Arkansas. The future Razorback linebacker possesses the ability to cover sideline to sideline and I predict him seeing the field and contributing early in his college career. Another stock riser that left his mark in the postseason was class of 2022 Parish Episcopal running back, [player_tooltip player_id="60796" first="Andrew" last="Paul"]. Andrew improved his stock and earned some high major scholarship offers. The 6’0, 215-pound speedster put up video game numbers and left opposing defenders with no answer all year. Andrew’s extra effort running style, coupled with a talented offensive line, helped the panthers to repeat as three time state champions. It will be interesting to watch what school he decides signs with. With his power in between the tackles and speed to take the top off, he has the opportunity to be an immediate impact in college. To many fans of Texas High School football he is already a household name, but [player_tooltip player_id="60713" first="Cade" last="Klubnik"] was a guy who elevated his game to a new level in the playoffs. Cade put up back-to-back stellar performances to turn up the Westlake Chaparrals offense all year. Westlake High School, (which is also known as the University of Westlake at Austin), is a historic program with rich tradition and Cade helped them live up to the hype. From good decision-making to his arm strength, to the ability to control the tempo of the game, he did an outstanding job in the playoffs. He picked apart some of the most talented defensive units in the state and made it look easy. The 6’3, Clemson commit has a ton of potential and will be one to keep an eye on.