C/O 2025 Houston Area Watchlist Pt. 3

Photo: Prep Redzone

Evan Shumard

March 11, 2022 @ 02:55 PM

Here’s the third installment of 2025 guys that you need to look out for. A couple of running backs here on this one as well as some Hightower guys who will look to make some noise in 2022. RB John Kelly | 6’0" 205lbs | Cy-Fair In 2021, John Kelly had a statement season. As a freshman, Kelly dominated in every aspect. He looked like a grown man on film and has elite speed and size for a 2025 prospect. Kelly is strong and nearly impossible to bring down 1 on 1. Whether it’s straight-line speed up the sideline, running through linebackers, or juking out the third level of the defense, John Kelly can do it all. He simply doesn’t stop until he reaches the endzone. In the open field, you can just kiss Kelly goodbye. Overall, Kelly is a balanced back that can offer you anything in the run game and is a screen threat. Kelly will look to make to become one of the top ’25 backs in the city this upcoming season.   ATH [player_tooltip player_id="304137" first="Kade" last="Phillips"] | 6’1" | Hightower [player_tooltip player_id="304137" first="Kade" last="Phillips"] is a true athlete and can get it down anywhere on the football field. On defense, he plays a rover/nickel role and excels on all phases of the game. His film shows a consistent tackler who isn’t afraid to stick his head in there, as well as a guy who has a nose for the ball carrier. At the rover spot, he displayed a good mix of blitzing, coverage, and run support. He covers well and gets his hands on the ball, generating a couple of turnovers his freshman season. Phillips is a playmaker not just on defense but also at the receiver position. With good size and speed, Phillips is a nice go-to deep threat and is excellent with the ball in his hands. [player_tooltip player_id="304137" first="Kade" last="Phillips"]’ versatility will have him on the field and you can’t help but notice his game.   DB Caleb Chester | 6’1" 165lbs | Ft Bend Marshall Ft Bend Marshall’s defense in 2022 will be one of the most highly regarded units in the city. Caleb Chester is a 2 sport athlete that has great speed and is light on his feet. Chester can change direction while maintaining his back peddle and has fluid hips. He has that quick-twitch and explosion you like to see from your defensive backs. Chester trains with highly regarded trainer Rischad Whitfield (@Footwork_King2), and he will continue to develop more until his wings. Chester has a great frame and athletic tools to dominate and already has D1 internet, including an offer from Kansas.   RB Austin Bowen | 5’7" 160lbs | Hightower With good vision and a natural nose for the endzone, Austin Bowen had a notable 2021 season. Bowen runs with a low pad level, is difficult to bring down, and runs very hard. He possesses a nasty stiff arm that on film you see him throw defenders to the ground while continuing to move and pick up yards. Bowen is a balanced back that seems like he can do everything he’s asked to do. With further development, Bowen could turn into a premiere home run hitter in 20-6A.   ATH [player_tooltip player_id="276062" first="Chase" last="Ferrell"] | 5’5" 145lbs | Cy Falls<img class="size-medium wp-image-275183 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/62-Chase-Ferrell-245x300.jpg" alt="" width="245" height="300" /> Fast, agile, playmaker are some of the first words that come to mind when you see [player_tooltip player_id="276062" first="Chase" last="Ferrell"] play. On tape, he has reps at running back where you see a big-play guy. Ferrell has that type of juice and twitch where when he cuts, people are missing and he is accelerating out of it. At the PrepRedzone Houston Camp, Ferrell had worked with the WR where he displayed good hands, the ability to get open on all types of routes, and coachability. While he may not be the biggest man on the field, he’s not afraid of contact and he brings his track background to the field. Ferrell is a medal-winning track star with potential on the field to become a speed threat that can be used anywhere on the field.