Chris’s Corner: Slept On in the Panhandle
Make a trip to the Texas panhandle and you’ll find not only some of the nicest sunsets you’ll ever see, but some very good football players. They don’t get the recruiting trail visibility that most of the big metroplex prospects…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingMake a trip to the Texas panhandle and you’ll find not only some of the nicest sunsets you’ll ever see, but some very good football players. They don’t get the recruiting trail visibility that most of the big metroplex prospects do, but they can play some quality football.
In this article, we take a look at an elite sophomore Division 1-caliber defensive lineman, a big wide receiver who’s got 100 yards per game potential, and a junior offensive tackle who’s starting to pick up some recruiting momentum.
DT Jesus Rodriguez – 6’4″ 310 / Sundown HS — @J_Rodriguez_75 / Class of ’25
The standout soon-to-be sophomore in the small town west of Lubbock is sure to get the attention of college coaches as the season gets underway. One look at the first play on his highlight tape and you’ll see that Rodriguez plays with a nasty demeanor. For a 300+-pound mauler, he possesses elite athleticism and footwork, and equally impressive sideline-to-sideline speed. He plays guard for the Roughnecks as well.
When asked about his dream school, Rodriguez says, “Oregon has always been my dream school. They have great athletes every year and are one of the best teams in the country.”
I see a bright future for the class of 2025 big man.
Jesus Rodriguez Freshman Season – Hudl
DT Dekota Golightly – 6’1″ 260 / Sundown HS — @DekotaGolightly / Class of ’23
Junior Stats: 52 tackles, 10 TFL, 9 QB Hurries
Dominant. That’s the word to describe Golightly. Fires off at the snap, overpowers offensive linemen with brute strength, and consistently gets inside hand placement. He’s got a quick first step and does damage in the backfield. The West Texas talent mentions Texas Tech as his dream school, and he will most definitely see his recruiting stock rise with what’s sure to be a strong senior season.
Dekota Golightly Junior Season – Hudl
OT Mekhi Garmon – 6’5″ 250 / Lubbock Cooper HS — @MekhiGarmon72 / Class of ’24
A rising offensive tackle for the Class 5A Pirates, Garmon recently competed in the DFW Showcase and took a trip to nearby Texas Tech. He’s a long, athletic lineman who’s got outstanding reach and a motor that doesn’t stop. Needs to come off the line with a little more pop, but that is something that will develop more throughout the rest of his high school career. Very intriguing prospect.
Currently has a D2 offer from Southwestern Oklahoma State.
Mekhi Garmon Junior Season – Hudl
WR Seth Taylor – 6’2″ 200 / Childress HS / Class of ’23
The go-to guy in the passing game for the Bobcats, Taylor has a big frame, nice catch radius, and good speed. Releases cleanly off the line and is able to go up and make tough, contested catches when locked up on an island. Is the type of player that is going to win 50-50 balls and come up big in the red zone. Definitely a fan favorite in the small panhandle town. Keep a close eye on him as the 2022 season unfolds.
Seth Taylor Junior Season – Hudl
G Taylor Maldonado – 6’1″ 260 / Vernon HS / Class of ’23
Maldonado is a bit of an undersized offensive line prospect in a small town a few hours east of Lubbock that smaller colleges should take a hard look at. He’s a road grader who is stout at the point of attack and consistently pushes defenders backwards in the run game. Plays tackle for the Lions, but projects as a guard at the next level.
Taylor Maldonado Junior Highlights – Hudl