Way Out West: 2023 Names to Know

Included in this article is an El Paso running back who just missed out on 1,000 yards last season, two wide receivers in Wink who are bona fide playmakers, and a linebacker in Alpine who deserves some more looks. <strong><em>RB Xavier "X" Johnson – 5’11" 205</em></strong><strong><em> / El Paso Hanks HS </em></strong><strong><em>— @BigMoves_X</em></strong> Junior Stats:  920 rushing yards, 8 touchdowns; 5.3 yards per carry Johnson is a powerful, compact runner who runs through contact.  Not a whole lot of wiggle, he just gets downhill and runs with authority.  Doesn’t have elite top end speed, but he sees the field well, runs with great contact balance, and gets into the end zone.  Would fit nicely into a zone system at the next level. <strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13191417/61b7f8ca5ca93303d8cc087e">Xavier Johnson Junior Season - Hudl</a></strong> &nbsp; <strong><em>WR Jordan Tally – 6’4</em></strong><strong><em>″</em></strong><strong><em> 170 / Wink HS </em></strong><strong><em>—</em></strong><strong><em> @JordanTally2</em></strong> Junior Stats:  633 yards and 7 touchdowns Tally is a true X who can beat you in a variety of ways - over the top, winning a jump ball, or by taking a simple screen 70 yards to the house.  He blows by cornerbacks and has a relatively easy path to the end zone.  He shows a lot of ability, also, as a downfield blocker.  Very intriguing player who should see his first offer roll in shortly after his senior season gets underway.  Has recently competed at a number of college camps throughout the state. No offers yet. <strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11888247/6245c7be4ba92a05c4ba7c5e">Jordan Tally Junior Season - Hudl</a></strong> &nbsp; <strong><em>WR Kalonji Martin – 5’11"</em></strong><strong><em> 170 / Wink HS</em></strong> Junior Stats:  34 receptions, 583 yards, 9 touchdowns If you watched last season’s playoff matchup vs Clarendon, you know that Martin has a ton of ability and is an electric playmaker.  Finished that game with 4 catches for 126 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Has the tools you’re looking for in a slot receiver.  Runs good routes and can beat press coverage and get clean releases.  Very good player who has a bright future at the next level. <strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10481185/61d3dcaca6817605445bf466">Kalonji Martin Junior Season - Hudl</a></strong> &nbsp; <strong><em>OT Eloy Romo – 6’4</em></strong><strong><em>″</em></strong><strong><em> 275 / El Paso Austin HS </em></strong><strong><em>—</em></strong><strong><em> @EloyRomo1</em></strong> If you’re looking for a high upside, developmental offensive tackle, you have found him in Romo.  Doesn’t have a ton of tape and is raw, but he flashes impressive strength at the point of attack and the kind of blue collar grit you want in a trench warrior.  Has to polish some parts of his game, but if you’re willing to be patient, Eloy could develop into a very nice right tackle down the road. Currently holds a D2 offer from New Mexico Highlands. <strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15165074/61e0b9aeff0bc80ad014c8a2">Eloy Romo Junior Season - Hudl</a></strong> &nbsp; <strong><em>LB Tray Ervin – 5’11" 205</em></strong><strong><em> / Alpine HS — @ErvinTray</em></strong> Junior Offensive Stats:  325 rushing yards, 5 touchdowns Junior Defensive Stats:  38 tackles, 1 TFL, 2 pass breakups, 1 INT, 1 forced fumble Ervin plays RB and LB for the Bucks, but projects to the defensive side of the ball at the college level.  He’s a tough, physical athlete who makes big plays.  When he drops back, does a good job of reading quarterbacks and anticipating plays.  As a tackler, he gets downhill and fills gaps quickly, meeting running backs and stopping them in their tracks.  Would be a very nice pickup for a smaller program looking for a hard-nosed presence in their linebacker room. <strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14910333/61835bea4deae205606963d7">Tray Ervin Junior Season - Hudl</a></strong>