Must-See Talents in the Lone Star State

Photo: Prep Redzone

Chris Hunt

October 26, 2022 @ 11:53 PM

In this article, we will take a look at a handful of lesser-known prospects throughout the state that have major upside for the next level, including a young signal-caller in the panhandle that's just getting started.   LB Christian Baker - 6'1" 220 / @Christian_Bak3r (Class of '23)   Senior Stats (so far): 64 tackles, 7 TFL, 4 PBU, 2 sacks   Baker is the man in the middle of the Richardson Pearce defense. He is a future starter for a college program who has the upside to become a real difference maker on the next level. Rushing the quarterback is where he really shines, and he can read a play with the best of 'em to chase backs down from the backside. In addition, he possesses above-average vision, and can be effective as a spy. Against the run, he shoots gaps hard and fast, and has nice sideline-to-sideline speed to effectively stop perimeter runs. Finally, he's a hard-hitter who routinely puts ball carriers to the deck with bad intentions. Will shine on the next level as a middle 'backer in a 4-3 defense.   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13544490/6359a5be9a90e30eace8f2e6">Christian Baker Senior Season - Hudl</a>   DT Timothy Marshall - 6'4" 280 / @Tim52228307 (Class of '23)   A dominant 3-technique who really makes his presence felt on gameday, Marshall is a future stud for the program lucky enough to land him. He is a naturally-gifted pass rusher who wins with an explosive first step and active hands. Plays with excellent leverage and doesn't allow guards to get underneath him when coming off the line. The reaction time is off the charts, and in the run game, it really shows. He fires his gap and consistently beats offensive linemen, allowing him to disrupt plays in the backfield. When offensive linemen do get their hands on him, he is able to quickly disengage and either explode downhill or move laterally to make a play on the ball carrier. Future all-conference player.   Verbally committed to Houston Christian University.   DE Jewlyen Roberts - 6'4" 230 / @JewlyenR42 (Class of '24)   Roberts is a high upside defensive end who leaves it all on the field. The junior flashes a relentless motor and a desire to become great. Needs to develop more explosiveness and more of a mean streak, but he has the frame to potentially get up to 245-250, meaning he could become an under-the-radar steal for a smaller program willing to be patient and watch him develop.   QB Caleb Cook - 6'3" 180 / @CalebCook33 (Class of '25)   As a passer, Cook has a cannon arm and enough athleticism to roll out left or right and deliver right on the money. What I really like about the young sophomore is that he doesn't panic when his first read isn't there. He stays poised in the pocket, goes through his progression, and finds the open man. He hits his receivers in stride downfield, and also shows the ability to step up into pressure and deliver intermediate throws over the middle. Some of the footwork needs to be cleaned up, but the small school sensation in the panhandle has impressive upside.

In this article, we will take a look at a handful of lesser-known prospects throughout the state that have major upside for the next level, including a young signal-caller in the panhandle that's just getting started.