Elite Underclassmen in East Texas: Part 1

Chris Hunt

December 30, 2022 @ 11:59 PM

One of the most fertile recruiting grounds you will come across is east Texas - commonly referred to here in the Lone Star State as #bEASTtexas. Powerhouse programs and talented players abound in the area. Over the next few weeks, we will shine a spotlight on standout and under-the-radar prospects throughout the region.   In this article, we highlight some of the top performing juniors from this past season.   DT Brock Reddic – 6'4″ 270 / Longview Pine Tree HS — @BrockReddic   Reddic is a man amongst boys in the Piney Woods of east Texas. He's stout versus the run and can disengage and get into the backfield in his pass rush. What stands out on tape is that he stays low and understands how to play with proper leverage. He's a true trench warrior who should see his recruiting stock rise as the 2023 season gets underway.   Currently has no offers.   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15309245/63654e697bddd701349a619a">Brock Reddic Junior Season - Hudl</a>   MLB [player_tooltip player_id='147482' first='Braxton' last='Jones'] – 6'2″ 235 / Nacogdoches HS — @BraxtonJ_33   Junior Stats: 130 tackles, 14 TFL, 2 sacks, one forced fumble   Jones is one of the better Class of 2023 backers in the state, and that's not just my opinion. The tape confirms it. He takes on and sheds blocks with authority versus the run, and in the throw game, his fluid hips and good eyes allow him to read quarterbacks and make plays on the football.   Currently has an offer from UTSA. Receiving heavy FBS interest.   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15370417/6360214e64ea3413b0da005b">Junior Season - Hudl</a>   DE [player_tooltip player_id='1126225' first='Travis' last='Jackson'] – 6'4″ 230 / Tyler Legacy HS — @ThatBoiTJ   Jackson is an under-recruited defensive end who has nice size and active hands. He consistently beats offensive tackles in his pass rush, and when they do get hands on him, can consistently counter and get to the quarterback. He has elite sideline-to-sideline speed and is supremely effective against the run. Hasn't yet gotten all the recruiting attention he deserves, but look for that to change with a strong start to his senior season.   Currently has an offer from Texas Tech.   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14394254/633b1a5f96814a033056c3e0">[player_tooltip player_id='1126225' first='Travis' last='Jackson'] Junior Season - Hudl</a>   OT Dyllan Drummond – 6'4″ 265 / Tyler Chapel Hill HS — @Drummond_Dyllan   Drummond is an athletic offensive tackle who is one of the better pass protectors in the Class of 2023. Amassed 118 knockdowns this past season, and to be honest, he isn't even scratching the surface of how good he can be. The footwork and ability to get to the second level are elite. In the ground game, he overpowers defensive linemen and paves the way for star running back [player_tooltip player_id='286370' first='Rickey' last='Stewart']. Look for the Bulldogs to make another deep playoff run in 2023, and Drummond to receive more offers on the way to the state playoffs.   Currently has an offer from Arkansas State.

One of the most fertile recruiting grounds you will come across is east Texas - commonly referred to here in the Lone Star State as #bEASTtexas. Powerhouse programs and talented players abound in the area. Over the next few weeks, we will shine a spotlight on standout and under-the-radar prospects throughout the region.