High Steppers: Class of 2024 Top Five

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The High Steppers series will feature players in each class of the PRZ Texas Rankings. The Class of 2024, features players heading into their senior season in 2023. The top five players in the class of 2024 are not just the best players in Texas, but some of the best in the nation. Here is a look at the top five players in Texas in the Class of 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["371923"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Lagway has a strong, stout build, with the ready to play now physical traits needed to get on the field early at the next level. He has the arm strength to excel in the vertical passing game and he has the accuracy to work the short to intermediate routes. Lagway has great pocket awareness, he navigates pocket clutter like a veteran and keeps his eyes on his target downfield. DJ has the athletic ability to make plays outside the pocket to escape pressure and when he gets in the open field he has the speed to switch gears to make a house call. Lagway possesses the skill set that you can build a franchise around. A two-sport athlete, who excels on the baseball diamond,  DJ is taking his talents to Gainesville, Fla in 2024.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["408032"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Durham is one of the most electrifying running backs in the country, with a lethal combination of speed and power. Caden runs between the tackles using great leverage, he reads his keys well, which enables him to set up his blocks and his superb vision, allows him to find holes within a defense routinely. Durham has elite burst, with excellent short area quickness and he gets to his top speed quickly when he gets to the second level. The junior running back rushed for 1,960 with 36 touchdowns and was a key cog in the Duncanville Panther attack on their way to a 6A DI title in 2022. Durham in one of the most sought after players in the state of Texas.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["270019"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Simmons is one of the most dynamic defensive players in the country. He can line up anywhere along the line and be dominant. Colin has an explosive get off, he has violent hands at initial engagement, his extended arm length enables him to keep blockers from getting to his chest and he closes in on the passer under control with bad intentions. Simmons set a Duncanville Panther single season record with 22 sacks in 2022 and was the 11-6A CO-MVP, helping the Panthers win the 6A-DI state title. Colin is a physical presence in the run defense, he sets a firm edge, he uses excellent leverage at the point of attack and his closing speed causes disruption when he makes impact with the ball carrier. Simmons is relentless, he has a high motor and these traits make him one of the most sought after prospects in the state of Texas.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["149669"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Smith II causes havoc wherever he lines up on the Melissa defense. Nigel is physical at the point of attack, he has a powerful punch with violent hands and uses his brute force to cause disruption routinely in his opponents backfield. Smith II has an explosive first step, he uses great leverage and he has next level closing speed. Nigel was a game wrecker in 2022 for Melissa, recording 95 tackles, 11 sacks, 17 TFLs and a touchdown. Smith II is a national recruit, as schools across the country are in pursuit of his services.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["147421"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Taylor is a disruptive force on the Shadow Creek defensive line. He has elite burst off of the line of scrimmage, he has the athleticism to bend, rip and shed blockers at the point of attack and his closing speed is next level. Taylor is relentless when he his on the attack, he plays under control and he runs from sideline to sideline to make plays routinely.  Zion has the traits that made him a coveted recruit, but the University of Houston, which is headed to the pass happy Big 12, made him a priority, as he committed to stay close to home.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63e3b59ace90d"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->