Class of 2024 Risers in Texas Displaying Speed
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Texas can be considered baby Jamaica when it comes to how high school athletes train for Friday night lights. Track and field is the catalyst for Texas football because the Lone Star game is predicated on speed and playmaking ability.…
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Continue ReadingTexas can be considered baby Jamaica when it comes to how high school athletes train for Friday night lights. Track and field is the catalyst for Texas football because the Lone Star game is predicated on speed and playmaking ability. What scouts understand about the marriage between the two sports are that track and field speed in a football player is the kryptonite for any opposition’s plans for success. This is evident when a person clicks on a hudl and has an “Oh wow” moment. Let’s examine some athletes who have been identified this Spring as game changers and are burning the track up while getting ready for Spring ball.
Devondre McGee Devondre McGee 6'2" | 180 lbs | DB Conroe | 2024 State TX (2024) has been tearing the track up this spring while playing the 7v7 travel squad circuit with Team Texas Fury. McGee is a 6’1 180 cornerback who has consistently posted sub 11 second 100-meter times this season and serves as the anchor on his schools 4×100 relay. Laser sub 11 second 100-meter times translate to a verified 4.5 or below 40-yard dash. This is invaluable when assessing how an athlete will translate to the speed of college football. McGee is fresh off of offers from Sam Houston State University and Ole Miss due to his playmaking and measurables.
Isaiah Pruitt Isaiah Pruitt 6'0" | 180 lbs | DB Conroe | 2024 State TX (2024) is the second athlete being mentioned because of similar measurables. Pruitt is a 2024 cornerback that stands at a stout 5’11 and weighs 180 pounds. When he is not dominating two way goes from route runners, Pruitt is dropping 10.7’s in the 100 meters and 21.8’s in the 200 meters. These times show why Pruitt’s tape shows tremendous burst and suddenness when striking through a ballcarrier’s legs or running down the deep backend pursuit. Tice Williams Tice Williams 6'3" | 190 lbs | DB Conroe | 2024 State TX (2024), along with Pruitt and McGee is a 6’2 1/2 190 free safety/cornerback who moonlights occasionally as a receiver and punt returner. At that length Williams has recently posted a 10.9 in the 100 meters after coming out to compete in track and field one month after the season started due to his playoff basketball obligations. Three sports have allowed Williams to be a well-rounded playmaker on the backend with his versatility, athleticism, and IQ. Coaches say it’s not normal to step on the track and run for the first time and drop a sub 11 second 100-meter time out of shape so all eyes are on what Williams will do once he gets into sprinter shape. Either way, a 6’2 1/2 190 defensive back moving at a 4.5 laser clip is a problem and shows on his Hudl film. Williams has received offers from the majority of the Ivy League schools, Eastern Illinois, and is scheduled to visit the Miami Hurricanes next.
Lastly, Christian Nunley (2025) is not in the 2024 class but demanded mentioning due to the sophomore quarterback sensation for the Conroe Tigers standing 6’3 and weighing 187. Nunley has posted consistent sub 11 second 100-meter times already. This Spring Nunley has showed a quick release from multiple arm angles to stack up touchdowns on the 7v7 circuit. Add in that he is a 4.5 to 4.4 high laser sprinter, and you have yourself a problem approaching District 13-6A next Fall. Nunley believes that in order to be a true dual threat quarterback he has to pay the price in the spring through track and field workouts with his coach Derrick Brew who himself is a former Olympic gold medalist from the Beijing Games. Texas A&M and Coach Bobby Petrino recently brought the signal caller in for an up close and personal meet and greet. Coach Derrick Brew trains the speed for several high-end athletes in the Greater Houston area including the previously mentioned in this article and it shows on Friday nights. We look forward to seeing these names skyrocket up all evaluation lists in the near future.