Texas 2024 Stars For You To Know…
Dr. Tarell D. Williams
In this article:
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<p>Stars continue to shine in the Texas at all positions and corners of the great state. The following players deserve notoriety and praise because they have worked to become the catalyst of their respected high school programs. Many of these players can play multiple positions which earns them the title of "Flat out Football Player".</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://images.rivals.com/image/upload/c_thumb,f_auto,g_face,h_200,q_auto,w_200/x9ezzgvz2ayfwrgptbye" alt="prospect profile"/></figure>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='285191' first='Xavier' last='Atkins']</p>
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<p>OUTSIDE LINEBACKER 6'1" | 203 LBS / CLASS OF 2024 @ SUMMER CREEK | HUMBLE, TX</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='285191' first='Xavier' last='Atkins'] is a linebacker who moves like a free safety. This kid can run and thump on the defensive side. Atkins plays with great leverage for the position. He can be a tad handsy at times but when it's time to disengage to see ball/get ball; he is one of the best in the country at his position. Atkins transferred from Jonesboro-Hodge High School to play his senior campaign at Summer Creek High School in a loaded district. This move will definitely prove to recruiters that his talent transitions to any level and any speed. The eyes of Texas are upon the LSU commit for the 2023-24 season.</p>
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<p>NIGEL SMITH</p>
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<p>STRONGSIDE DEFENSIVE END 6'5" | 260 LBS / CLASS OF 2024 @ MELISSA | MELISSA, TX</p>
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<p>Nigel Smith is listed as a strongside defensive end but can play either side or shift inside and play multiple techniques from an inside pass rush position. Some see Smith transitioning to the inside on a more permanent basis at the next level. He provides great length and has a variety of rush moves while generating impacting push on the pocket. Stout against the run game as well, Smith knows how to hold his ground without getting reached. </p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='628751' first='Payton' last='Pierce']</p>
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<p>INSIDE LINEBACKER 6'2" | 225 LBS / CLASS OF 2024 @ LOVEJOY | LUCAS, TX</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='628751' first='Payton' last='Pierce'] is considered the 151st overall ranked and 15th-ranked linebacker on many boards. Many project him to be a mike linebacker at the next level due to his speed to power ration and his IQ for box discipline. The recruiting scene is heating up for [player_tooltip player_id='628751' first='Payton' last='Pierce'] and look for the Ohio State Buckeyes to make a late push to secure the Texas prodigy version of OSU's AJ Hawk. </p>
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<p><br>[player_tooltip player_id='390756' first='Xavier' last='Filsaime']</p>
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<p>ATHLETE 6'0" | 167 LBS / CLASS OF 2024 @ MCKINNEY | MCKINNEY, TX</p>
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<p>What's can't [player_tooltip player_id='390756' first='Xavier' last='Filsaime'] do? Whether its defensive back, wide receiver, wildcat, return specialist, or gunner on special teams, Filsaime has a determination to make plays and be around the action. He is genuinely disruptive in nature and seems to hate losing more than he likes to win. The word is out that he has an amazing work ethic that can't be coach; you have to be born with it. The word is also out that recent Florida Gator commit [player_tooltip player_id='371923' first='DJ' last='Lagway'] has been very convincing in persuading the four-star athlete to set his eyes on Gainsville, Florida. Stay tuned for the Texas to Florida connection...</p>
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<p>JAKIRON PRUITT</p>
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<p>ATHLETE 6'0" | 205 LBS / CLASS OF 2024 @ CONROE HIGH SCHOOL | CONROE, TX</p>
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<p>Watch out for Jakiron Pruitt after transferring from Nacogdoches to Conroe High School in the loaded District 13-6A for his senior campaign. Pruitt holds not one star, ranking, or publicity push; and then you make the mistake of turning on his Hudl film.... At 6'0 and 205 pounds this powerful athlete shows glimpses of "BEAST MODE" Marshawn Lynch when carrying the ball. On defense he is a vicious plugger that drives his body through the opponent's frame. I look for this kid to blow up in the Fall due to the major attention and star power that is already in District 13-6A. Go watch his junior season film and tell me I'm wrong! </p>
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Stars continue to shine in the Texas at all positions and corners of the great state. The following players deserve notoriety and praise because they have worked to become the catalyst of their respected high school programs. Many of these players can play multiple positions which earns them the title of "Flat out Football Player".
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