Underrated Gridiron Stars in Texas: Part 1

<p>The Lone Star State is synonymous with high school football excellence, producing high-profile recruits year after year. However, this also means that many talented players often go overlooked. This series aims to shine a spotlight on those deserving stars across the state who warrant more recognition as we head into the 2024 season.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ashton Huey | ATH | Rio Vista | 2025</h2>   <p>Offensively, Ashton Huey (5-10, 165) is an acrobatic catch maker who is tough at the point of the catch. He possesses elite breakaway speed (4.54 40) and is a passionate post-catch YAC producer with an elusive running style. His quick side-step to avoid tackles and rapid acceleration are particularly impressive. Defensively, Huey is a very fluid defender with great closing speed when the throwing motion starts. He takes an offensive approach to 50/50 balls, using his strong hands to fight through contact for interceptions.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ashtonhx2/status/1811098334783750458 </div></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1329858' first='Harrison' last='Williams'] | Running Back | Celina | 2025</h2>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1329858' first='Harrison' last='Williams'] (6-0, 180) boasts a 4.45 40-yard dash time, highlighting his elite agility and vision. His open-field speed and first-step read are also exceptional, making his one-cut speed a standout feature. Williams takes the handoff with incredible instincts, hitting open gaps with quick feet and lateral agility. His body balance and composure allow him to weave through traffic for explosive gains. Additionally, his one-step fakes and change of direction are remarkably quick and fluid.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/HarrisonW_11/status/1781167915296780437 </div></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='432378' first='Brady' last='McCown'] | Quarterback | Gilmer | 2025</h2>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='432378' first='Brady' last='McCown'] (6-2, 200) is a pocket passer with impressive instincts for feeling and responding to pressure. He excels at reestablishing the pocket, whether stepping up or moving laterally to evade pressure. His footwork in drop steps and his rhythm in throwing are noteworthy, contributing to his impressive accuracy on downfield throws, even in tight windows. McCown is tough, consistently delivering great throws under pressure, demonstrating both the ability to throw with his feet set and to make strong throws on the run, whether to his strong side or cross-body.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Brady_Mccown12/status/1716497123678576660 </div></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='559740' first='Liam' last='Madkins'] | ATH | Cy Falls | 2027</h2>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='559740' first='Liam' last='Madkins'] (5-8, 160) is an elite open-field runner with phenomenal agility and quick side-step moves to evade defenders. As a running back, he possesses innate vision, making him capable of busting runs outside or hitting cutback lanes with burner speed. His ability to make big plays with minimal assistance points to a Power 5 future. </p>   <p>Defensively, Madkins is a hard-hitting, savvy tackler with great reaction time in the run game and coverage. His ability to cause fumbles and unleash hit sticks is impressive, whether he's lined up at linebacker or outside corner back. His anticipation and big hits at the point of the catch often lead to pass breakups, showcasing his versatility and elite potential on both sides of the ball.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/LiamMadkins_1/status/1807757764476682246 </div></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dyllon Harris | Defensive Lineman | Cy Falls | 2027</h2>   <p>Dyllon Harris (6-2, 205) is a terrific gap shooter off the snap. He initially holds the edge but uses his quick play-reading skills and above-average quickness to swat through from the outside to the inside gaps, making tackles and often causing fumbles. Harris has the potential to line up at the nose guard position due to his quick hands and ability to get small in the gaps, squeezing through to create problems in the middle of the pocket.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/50Sacks/status/1724605104546885775 </div></figure>

The Lone Star State is synonymous with high school football excellence, producing high-profile recruits year after year. However, this also means that many talented players often go overlooked. This series aims to shine a spotlight on those deserving stars across the state who warrant more recognition as we head into the 2024 season.