Diamonds In The Rough: Rising Prospects to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every recruiting cycle, a handful of under-the-radar prospects emerge as hidden gems. Players whose talent, production, and upside start catching the attention of college coaches and programs. This offseason, several Texas standouts are making that leap, proving they belong in the conversation with the state's best. These explosive playmakers fit that mold, these “diamonds in the rough” are quickly rising up recruiting boards and making a name for themselves.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1656528"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67fd1c52ddbc3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mendenhall is quickly gaining attention with his combination of size, arm talent, and mobility. The 6-foot-4, 190-pound signal-caller threw for 2,517 yards and 23 touchdowns as a junior, while adding 500 rushing yards and 5 scores on the ground, proving himself as a true dual-threat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mendenhall has a big arm, quick release, and clean footwork, allowing him to make plays both inside and outside the pocket. His skill set continues to draw interest from college programs. He recently picked up an offer from Lamar, was on campus at McNeese State, and is scheduled to visit Prairie View A&amp;M soon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With his physical tools and production, Mendenhall has the traits college coaches covet in a modern quarterback — and his stock is trending up heading into his senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1248017"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67fd1c52ddc21"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Class of 2027 wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1248017' first='Chad' last='Nelson'] is turns heads with his explosive skill set and playmaking ability. A standout for Mayde Creek as a sophomore, Nelson is a shifty, elusive runner with the tools to be a game-changer at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He possesses strong hands, can track the ball well in flight, and consistently creates separation. Nelson's vertical speed makes him a true deep threat, and his ability to make defenders miss in the open field adds another layer to his game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nelson already holds an offer from Nebraska, a sign that his stock is on the rise. With his quickness, route-running ability, and natural feel for the position, Nelson is quickly becoming a name to know in the 2027 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1609196"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67fd1c52ddc64"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After a breakout sophomore season, Schwab has firmly established himself as one of the top playmakers in Texas' 2027 class. The Bridgeland running back earned RB Newcomer of the Year honors after rushing for 1,668 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging an eye-popping 9 yards per carry.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schwab is more than just a ground threat—he's a true receiving weapon out of the backfield, hauling in 29 receptions for 355 yards and 5 touchdowns. His game blends speed, power, elusiveness, and excellent hands, making him a complete back with the ability to impact all phases of the offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This offseason, Schwab picked up an offer from Texas State and was on campus at the University of Louisiana in March. With his versatility and production, expect his recruiting stock to rise heading into his junior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1655288"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67fd1c52ddca1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Neal, a 6-foot-5, 215-pound tight end, is quickly becoming a name to know in the 2026 class. With a long, lean, athletic frame, strong hands, and the ability to stretch the field, Neal brings a dynamic presence to the position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He thrives working the middle of the field, shows good speed, and has the ability to accelerate after the catch. His large catch radius and natural ball skills make him a tough matchup for defenders. Neal earned First Team All-District honors in 10-5A DII as a junior, and his stock has continued to rise this offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He recently picked up an offer from Air Force, attended Junior Day at UTEP, and was on campus for a practice at Houston recently. With his blend of size, athleticism, and production, Neal is poised for a big senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->