Season Preview-Canyon Cougars

<ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Austin High</li>   <li>@ New Braunfels</li>   <li>@ Alamo Heights</li>   <li>Eagle Pass</li>   <li>@ Buda Johnson *</li>   <li>Schertz Clemens *</li>   <li>@ San Antonio East Central *</li>   <li>Converse Judson *</li>   <li>@ Cibolo Steele *</li>   <li>San Marcos *</li> </ul>    [player_tooltip player_id='237808' first='Jackson' last='Regan'] stands at a solid 5′11″ and 190 lbs, combining power, toughness, and finesse in the backfield. As a senior standout in the Class of 2026, he rushed for 1,860 yards on 289 carries (6.4 YPC) with 24 touchdowns during his junior season, ranking among the elite rushers in Texas. He added 15 receptions for 215 yards and three more scores, underpinning his role as the centerpiece of Canyon's offensive identity. With durability, vision, and consistent productivity, Regan has led the Cougars through deep playoff runs and big district wins.   On the field, Regan's impact is immediate and multi-dimensional. Game logs reveal multiple monster performances—212 rushing yards (8.5 YPC) vs Johnson, 215 yards (6.7 YPC) against East Central, and 176 yards (7.7 YPC) versus Clemens—highlighting both his explosiveness and consistency. His 54-yard touchdown run and mixed scoring output—including runs, receptions, and even a pass—against Clemens illustrate his ability to shift the dynamics of a game in varied ways. Regan's balance, stiff-arm power, and ability to break tackles have frequently punctuated his highlight reel, making him a box-office back who delivers under pressure.   Beyond stats, Regan's promise is reflected in his recruitment. He has amassed Division‑I offers from Utah State (he verbally committed in March 2025), Navy, Yale, Dartmouth, and Incarnate Word. At the same time, he received the San Antonio Express‑News Athlete of the Week honor after a 172-yard, two-touchdown playoff performance vs Veterans Memorial. With his blend of size, production, athleticism, and football IQ, Regan is emerging as one of South Texas's premier Class of 2026 backs and a prospect poised to flourish at the collegiate level.   Bottom line: [player_tooltip player_id='237808' first='Jackson' last='Regan'] combines elite production, versatility, and recruitment traction to cement himself as a standout high school talent—one equipped to thrive at the next level.     [player_tooltip player_id='1517043' first='Luke' last='Bell'] stands at 6′1″, 175 lbs, offering an elite frame and length as a lockdown cornerback for the Canyon Cougars. A Texas Tech verbal commit, Bell boasts natural athleticism honed through track—he competed in the 110-meter and 300-meter hurdles, posting times of 14.82 and 38.49 seconds, respectively. This rare blend of speed and length gives him a smooth transition into man-to-man coverage while also contributing in the secondary or on special teams.   On the field, Bell plays with a restless motor and impact production. In nine varsity games last season, he recorded a team-best 72 tackles, six pass breakups, and one fumble recovery—showcasing his ability to influence both run support and pass defense. Game logs reflect consistent high-effort play—multiple solo tackles per game and critical disruptions, like pass breakups and recovering loose balls—demonstrating his physicality and presence across the field.   What sets Bell apart is his recruitment profile and football IQ. As one of Texas Tech's earliest defensive back commits in the class of ‘26, he's also drawn interest from Ole Miss, Baylor, and Texas State. Beyond his recruiting buzz, Bell's leadership shines: he's described by coaches as a hard worker, high-character player who excels in the film room and takes charge on the field. With his size, athleticism, production, and maturity, [player_tooltip player_id='1517043' first='Luke' last='Bell'] projects as one of South Texas's top CBs in the Class of 2026—a player ready to make waves at the collegiate level.   Bottom line: [player_tooltip player_id='1517043' first='Luke' last='Bell'] is a long, athletic, and cerebral cornerback with strong production, recruiting momentum, and leadership traits—poised to thrive at Texas Tech and beyond.     Logan Andrews stands at a prototypical 6′1″ and around 205 lbs, anchoring Canyon High's defense with a combination of length, athleticism, and grit. Ranked among the top linebackers in the district, he finished his sophomore year with 65 total tackles—nearly 6 per game—along with sacks and QB pressures that demonstrated his force in both run support and pass rush. That production earned him District 29‑6A Defensive Newcomer of the Year honors, validating his influence at the highest level of Texas high school football.   On the field, Andrews excels with an explosive first step and sharp instincts. His film shows him shooting through A‑gaps to disrupt running lanes, stack blockers with power, and chase down ball carriers sideline‑to‑sideline. He added at least one sack and multiple QB hurries during the district slate, showcasing his edge‑setting ability and versatility in blitz packages. Whether stunting inside or dropping into the flat, he consistently makes impactful plays and disrupts opponent game plans.   What truly separates Logan is his high football IQ and character. A known film-room leader, he studies offenses meticulously and redirects teammates based on what he sees pre‑snap. His 4.0 GPA and coachable attitude round out a profile built on reliability and dedication. With his physical profile, playmaking ability, and sideline command, Andrews is quickly emerging as one of South Texas's premier Class of 2027 linebackers—and a cornerstone recruit to watch.   Bottom line: Explosive, instinctive, and cerebral, Logan Andrews combines production, leadership, and character—making him a defensive anchor and a high-upside standout.     Donavon Craycraft may be compact at 5′10″ and 155 lbs, but he's a beast on the field. As a senior slot receiver in the Class of 2026, he's established himself as the Cougars' spark in the passing game. Over four games, he's hauled in 8 receptions for 154 yards (19.3 YPC) and two touchdowns—already outpacing varsity averages and ranking 19th in the 6A Region IV for receiving yards.   On the field, Craycraft consistently delivers explosiveness and route precision. His smooth separation and ability to hunt soft zones in coverage translate into chunk yardage—highlighted by a 70-yard long catch over just a handful of games. In high-leverage situations, his soft hands and field awareness shine: he's the trusted possession target that moves chains and flips field position. His Hudl highlight reel is already full of contested grabs and clutch third-down conversions.   What truly makes Craycraft stand out is his rising recruitment and playmaking in big moments. He's already secured college offers—most recently from UFTL—demonstrating early collegiate trust in his ball skills and upside. Plus, his inclusion in trick-play success—like the 22-yard TD grab vs San Marcos—reflects his coaching trust and playmaking instincts. With his burst, production, technique, and early attention from other football programs, Donavon is shaping into one of South Texas's stealthiest receiver threats in the 2026 cycle.   Bottom line: Craycraft blends explosive play, polished route-running, and early recruitment—creating mismatches and building a standout senior season that's drawing serious attention on and off the field.     Josh Wood, standing at a solid 5′11″ and around 200 lbs, is shaping into a high-impact linebacker for the Canyon Cougars. He most recently played both middle and outside linebacker, earning attention as a Film‑Room leader and an instinctive tackler. With over 65 total tackles and regular solo stops—even in limited playing time—Josh has earned his stripes as a rising playmaker in District 29‑6A.   On the field, Wood showcases a rare blend of sideline‑to‑sideline speed and football IQ. He explodes through gaps on run plays, stacks up blockers, and wraps up with clean, textbook form. His film session highlights include multiple tackles for loss and impressive pursuit angles, along with productive snaps against Eagle Pass and Austin where his hustle and awareness disrupted opposing offenses. Additionally, his ability to blitz off the edge or drop into coverage gives Canyon versatile defensive looks and keeps opponents guessing.   What truly sets Josh apart is his off-field excellence and maturity. He carries a near-perfect 3.94 GPA, is active in NHS, and consistently leads in weight‑room effort and practice intensity—often the first on the field and last off . Coaches praise his coachability, sideline presence, and film-room leadership—calling plays, making adjustments, and rallying teammates when it matters most. With elite character, physical tools, and consistent production, Josh Wood stands out as one of South Texas's most promising Class of 2026 linebacker recruits.   Bottom line: Wood brings toughness, instincts, and intelligence to the field every snap—proving to be a defensive catalyst and a three-down linebacker poised for breakout junior and senior seasons.     Joseph Coronado stands at a sturdy 6′3″ and weighs in around 285 lbs, anchoring the Cougar offensive front with impressive size and athleticism. Coaches and analysts note that his frame isn't fixed—he's listed as 265 lbs, indicative of functional mass and explosive strength in short spaces. His powerful base and long arms enable him to control defenders at the line of scrimmage, making him a natural fit on the interior or at tackle.   On game film, Coronado consistently wins his matchups with a combination of technique and tenacity. He drives opponents off the line with a heavy initial punch, sustains blocks with low pad play, and finishes through the whistle—coining “50+ pin blocks this season,” per his coach. Whether pulling on outside-zone concepts or walling off pass rushers, he displays the footwork and hand placement typically seen at higher levels, frequently clearing lanes and protecting his quarterback under pressure.   What truly sets Joseph apart is his intelligence, coachability, and leadership. With a strong academic standing (3.8 unweighted GPA) and a reputation for hard work, he's known for pointing out defensive alignments, making pre-snap calls, and helping teammates improve technique In the weight room and on film, he leads by example, consistently seeking improvement. With his size, polish, and high-character mindset, Joseph Coronado is shaping into one of South Texas's most dependable 2026 offensive line anchors.   Bottom line: A powerful and smart lineman with a winning mentality, Coronado drives lanes, sustains protection, and uplifts his teammates—traits that position him for college-level success.     Devin Lagunas brings a fierce presence to Canyon's defense, playing with an energy and tenacity that set him apart. A sophomore linebacker, Lagunas has quickly become a key piece in the middle of the field, earning the trust of coaches and teammates. With lightning‑quick instincts and an “always-first-in” mentality, he frequently emerges as the first defender to the whistle, helping shut down run lanes and reset plays before they develop.   On the field, Lagunas showcases impressive burst and agility—his quick reaction time allows him to diagnose plays instantly and shoot through traffic with precision. He anchors himself in read-and-react schemes, consistently beating blocks to make tackles in space. His technique reflects diligent coaching, featuring a sound pad level, compact strike, and the grit to finish plays. His impact is evident in key moments—game‑breaking tackles, forceful run stops, and quarterback pressures in blitz packages.   What makes Lagunas truly elite is his leadership, football IQ, and relentlessness. Teammates credit him for high-level film study and sideline communication—calling adjustments and rallying the defense during critical junctures. Off the field, he anchors weight room sessions and film breakdowns with a mix of intensity and humility. With his dominant play, balanced technique, and unwavering work ethic, Lagunas is fast becoming one of Canyon High's most compelling underclassman linebackers—and a standout to watch as he continues to grow.     Casen Tippit stands at a powerful 6′3″ and plays around 270 lbs, anchoring Canyon's defensive front with a blend of size and athleticism. His 40-yard dash time of about 5.0 seconds and shuttle of 4.70 underscore an impressive blend of explosiveness and mobility for his position. A one-time All-District honoree, Casen brings both pedigree and potential to his senior season, combining physical tools with a relentless work ethic and a weight-room presence highlighted by squats over 400 lbs.   On the field, Tippit is a disruptor. Over nine varsity games last fall, he recorded 34 total tackles (including 12 solos), notched a sack, and generated four QB hurries—illustrating his consistent pressure and gap-fighting mentality. His ability to penetrate zones, stack blockers, and anchor against double-teams sets the tone for Canyon's run defense. Whether he's collapsing the pocket or finishing blocks, his presence reshapes plays before they develop.   What truly elevates Casen is his toughness, football IQ, and team-first attitude. Coaches highlight his disciplined film study and mental approach, and teammates respect his low-maintenance leadership. With a 3.0 weighted GPA and accountability on and off the field, Tippit has molded himself into a mature, reliable anchor whose intelligence complements his brute strength. As he continues to refine his technique and expand his disruptive potential, Casen Tippit is establishing himself as one of South Texas's most physical and dependable Class of 2026 defensive linemen.   Bottom line: Casen combines size, power, smack-your-face football, and strong character—making him a cornerstone of Canyon's defense and a disruptive force to watch this season.