Preseason Review - Dripping Springs Tigers

Dripping Springs is coming off a strong 2024 season that saw them go 8-4 overall and 4-2 in the highly competitive District 26-6A, earning another trip to the playoffs before falling in the Area round. Entering 2025, the Tigers are expected to remain a force in the district, building on their tradition of consistent winning seasons and deep playoff pushes. With a challenging schedule that includes perennial powerhouses like Westlake, Lake Travis, and Vandegrift, they'll need to maintain their physical style of play and disciplined approach to stay in the hunt for a district title. The program's track record, competitive mindset, and strong coaching leadership suggest they'll once again be in the conversation as one of Central Texas' top teams. Here are some key players to be on the look out for   Dripping Springs Football Schedule 8/29 — vs Vandegrift 9/5 — @ Wagner 9/12 — vs Harker Heights 9/18 — @ Johnson 9/26 — vs Akins* 10/2 — @ Austin* 10/10 — vs Bowie* 10/17 — vs Lake Travis* 10/24 — vs Del Valle* 11/7 — @ Westlake*   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/image_972e43.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1803807" /></figure>    Hudson is a dominant force in the trenches, using his size, strength, and technique to control the line of scrimmage. As an offensive lineman, he fires off the snap with power, establishes leverage quickly, and drives defenders out of the play. His footwork is smooth for his size, allowing him to mirror pass rushers and keep the pocket clean, while his hand placement and punch neutralize opposing linemen. Whether in run blocking or pass protection, Hudson plays with a physical edge and finishes blocks with authority, setting the tone up front. It's that combination of skill, toughness, and consistency that has earned him offers from UTEP, North Texas, Duke, Arizona State, and more.     Dylan is a linebacker who thrives on reading plays quickly and attacking with purpose. He closes space in a hurry, using his quick first step and strong instincts to meet ball carriers at or behind the line of scrimmage. In coverage, he shows good awareness, keeping his eyes on the quarterback while tracking receivers in his zone. Dylan plays with a physical edge, wrapping up with solid tackling technique and rarely letting runners slip away. His combination of speed, toughness, and football sense makes him a dependable presence in the middle of the defense.     Merrik is a polished 3-star wide receiver whose size, body control, and reliable hands make him a constant threat in the passing game. He uses his frame to shield defenders and win contested catches, while his crisp route running allows him to create separation at all levels of the field. Merrik has a knack for timing his jumps perfectly, making him dangerous in red-zone situations and on deep balls. He plays with focus and toughness, consistently coming through in key moments, which has drawn the attention of programs like Army, Davidson, and Penn.     Miles is a versatile nickel defensive back who excels in both coverage and run support. He has quick hips and fluid movement, allowing him to mirror receivers and stay tight in man coverage. Miles reads the quarterback well, anticipating routes and breaking on the ball with timing and precision. He also brings physicality near the line, making smart tackles and helping limit yards after the catch. His combination of agility, instincts, and competitiveness makes him a reliable piece in the secondary, which has earned him an offer from Central Missouri.     Chase is a quarterback who shows strong leadership and poise in the pocket. He delivers the ball with accuracy and a quick release, consistently hitting targets in rhythm and keeping drives alive. Chase demonstrates good field awareness, making smart reads and adjusting on the fly to defensive pressure. He is also a steady presence under pressure, using his mobility to extend plays and find open options when the pocket collapses. His combination of accuracy, decision-making, and calm demeanor has earned him an offer from Midwestern State.     Alex is an offensive lineman who sets the tone in the trenches with strength, technique, and consistency. He uses his leverage and hand placement to control defenders, creating running lanes and protecting the quarterback in pass situations. Alex's footwork is disciplined, allowing him to mirror pass rushers effectively and maintain balance through contact. He plays with physicality and determination, finishing blocks and sustaining effort on every play, making him a reliable anchor on the offensive front.     James is a wide receiver who brings speed, agility, and reliable hands to the field, giving his team a dynamic option in the passing game. He runs precise routes, creates separation with sharp cuts, and consistently tracks the ball well in traffic. James also shows toughness after the catch, gaining extra yards with strong vision and balance. His work ethic and ability to stretch the field make him a valuable addition to the WR room, providing both depth and playmaking potential.     Braxton is an offensive lineman who adds both toughness and intelligence to the offensive front. He shows the ability to read defensive fronts quickly and adjust his blocking assignments on the fly, helping keep the quarterback clean and the run game flowing. His hand placement and balance allow him to sustain blocks through contact, and his agility lets him pull and reach defenders in space when needed. By joining the quarterback room, Braxton brings a live, physical challenge in practice, giving the QBs real time reps against a skilled lineman while sharpening his own awareness and technique.     Malachi is a defensive back who combines instinct, speed, and physicality to make an impact across the secondary. He reads the quarterback well, breaks on the ball quickly, and has the ability to close gaps in coverage with fluid movement. Malachi is reliable in man and zone schemes, showing the awareness to anticipate routes while maintaining strong tackling technique. His competitiveness and ball skills make him a playmaker, which has earned him offers from programs like Colgate, Air Force, Sam Houston State, and more.     Ryder is a running back who combines vision, speed, and physicality to make plays in both the open field and between the tackles. He reads blocks well, allowing him to find cutback lanes and take advantage of defensive mistakes. Ryder shows good balance and strength, breaking tackles while staying low and explosive through contact. With quick acceleration and the ability to change direction on a dime, he's a threat on every carry. Entering this season, Ryder looks poised to make his mark and become a go to weapon for his offense.     John is an offensive lineman who anchors the offensive front with strength, technique, and consistency. He excels at maintaining leverage, controlling defenders, and creating running lanes in both power and zone schemes. John's footwork and balance allow him to mirror pass rushers effectively, giving his quarterback time to make plays. He plays with a physical edge and finishes every block, making him a reliable presence in the trenches and a key contributor to the team's success up front.     [player_tooltip player_id='1517068' first='Cooper' last='Reid'], an Arizona State commit, had a standout 2024 season with over 1,000 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. He combines speed, size, and reliable hands to consistently create big-play opportunities. His route running is precise, allowing him to separate from defenders and make contested catches look routine. Cooper also shows toughness after the catch, turning short gains into explosive plays and keeping defenses on their heels. With his production and playmaking ability, he is a dynamic offensive weapon and a clear leader for his team heading into the 2025 season.     Harrison is a wide receiver who adds versatility and playmaking potential to the WR room. He has the ability to stretch the field vertically while also excelling in short and intermediate routes, showing quickness and sharp cuts to shake defenders. Harrison is a reliable target in contested situations and demonstrates excellent body control to secure catches in tight coverage     Colten is a safety who excels at reading the game and reacting quickly to both the run and the pass. He has the speed and agility to cover a lot of ground in the secondary, while his tackling technique allows him to reliably bring down ball carriers in space.     Gage is a defensive back who brings quickness, instincts, and tenacity to the secondary. He reads plays instinctively, breaking on the ball to make key stops or create turnovers. In coverage, he stays tight to receivers, recovers quickly when needed, and is always aware of his surroundings to support the run. Gage's competitiveness, agility, and consistency make him a reliable playmaker and a key part of the defense.     Kyle is an outside linebacker who combines speed, strength, and football instincts to impact both the run and pass game. He attacks the line of scrimmage with intensity, shedding blocks and making tackles in the backfield. In coverage, Kyle moves fluidly to stay with tight ends and running backs, showing awareness and quick reactions to passing lanes.     Jacob is a linebacker who brings energy, physicality, and smart instincts to the defense. After recording 20 tackles last season, he looks to build on that production by reading plays quickly, filling gaps effectively, and making stops near the line of scrimmage. Jacob shows toughness in pursuit, finishes tackles with proper technique, and competes on every play. His determination and consistency make him a player capable of making a bigger impact this football season.     Anthony is a young linebacker with the speed, instincts, and physicality to make an impact on the defensive side of the ball. As a member of the class of 2027, he is eager to establish himself and show his abilities against varsity competition. Anthony reads plays well, closes gaps quickly, and wraps up ball carriers with solid technique. His energy, effort, and determination on every snap make him a promising talent poised to make a name for himself this upcoming season.     Major is a defensive lineman who brings strength, power, and relentless effort to the trenches. He uses his quickness off the snap and hand technique to shed blocks and disrupt both the run and pass game. Major consistently maintains leverage, drives through contact, and finishes plays with authority. His physicality, work ethic, and ability to control the line of scrimmage make him a key presence on the defensive front.    Dripping Springs continues to build on its strong foundation, combining disciplined play with emerging talent across the roster. With key players stepping up and the team maintaining momentum from previous seasons, they are well-positioned to make a significant impact in 2025. Consistency and leadership will be crucial as they aim to translate potential into results on the field.

Dripping Springs is coming off a strong 2024 season that saw them go 8-4 overall and 4-2 in the highly competitive District 26-6A, earning another trip to the playoffs before falling in the Area round. Entering 2025, the Tigers are expected to remain a force in the district, building on their tradition of consistent winning seasons and deep playoff pushes. With a challenging schedule that includes perennial powerhouses like Westlake, Lake Travis, and Vandegrift, they'll need to maintain their physical style of play and disciplined approach to stay in the hunt for a district title. The program's track record, competitive mindset, and strong coaching leadership suggest they'll once again be in the conversation as one of Central Texas' top teams. Here are some key players to be on the look out for