Season Preview: Richardson Eagles Look to Take Flight in 2025

The Richardson Eagles are a program on the rise in Texas high school football. Coming off a 7–5 season that included their first playoff victory since 1992, the Eagles have momentum and a roster full of proven stars and emerging talent. With Division I commits, national recruits, and young prospects already drawing Power 5 offers, Richardson has the kind of depth and playmaking ability that makes them one of the most intriguing teams in the state heading into 2025. Anchored by toughness in the trenches and explosive skill position players, the Eagles are building toward sustained success and they're only getting started.    Winfield is the heart of the Eagles' defensive front. With his combination of raw strength, heavy hands, and athleticism, he can collapse a pocket or stuff the run with equal dominance. His chase-down speed is rare for a near-300-pound lineman, and his ability to change direction makes him disruptive against both mobile quarterbacks and zone-running teams. Already committed to USC, Winfield plays with a high motor and projects as a day-one impact defensive lineman at the college level.     Crowe is the ultimate offensive weapon for Richardson. His route-running savvy allows him to create separation at every level of the field, and he's equally dangerous on deep posts as he is on quick hitters. With 62 receptions for 1,283 yards and 14 TDs in 2024, Crowe has proven to be a consistent game-changer. His elite body control, reliable hands, and ability to stretch the field vertically make him a nightmare for defensive backs.     Sawyer split time last season but showed flashes of being a true franchise QB, throwing for 1,815 yards and 15 TDs. He has the tools college programs covet: a quick release, excellent field vision, and accuracy across the route tree. His deep ball touch is advanced, and he can make off-platform throws on the run thanks to his athleticism. With full control of the offense this fall, Sawyer is primed for a breakout year that should put him firmly on the college recruiting radar.     Ngokwere is a prototypical offensive tackle prospect. He has the frame, footwork, and balance to dominate in pass protection, paired with the strength and leverage to move defenders in the run game. His nimble feet and bend allow him to mirror athletic edge rushers, traits rarely seen in a player his age. Already a top recruit with multiple Power 4 offers, Ngokwere is also a standout basketball player, which translates to his agility, coordination, and athletic upside on the football field.     Smith-Bowen is a high-motor defensive lineman who wins with explosiveness off the snap. His ability to fire out low and with leverage makes him disruptive against both run and pass. He plays with violent hands and a strong anchor, consistently getting into the backfield. At 6'2” 250, he has the frame to bulk up and project as either an interior lineman or versatile edge in college, making him a valuable piece for defenses that prize flexibility up front.     Swanks is an instinctive linebacker with a big frame and sideline-to-sideline speed. He flows well to the football, sheds blocks, and has the agility to drop into coverage. His natural instincts allow him to read plays quickly, putting him in position to make tackles before plays develop. At 6'2” 215 as just a 2027 prospect, his upside is enormous, and with continued development, he projects as a Division I-caliber linebacker with three-down potential.     Ross is one of the top young offensive linemen in the state. With multiple Power 4 offers already, he combines size, length, footwork, and bend that college coaches dream about. He plays with a strong base in pass protection and shows the ability to drive defenders off the ball in the run game. At only a sophomore, Ross has unlimited upside and is already viewed as a recruit who could become one of the premier names in the 2028 class.     Catchings flashes playmaking potential off the edge. With his long arms, explosive first step, and relentless pursuit, he's a constant threat to quarterbacks. He has the wingspan to disrupt passing lanes and the speed to chase down ball carriers from behind. Already drawing offers as just a sophomore, Catchings has the frame to add muscle without losing athleticism, making him a high-upside pass rusher colleges will be monitoring closely over the next two seasons.     A rising young talent who adds even more firepower to Richardson's passing game. Watson is shifty in space, lightning quick in short areas, and has elite hip flexibility that allows him to create separation in tight windows. His body control and reliable hands make him a quarterback's best friend. With game-breaking ability after the catch, Watson has the tools to become one of the most dangerous slot receivers in the 2028 class over the next three years.     An electric and explosive playmaker, Dewalt brings speed, shiftiness, and elite burst in and out of his breaks as pass catcher. He's a savvy route runner who creates separation with precision and quickness, while his strong, reliable hands make him a dependable target in the passing game. With his athleticism and football IQ, Dewalt has all the tools to emerge as one of Richardson's most dangerous offensive weapons. Expect him to be a breakout player to watch in 2025.

The Richardson Eagles are a program on the rise in Texas high school football. Coming off a 7–5 season that included their first playoff victory since 1992, the Eagles have momentum and a roster full of proven stars and emerging talent. With Division I commits, national recruits, and young prospects already drawing Power 5 offers, Richardson has the kind of depth and playmaking ability that makes them one of the most intriguing teams in the state heading into 2025. Anchored by toughness in the trenches and explosive skill position players, the Eagles are building toward sustained success and they're only getting started.