Impactful Freshman Making Waves

<p>The Class of 2029 may only just be stepping onto high school campuses, but a select group has already proven they belong under the Friday night lights. District play is about to begin, and these freshmen are not only contributing at the varsity level, they're thriving. Here's a breakdown of some of the most impactful early contributors from around the state.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Scott has been thrown into the fire early for Weiss and has responded with a level of physicality well beyond his age. At 6-foot, 285 pounds, he is powerful at the point of attack and consistently controls his gap. His ability to fire off the ball with quickness, combined with a naturally low center of gravity, makes him a leverage nightmare for offensive linemen. He also shows lateral movement skills and nimble feet that allow him to chase plays down the line. Having already started the first three games of the season, Scott looks like a foundational piece for Weiss in the trenches and projects as a high-ceiling defensive lineman down the road.</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/JarellScott_/status/1966956840685891986 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Few freshmen have generated as much early buzz as Cooper Jr. and the numbers back it up. Through just three games, he has posted 458 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, putting himself squarely on the radar as one of the state's premier young playmakers. Cooper Jr. possesses an explosive release, excellent hands, and advanced route-running ability. His catch radius and ability to win contested balls make him a dangerous option on the perimeter. Already with 10 offers, including Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Baylor, SMU, and Penn State. Cooper Jr. has the early recruiting profile of a national-level prospect. He's expected to be a centerpiece for Life Oak Cliff throughout district play.</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/SukoraC/status/1966947614659621202 </div></figure>   <p class="text-gray-700"><br></p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Cunningham has wasted no time proving he can hold up as a varsity defensive back. In Week 3 against Denton Guyer, he tallied five tackles and an interception while allowing just one completion in coverage. Cunningham's technique, fluid feet, and ability to mirror receivers in space stand out immediately. He brings a competitive edge to the position, showing both lockdown coverage skills and a willingness to step up in run support. He also projects as a dangerous special teams asset. North Crowley has leaned on him early, and he has delivered with the type of consistency you rarely see from a freshman defender.</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/Bray_5tact/status/1966890267090502108 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Allen brings instant impact whenever he touches the football. His speed, quickness, and ball skills allow him to change games in just a few touches. In Week 3 against McAllen Memorial, Allen recorded three receptions for 101 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his big-play ability. He runs crisp routes, tracks the ball well, and displays a burst in space that makes him difficult to corral after the catch. Allen is the type of weapon who forces defenses to adjust and has all the traits of a future high-volume offensive option.</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/DagoatBxa/status/1966572931229548994 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Miller has been a steadying force along the offensive front for Weiss, showing the poise and consistency of an upperclassman. At 6-foot-3, 265 pounds, he plays with physicality at the point of attack and demonstrates strong hand placement with a stiff punch. His ability to move laterally and stay under control in his kick slide is advanced. Miller has already shown the versatility to hold up in both pass protection and run blocking. As he continues to develop physically, his combination of size, athleticism, and technical foundation will make him a prospect to watch in the coming recruiting cycles.</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/CadeMiller_29/status/1967399657589682286 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Franco has stepped into the starting quarterback role at Midland Christian with confidence and composure. His Week 3 performance, 326 yards passing and four touchdowns in an overtime win against Bushland, showed that he has the skill set to make plays in clutch situations. Franco shows a live arm with the ability to fit throws into tight windows. His footwork and pocket presence are advanced and he can deliver throws from multiple arm slots with a quick release. Franco has shown the ability to balance poise with playmaking instincts, giving Midland Christian a dangerous offensive leader. His ceiling as a prospect will be worth monitoring as his frame and game continue to develop.</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/FrancoJaxon/status/1967782391638004176 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Williams has been one of the most complete freshman receivers in the state through the opening weeks. He combines jitterbug quickness with sharp route running, making him a reliable option in all areas of the field. Williams excels after the catch, has strong hands in traffic, and brings added value as a special teams threat. Already holding offers from Texas State, Baylor, Syracuse, Sacramento State, and Toledo, he has positioned himself as a priority prospect in the 2029 class. With his polish and versatility, Williams looks like a player who will be producing at a high level for years to come.</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/black2thamax/status/1966001476817322314 </div></figure>    <p>Freshmen stepping into varsity roles is never easy, but this group is proving not only that they belong, but that they can be impact players right away. With district play now beginning, the spotlight will grow even brighter. The Class of 2029 is shaping up to be loaded with talent, and these names are just the start of what looks to be a special group across Texas.</p>

The Class of 2029 may only just be stepping onto high school campuses, but a select group has already proven they belong under the Friday night lights. District play is about to begin, and these freshmen are not only contributing at the varsity level, they're thriving. Here's a breakdown of some of the most impactful early contributors from around the state.