Sophomore Standouts: DFW Week Two

<p>Week two provided a multitude of great games and fireworks across the Metroplex. From shootouts to heavyweight defensive battles, it was a great weekend of high school football. One of the most intriguing developments to watch early in the season is sophomores either taking the next step or coming out of nowhere after their freshman year. Here are five class of 2028 prospects that showed out in week two. </p>    <p class="text-gray-700">One of the most underrated athletes in the class, Hawkins, despite the loss, was electric on both sides of the ball. He displayed development on the offensive side, finding the creases in zone coverages and reeling in 2 deep touchdowns. Hawkins totaled 6 catches for 132 yards. Defensively, he showcased his great instincts and ball skills at free safety, jumping a route to catch an INT. Nolan also had three tackles, demonstrating his short-area quickness and high motor. Expect his recruitment to pick up this season, as he currently holds offers from schools such as Baylor, Texas Tech, and TCU.</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/nolan_hawkins1/status/1964749542261510519 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Part of a dynamic duo of sophomore playmakers for the Panthers, Smith served his role as an elite gadget "wide-back" type player in the big win over DeSoto. He was impressive at all levels of the field, serving as a safety valve for both QBs in the screen game and in the flats. Smith displayed polished and explosive footwork that complements his incredible 4.3 speed. Kade also reeled in an impressive late 2nd quarter TD catch in the back corner of the endzone. The Panthers' star has all the traits to be a dynamic slot receiver at the next level. Smith has received 10 offers from schools such as Duke, SMU, and Arizona.</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/KadeSmith24/status/1964211249228452055 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">One of the best offensive athletes in the state, Johnson showcased his ability in both the pass and run game during a dominant victory over Cedar Hill. With just five touches, Josyah was able to produce over 100 total yards and 2 TDs. His first score was a red zone fade that displayed his great release at the line of scrimmage and ball-tracking ability. He also added a score on the ground, proving his electric speed and burst, housing an end-around 45-yarder. Johnson will play a pivotal role in the powerhouse Eagles' season, as he looks to build upon offers from Auburn, Vanderbilt, and Tulsa.</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/JosyahHJohnson/status/1964830732138029183 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Big Sherm has provided immense value to the Lions' offense thus far into the season, lining up literally everywhere across the line of scrimmage. He dominated in a much-needed bounce-back week 2 win against Lakeview Centennial. No matter where he was lined up, he brought power and intensity, especially flourishing in zone run schemes. Sean does a stellar job of maintaining pad-level, striking out of his hips, and pushing defenders with heavy hands. The versatile trench warrior has received offers from schools such as Texas A&M, Pitt, and Arizona State. </p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Dean is a young speedster of a playmaker to buy stock in early for the Eagles. Although his varsity experience is short to this point, Levi was a standout at RB on JV last year and has been a part of the varsity secondary to start this season. And when given his first opportunity in the backfield last week, he made the most of it, totaling 97 yards on only three carries. This immediate production included a 69-yard touchdown run on his first carry of the season. Expect more carries and attention to gravitate towards Dean, who totes the rock with excellent vision and great lateral change of direction.</p>

Week two provided a multitude of great games and fireworks across the Metroplex. From shootouts to heavyweight defensive battles, it was a great weekend of high school football. One of the most intriguing developments to watch early in the season is sophomores either taking the next step or coming out of nowhere after their freshman year. Here are five class of 2028 prospects that showed out in week two.