First Half Review: East Texas Offensive Standouts

There is plenty of elite talent that comes out of "bEast" Texas every year. With the class of 2026 already establishing their continuation of that trend, underclassmen in the region have really started to rise or establish their name through the midway point of this season. From Kauffman to the Louisiana border, here are five offensive playmakers playing at a national-spotlight level thus far.    One of the consensus best backs in the country, Edwards is again putting together a dominant season as the Dawgs seek yet another state title. KJ is an elite all-purpose back with a college level combination of suddenness, speed at all levels, and elusiveness. He thrives at setting up his blocks into the second level and utilizing stellar vertical cuts and lower body contact balance to break off long runs. After hardly touching the field in a blowout win last week, Edwards still already has over 450 yards and 6 TDs through the Dawgs' 4-0 start. As they strive to keep filling the campus trophy cases, the Texas A&M commit will play a vital role.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JosephAHastings/status/1969550666382393526 </div></figure>     McMiller is an absolute specimen of an RB with an incredible combination of size and speed. He totes the rock with a 6'2 frame and 10.5 100m speed. The Lions' star player runs with physicality, a great burst, and rapid footwork. Cadarius also showcases the veteran traits to run behind his pads and finish runs falling forward. Despite the Lions tough start to the season, McMiller has reminded all of his abilities, compiling over 500 total yards and 12 TDs, including a 150-yard 3 TD game last week. The junior playmaker has offers from schools such as Ole Miss, Florida State, and Tennessee, and he will look to power turning his school's season around.      Able to make a claim for the best junior QB in the entire country, Bryant has wheeled the Panthers to a 5-0 start with an offense averaging over 50 PPG. Kavian is a fantastic athlete with fluid mechanics and a smooth release. He showcases accuracy at all levels of the field and has the arm strength to zip intermediate passes with accuracy and hit receivers in stride on deep balls. Bryant is a prototype of the new-age elite college gunslinger, with great size, dual-threat ability, and arm strength. His play already being extremely polished is an extra plus. The two-sport star has received offers from programs such as Texas, Michigan, and Oregon as he strives to lead the Panthers to a state title.      The Lions' star pass-catcher looks ready to line up at the next level already, boasting a massive frame and 4.4 speed. Looking like a high school DK Metcalf, Miles has amassed over 470 yards and 4 TDs thus far with straight-line explosiveness and contested catch prowess. Aljours is a physical playmaker after the catch as well, throwing defenders off his body and exploding out of his cuts to accelerate downfield. After a 2-0 start to the season, his Lions have fallen over the past few weeks and need to get things back on track. Expect the SMU commit and freak of nature to torch defenses down the stretch in hopes of a playoff push.      One of the biggest stock-risers the class of 2028, Neighbors has emerged as a young offensive star, contributing as a passer, runner, and receiver this season. It will be interesting to see how Neighbors projects to the next level, as he has taken many snaps at QB this season (often as a read-option runner), but also presents incredible size and athleticism outside at WR. Kipton could end up playing anywhere at offense with his 4.6 speed and long frame. He also displays great physicality and vertical cut ability. The Yellow Jackets' versatile game changer has totaled over 400 yards passing, over 600 receiving, and nearly 100 receiving with 13 TDs through 5 games. With offers from Sac State and Wake Forest, keep an eye on Kipton and Mineola during the second half.

There is plenty of elite talent that comes out of "bEast" Texas every year. With the class of 2026 already establishing their continuation of that trend, underclassmen in the region have really started to rise or establish their name through the midway point of this season. From Kauffman to the Louisiana border, here are five offensive playmakers playing at a national-spotlight level thus far.