First Round Fire: Players Who Stole the Spotlight

The first round of the playoffs delivered high-energy, hard-fought football from start to finish. Players across all positions showcased speed, power, and instincts, making key plays that swung momentum and set the tone for the postseason. From explosive runs and dynamic catches to relentless defensive stops, it was clear that talent and determination were on full display.   Lock in your spot at the Prep Redzone Stock Up Showcase and use promo code EdouardWinterPRZ to get in front of coaches and boost your recruiting.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/G5AXSf9XgAABwIP.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2055863" /></figure>      Tripp has been putting together a special season — 31 touchdowns and now a playoff win to back it up. He shows command, confidence, and poise in every big moment. His ability to deliver timely throws, work through pressure, and consistently make winning plays stands out. When the lights are brightest, he elevates his game and leads with a steady presence that sets the tone for his team.      Trot rose to the moment in his playoff matchup, erupting for five touchdown passes and setting the tone from the opening drive. He kept the offense rolling with sharp decision-making and timely throws, turning pressure situations into scoring chances. His performance not only separated his team on the scoreboard but showcased his ability to take control of a high-stakes game and guide his group to a well-earned win.      CJ brings explosive energy off the line, attacking every snap with burst, power, and a relentless motor. He fires off with purpose, collapsing pockets and shutting down runs before they fully develop. His hand usage is sharp — he stacks, sheds, and redirects blockers with real control. What separates him is how quickly he diagnoses the play and redirects his pursuit, chasing down ball carriers from angles most players can't close. He plays with toughness, effort, and consistency, turning every rep into a battle he expects to win.      Hudson brings a downhill presence with physicality and urgency on every snap. He reads plays cleanly, flows sideline to sideline, and closes space with confidence. His tackling is firm and controlled — he squares up, wraps, and finishes with authority. What really stands out is how quickly he keys run lanes, slips blocks, and gets himself into winning leverage. He plays fast, trusts his instincts, and sets the tone as a reliable enforcer on defense.      Legend delivered a standout playoff performance, throwing for 294 yards and four touchdowns while keeping the offense in full command. He pushed the ball downfield with confidence, hit his timing routes with precision, and consistently put his team in scoring position. His poise showed — calm in the pocket, steady under pressure, and always in control of the moment. It was the kind of postseason outing that sets the tone for a deep run.      Sarod exploded for 158 rushing yards and three touchdowns, taking over the game with power, acceleration, and balance. He consistently found daylight, slipped through tight creases, and turned routine carries into chunk plays. His vision stood out — patient when needed, aggressive when the lane opened, and always finishing runs with purpose. It was a dominant performance that showed his ability to control the tempo and carry an offense.     Jon took over the game with 156 rushing yards and four touchdowns, dominating every phase of the ground attack. He ran with force, balance, and urgency — slipping through traffic, breaking tackles, and turning tight lanes into explosive gains. His burst through the second level and his ability to finish runs made him the engine of the offense, setting the tone from start to finish with a truly commanding performance.      Aiden brings consistent speed, instincts, and physicality to every play. He reads the action quickly, breaks on the ball with confidence, and closes gaps with precision. His playmaking ability stands out — whether disrupting passes, making tackles in space, or forcing turnovers, he impacts the game in multiple ways. Smart, aggressive, and relentless, he sets the tone in the secondary every snap.     Rome plays with a relentless, take-no-prisoners mentality that sets him apart on every snap. He attacks the action with physicality and urgency, consistently stacking, shedding, and finishing plays with authority. His instincts and toughness allow him to read plays quickly and pursue with purpose, making him a constant disruptive force. Opponents feel his presence every time he's on the field, and he never backs down from a challenge.      Lathon has been consistently impressive all season, delivering impact plays week after week. He shows a strong combination of effort, awareness, and athleticism, making key contributions in every game. Whether it's creating opportunities, finishing plays, or stepping up in critical moments, he consistently rises to the occasion and keeps his team in strong positions. His steady performance reflects both talent and a dedication to competing at a high level.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/LathonLatiolais/status/1989713750086086743?s=20 </div></figure>    Dallas is a dynamic playmaker who consistently stretches the field and creates separation. He runs precise routes, attacks openings with speed and agility, and makes contested catches look routine. His ability to track the ball in traffic, adjust on the fly, and finish plays after the catch makes him a consistent threat. With his combination of hands, athleticism, and competitiveness, he consistently changes the momentum of a game.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/DallasBoozer/status/1989733862805791044?s=20 </div></figure>    Nico brings physicality, instincts, and relentless effort to every play. He reads the action quickly, fills gaps with authority, and consistently wraps up ball carriers with sound technique. What stands out is his ability to shed blocks, pursue from all angles, and make game-changing stops, showing both toughness and awareness that elevate the defense as a whole.      Brody is a disruptive force on the line, bringing power, quickness, and relentless effort to every snap. He consistently wins at the point of attack, sheds blockers, and collapses pockets with authority. His ability to read plays and react instantly allows him to create tackles for loss and pressure the quarterback, making him a constant problem for opposing offenses.     Torrin dominated with 155 receiving yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his ability to take over a game. He consistently finds openings, makes contested catches look routine, and turns short passes into explosive gains. His speed, hands, and field awareness allow him to create separation and make big plays when it matters most, giving his team a reliable and dynamic weapon in the passing game.      Jamari Stewart plays with a rare combination of physicality, instincts, and relentless effort. He flows to the ball with speed, fills gaps decisively, and delivers tackles with authority. What sets him apart is his ability to read plays, shed blocks, and pursue ball carriers from all angles, making him a disruptive presence every snap. Tough, smart, and aggressive, he consistently sets the tone for his defense.      Cody brings physicality, awareness, and relentless effort to every play. He diagnoses action quickly, flows to the ball with purpose, and finishes tackles with authority. His ability to shed blockers, cover ground sideline to sideline, and make impact plays in key moments makes him a consistent force on defense. Tough, disciplined, and aggressive, he sets the tone for those around him every snap.      William put together a massive performance with 271 rushing yards and a touchdown, controlling the game from start to finish. He combines vision, balance, and power to consistently find and exploit running lanes. Once he hits the second level, his burst and agility make him extremely difficult to bring down, and he consistently turns short gains into big plays. Beyond just his physical tools, he sets the tempo for the offense, wears down defenders, and consistently makes the key play when his team needs it most. His ability to dominate both the line of scrimmage and the open field shows why he's such a game-changing force.      Traylor is a playmaker in every sense of the word. He runs precise routes, consistently finds separation, and shows the ability to make contested catches in traffic. His speed allows him to stretch the field vertically, while his agility makes him dangerous after the catch. He attacks the ball in the air with confidence and has a natural feel for getting open against man or zone coverage. Traylor's work ethic and football instincts make him a reliable target and a player who can change the outcome of a game.      Jaden is a physical and instinctive linebacker who attacks downhill with authority. He diagnoses plays quickly, fills gaps with speed, and consistently makes tackles near the line of scrimmage. Despite his youth, he plays with poise and has the toughness to handle both the run and pass. Jaden's combination of strength, awareness, and aggressiveness makes him a disruptive force on defense.      Kaiden is a powerful, disruptive presence on the defensive line. He consistently wins his battles at the point of attack, using strength and technique to shed blocks and make plays in the backfield. Quick off the snap and relentless with pursuit, Kaiden shows the ability to collapse the pocket, stop the run, and pressure quarterbacks. His motor and tenacity make him a force every snap.        Carson is a dynamic runner who combines speed, vision, and power to consistently gain tough yards. He reads blocks quickly, hits holes decisively, and shows the ability to make defenders miss in the open field. Whether breaking off a long run or grinding out tough yardage between the tackles, Carson plays with confidence and explosiveness that makes him a constant threat on every carry.      Jordan is a versatile playmaker who can line up at multiple spots and impact the game in every phase. He has the speed and vision to create big plays as a runner, the hands and route-running ability to make an impact as a receiver, and the explosiveness to be a threat in the return game. Jordan's athleticism, instincts, and playmaking ability make him a matchup nightmare for any defense.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/star_gazng/status/1990235068678504802?s=20 </div></figure>    Jayquan is a talented playmaker who recently committed to Texas A&M, and for good reason. He combines athleticism, instincts, and a competitive edge that allows him to impact the game in multiple ways. Whether making plays in the backfield, at the line of scrimmage, or in coverage, Jayquan consistently shows the skills and mindset to compete at a high level.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/star_gazng/status/1990144295265853748?s=20 </div></figure>    Taylen is a powerful and elusive runner who consistently finds seams and turns them into big plays. He combines vision, speed, and strength to gain tough yards between the tackles while also showing the ability to break long runs in the open field. Taylen attacks every carry with confidence and explosiveness, making him a constant threat to defenses.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/star_gazng/status/1989836075854975331?s=20 </div></figure>    [player_tooltip player_id='833997' first='Gavin' last='Beard'] is a poised and dynamic quarterback who can make all the throws and deliver the ball accurately under pressure. He reads defenses well, moves confidently in the pocket, and has the ability to extend plays with his feet when needed. Gavin's combination of arm talent, field vision, and leadership makes him a consistent threat and a natural playmaker for his team.     Kingston is a disruptive force on the defensive line who excels at winning battles at the point of attack. He combines strength, quickness, and technique to shed blocks, stop the run, and consistently pressure the quarterback. Kingston reads plays well, flows sideline-to-sideline with speed, and shows the ability to make tackles in open space. His relentless motor and high-energy play allow him to collapse the pocket, disrupt timing in the passing game, and create opportunities for teammates. Kingston's combination of power, awareness, and tenacity makes him a cornerstone of any defensive front.     Dunn is a versatile and dynamic athlete who can impact the game in multiple ways. Whether lining up as a runner, receiver, or on special teams, he uses speed, agility, and instincts to create big plays. His ability to read the field, make defenders miss, and finish strong makes him a constant threat every snap.      Dylan is a physical and instinctive defensive back who consistently stays around the ball. He reads the quarterback well, breaks on passes quickly, and closes in on ball carriers with speed and precision. Dylan's toughness, awareness, and ability to make plays in coverage or support the run make him a reliable and disruptive presence in the secondary.      Tobias is a versatile and explosive athlete who can impact the game in multiple ways. Whether running the ball, catching passes, making plays in the secondary, or contributing on special teams, he consistently uses speed, agility, and instincts to create big plays. Tobias shows excellent field awareness, can make defenders miss in tight spaces, and isn't afraid to attack contact when needed. His combination of athleticism, vision, and competitiveness allows him to change the momentum of a game and be a go-to playmaker in any situation.      Williams is a relentless force upfront who thrives in the trenches. He uses explosive first steps and strong hands to control blockers, penetrate gaps, and disrupt both the run and pass game. His motor never stops, and he consistently makes plays in the backfield, collapsing pockets and forcing offenses to adjust. Williams' combination of strength, technique, and relentless energy makes him a game-changing presence on every snap.      Gatlon is a physical and instinctive defensive back who consistently impacts the game. He reads the quarterback well, breaks on passes with speed, and closes in on ball carriers with precision. Gatlon's combination of awareness, athleticism, and toughness allows him to make plays in coverage and support the run, making him a disruptive force in the secondary.      Andikan is a dynamic and powerful runner who consistently finds holes and turns them into big plays. He combines vision, speed, and physicality to gain tough yards between the tackles while also showing the ability to break long runs in the open field. Andikan attacks every carry with confidence, displays great balance through contact, and makes defenders miss with agility, making him a constant threat on every snap.      Dazmean is a powerful and disruptive presence on the defensive line. He uses strength, quickness, and technique to shed blockers, stop the run, and create pressure in the backfield. Quick off the snap and relentless with pursuit, Dazmean can collapse pockets, make tackles behind the line of scrimmage, and force offenses to adjust. His combination of motor, awareness, and physicality makes him a consistent impact player every play.      Hill is a dynamic and poised quarterback who consistently makes plays under pressure. He has a quick release, can deliver the ball accurately at all levels, and reads defenses well to make smart decisions. Hill extends plays with his mobility when the pocket collapses and shows the ability to create big plays both through the air and on the ground. His leadership, arm talent, and field vision make him a reliable and explosive playmaker for his team.      Keaton is a technically sound and powerful offensive lineman who consistently controls the line of scrimmage. He uses quick hands, balance, and leverage to dominate defenders in both run and pass protection. Keaton's footwork, strength, and awareness allow him to open lanes for runners and give his quarterback time to make plays. His consistency and physicality make him a reliable anchor for any offensive front.      Tabor is a powerful, downhill runner who consistently drives through contact and picks up tough yards between the tackles. He combines strength, balance, and vision to hit holes decisively while also showing the ability to break off extra yardage when defenders miss. Tabor's physicality and relentless style make him a constant threat every time he touches the ball.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/beartabor22/status/1989823488329232625?s=20 </div></figure>    Henderson is a polished playmaker who consistently creates separation and makes big-time catches. He attacks routes with sharp footwork, tracks the ball naturally, and shows the ability to win in traffic or break free for explosive gains. His blend of speed, body control, and reliable hands makes him a constant threat, and he impacts the game from anywhere on the field. His presence elevates the entire offense.      Kameron plays with confidence, rhythm, and complete command of the offense. He delivers the ball with touch, timing, and the velocity to hit tight windows, keeping the unit in a smooth, attacking rhythm. His poise is a separator — he stays calm when the pocket compresses, resets his platform, and finds the right throw without forcing mistakes. He understands how to control pace, read spacing, and make the efficient play that moves the chains. Beyond the physical tools, he brings leadership and composure that elevate everyone around him, turning crucial moments into opportunities rather than pressure.      Jayshon runs with a blend of power, balance, and sudden burst that makes him tough to contain. He hits lanes with confidence, keeps his pads low, and finishes every carry with purpose. What stands out is his ability to slip through tight spaces, break first contact, and turn routine touches into momentum-changing plays. He brings consistency, toughness, and big-play ability that fuels the offense every time he gets the ball.     Brock is a reliable playmaker who creates separation with sharp footwork and finishes plays with strong hands. He tracks the ball smoothly, adjusts in mid-air, and turns open-field opportunities into big gains. His consistency, burst, and ability to win one-on-one matchups make him a dependable threat in any offense.    Several players stood out in the first round of the playoffs with game-changing performances. Physicality and instincts were on full display at linebacker, while running backs and versatile athletes consistently made explosive plays. Quarterbacks showed poise and accuracy under pressure, and linemen controlled the trenches, setting the tone for their teams. Overall, these performances highlighted who can step up in big moments and make a lasting impact on the postseason.

The first round of the playoffs delivered high-energy, hard-fought football from start to finish. Players across all positions showcased speed, power, and instincts, making key plays that swung momentum and set the tone for the postseason. From explosive runs and dynamic catches to relentless defensive stops, it was clear that talent and determination were on full display.

Tripp Wilcoxson

HEIGHT 6'4"

WEIGHT 175

POS QB

CLASS 2027

Tripp Wilcoxson

School: Prince Of Peace HS

Trot Jordan

HEIGHT 5'10"

WEIGHT 200

POS QB

CLASS 2027

Trot Jordan

School: Stephenville HS

CJ Spellmeier

HEIGHT 6'1"

WEIGHT 195

POS EDGE

CLASS 2026

CJ Spellmeier

School: Stephenville HS

Hudson Butchee

HEIGHT 6'1"

WEIGHT 215

POS QB

CLASS 2026

Hudson Butchee

School: Stephenville HS

Legend Howell

HEIGHT 6'2"

WEIGHT 170

POS QB

CLASS 2026

View Player

Legend Howell

State: Texas

School: DeSoto

Highlights

SaRod Baker

ATH

HEIGHT 5'10"

WEIGHT 185

POS ATH

CLASS 2027

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SaRod Baker

State: Texas

School: DeSoto

Highlights

Jon Anthony Lardizabal

HEIGHT 5'10"

WEIGHT 185

POS RB

CLASS 2026

Jon Anthony Lardizabal

School: Springtown HS

Aiden Adams

HEIGHT 5'10"

WEIGHT 165

POS DB

CLASS 2026

Aiden Adams

School: Springtown HS

Rome Ewell

HEIGHT 6'2"

WEIGHT 200

POS LB

CLASS 2027

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Rome Ewell

State: Texas

School: Springtown

Highlights

Lathon Latiolais

HEIGHT 5'10"

WEIGHT 180

POS WR

CLASS 2026

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Lathon Latiolais

State: Texas

School: Prosper

Highlights

Dallas Boozer

HEIGHT 6'2"

WEIGHT 185

POS WR

CLASS 2026

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Dallas Boozer

State: Texas

School: Prosper

Highlights

Nico Viveros

HEIGHT 6'3"

WEIGHT 215

POS LB

CLASS 2026

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Nico Viveros

State: Texas

School: Frisco Lone Star

Highlights

Brody Fann

HEIGHT 6'1"

WEIGHT 210

POS DL

CLASS 2026

Brody Fann

School: Lone Star HS

Torrin Teague

HEIGHT 5'11"

WEIGHT 190

POS WR

CLASS 2026

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Torrin Teague

State: Texas

Highlights

Jamari Stewart🌟

HEIGHT 6'3"

WEIGHT 230

POS LB

CLASS 2026

Jamari Stewart🌟

School: South Oak Cliff HS

Cody Smith

HEIGHT 5'10"

WEIGHT 190

POS LB

CLASS 2028

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Cody Smith

State: Texas

School: South Oak Cliff (Dallas, Tx)

Highlights

William Holland

HEIGHT 6'0"

WEIGHT 180

POS RB

CLASS 2026

William Holland

School: Krum HS

Aarington Traylor

HEIGHT 5'10"

WEIGHT 175

POS WR

CLASS 2026

Aarington Traylor

School: ANNA HS

Jaden Parker

HEIGHT 6'2"

WEIGHT 225

POS LB

CLASS 2026

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Jaden Parker

State: Texas

School: Anna

Highlights

Kaiden Baker

POS DL

CLASS 2026

Kaiden Baker

School: Anna HS

Carson James

HEIGHT 5'10"

WEIGHT 219

POS RB

CLASS 2027

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Carson James

State: Texas

School: Arlington Heights

Highlights

Jordan Smith

HEIGHT 5'9"

WEIGHT 170

POS WR

CLASS 2027

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Jordan Smith

State: Texas

School: Waxahachie

Highlights

JayQuan Snell

ATH

HEIGHT 6'2"

WEIGHT 175

POS ATH

CLASS 2027

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JayQuan Snell

State: Texas

School: Waxahachie

Highlights

Taylen Strange

HEIGHT 5'7"

WEIGHT 185

POS RB

CLASS 2028

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Taylen Strange

State: Texas

School: Waxahachie

Highlights

Gavin Beard

HEIGHT 5'11"

WEIGHT 195

POS QB

CLASS 2026

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Gavin Beard

State: Texas

School: All Saints

Highlights

Kingston Beyer

HEIGHT 6'2"

WEIGHT 275

POS DL

CLASS 2027

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Kingston Beyer

State: Texas

School: All Saints Episcopal-Fort Worth

Highlights

DaQuwan Dunn

HEIGHT 6'1"

WEIGHT 172

POS DB

CLASS 2026

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DaQuwan Dunn

State: Texas

School: Berkner

Highlights

Dylan Kelly

HEIGHT 6'1"

WEIGHT 180

POS DB

CLASS 2026

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Dylan Kelly

State: Texas

School: Byron Nelson (Trophy, Tx)

Highlights

Tobias Whitley Jr

HEIGHT 6'2"

WEIGHT 175

POS ATH

CLASS 2028

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Tobias Whitley Jr

State: Texas

School: Byron Nelson

Highlights

Dylan Williams

HEIGHT 6'2"

WEIGHT 200

POS DL

CLASS 2026

Dylan Williams

School: Duncanville HS

Gatlon Cryer

DB/ATH

HEIGHT 6'0"

WEIGHT 195

POS DB/ATH

CLASS 2027

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Gatlon Cryer

State: Texas

School: Duncanville

Highlights

Andikan Asuquo

HEIGHT 6'0"

WEIGHT 185

POS RB

CLASS 2026

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Andikan Asuquo

State: Texas

School: North Forney

Highlights

Dazmean Bryant

HEIGHT 6'2"

WEIGHT 275

POS DL

CLASS 2027

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Dazmean Bryant

State: Texas

School: North Forney

Highlights

Kaine Hill

HEIGHT 6'0"

WEIGHT 170

POS QB

CLASS 2026

Kaine Hill

School: Springtown HS

Keaton Fraser

HEIGHT 6'3"

WEIGHT 305

POS OL

CLASS 2026

Keaton Fraser

School: Melissa HS

Jeremiah Tabor

HEIGHT 6'2"

WEIGHT 205

POS RB

CLASS 2028

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Jeremiah Tabor

State: Texas

School: Melissa

Highlights

Jamarion Hardemon

HEIGHT 6'2"

WEIGHT 175

POS WR

CLASS 2026

Jamarion Hardemon

School: Eastern Hills HS

Kameron Jenkins

HEIGHT 6'4"

WEIGHT 220

POS QB

CLASS 2027

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Kameron Jenkins

State: Texas

School: Alvarado

Highlights

Jayshon Gibson

HEIGHT 5'10"

WEIGHT 190

POS RB

CLASS 2027

View Player

Jayshon Gibson

State: Texas

School: Richland

Highlights

Brock Boyd

HEIGHT 6'2"

WEIGHT 170

POS WR

CLASS 2026

View Player

Brock Boyd

State: Texas

School: Southlake Carroll

Highlights

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First Round Fire: Players Who Stole the Spotlight

In this article:

Tripp Wilcoxson

Tripp Wilcoxson

Trot Jordan

Trot Jordan

CJ Spellmeier

CJ Spellmeier

Hudson Butchee

Hudson Butchee

Legend Howell

Legend Howell

Highlights

SaRod Baker

SaRod Baker

Highlights

Jon Anthony Lardizabal

Jon Anthony Lardizabal

Aiden Adams

Aiden Adams

Rome Ewell

Rome Ewell

Highlights

Lathon Latiolais

Lathon Latiolais

Highlights

Dallas Boozer

Dallas Boozer

Highlights

Nico Viveros

Nico Viveros

Highlights

Brody Fann

Brody Fann

Torrin Teague

Torrin Teague

Highlights

Jamari Stewart🌟

Jamari Stewart🌟

Cody Smith

Cody Smith

Highlights

William Holland

William Holland

Aarington Traylor

Aarington Traylor

Jaden Parker

Jaden Parker

Highlights

Kaiden Baker

Kaiden Baker

Carson James

Carson James

Highlights

Jordan Smith

Jordan Smith

Highlights

JayQuan Snell

JayQuan Snell

Highlights

Taylen Strange

Taylen Strange

Highlights

Gavin Beard

Gavin Beard

Highlights

Kingston Beyer

Kingston Beyer

Highlights

DaQuwan Dunn

DaQuwan Dunn

Highlights

Dylan Kelly

Dylan Kelly

Highlights

Tobias Whitley Jr

Tobias Whitley Jr

Highlights

Dylan Williams

Dylan Williams