Beast Texas: Names to Watch in Round Four

<p>There's nothing quite like the Texas High School Football Playoffs, and they have lived up to their name this postseason. With three rounds down and Jerry World looming closer, Round Four is sure to provide more thrillers this week. Competition and tensions have been high in the East Texas region, so let's preview five players sure to play a vital role this round. </p>    <p class="text-gray-700">A downhill blazer out of the backfield, "KJ" has been electric down the playoff stretch for the Eagles, posting back-to-back 150+ yard, 2-touchdown games. Porter has great burst and top-end speed that lasts through all three levels. He is a slider in between running lanes with smooth footwork and loose hips. He also provides immense value in the passing game as a receiver out of the backfield. He has compiled nearly 1,900 yards and 28 total touchdowns this season, emerging as one of the best all-purpose backs in the state. With offers from schools such as Texas Tech, Baylor, and Houston, don't be surprised if he pops off another big-time performance tonight.</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/Kj_Porter3/status/1992308425477210478?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Who would've thought a Carthage QB would be in the headlines in December? The Bulldogs being in the thick of a deep playoff run is just like clockwork at this point, and the leader under center has been a major factor once again. Surratt is a poised and polished pocket passer with incredible accuracy and the arm strength to feed his playmakers at all levels of the field. He delivers passes with great anticipation and velocity over the middle of the field. On the season, he's been as efficient as can be, completing passes at a 72% clip with over 3,000 yards and 42 TDs to just 5 interceptions. With offers from Texas Tech, UTEP, and UNLV, Jett will look to lead his Bulldogs to yet another state title.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">One of the most productive two-way players in the entire country, Ash put together an all-time performance last week versus Overton, totaling over 440 yards, 6 TDs, 9 tackles, and a sack. He showcases a rare mix of elite explosiveness and shattering physicality. Kaegan has stellar instincts and field awareness on both sides of the ball. He is intentional and violent in his cuts as a runner and lane-filling as a defender. With over 4,000 total yards, nearly 70 TDs, and 100 tackles on the season, Ash has put together a masterful senior campaign. He signed this week to take his talents to Texas Tech following the season, but he has his eyes set on a state title first.</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/JudeKaegan/status/1995530785697189974?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">As his big brother prepares to take his talents to College Station following the season, JD has begun to fill the shoes. He displays an elite skillset when the ball finds him in a stacked offensive lineup. Edwards possesses great (4.4) speed at all levels along with consistent hands and exhilarating make-you-miss ability after the catch. His footwork is exceptionally rapid and polished for just a sophomore. A versatile two-way player, JD can make plays everywhere on the football field. With over 700 yards, 6 TDs, 24 tackles, and 2 interceptions on the season, watch out for him to step up in a big-time moment down the playoff stretch. The Bulldogs' young star holds offers from SMU, Texas A&M, and LSU.</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/Jason_Howell/status/1994550690426065017?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Another star two-way player, Taylor is an enforcer of power and precision on both sides of the ball. Primarily a dynamic, run-stuffing outside linebacker, Jabory also provides strong value as a running back, contributing over 150 yards and 4 TDs on the season. Defensively, he thrives at setting the edge and firing out of his hips with great angle to make plays in the backfield. Offensively, Taylor is often used in short-yardage situations due to his great vision and physicality with the ball. One of the more underrated, tough-nosed players in the region, watch for Jabory to play a key role in tonight's matchup for the Hornets. Expect him to add to an offer from UTSA following this season.</p>

There's nothing quite like the Texas High School Football Playoffs, and they have lived up to their name this postseason. With three rounds down and Jerry World looming closer, Round Four is sure to provide more thrillers this week. Competition and tensions have been high in the East Texas region, so let's preview five players sure to play a vital role this round.