Sophomore East Texas Playmakers On The Rise

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>East Texas continues to be one of the most talent-rich regions in the state, producing high-level prospects year after year. As the offseason begins, we spotlight several sophomores coming off stellar seasons, young playmakers who have already made their presence felt and are clear names to know moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1513823"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-695608655dcab"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hurndon emerged as one of the most productive receivers in East Texas as a sophomore. He brings a powerful, well-built frame and consistently strong hands, attacking the football in the air with confidence. Dangerous after the catch, Hurndon combines physicality with body control to create explosive plays downfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 Stats:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">57 receptions | 1,093 yards | 14 touchdowns</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1811399"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-695608655dd17"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Whaley is a big-body target with excellent length and catch-radius. He high-points the football with ease and uses his size to win contested catches. With the speed to stretch the field vertically, Whaley is a matchup problem for defenses and a red-zone weapon to watch as he continues to develop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1791348"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-695608655dd61"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith boasts a long, lean frame with plenty of upside. He flashes a quick first step off the edge and closes ground fast on ball carriers. His length and athleticism make him a disruptive presence, and he's a defender to keep a close eye on throughout the offseason as his game continues to expand.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1513841"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-695608655dda7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Edwards is an explosive athlete with elite speed and quickness. Shifty in the open field, he's dangerous with the ball in his hands and shows natural playmaking ability after the catch. Add in his value as a return specialist, and Edwards is a versatile weapon who can impact the game in multiple ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1599658"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-695608655ddec"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bruton put together one of the most eye-opening sophomore seasons in the region. He is disruptive and explosive off the ball, stout at the point of attack, and surprisingly agile for his size. With nimble feet and superb quickness, Bruton can line up inside or slide outside to attack the edge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 Stats:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>66 tackles | 34 tackles for loss | 1 interception</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A true rising prospect in the 2028 class, Bruton's production and versatility make him one of the most intriguing young defensive linemen in East Texas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->