Parkway West/Kirkwood Joint Practice

JP Rock July 27, 2026 @ 11:27 PM

I had the opportunity to watch the recent Parkway West/Kirkwood joint practice to help get a look at the top players on each team, who is on the rise, and who some new names are on each team to get and idea what to expect for the upcoming season.   PARKWAY WEST   [player_tooltip player_id='1312910' first='Max' last='Jones'] 6'6' 215 TE/WR 2028 - One of the top college prospects in the 2028 class showed his usual talent as a receiver that schools covet him for. However, he also played OLB/EDGE during the practice, and his speed and length made him tough to keep out of the backfield and away from the quarterback. Max will be a top playmaker on both sides of the ball for the Longhorns in 2026. Offensively he still was a threat all over the field despite facing constant double coverage.   [player_tooltip player_id='1674661' first='Braden' last='Biermann'] 5'11" 155 QB 2029 - It's always fun to watch the talented D1 QB prospect work. He is so advanced with his understanding of the game, ability to make reads and decision making. That along with his great technique, quick release and accuracy will produce a breakout season for him as he takes over as the starter. He has a good group of weapons to get the ball to. His athleticism and running ability also make him a threat to pull it down and take off or make big plays if protection breaks down.   [player_tooltip player_id='1314213' first='Greyson' last='Smith'] 6'5" 220 TE 2028 - West's other big receiving target had a very good performance getting open and making catches during practice. Greyson has continued to improve his route running and ability to get separation from defenders. He looks to be coming into his own as a reliable receiver for the Longhorns in 2025. Smith was also seeing time at outside linebacker on defense and looked the part with his play on the day. He looked good against the run, in coverage and can rush the QB.     KIRKWOOD   [player_tooltip player_id='1324010' first='D'Anton' last='Berry'] 6'4" 290 DL 2027 -The player who had the most impressive day was the Missouri State defensive line commit Berry. He looks in the best shape of his high school career, and it shows in his play with his explosiveness off the ball and speed he displayed with how quick he got in the backfield on almost every play. He was a disruptive force the entire practice. He also did a good job at offensive tackle as well.   Benji Rice 6'0" 195 RB 2027 - I knew the talented transfer from Indiana was a talented D1 running back committed to Missouri State, but I didn't know he was also a talented defensive back for the Pioneers. Rice runs with speed and power and broke some nice runs during the practice. He also showed he can play and contribute for them on the defensive side of the ball as a physical defender who can cover. His size and athleticism will make him a difficult match up for opponents no matter where he is on the field.   [player_tooltip player_id='1601038' first='Nicholas' last='Tucci'] 6'2" 185 QB 2028 - The Pioneers are having a battle to see who comes out as QB1 by the start of the season. They have several solid options for 2025, but at this joint practice, junior-to-be Nick Tucci got the most reps running the ones on offense. I have liked what I have seen of Tucci's potential since I first saw him as an 8th grader. At this practice he showed more then potential leading his first team offense on several scoring drives and doing a good job running things and making plays. He has good size, and a strong arm and was on the money with his throws. Tucci looked like he should continue to be in the running for the starter spot in pre-season camp.

I had the opportunity to watch the recent Parkway West/Kirkwood joint practice to help get a look at the top players on each team, who is on the rise, and who some new names are on each team to get and idea what to expect for the upcoming season.