Team Review - Steele Knights

Led by David Saenz, the Steele Knights are coming off an impressive 11-2 overall record and a perfect 6-0 finish in district play, establishing themselves as one of the top programs in the area. Steele showed consistency throughout the season, finding ways to win and proving they can handle the pressure of big games. With a strong culture in place and a roster ready to embrace new opportunities, the Knights enter 2026 with their sights set on continuing their success and making another deep playoff run. The expectation remains high as Steele looks to build on last season's momentum and compete for another district championship. Let get to know the offensive players:   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/image_95e51c.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2253828" /></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>DATE</th><th>TIME</th><th>OPPONENT</th><th>SITE</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>8/27</td><td>7:00 PM</td><td>Reagan</td><td>Away</td></tr><tr><td>9/5</td><td>7:00 PM</td><td>Atascocita</td><td>Away</td></tr><tr><td>9/11</td><td>7:00 PM</td><td>Lake Travis</td><td>Home</td></tr><tr><td>9/18</td><td>7:30 PM</td><td>Wagner</td><td>Home</td></tr><tr><td>9/25</td><td>7:30 PM</td><td>Pieper</td><td>Away</td></tr><tr><td>10/8</td><td>7:00 PM</td><td>San Marcos</td><td>Home</td></tr><tr><td>10/16</td><td>7:30 PM</td><td>Judson</td><td>Home</td></tr><tr><td>10/23</td><td>7:30 PM</td><td>East Central</td><td>Away</td></tr><tr><td>10/30</td><td>7:30 PM</td><td>Canyon</td><td>Home</td></tr><tr><td>11/5</td><td>7:00 PM</td><td>Clemens</td><td>Away</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>    DJ is the field general of the Steele offense, bringing leadership, command, and confidence every time he steps on the field. He has the ability to control the pace of the game, make adjustments, and put his teammates in the best position to succeed.   What stands out about DJ is his ability to stay composed and make the right play when pressure is at its highest. He has the awareness to manage the offense, the arm talent to attack different areas of the field, and the playmaking ability to create opportunities when things break down.     Liam brings value to Steele in multiple areas, contributing on both offense and special teams while taking on an important role for the team. As an edge blocker, he provides a physical presence up front, showing the willingness to do the unselfish work that helps create opportunities for the offense     Kenner brings a different style to the Steele backfield as a powerful downhill runner who can wear down opposing defenses. He runs with toughness and physicality, showing the ability to attack gaps, finish runs, and pick up tough yards when the offense needs them most.     Ryan brings valuable depth and production to the Steele backfield, making the most of his opportunities whenever his number is called. He runs with confidence and shows the ability to step in and give the offense a spark when he enters the game.     Jamin is expected to play a major role in the Steele offense, bringing a unique skill set to the wide receiver room as one of the team's more dynamic playmakers. His ability to create separation stands out on film, using quickness, sharp cuts, and strong change of direction to make life difficult for defenders. Jamin has the ability to win in different areas of the field, whether it's working underneath, finding space in the middle of the defense, or creating explosive plays after the catch.   What separates Jamin is his ability to make things happen once the ball is in his hands. He has the shiftiness and instincts to make defenders miss in open space while consistently turning routine plays into bigger gains.     Warner gives Steele another valuable option at tight end, bringing the ability to impact the game in multiple areas. He provides a reliable target in the passing game while also bringing the willingness to do the work in the trenches as a blocker.     Dakari is a player Steele can utilize in multiple ways, bringing value on both sides of the ball as he prepares to contribute at wide receiver while also having the ability to step in at defensive back. On offense, he brings athleticism and playmaking ability that can create opportunities in the passing game, while his experience at DB shows his overall understanding of the game and ability to compete in space.     Labree joins Steele as a new addition to the offensive line after coming over from Clemens, bringing experience and a fresh presence to the unit. He will look to compete for a key role up front and help add depth and stability to the offensive line room.     Labree joins Steele as a new addition to the offensive line after coming over from Clemens, bringing experience and a fresh presence to the unit. He will look to compete for a key role up front and help add depth and stability to the offensive line room. Labree brings the opportunity to continue developing within a talented group, while his experience at Clemens gives him a strong foundation heading into the season.     Stephan, a Duke commit, brings a high level skill set and the type of consistency that separates him from many players at his position. On film, he shows the ability to process the game quickly, put himself in the right spots, and make plays when opportunities present themselves. Stephan's ability to stay under control, make adjustments, and compete through the play stands out. He shows the tools to handle different situations on the field.     Fisher has continued to draw attention as one of the top offensive line prospects to watch, holding offers from North Texas and UTSA. At offensive tackle, he brings the size, footwork, and toughness needed to compete at a high level. Fisher shows the ability to handle defenders in pass protection while also creating movement in the run game. His length and technique allow him to stay patient at the point of attack, and he continues to develop the consistency needed to become a reliable presence up front. With his recruitment picking up and more opportunities ahead, Fisher is a player who could continue climbing the radar this season.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   DEFENSE    Wenzel is a player I'm interested to see take the next step this season, as he brings an impressive frame and plenty of upside to the Steele secondary. Standing at 6'4, he has the size and length to create problems for opposing receivers. With his frame, athletic ability, and more opportunities ahead, Wenzel has a chance to make a strong impact and show why he is a name to keep an eye on throughout the season.     Alex brings an elite level of talent to the Steele Knights after coming over from Aledo, and the Duke commit has the ability to impact the game in multiple ways .Alex has the ability to change the momentum of a game with his playmaking ability, whether it's locking down receivers, making plays in space, or stepping up in big moments. His experience competing at a high level gives him an advantage, and Steele adds a difference maker who can be counted on when the pressure is at its highest.     Ethan brings more than just coverage ability to the Steele secondary, showing on film that he is willing to make an impact in every phase of the game. While his ability to stay with receivers and defend in space stands out, Ethan also shows the willingness to come downhill, step in the run game, and make key tackles. His physical style and confidence at corner make him a valuable piece of the defense as he continues to grow into his role.     Jayden is a safety who brings elite coverage ability to the Steele secondary and has the skill set to make a major impact against the passing game. His ability to stay with receivers, read plays quickly, and make plays in space separates him from others at his position. Jayden's coverage skills allow him to be trusted in multiple situations, giving the defense a valuable piece on the back end. As the season approaches, he will look to continue proving he can be one of the most reliable safeties on the field. Jayden holds offers from Texas State, Rice , Tulane, North Texas.     Eli, an Ohio State commit, is one of the top pieces in the Steele secondary and brings a high level of talent to the defense. With his coverage ability, athleticism, and playmaking skills, Eli has the tools to impact the game against some of the best competition in the state. He also adds value on special teams, where his speed and instincts allow him to make plays in multiple phases. As he continues to prepare for the next level, Eli will look to lead by example and make a major impact every time he steps on the field.     Pike continues to establish himself as one of the rising names to watch in the Class of 2028 after a standout season where he totaled 112 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. His production highlights his ability to consistently make plays and impact the game from the middle of the defense. With his combination of instincts, effort, and continued development, Pike has a chance to become one of the top linebackers in his class. As he gains more experience, expect him to keep taking another step forward and making his presence felt for Steele.     Johnson enters the season as one of the key pieces in the secondary, bringing a long frame and impressive coverage ability to the defense. The North Carolina commit has the size, length, and athleticism to make life difficult for opposing receivers, using his range and instincts to impact the passing game. With his next chapter already secured, Johnson is focused on continuing to develop his game and proving why he is one of the top defensive backs in the class.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/image_ed0485.png?w=819" alt="" class="wp-image-2253870" /></figure>       Taylen is looking to make an even bigger impact on the field in 2026 after a solid season where he totaled 21 tackles, including 6 solo stops, 15 assisted tackles, and 2 tackles for loss. He brings energy to the defense and has shown the ability to find the football and make plays when his number is called. With more experience and an increased role ahead.    The Steele Knights have built a program that expects to compete, and after an 11-2 season with a perfect 6-0 district record, the confidence heading into 2026 is high. With strong leadership from David Saenz and a roster hungry to prove itself, Steele has the pieces to remain one of the teams to watch in the area. The Knights will look to continue their winning tradition, embrace the challenges ahead, and make another push toward a deep playoff run.

Led by David Saenz, the Steele Knights are coming off an impressive 11-2 overall record and a perfect 6-0 finish in district play, establishing themselves as one of the top programs in the area. Steele showed consistency throughout the season, finding ways to win and proving they can handle the pressure of big games. With a strong culture in place and a roster ready to embrace new opportunities, the Knights enter 2026 with their sights set on continuing their success and making another deep playoff run. The expectation remains high as Steele looks to build on last season's momentum and compete for another district championship. Let get to know the offensive players: