Westside Spring Game Standouts

The Westside Wolves went (6-3) in 2021 and were able to make the playoffs off one of the best running games in HISD. The Wolves are loaded with a stout offensive line and playmakers from across all classifications. <strong>OT/DL Kauli Mason | 6’6" 240lbs | 2024<img class="size-medium wp-image-358041 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/06/IMG_2480-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></strong> The biggest man on the team is two-way lineman Kauli Mason. For being 6’6" Mason is an athlete which shows in his pass sets. He has clean quick footwork and doesn’t cross his feet. When getting up and under the d-linemen’s pads he gets a good position with his hands inside. Since he has the athletic ability and is conditioned enough he also can get after it on the other side. On the defensive side of the ball, Mason can blow up the line. With tenacity and a high motor, Mason can win with power and swipes the linemen’s hands away with no hesitation. With great size, movement, and a frame that can continue to grow, Kauli Mason is in store for a dominant stock rising 2022 season. &nbsp; &nbsp; <strong>DL Jayden Gaines | 6’3" 260lbs | 2023<img class="size-medium wp-image-358042 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/06/IMG_2479-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></strong> 2021 was a stock-raising year for Jayden Gaines. Winning with a blend of quickness and violent hands, Gaines stays making plays in the backfield. Gaines plays with a strong lower half, pushing linemen back on their heels to get in position to win the rep. I love his ability to disengage and toss linemen out of his way. Gaines plays hard on every snap with the intention of blowing up the backfield. With his count up to 13 D1 offers from the likes of HBU, Washington State, UNT, and others, Gaines has become a hot commodity in the recruiting circuit. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <strong>RB [player_tooltip player_id="336023" first="Jahbari" last="Kuykendall"] | 5’7" 175lbs | 2023<img class="size-medium wp-image-358038 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/06/IMG_2483-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></strong> After dominating the offseason camp circuit and racking up several D1 offers, Jahabri Kukendall’s game is evolving and getting the recognition it deserves. Kuykendall is a hard-nosed runner with the speed to outrun anybody on the field. With 10.6 100m speed to go along with the ability to cut on a dime, he is dynamic. There’s no hesitation from Kuykendall and will lower his shoulder to successfully run through defenders. It is no easy task to bring down this young man who posted 1,603 yards, 14TD, and brought home 18-6A district MVP to go along with being named academic all-district. [player_tooltip player_id="336023" first="Jahbari" last="Kuykendall"] is a real deal Divison 1 back who checks all the boxes. &nbsp; &nbsp; <strong>QB Thaddeus Watson | 6’0" 190lbs | 2023 </strong> Thaddeus Watson perfectly fits the dual-threat quarterback mold. I love how even though he has the skill and athleticism to take off once the pocket collapses, he still keeps his eyes downfield looking to throw. Watson does a great job with quick game concepts as he’s decisive with where he’s going with the ball and gets it out quickly. During the spring game action, he placed a beautiful 45-50 yard ball on a post that unfortunately was dropped. Watson’s arm strength was really displayed with his ability to laser in hitch/out routes where there wasn’t much room for error on those wider throws. He’s a great option threat as well in the run game as he has grasped the understanding of how to run zone reads and the triple option. The two-time first-team 18-6A all-district selection is flying under the radar with only one offer currently from ETBU. &nbsp; <img class="size-medium wp-image-358040 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/06/IMG_2482-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> <strong>OLB Caleb Augustus | 6’0" 195lbs | 2025</strong> It wasn’t hard to notice Westside outside linebacker Caleb Augustus during their spring game. This young man has the ability to play sideline to sideline with his range. He’s fast and doesn’t hesitate in his reads. His open-field tackling might be his best attribute as he can wrap up anybody and take them to the turf. He fully commits himself when going in to make a tackle. As he continues to get more reps and experience, I can see Caleb Augustus being the ideal rangy athletic linebacker that can do anything a coaching staff could want. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;