Next Level Panthers: Katy Paetow is a Program Loaded with Talent

An in-depth look at the prospects at Katy Paetow, a program featuring division one talent in the 2024, 2025 and 2026 recruiting classes, including Loghan Thomas, Deyjhon Pettaway, and Carmello Brooks.

An in-depth look at the prospects at Katy Paetow, a program featuring division one talent in the 2024, 2025 and 2026 recruiting classes. 

2024

ATH JayTaylor "JT" Anderson (6'1, 180): A big-bodied defensive back who is a very good tackler. He thrives playing in the Nickelback role, where he can use his physicality to his advantage. Anderson is the younger brother of Memphis DL Jarra Anderson. Schools like Kansas, Kansas State and Memphis are showing interest. 

WR/TE Jabari Bush (6'4, 200): A strong pass-catcher who will fit best as a college flex. He is reasonably athletic and understands how to use his body well to shield defenders from the football. He can make tough catches in traffic. His presence as a ball-winner in Paetow's offense is extremely valuable. Bush has an offer from Hawaii and is receiving interest from Louisiana, Ole Miss and Memphis. 

DE Loghan Thomas (6'3, 210): Thomas is a pass-rushing specialist who is lightning-quick off the edge. He took home MVP honors at the All-American Combine. The DCTF Hot 100 member is described as "relentless" in practice and games. Rated as a defensive end, Thomas also has experience at linebacker and handles playing in space exceptionally well. One of the top pure pass rushers in the state. Thomas has named a Top 10: Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Arizona, USC, Notre Dame, Georgia, Texas, Ole Miss and Colorado.

OL Joe Ugwu Jr. (6'4, 280): This is name that recruiting fans in Texas had better get to know. With only two years of playing experience, Ugwu quickly passes the eyeball test and is a very athletic big body with a 6'8 wingspan and 4.80 pro-shuttle. Ugwu already has an offer from Colorado State, but he has the look of a P5 offensive lineman and it would not be a surprise to see him be a very hot candidate in the spring evaluation period. Texas Tech, Texas State and Houston Christian are showing interest.

Other Names to Know: OL Carl Broussard (6'1, 290), TE Brock Brown (6'2, 192), ATH Jamal Comminie (5'9, 160), Yonis Descieux (5'10, 182), TE/LS Riley Silves (6'0, 198), OL Robert Stripling (6'2, 258), WR Carmelo Wilson (5'8, 145)

2025

CB Deyjhon Pettaway (5'10, 170): Speed is the name of Pettaway's game, as he has been timed with a 4.34 40-yard dash and 3.90 pro-shuttle. He's also powerful in the weight room with a 430-pound squat. The younger brother of Texas A&M LB Daymion Sanford is a lockdown cornerback who thrives in one-on-one situations. Pettaway should be considered one of the nation's best, picking up early offers from Arkansas, Baylor, Houston, LSU, Miami (FL), Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas A&M and more. 

DT Carmello Brooks (6'3, 255): Brooks transferred into Katy ISD in the middle of the 2022 season and was forced to play JV as his paperwork cleared. Quite simply, this young man is a monster. He has earned offers from schools like UTSA, Texas State, Texas, UNLV and Missouri despite the fact that he has limited reps on tape. Paetow head coach David Hicks Sr. is a defensive line specialist, and he is very excited about his potential upside and is looking forward to getting him on the field in 2023. Brooks is also a standout on the hardwood. 

Other Names to Know: DL Nicholas Elko (6'0, 203), WR Carmelleon Hawkins (5'10, 159), RB Terrence Johnson (5'7, 147), DL Vamuar Johnson (5'10, 227), WR Noah Lasker (5'10, 145), OL Kai Nguyen (6'2, 311), QB Brock Nichols (6'0, 167), DB Christian Wheelwright (5'8, 168), RB Brian Wilson (5'5, 156)

2026

The coaches are excited about the young crop of up-and-coming stars. OL William Thornton (6'1, 260) is a projected varsity starter who also participates in wrestling, baseball, and track (discus, shot put). S/RB Javaughn Waldon (5'8, 160) could factor in on either side of the football. DT Darryl Campbell (6'3, 340) is massive interior guy with "sweet feet." Campbell has already been to Texas A&M Junior Day. 

Other Names to Know: OL Jorge Flores (6'1, 255), LB Samuel Wright (5'11, 163), RB Jovan Rodriguez (5'7, 160)

This article is available to our Digital Subscribers.
Click "Subscribe Now" to see a list of subscription offers.
Already a Subscriber? Sign In to access this content.

Sign In
Don't Miss Any Exclusive Coverage!

We've been the Bible of Texas football fans for 64 years. By joining the DCTF family you'll gain access to all of our exclusive content and have our magazines mailed to you!