The Powerhouse of TXHSFB: The Reigning State Champ Duncanville Panthers

The Duncanville Panthers are poised for another state title run in 2023 powered by top prospects like DE Colin Simmons, S Ka'Davion Dotson, RB Caden Durham, DT Alex January, WR Dakorien Moore, S Tyren Polley, QB Keelon Russell and more.

The Duncanville Panthers are poised for another state title run in 2023 powered by top prospects like DE Colin Simmons, S Ka'Davion Dotson, RB Caden Durham, DT Alex January, WR Dakorien Moore, S Tyren Polley, QB Keelon Russell and more.

2024

S Ka'Davion Dotson (6'0, 180): The DCTF four-star has secured 33 scholarship offers, including TCU, Texas, Arkansas, LSU, Oregon, and Tennessee. Dotson-Walker is a rare breed at defensive back because he is a fearless tackler who can cover in one-on-one situations like a cornerback. He could fit into any defensive scheme and play anywhere in the secondary. 

RB Caden Durham (5'9, 180): Durham might be the state's fastest prospect in the Class of 2024, boasting a 10.44 100-meter dash. His speed translates onto the gridiron. He's so fast his highlight tape seems sped up, but it's not. He's just like that. Colleges have lined up to offer him a scholarship to get that speed and elusiveness in their offenses. In total, he's secured 33 scholarship offers, and schools like TCU, Arizona State, Colorado, LSU and Oklahoma are a few that fans should track closely at this point in the race. 

DT Alex January (6'4, 325)This young man is a complete monster up front who dominates the line of scrimmage with his size and power. The first-team all-district selection has ties to Texas as his father (Mike January) played linebacker for the Longhorns in the 1980s. In Total, January has secured 25 scholarship offers and has been on recent unofficial visits to schools like Baylor, TCU, Texas, Georgia, LSU and Miami (FL). 

DE Colin Simmons (6'3, 225): The No. 1 prospect in the DCTF RISING 2024 Hot 100 racked up 79 tackles, 33 TFLs, and a school-record 22.5 sacks to lead the Panthers to the 6A Division I state championship. He's earned 45 scholarship offers, including powerhouse programs like Alabama, Arizona State, Georgia, LSU, Ohio State, Oklahoma, TCU, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, and USC. Simmons is a game-altering pass rusher who possesses a rare blend of speed, power, and finesse.

Other Names to Know: ATH Jameir Willis (6'1, 185), DB Tyderick Brown (6'1, 175), OG Jeffrey Manns (6'3, 360)

2025

CB Javion Holliday (6'1, 175): Holliday was able to flash his talent last season. He is a cornerback with the size and skills to match up favorably with big outside receivers. He is starting to break out as he has nabbed early offers from Arizona State and North Texas. This projected starter in the loaded Panthers secondary will be one of the state's fastest-rising names in the spring evaluation period. Book it. 

WR Dakorien Moore (5'11, 175): The No. 1 rated prospect in Texas in the Class of 2025 has already secured five-star status at DCTF. Colleges are already lining up to clamor for his attention as he has already secured 34 scholarship offers. It is very early in his recruitment, but powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State and USC are notable. As a sophomore, Moore collected 44 receptions for 764 yards and six touchdowns. Moore should remind TXHSFB fans of Marvin Mims.

S Tyren Polley (5'10, 180): This is a name that people better get familiar with in a hurry, as he will become one of the most heavily recruited players in the country. Currently, Polley has nine offers (Arkansas, Baylor, Indiana, LSU, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Oregon, SMU, TCU), but he will double that by the time spring ball closes. He is a safety who flies to the football with reckless abandon, closing in a flash. 

QB Keelon Russell (6'3, 175): Russell's progression under center last season was something special to behold. His development as a passer was the key ingredient of the state championship win. He has been rewarded for his efforts with scholarships as he recently picked up TCU, North Texas and Memphis offers. Russell passed for 2,377 yards and 22 touchdowns as a sophomore to earn first-team all-district honors. 

Other Names to Know: ATH Daylen Wilson (5'10, 160), LB Samuel James (6'2, 235), DB Nehemiah Borner (5'9, 180), RB/LB Mason Williams (5'10, 185), RB Jaqualon Armstrong (5'7, 180), ATH Ronald Simmons (6'3, 200), OL Ameer Ross (6'3, 330)

2026

DE KJ Ford (6'4, 210): Ford has been one of the most impressive 2026 prospects on the camp and combine trail this offseason, taking home DL MVP honors at the UC Report Camp with an impressive performance in drills and 1v1s. He could compliment Colin Simmons nicely on the opposite edge. Arizona State was the first to offer. 

TE Zachery Turner (6'2, 210): Turner was a huge piece to the Panthers' offensive success in 2022, giving Russell a consistent weapon in the red zone. He did not look like a freshman, as he was consistent and played under control. Major colleges have already taken note as he has secured offers from Baylor, Arizona State, Missouri and USC. Turner was named to DCTF Rising magazine's Top 25 in the Class of 2026. 

Other Names to Know: ATH Ace Theus (5'9, 160), ATH Trey Mosley (6'0, 220)

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