The tide has turned for Joseph Sam and the Vols as they continue to progress as a program. In my opinion, Arlington Bowie should be considered a threat to win the district title in 2023. 

This is a remarkable change, as Coach Sam had just over 30 players on the squad for his first game as head coach in 2021 (2-8). 

The team is loaded with players who will play at the next level and features stars who make big plays. 

2024

S Kris Wokomah (6'0, 180): The Baylor commitment is the headliner heading into the 2023 season, and his presence on the defensive side of the ball is invaluable. A big-hitter who is fearless in the pursuit of the football, Wokomah racked up 67 tackles, 10 PBUs and an interception to earn first-team all-district honors last season. Arlington Bowie Head Coach Joseph Sam said, "He's the unquestioned leader of our defense."

WR Rafeald Campbell (5'10, 165): It's hard to believe a player with eight scholarship offers is flying under the radar, but that is the case here. Campbell is MUCH better than he is getting credit for online. He's perfectly built to play in the slot and has produced at a high level, racking up 49 catches for 684 yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior in 2022. Slippery in the open field and backed by solid times on the track, Campbell has picked up offers from schools like UIW, Sam Houston, Utah State, San Diego State, Wyoming and more. 

RB Tavares Duckett (5'7, 175): The Vols are a program that has tremendous talent at the running back position, but Duckett's low center of gravity and sub 10.50 100-meter speed set him apart. He scored 10 touchdowns as a junior and has been rewarded with offers from UIW, Mississippi Valley State, Grambling State and UAPB. 

Other Names to Know: DB/ATH Dominic Battle (5'9, 175), DB Khalil Stolden (6'1, 185), DL Christian Westbrook (6'0, 275), LB Chim Njaka (5'10, 185), DL Mateo Greer (6'0, 235), OL/DL J'Veon Hawkins (6'0, 235)

2025

OL Ian Mayes (6'3, 265): Last year's squad featured Devon "DJ" Campbell, a Texas signee who was one of the top-rated offensive linemen in the country, but Mayes is next man up. Like Campbell, Mayes has already secured major early recruiting attention as he has offers from Texas State, Arkansas State, Cal and Colorado. Mayes is a multi-sport athlete (baseball, track) who was a regional finalist in the shot put with a 48.5. This up-and-comer is versatile up front with a long wingspan and quick feet.

WR Dilon Tallie (6'3, 170): An outside complement to Campbell, Tallie has long arms and boasts a tremendous catch radius. His ability to win 50-50 balls in one-on-one scenarios should stretch out defenses this season to open up things underneath for an improved Vols rushing attack. Jackson has already caught the attention of a few D1 schools, as he has offers from Colorado, Charlotte and Buffalo. 

DL Okello Okello (6'1, 240): Okello is one of those prospects who is starting to come into his own with a strong offseason of putting in work and perfecting his craft. That said, he earned first-team all-district honors after collecting 35 tackles, eight TFLS, and three sacks as a sophomore in 2022, so he has some good film. CSU-Pueblo was his first offer. They call him 'Double-O.'

RB Darrion Bowers (5'8, 170): The breakout star from 2022 is back to build on a season where he eclipsed 1,000 yards and 11 TDs to take home all-district honors. Bowers sees the field remarkably well and hits the hole quickly and passionately. His speed is good, as he was clocked with a 4.5 40-yard dash at the TCU camp, and he is strong in the weight room. Texas State has offered. 

Other Names to Know: QB Tre Nichols (6'2, 160), TE/LB Zion Shelley (6'0, 200), LB Jeremiah Brinson (6'0, 210)

2026

ATH Princeton Campbell (5'9, 170): The younger brother of Texas OL DJ Campbell. DJ was blessed with the size, but Princeton was blessed with 22.89 200-meter speed. Campbell is a three-sport high school athlete who shows off his athleticism on the hardwood as well as the track. He could factor in at several positions on the gridiron, so his development will be interesting to watch.

OLB/DE Galatians Paogofie (6'0, 195): The coaches are very excited about this young defender who possesses the edge on the field that makes him formidable. He is a bit of a secret at this point and not on social media, but he dominated at the sub-varsity level, so remember you heard it here first!

WR Keidric Osunde-Brown (5'8, 155): Osunde-Brown is an impressive physical specimen who will add weight as he matures. Colleges quickly noticed his talents as he has already secured offers from Texas State, Buffalo, Texas Southern, Grambling State, UConn and UTSA. More will follow, so stay tuned. 

Other Names to Know: RB Denzel Ponder (5'9, 165), WR Lexington Byrd (5'10, 160), QB Jayden Bibbs (6'0, 160)