Every year DCTF distinguishes five prospects with five-star status. In the Class of 2023, three have risen to the top of the rankings lists: Allen DE David "DJ" Hicks, El Campo RB Rueben Owens II, and Denton Ryan OLB Anthony Hill. 

1. DE David "DJ" Hicks (6'4, 250) - Allen

On the Field: Hicks is dominating at the state's largest school after transferring from the Houston area. Allen is in the second round of the 6A Division I playoffs. Hicks has racked up 64 tackles and nine sacks. 

Recruiting: Hicks has collected 35 scholarship offers with a confirmed Top 11: Texas, Texas A&M, Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Grambling State, LSU, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Oregon.

Scouting Report: Hicks is a violent defender in the trenches. He is an explosive edge presence, who comes off the ball low with speed and power, and he has the build and strength to play up and down the defensive front. 

2. RB Rueben Owens II (5'11, 190) - El Campo 

On the Field: Owens has had a monster junior season, leading El Campo into the playoffs and a first-round win. Owens has rushed for 2,463 yards and 39 touchdowns. 

Recruiting: The one-time Texas Longhorns commit has collected 36 scholarship offers with schools like Texas, Texas A&M, Alabama, Georgia and USC towards the top of his interest list. 

Scouting Report: Owens is a weight room warrior who runs angry and can catch the ball out of the backfield. He possesses above-average straight-line speed, posting an 11.13 100-meter time. 

3. OLB Anthony Hill (6'2, 225) - Denton Ryan 

On the Field: Hill has stepped up as the defensive leader on a Denton Ryan squad trying to win back-to-back state titles. Hill has collected 94 tackles and six sacks.

Recruiting: Hill has collected 30 scholarship offers with a confirmed Top 12: Texas, Texas A&M, Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Penn State and USC.

Scouting Report: Hill makes plays all over the field and is one of the toughest, most explosive defensive playmakers regardless of class. He has speed off the edge, lateral quickness, and always seems to be around the ball.