There is plenty to be excited about in Lovejoy because the 2023 season is bright with potential as the Leopards return a lot of talent at key positions and boast two DCTF four-star prospects in the Class of 2024. 

Class of 2024

TE Ridge Barker (6'5, 232): Barker has been rising, picking up offers from UNLV, Texas State, Arkansas State, Dartmouth, Columbia and Army. Barker showcased his athleticism on tape last season. A solid finish catapulted him into the offseason, where he has been bulking up and adding mass to his frame. He is a breakout candidate because he should be integral to the Leopards' offense. 

WR Parker Livingstone (6'4, 190): The DCTF four-star has collected 30 scholarship offers, making him one of the state's most sought-after prospects. A multi-sport athlete with verified 21.6 200-meter speed. Collected 52 receptions for 908 yards and 12 touchdowns to earn first-team all-district honors as a junior in 2022. Livingstone plans to name a top schools list sometime this spring, but it would be a surprise if Texas and Texas A&M did not make the cut. Outside of the state, South Carolina and Florida State have made an impression. 

ILB Payton Pierce (6'2, 225): The DCTF four-star is hungry to get back on the field after being forced to miss virtually all of his junior season with a hamstring injury. Pierce has collected 39 scholarship offers, making him one of the state's six most sought-after FBS prospects. He may be built to play linebacker in college, but he is also an essential piece of the offense. He often carries the ball in critical short-yardage or goal line situations. Pierce is still sorting through an extensive list of top colleges and has visits to Ohio State, Michigan, Notre Dame, Wisconsin and Tennessee this spring. Texas, Texas A&M, Arkansas and Oklahoma remain firmly in the picture. 

OC Sam Reynolds (6'1, 280): Reynolds is a two-time 5A Division II heavyweight state wrestling champion who understands how to play with leverage and drive defenders off the ball. A multi-year varsity starter with a 550-pound squat. He checks many boxes; strength, experience, technique, leadership, and academics. It will only be a matter of time before he finds his fit at the next level. ULM and Navy are showing the most serious interest. 

Other Names to Know: DL Nicholas Perez (6'3, 250), RB Matthew Mainord (5'10, 185), QB Alexander "Hondo" Franklin (5'11, 170), TE/DE Mason Dragoo (6'2, 220), LB Chase Bogle (6'2, 220), OL Will Fry (6'3, 260), RB/DB Khalin Williams (5'10, 185), DB Avery Fuller (6'1, 170)

Class of 2025

WR Daylan McCutcheon (6'0, 166): The Leopards will again boast a talented wide receiver unit because McCutcheon is poised to step in for LSU's Kyle Parker and SMU's Jaxson Lavender. He burst onto the scene a year ago, collecting 25 receptions for 274 yards and two touchdowns. He will be someone QB Alexander "Hondo" Franklin can trust in the intermediate passing game who can make tough catches in traffic and stretch the field in the wide receiver screen game. Recruitingwise, McCutcheon is already very highly recruited with 17 offers: Arkansas, Baylor, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Oregon, Penn State, Texas A&M and more.

Other Names to Know: DB/WR RJ McIntosh (6'0, 185), OL Tegan Brathwaite (6'2, 270), DL Braedon Gibson (6'0, 275), LB Owen Magee (6'0, 195), EDGE Gavin Prince (5'11, 190), DB/WR Colton McSpadden (6'0, 175), WR Zane Kuzenski (5'9, 140), WR Jayce Seaber (5'11, 155), EDGE John Michael Martin Jr. (5'11, 190) 

Class of 2026

ATH Jalen Lott (6'0, 160): The coaches are very excited about the rise of Lott, who dominated at the sub-varsity level last season. They believe that Lott has as much upside as any player they've coached. The DB/WR could factor into the District Newcomer of the Year race with a strong showing. Jalen is the son of former Texas CB James Lott. Lott has already secured six offers: Baylor, North Texas, SMU, Texas State, UNLV, UTSA. UTSA was his first offer. 

Other Names to Know: QB Jacob Janacek (5'10, 155), ATH Wyatt Villareal (6'3, 170)