Scott Surratt led Carthage to yet another state title with a 28-14 win over Waco La Vega, securing the 10th championship of his tenure. The Bulldogs are primed for another run in 2025 with a roster loaded with elite college-bound talent.

2026 RB KJ Edwards (5'9, 175): Edwards, the No. 6 prospect in the state, is an explosive back with game-breaking speed and elite pass-catching skills, making him a threat to score from anywhere. Rushed for 1,785 yards and 23 touchdowns and caught 31 passes for 382 yards and three scores to lead Carthage to a 4A Division II state title win and earn 8-4A Division II Co-Offensive MVP honors. With over 40 offers, Edwards is looking at programs like Baylor, SMU, Texas, Texas A&M, Alabama and more. 

2026 LB Daquives "Qui" Beck (6'1, 205): Beck, a DCTF four-star prospect, earned Defensive MVP honors after a dominant showing in the state title win at AT&T Stadium. He’s a tough, physical defender with elite athleticism, playing with relentless effort. He collected 102 tackles, 21 TFLs, and five sacks to earn first-team all-district honors. Schools like Baylor, Texas A&M, SMU, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State are in the mix to land him.

2026 QB Jett Surratt (6'1, 170): Surratt, the son of head coach Scott Surratt, passed for 3,378 yards and 53 touchdowns to earn District MVP honors in 2024. A high-IQ quarterback, he boasts a 28-2 record since becoming the starter as a sophomore. The DCTF three-star has offers from Colorado State, Houston, Texas Tech, UNLV, UTEP and UTSA

2026 WR Keymian "Junior" Henderson (6'4, 180): Henderson, who collected 64 catches for 1,085 yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior in 2024, tracks the deep ball with precision, adjusts mid-air to make athletic catches in tight coverage and possesses a high ceiling with plenty of room to develop. The DCTF three-star has offers from North Texas, Texas State, UTEP, UTSA, Kentucky, Louisiana Tech, Tulane and more.

2026 LB Carson Crawford (6'2, 205): Crawford was one of the breakout stars of the state title games at AT&T Stadium, but those in Carthage were already well aware of his talent. The athletic and versatile defender racked up 91 tackles, nine sacks, and 22 TFLs, earning first-team all-district honors. Known for his relentless motor, Crawford plays with high energy and never takes a snap off. The DCTF three-star is committed to Texas State. 

2028 ATH JD Edwards (5'9, 160): The younger brother of KJ Edwards was among the few freshmen invited to the Under Armour Next Camp in Dallas, where he showcased his skills at wide receiver. With a chance to be a key weapon for Jett Surratt in 2025, his elusiveness and offensive upside have already caught the attention of college programs. SMU and Texas A&M have extended early offers, signaling his potential as one of the rising stars in East Texas.

Other Names to Know: 2027 TE Jaden Jeffress (6'1, 190), 2028 WR Jace Harris (5'8, 150)