Shiner Big Man Doug Brooks Takes Center Stage

It's hard to miss Shiner 2022 DT Doug Brooks (6'0, 260). 

You might have noticed him in the 2A Division I state title game stiffing-arming his way to the Offensive MVP as a running back. 

Still, his college future is on the defensive side of the ball, and at this point, he is one of the state's most intriguing unsigned seniors. 

Currently, he has four scholarship offers from Houston, UTSA, Army and Colorado State. Any of those four schools would be lucky to land the DCTF three-star who checks in as the No. 9 DT in the state. 

Lorena Sophomore Makes His Name

2024 Lorena WR Jadon Porter (6'0, 175) had an impressive sophomore season at Lorena, culminating in a state title win and an 81-yard performance inside AT&T Stadium.

"We just came in with energy," Porter said of the win. "We knew they were going to be a good team; there was going to be some competition. We got our minds right and we did what we did."

Porter flashed the potential of a D1 college prospect on the big stage. He was super quick in and out of his breaks and was elusive in the open field.

"I think I had a pretty good season," Porter said. "This game, I was trying to bring the defense to me and get our running back to get as much touchdowns as he can, and I guess it worked out."

Porter says he is "open-minded" and did not grow up wanting to play at any college in particular, but he has yet to get on any college radars. 

"I just want to get better," Porter reported. "I am not to my full potential yet. I just want to get better, and maybe they (colleges) will come in sooner."

With a blend of the right attitude and skills, it will only be a matter of time before Porter gets the college attention he deserves. 

Time to Get on the Bryson Washington Bandwagon

Franklin knocked off Gunter to secure the 3A Division II crown and 2023 ATH Bryson Washington (6'0, 185) stood out as the best college prospect on the field. 

Washington is a two-way standout who could play running back or safety in college.  

"I don't care where I play when I get to college, honestly," Washington said. "I prefer defense, but offense is looking like where it is at for me right now. But honestly, wherever I get the opportunity, I am ready for it."

Washington is still looking for his first offer and schools like Baylor, Houston, TCU, Texas A&M and Oklahoma State have all shown interest, and two have ramped it up. 

"The schools which are showing the most attention are Baylor and Oklahoma State," Washington stated.

Franklin had a chip on its shoulder heading into the state title game after suffering a heartbreaking defeat last season at the hands of Canadian. 

"We had that 35-34 last year in the back of our head, and we just kept going," Washington said. "We didn't want to have that feeling again, and that played a major role in this game."

In addition to passing the eyeball test and playing relentlessly for almost every snap on both sides of the ball, Washington has been clocked with a 4.53 laser-timed 40-yard dash.