Class 3A, 4A high school football: 100 elite players to watch from North Texas

The high school football season starts on Aug. 29, and teams are putting the finishing touches with the final days of the August training period.

Smaller schools are extremely passionate about high school football, and, in North Texas, there is a whole lot of talent. Here are 100 players to watch from Class 4A and 3A:

Decatur

Michael Trammell, Sr., ILB - Trammell, with a 6-foot-1, 190-pound frame, was a force for the Eagles last year, recording 136 tackles.

Lane Hesteande, Sr., ILB - Hesteande was productive as a junior, tallying 110 tackles, 13 of which were for a loss.

Rylan Cavasos Sr., DB - Cavasos made 56 tackles and broke up 14 passes last season.

Jed Ross, Sr., QB - Ross is one of the top returning quarterbacks in the Fort Worth-area. He completed 69% of his passes, totaling 2,781 yards and 31 touchdowns.

Abram Graham, Sr., RB - Graham will lead Decatur’s ground game, and is replacing a top talent: Nate Palmer . Last season, Graham ran for 786 yards and six touchdowns while tallying 334 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 20 receptions.

Fort Worth Diamond Hill-Jarvis

Dominic Davis, Jr., DE/TE - Davis is an all-around athlete for DHJ. He plays football, basketball, baseball and is an area qualifier in the discus throw.

Isaiah Lewis, Jr., WR - Lewis is expected to be one of DHJ’s top receivers this season. He has experience returning kicks and can deadlift 315 pounds with a 158-pound frame.

Alvarado

Cardea Collier, Sr., QB - Statistically, there are few quarterbacks better than Collier. He earned All-Johnson County MVP honors in 2023, gaining 4,000 total yards and scoring 47 touchdowns.. He holds six offers.

Demarcus Belton, Jr., RB - Belton made a name for himself last season, earning All-County Newcomer of the Year Honors. He tallied over 1,400 yards and scored seven touchdowns.

Lance Sansom, Sr., WR/DB - Sansom was injured half of last season. He is expected to bounce back this season. In 2022, he was an All-District and All-County selection as a sophomore.

Hunter Byerley, Sr., TE/DE - Byerley is an All-County caliber talent. He has five college offers. He made 18 catches for 266 yards with no drops last season and scored five touchdowns. He is also a productive defensive player.

Fort Worth Southwest

Jahbori Cooper-Suttice, Sr., QB - Cooper-Suttice is one of the best returning QBs in Fort Worth. He passed for 967 yards and 12 touchdowns while running for 330 yards and a score. Southwest coach Joseph Turner said he is a great kid with a great work ethic. Suttice’s dedication stands out to Southwest’s staff and his consistency is something they’ll rely on. He’ll lead a veteran offense with physical ability and elite IQ. Turner said he deserves some college attention as a “hidden gem.”

Raylon Carter, Sr., DE/RB - Carter has a 6-foot-3, 260-pound frame and has an elite presence as an outspoken leader, according to Turner. He is “tremendously strong” in the weight room and is staple of the program with elite dedication. He has offers from Oklahoma State, North Texas, Tulsa and Arizona State. Carter made 63 tackles in 2023 and also contributed on the offensive end with four rushing touchdowns.

Bishop Zapata, Jr., OL/DL - With a 6-foot-3, 265-pound frame, Zapata is a force. He can play both sides of the ball but really thrives on the offensive line. Turner said he is fast for his size.

Glen Rose

Canyon Evans, Sr., QB - Canyon Evans’ stats are mind boggling. He threw for 4,577 yards and 49 touchdowns last season. He has the most returning passing yards in the state. It’s safe to say he is in position for a monster senior season.

Josiah Groeneweg, Sr., WR - Groeneweg is one of Evans’ top targets. He made the All-State First Team as a junior. In 2023, he had 89 receptions for 1,669 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Keltyn Raymond, Sr., DL - Raymond has made the 4A All-State Team twice. He has loads of experience and proven results ahead of his senior season. He had 127 tackles, 28 TFLs and 13.5 sacks last year.

Adrian Sanchez, Sr., WR/S - Sanchez also made the All-State team last year. He had 64 receptions, 879 yards and nine touchdowns. On defense, he had 57 tackles and seven interceptions.

Kennedale

Laurrence Watkins, Sr., RB - Watkins was a driving force for Kennedale’s offense last season. He tallied 872 yards and 15 touchdowns, averaging 96.9 yards per game. He led the team with 118 carries.

Aidan Ruiz, Sr., DB - Ruiz had 58 solo tackles and two interceptions last season; one was a pick six. He also had four sacks and 11 tackles for loss.

Gavin Godley, Jr., ATH/OLB - Godley earned First Team All-District linebacker honors as a sophomore last year. He made 35 solo tackles.

Devontia Darjean, Sr., MLB/DE - Darjean had 46 tackles and 13 tackles for loss in 2023, earning All-District honors as a defensive end.

Mitchell McBroom, Sr., DL - McBroom had 44 tackles and 14 for a loss as well as three sacks. He also recovered two fumbles for Kennedale.

Ethan Webb, Jr., OL - Webb is a rising talent that is expected to be a productive player for Kennedale. The offensive line is one of the team’s concerns, but Webb can potentially fill the void.

Lance Pate, Sr., K - Pate will be a valuable special teams player and has the ability to kick-off for more than 65 yards. He also plays soccer.

Fort Worth Dunbar

JaMarion Garrett, Sr., RB - Garrett made the All-District First Team last year, averaging 6.9 yards per carry. He runs a 4.5 40 yard dash. He had a high ankle sprain most of 2023 but powered through to nearly tally 1,000 yards.

Jacoryn Johnson, Sr., ATH - Dunbar’s coaching staff called him a playmaker. Johnson was voted Newcomer of the Year for District 6-4A.

Marcus McDade, Jr., QB - McDade had a strong sophomore season, earning All-District honors. The Dunbar staff is expecting “great things” given McDade’s year of experience.

Ethan Warren, Jr., DL - Warren made the All-District First Team last year. Dunbar’s staff called him unstoppable at times. They are expecting more consistency with a year of varsity experience under his belt.

Brock

Brody Woods, Sr., QB/SS - Woods is leading Brock football into a new era in Class 4A. He had a stellar junior year, throwing for 2,427 yards and 31 touchdowns while nearing 3,500 total yards. He had a whopping 48 touchdowns for the Eagles. Woods, with elite athleticism and grit, can play both sides of the ball too.

Colt Matlock, Jr., WR/CB - Matlock is another one of Brock’s two-way players. He made his mark as a sophomore receiver in 2023 with 429 yards and five touchdowns. He made the All-State team as a defensive back and runs a 4.47 second 40 yard dash.

Stephenville

Kolton Dearth, Jr., DT - Dearth has a 6-foot-2, 280-pound frame and was named the District 5-4A D1 Co-Defensive Newcomer of the Year last season. He recorded 71 tackles, 40 of which were solo. Dearth, who holds a Tarleton State offer, also had 21 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 34 quarterback hurries and one interception.

Hudson Butchee, Jr., LB - Butcher was named the Co-Defensive Newcomer of the Year. He stuffed the stat sheet, making 177 tackles. 95 of them were solo while 13.5 were for a loss. Butchee also had four sacks, 17 quarterback hurries, three pass break ups and two forced fumbles.

Tristian Gentry, Sr., WR - Gentry, with a 5-foot-11, 180-pound frame, is an elite player for Stephenville and a Texas Tech commit. He was named the District 5-4A D1 Offensive MVP after a season with 1,528 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. Gentry is arguably the top wide receiver in Class 4A.

Ryan Gafford, Jr., QB - Gafford had a strong sophomore season, earning District 5-4A D1 First Team honors. He passed for 2,965 yards and 26 touchdowns while completing 58% of his passes. He also rushed for 437 yards and seven touchdowns.

Fort Worth Eastern Hills

Datavion Bates, Sr., DB/WR - Bates, with a 6-foot, 170-pound frame, was a First Team All-District defensive back last season. With a long frame and solid speed, he is expected to have another strong season.

Jamarion Hardeman, Jr., FS/WR - Hardeman earned All-District honors as a sophomore, setting the tone for his high school career. Eastern Hills coaching staff says he is a long, athletic playmaker with great instincts.

Jayden Gipson, Jr., DL - Gipson has a 6-foot, 250-pound frame and received First Team All-District honors last season. He has size and strength but also solid athleticism. Eastern Hills’ coaching staff said he was one of the top lineman in the district last season.

Derek Harris, Soph., QB - Harris is a rising quarterback and will take over the starting role as a sophomore.

FW Western Hills

Brucen Foster, Sr., LB - Foster is a First Team All-District linebacker. He made 90 tackles with 18 tackles for loss. He also had five sacks.

EJ Jones, Sr., RB - Jones made the All-District First Team in 2023, rushing for 573 yards and six touchdowns. Western Hills’ staff believes he will have a huge year.

Lester Cole, Sr., DL - Cole made the All-District Second Team last year with 44 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and seven sacks.

Kevin Cruz, Sr., OL/DL - Cruz is a versatile lineman that can play both sides of the ball.

Peaster

Cade McCollough, Jr., WR/DB - McCoullough was the District Special Teams Player of the Year and also an All-District corner last year.

Spencer Johnson, Sr., OL - In 2023, Johnson was an All-District First Team selection.

Rhett Kelley, Jr., WR/DB - Kelley was a First Team All-District safety last season.

Xavier Wilson, Sr., DE/TE - Wilson received First Team All-District honors last season as a defensive lineman.

Cason Canafax, Sr., OL/DL - In 2023, Canafax was named the District 4-3A D1 Offensive Lineman of the year.

Springtown

Darren Sweely, Sr., SS/RB - Sweely is a four-year varsity starter and an All-District selection. He made 88 tackles and had two interceptions last season.

Chase Thompson, Sr, UTIL - Thompson is a Swiss Army Knife for the Porcupines. He was the District Utility Player of the Year last season and is Dave Campbell’s Preseason Defensive MVP for District 5-4A D1.

Braydon Butler, Sr., WR - Butler is a returning All-District talent with three years of varsity experience.

Dylan Crutchfield, Sr., WR - Crutchfield has a similar resume to Butler and is also an All-District talent.

Hayden Nichols, Sr., QB/DE - How often do you see a defensive end with the ability to play quarterback? Nichols has that type of versatility. He was an All-District selection last year as a defensive end.

Ponder

Tyson Price, Jr., QB - Price is the 2023 Denton County and District 10-3A Newcomer of the Year. As a sophomore, he threw for 2,585 yards and 24 touchdowns, and he ran for six more.

Cayson Cox, Jr., OL/DL - Cox made the All-District First Team last season.

TJ Mills, Jr., WR - Mills made the All-District Second Team in 2023.

Gage Ersch, Jr., WR - Ersch also made the All-District Second Team.

Noah Long, Jr., RB - Expect Long to lead Ponder’s ground attack. He was a First Team All-District selection as a running back last season.

Maypearl

JT Washington, Sr., RB/OLB - Washington tallied 2,100 total yards and 21 touchdowns last season. He also thrived on the defensive end, securing 57 tackles. He is expected to make another jump in his game as a senior.

Jathan Essleman, Sr., DE/TE - Essleman tallied 57 total tackles last season, and 14 of them were for a loss. He recorded five sacks as well. Essleman is expected to have another strong season.

Colin Brooks, Soph., QB/WR/FS - Brooks started 11 games last year as a freshman. Maypearl’s coaching staff believes he can be a star.

Mineral Wells

Pr eztynn Harrison, Sr., TE - Harrison is a three-star tight end and a Texas Tech commit . He has a 6-6, 215-pound frame and is expected to do big things with Mineral Wells as a senior.

Owen Gadd, Sr., QB - Gadd was an All Palo Pinto County Offensive MVP last season. He has an offer from Howard Payne University.

Kayden Montalvo, Sr., DB/RB - Montalvo, with a 6-foot, 185-pound frame, earned All District honors last season.

Trent Yowell, Jr., ATH/UTIL - Yowell had a stellar sophomore year and was named the District Newcomer of the Year. He can play multiple positions. Strength is a strongpoint but Yowell is still speedy with a 4.8 40 yard dash.

Jaidun Fisher, Jr., WR/DB - In 2023, Fisher earned All-District honors as a defensive back. He has big play ability as a wide receiver too.

Kadin Kaspar, Sr., WR/DB, - Kaspar, at 6-foot-2, 170 pounds, earned All-District honors last year.

Cassious Johnson, Sr., RB/DB, - Johnson was named an All-District running back after a solid junior year.

Tolar

Peyton Brown, Sr., RB/DL - Brown holds an offer from McMurry University and is expected to play a big role for Tolar on both sides of the ball. He is a four year varsity starter who battled through injury last season.

Drake Owens, Sr., TE/LB - Owens was the District 5-2A D1 MVP last season. He plays on offense too, and is expected to be productive on both sides. Owens brings energy to the Tolar program, and is a leader for the Rattler defense.

Cash Clark. Sr., OL/DL - Clark made the Texas High School Coaches Association Super Elite Team. He was named the District 5-2A D1 Defensive Lineman of the Year. The Tolar defensive line is experienced, and Clark is expected to lead a solid unit. Tolar’s coaching staff said he is a versatile athlete that can play many roles in the trenches.

Sam Steward, Sr., OL/DL - Steward is another two-way lineman, and he is expected to lead the offensive line. Steward made the All-District First Team and is a “high motor athlete” that has leadership ability on and off the field.

Cutter Cain, Sr., WR/DB - Cain is an All-District First Team member, and he will be a utility man for Tolar this season. The staff will challenge him with new positions, but has confidence he will thrive anywhere.

Millsap

Reid Green, Sr., RB - Green won the District 5-3A Offensive MVP as a junior.

Nixon Delaune, Sr., WR/LB - When Delaune was targeted he made the most of it, averaging 13 yards a catch. He is a big, dynamic player.

CR Tippie, Sr., QB - Tippie is a three year starter and is bringing loads of experience as a senior signal caller. He tallied over 2,000 all-purpose yards last year.

Lake Worth

Kevin Pointer Jr, Jr., QB - The Bullfrogs found their signal caller in Pointer Jr. Lake Worth has some building to do, and Pointer Jr. will take point as an offensive leader.

Jeremiah Gordan, Sr., LB - Head coach Todd Peterman has been impressed with Gordan’s leadership and intensity. Gordon has offers from several schools, including Northeastern State.

Christian Satcher, Jr., DE - Satcher was a Second Team All-District defensive end as a sophomore.

Mctobia Pilot, Soph., SS/RB - Pilot is a rising talent for the Bullfrogs.

Anthony Johnson, Sr., WR - Johnson earned First Team All-District honors as a junior. He’ll be one of Pointer’s top targets.

Eli Lopez, Sr., C - Lopez was a stellar offensive lineman last season. He was named an All-District First Team member.

Bridgeport

Carson Cortez, Sr, NG - Cortex has experience as a two-year starter. He received an offer to play at the next level, and is an All-District honorable mention.

Mason Bentley, Jr., QB - Bentley will be Bridgeport’s primary quarterback. He is a solid pocket passer with good size and a strong arm.

Joey Vasquez, Sr., ILB - Vasquez is a physical threat and was one of Bridgeport’s top defenders as a junior. He earned First Team All-District honors.

Trace Marlett, Jr, ATH - Bridgeport’s coaching staff said Marlett is a shifty, speedy runner with amazing acceleration.

Venus

Adian Estrada, Sr., LB - Estrada had a season ending injury in 2023. He was thriving at inside linebacker prior to the incident. Venus’ staff says he came back in good shape and expect him to pick up where he left off.

Andrew Renteria, Jr., DL/OL - Renteria plays both sides of the ball. He is expected to be the leader of both the offensive and defensive line units.

Daniel Pulido, Sr., DB - Pulido is a veteran in Venus’ secondary and returns with experience. He had four interceptions last year.

Godley

Wyatt Burke, Sr., QB - Godley’s coaching staff called him a great leader with a big arm.

Shawn Kazouh, Sr., RB / DB - Godley’s skill positions are a strength of the team, and Kazouh is one of the reasons why.

Grandview

Easton Ebner, Sr., WR/DB - Ebner tallied 241 yards and two touchdowns as a junior. On the defensive end, he made 11 tackles and hauled in an interception.

Gavin Carroll, Sr., LB/WR - Carroll made 21 total tackles last year.

Bleu Hubbard, Jr., MLB/WR/TE - Hubbard had a strong sophomore season with 48 tackles.

Elijah Dominguez, Jr., DE/RB - Dominguez had 238 yards and four touchdowns as a sophomore. On defense, he made 22 tackles.

Eagle Mountain

Justin Fox, Jr., LB/TE - Fox made 68 tackles and had four sacks last season with Boswell. He is one of Eagle Mountain’s veteran players, which is extremely important considering the team won’t have seniors in its inaugural season .

Tyler Self, Jr., LB - Self has varsity experience with Saginaw High School and head coach Jeremy Mullins expects him to be a leader for his young squad.

Fort Worth Benbrook

Carlos Harris, Soph., RB - Harris is one of the rare sophomores with an abundance of varsity experience. He tallied 804 yards and five touchdowns. Look out for him to build on a strong year.

Kade Cross, Sr., TE/LB - Cross is one of Benbrook’s productive seniors, and he can play both sides of the ball. In 2023, he tallied 550 yards and eight touchdowns.

Paradise

Ayden Winters, Sr., WR - Paradise is one of the best squads in Class 3A, and Winters is a top returner. He tallied 846 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior.