West Texas 100: Ranking the top West Texas high school football players before 2024 season

Fall practice is nearly one week out as the sounds of pads crashing and whistles blowing awaken from an eight-month slumber.

Earlier in the offseason the Standard-Times highlighted some top high school football players to watch at each position group — quarterbacks , wide receivers , running backs , offensive linemen , defensive backs , defensive linemen , and linebackers ahead of the 2024 football season.

Now, on the precipice of the Texas high school football season, we will rank the top 100 high school football athletes in and around the Concho Valley. From Howard to Sutton County and San Saba to Reagan County, the Standard-Times combed through the roughly 40 schools it covers to determine a quantitative list.

Athletes from the smallest classification in six-man football, to the largest in 11-man, were all eligible for selection based on statistical information, district, region and state awards, coach and teammate testimonials and available film on players.

After talking with coaches in preparation for the upcoming season, 100 players have been selected based on their 2023 success and growth leading into the 2024 season.

Here are the 100 high school football players in West Texas.

1. Brylan White

School: Wall

Class: Senior

Position: Defenisve line

Summary: White has consistently contributed to Wall's defense since his freshman season when he logged 47 tackles and three sacks. As his role expanded over the next two seasons, his production skyrocketed culminating in his junior season where he finished with 89 tackles, 16 tackles for a loss, 25 hurries and five sacks, earning co-defensive lineman of the year for District 2-3A Division II and was an All-West Texas first-team selection in 2023.

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2. Sutton Silerio

School: Mason

Class: Senior

Position: Running back and Linebacker

Summary: Silero is a punishing and explosive running back who carved out a significant role, splitting time in the offensive backfield with star running back Ryne Todd last season. He finished 2023 with 1,118 yards and 17 touchdowns rushing, helping the Punchers earn its 14th consecutive district title. He was also a force on defense racking up 93 tackles, 25 tackles for a loss, five pressures, four sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception, earning a spot on the All-West Texas first-team offense and second-team defense.

3. Christian "Squeaky" English

School: San Angelo Central

Class: Senior

Position: Quarterback

Summary: English had big shoes to fill as the Bobcats quarterback and stepped up in his first season on varsity. He finished the season completing 60.5% of his passes for 2,569 yards and 18 touchdowns passing, adding 1,047 yards and 17 touchdowns rushing as the engine of Central's offense and was named Newcomer of the Year in District 6-2A and to the All-West Texas first team. His dual-threat capability as a passer and runner in the historically tough Little Southwest Conference will be crucial in new head coach Mark Smith's offense.

4. Cooper Ellison

School: Miles

Class: Senior

Position: Wide receiver and Defensive back

Summary: Ellison was a big-play machine for the Bulldogs on offense and defense over the past two seasons. His growth as a player coincided with the teams' success, winning their first playoff game in over 10 years with a 45-0 shutout over Sterling City last year. By the end of the season, Ellison had 1,091 yards and 17 touchdowns receiving and racked up 20 tackles, five passes defended, four interceptions, three tackles for a loss and two sacks on defense. Look for coach Jayson Wilhelm to get the ball to Ellison in different ways this season as they bring along new quarterback Liam Yancy.

5. Jaidyn Vineyard

School: Coahoma

Class: Senior

Position: Running back and Linebacker

Summary: Vineyard is a tough runner with great balance that allows him to slip off tackles and create explosive plays for the Coahoma offense. He finished the season with 1,415 yards and 18 touchdowns rushing as a junior. Defensively he had 46 tackles, three tackles for a loss, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. Vineyard's role on defense will likely increase as they look to replace all but five starters on a defense that struggled at points during last season.

6. Ethan Michalwicz

School: Wall

Class: Senior

Position: Linebacker

Summary: Michalwicz takes over as the leader of Wall's linebacking core after losing longtime stalwart Will Scherr to graduation last year. He finished his junior campaign with a team-high 120 tackles and added 15 tackles for a loss, five quarterback hurries and four sacks to his District 2-3A Division II Defensive MVP season. He looks to continue a strong line of linebackers in the middle of what seems to be one of Class 3A's best defenses in 2024.

7. Clancy Osbourn

School: Mason

Class: Junior

Position: Linebacker

Summary: Osbourn was a rising star in the middle of Mason's stout defense in 2023. Despite being a sophomore in his first season on varsity, he filled up the stat sheet by recording 125 tackles, 21 tackles for a loss, 10 pressures, 10 sacks, four passes defended, one interception and one forced fumble, earning Defensive MVP for District 14-2A Division I and a spot on the All-West Texas first-team defense. The first junior on the list will likely start seeing state recognition as the Punchers plan on competing for state championships in the near future.

8. Grayson Jeffery

School: Westbrook

Class: Senior

Position: Running back and Defensive back

Summary: After ending his sophomore season as a state champion in Class 1A Division I, Jeffery and the Wildcats followed up with another trip to state in 2024 but fell to Gordon 70-20. He finished the season with 1,359 yards and 28 touchdowns rushing, 270 yards and two touchdowns passing and 283 yards and three touchdowns receiving. After back-to-back state trips with the same core of players, Westbrook looks to replace all but two starters on offense and defense, meaning an increased role for Jeffrey and a spot on the preseason all-state squad.

9. Dylan Ford

School: Sonora

Class: Senior

Position: Utility and Defensive back

Summary: Ford was a playmaker, who generated nine turnovers for the Broncos' defense as they made a trip to the regional final last season. He racked up 37 tackles, five interceptions and four forced fumbles in 2023, earning a spot on the All-West Texas first-team defense and the preseason all-state team. Ford should see a larger role on offense after Sonora lost 24 lettermen to graduation last year.

10. Hutton Rogers

School: Richland Springs

Class: Senior

Position: Wide receiver

Summary: Rogers was a large reason for the resurgence of six-man football's most decorated programs in Richland Springs. The Coyotes fell short of a 10th state title after a loss to Oglesby in the state semifinal, but project as favorites to reach the final dance in 2024. After a dominant season, Rogers was named to the District 16-A Division II, All-Region and All-State teams and starts this season on the preseason All-State team.

11. Boyd Cox

School: Coahoma

Class: Junior

Position: Quarterback

Summary: Cox had a big year for the Bulldogs last season and enters his junior season as the program's all-time leading passer. He finished his remarkable sophomore season with 1,859 yards and 22 touchdowns passing. After falling just short of the postseason in 2023, Cox and the Bulldogs eagerly anticipate the start of the season in a new district.

12. Christian Villarreal

School: Ozona

Class: Junior

Position: Running back

Summary: The All-West Texas Newcomer of the Year helped Ozona to a playoff berth and best season since 2020. He finished a stellar sophomore season with 1,129 yards and 13 touchdowns rushing and was a District 3-2A Division I first-team selection. Head coach Jarryd Taylor describes Villarreal as the tone-setter for the entire team, however, he may face tough sledding early as Ozona looks to replace most of its offensive line that was lost to graduation.

13. Billy Perry

School: Richland Springs

Class: Junior

Position: Running back and Linebacker

Summary: Perry burst onto the scene for Richland Springs last season, setting the tone offensively and defensively. As the Coyotes hope to make another trip back to the state final in 2024, Perry will be a focal point on both sides of the ball. He was named to the All-District 16-A Division II and All-Region teams and was an All-State honorable mention.

14. Colton Hill

School: Central

Class: Junior

Position: Wide receiver

Summary: Before making the switch to receiver, Hill was the quarterback of Central's freshman team in 2022. In his first season on varsity, he led the Bobcats in receiving with 854 yards and four touchdowns earning a spot on the All-West Texas first-team offense. As he and quarterback English continue to build rapport, the tandem looks to put up big numbers in 2024.

15. Kason Brown

School: Reagan County

Class: Senior

Position: Quarterback

Summary: Brown led an explosive Owl offense predicated on pushing the ball down the field, and finished his junior season with more than 2,000 yards and 26 touchdowns passing. On top of his talent as a thrower, he is a gifted athlete, running the football adding 521 yards and seven touchdowns. With the ascension of Reagan County's young receiving core, Brown is due for another explosive year.

16. Colton Kelly

School: Miles

Class: Senior

Position: Offensive Line and Defensive line

Summary: Kelly has been a mainstay in the trenches on both sides of the ball for the Bulldogs the last two seasons, helping the Miles offense rush for 2,561 yards and throw for 2,827 yards. He was the highest-graded offensive lineman last season. He had 72 tackles, 12 hurries, four tackles for a loss, two passes defended, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Kelly's continued improvement will be key for the Bulldogs to make a deep run in the playoffs.

17. Luke Sanderson

School: Goldthwaite

Class: Senior

Position: Defensive back and Wide receiver

Summary: Sanderson was the engine that made Goldthwaite's defense go last season. The do-it-all defensive back filled up the stat sheet, collecting 97 tackles, six forced fumbles, five passes defended, four tackles for a loss, two interceptions, two defensive touchdowns and a sack. The Eagles look ready to compete for a playoff spot after returning most of its starters on defense. However, it will be tough for the ascending Goldthwaite team after slotting into a district with two state semifinalists.

18. Huston Stockton

School: Forsan

Class: Senior

Position: Running back and Defensive end

Summary: Stockton is a physical running back, who seeks out contact delivering punishment on defenders and is agile enough to slip off tacklers with leverage. The Buffaloes heavily relied on him during his junior campaign after senior running back Kevin Kilgora fought through an injury toward the end of the season. He finished the season with 686 yards and seven touchdowns rushing, earning a spot on the District 3-2A Division I offense. He also recorded 64 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, three sacks and three fumble recoveries as a defensive end.

19. Parker Posey

School: Irion County

Class: Senior

Position: Linebacker

Summary: Posey has consistently contributed to the Irion County football team since he was a sophomore, improving every season. The All-West Texas Six-man Defensive Player of the Year capped off his season with 151 tackles, seven fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles, two interceptions and three defensive touchdowns, helping the Hornets capture another district title. Posey and the Hornets will be up against the wall this year after they were placed into one of the toughest districts in Class 1A Division I, featuring four teams in Dave Campbell's Texas Football's preseason top 25 in Class 1A Division I.

20. Demarcus Reed

School: Brady

Class: Junior

Position: Offensive line and Defensive line

Summary: Brady was amidst a transition year in 2023 and Reed was one of the players who emerged, impacting the team immediately. As a sophomore, he finished the season with 79 tackles, six tackles for a loss, three sacks and an interception, earning a spot on the first-team all-district team and the All-West Texas second team. Under the tutelage of defensive-minded head coach Jaron Roberts, Reed will be a name to remember in 2024.

21. Seth Turner

School: Sterling City

Class: Senior

Position: Fullback and Defensive end

Summary: Turner, and his brother Ty Turner, helped ease Sterling City's transition from six-man football to 11-man football after the 2021 realignment. In 2022-23 the Eagles made the playoffs both times, advancing to the second round in 2022. In the 2023 season, Turner had a breakout season tallying 63 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, 11 sacks, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Now with the departure of longtime coach Trey Sisco and a reloading roster, Sterling City will rely on Turner to help carry the team back to the postseason in a new district.

22. Korrin Hoing

School: Junction

Class: Senior

Position: Running back

Summary: Junction went from winless in 2022 to a playoff berth and six wins in 2023 with Hoing and a host of young talent bolstering the roster. Under the second year of All-West Texas coach of the year Scott Freeman, Hoing had a season to remember with 1,002 yards and eight touchdowns rushing and earned a spot on the All-West Texas second-team. Junction comes into the season ranked No. 20 in Class 2A Division II and Hoing is firmly entrenched as a reason for the team's high stature coming into the season.

23. Hudson Fowler

School: Ozona

Class: Senior

Position: Quarterback

Summary: Fowler was one of the breakout stars on Ozona who helped guide the team back into the playoff picture. He improved greatly in his junior season cutting down on turnovers and increasing explosive plays, especially in the passing game. He finished the season with 2,261 yards and 22 touchdowns passing, adding 188 yards and five touchdowns rushing earning him a spot on the All-West Texas second-team. With Ozona needing to replace many starters along the offensive line, Fowler's decision-making will be the key to the Lions' success in 2024.

24. Ethan Busch

School: Christoval

Class: Senior

Position: Utility and Defensive back

Summary: Busch played all over the field for the Cougars last year. Despite the young team's struggles last season, Busch was a bright spot for the Cougars, who are now looking forward to a resurgent 2024 season. As a defensive back, he racked up 49 tackles, eight passes defended, five interceptions, five fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles, earning a spot on the all-district first-team and All-West Texas first-team defense. As fall camp begins, Busch looks to be a highlight maker on the offensive and defensive side of the ball.

25. Mason Vansickle

School: Central

Class: Junior

Position: Defensive back

Summary: Vansickle became a prominent figure in the Central defense last season after the team struggled with injuries and inconsistency. He finished the season with 101 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles and two interceptions. Listed as an outside linebacker last year, he looks to transition to a defensive back role and will be a focal point of the Bobcats young defense under new head coach Mark Smith.

No's. 26 - 100

*Name | School | Class | Position

26. Hudson Braden | jr. | Wall | Offensive Line

27. Brenner Sherwood | jr. | Robert Lee | Spreadback and Defensive back

28. Briggs Jones | sr. | Wall | Defensive back

29. Juan Castillo | sr. | Sonora | Quarterback

30. Andre Rushin | jr. | Coahoma | Defensive back

31. Aven Ochoa | sr. | Ballinger | Offensive Line and Defensive Line

32. Aiden Cardwell | sr. | Junction | Utility

33. Hayden Bowlin | jr. | Forsan | Wide receiver and defensive back

34. Colton Lawdermilk | sr. | Irion County | Running back and Linebacker

35. Tu’uta Kalamafoni | sr. | Central | Offensive Line

36. Hunter Tucker | sr. | Veribest | Running back and Linebacker

37. Hagyn Barbee | sr. | Wall | Running back and Defensive back

38. Damarion Ausbie | sr. | Forsan | Offensive Line and Defensive Line

39. Tevin Meade | sr. | Miles | Running back and defensive back

40. Kam Aguero | sr. | Sonora | Wide receiver

41. Jaxson Petillo | sr. | Miles | Offensive line and Defensive line

42. Jaysen Santellano | sr. | Eldorado | Offensive line and Defensive line

43. Bryce Martin | jr. | Veribest | Spreadback

44. Emmett Marlatt | jr. | Wall | Offensive line

45. Sire Garcia | jr. | Grape Creek | Running back and Linebacker

46. Manuel Riojas | sr. | Christoval | Running back and Linebacker

47. Sergio Ochoa | sr. | Junction | Offensive line and Defensive line

48. Chase Cole | sr. | Central | Offensive line

49. Gunnar Dillard | sr. | Wall | Quarterback and Linebacker

50. Jaylen Torres | sr. | Miles | Linebacker

51. Michael Daniels | sr. | Ozona | Wide receiver and Defensive back

52. Kolden Averette | jr. | Forsan | Offensive line and Defensive line

53. Merek Howell | sr. | Rochelle | Quarterback

54. Rylan Todd | sr. | Mason | Offensive line

55. Francisco Ramirez | sr. | Lake View | Wide receiver and Defensive back

56. Anthony Quintana | sr. | Water Valley | Tailback

57. Colt Floyd | jr. | Christoval | Defensive line

58. Jarrett Brown | sr. | Reagan County | Athlete and Linebacker

59. Chantz Reed | sr. | Mason | Offensive line

60. Nicholas Holloway | jr. | Forsan | Quarterback

61. Skyler Romero | sr. | San Saba | Wide receiver and Defensive back

62. Devin Medina | sr. | Miles | Running back

63. Marco Ponce | sr. | Junction | Offensive line and Defensive line

64. Omrie Johnson | jr. | Reagan County | Wide receiver

65. Caleb McIntire | sr. | Bronte | Defensive line

66. Crue Levien | jr. | Junction | Linebacker

67. Levi Glover | sr. | San Saba | Wide receiver and Defensive back

68. Austin Perez | sr. | Lake View | Quarterback

69. Owen Jones | sr. | Sonora | Tight end and Defensive end

70. Jay Roman | sr. | Lake View | Offensive line

71. Dillon Medina | sr. | Miles | Wide receiver

72. Chasen Doyal | jr. | Junction | Quarterback

73. Nick Franklin | jr. | Reagan County | Wide receiver

74. Nathan Zarraga | sr. | Big Spring | Offensive line

75. Manny Gonzales | jr. | Ballinger | Wide receiver

76. Braylon White | jr. | Lake View | Defensive back

77. Sean Scott | sr. | Central | Linebacker

78. Damien Luna | jr. | Lake View | Defensive line

79. Layke Haynes | sr. | San Saba | Offensive Line

80. Kellan Oliver | jr. | Wall | Wide receiver and Defensive back

81. Jaekob Jackson | jr. | Central | Linebacker

82. Luke Kemp | sr. | Wall | Running back

83. Cason Boggs | jr. | Sonora | Athlete

84. Jaylen Hernandez | sr. | Ballinger | Running back and Linebacker

85. Lyric Holland | sr. | Reagan County | Linebacker

86. Conner Lusk | sr. | Forsan | Offensive line and Defensive line

87. Isreal Bogs | jr. | Christoval | Wide receiver and Defensive back

88. Lane Godfrey | sr. | Miles | Offensive line and Defensive line

89. Wyatt Bosworth | sr. | Robert Lee | Tight end and Defensive line

90. Ezra Gamboa | sr. | Eden | Quarterback

91. Riley Oines | soph. | Central | Defensive line

92. RJ Gomez | sr. | Big Spring | Defensive line

93. Landon Wells | jr. | Coahoma | Tight End and Defensive end

94. Ashton Ramsey | sr. | Brady | Wide receiver, Defensive back and Kicker

95. Raythen Broadway | sr. | Christoval | Offensive line and Defensive line

96. Sean Jacoby | jr. | Brady | Quarterback

97. Aiden Pena | jr. | Ballinger | Running back and Linebacker

98. Grayson Bond | sr. | Grape Creek | Offensive line and Defensive line

99. Caleb Braden | jr. | Wall | Defensive back

100. Cade Strube | sr. | Ballinger | Quarterback and Defensive back

Paul Witwer covers high school sports and Angelo State University sports for The San Angelo Standard-Times. Reach him at sports@gosanangelo.com . Follow him on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, @Paul_Witwer

This article originally appeared on San Angelo Standard-Times: West Texas 100: Ranking the top West Texas high school football players before 2024 season