2023 Preseason DCTF Whataburger Super Team

Colin Simmons (Photo: Greg Powers)

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Here is the 2023 Preseason DCTF Whataburger Super Team

FIRST TEAM OFFENSE

QB DJ Lagway 6'3 | 210 - Willis: The son of former Baylor RB Derek Lagway is a highly touted quarterback recruit known for his physical prowess and dual-threat abilities. With a strong arm and a powerful running style, the DCTF four-star has received over 30 scholarship offers, checking in as the No. 1 QB in the state.

RB Taylor Tatum 5'11 | 200 - Longview: Tatum had a remarkable 2022 campaign, rushing for 1,891 yards and scoring 33 touchdowns, earning him 7-5A Division I Offensive MVP honors. With a dynamic slash-and-go run style, the four-star set Longview's record for most rushing touchdowns. Tatum has been offered by 40 colleges nationwide, marking him as one of the best in the nation.

RB James Peoples 5'10 | 195 - San Antonio Veterans Memorial: As a junior, Peoples rushed for 1,904 yards and 28 touchdowns, earning All-State and 13-5A Division II Co-MVP honors. The four-star is tough in between the tackles and possesses deceptive top-end speed that can catch defenses off guard. Peoples has been selected to play in the 2024 Adidas All-American Bowl.

WR Micah Hudson 6'1 | 195 - Lake Belton: The DCTF five-star is an elite ball-winner who will completely take over games. At times Hudson seems unguardable, consistently beating double and triple teams. He's an extremely intelligent player with exceptional spatial awareness and a dangerous runner in the open field who can take a short pass and turn it into a long gain.

WR Dre'lon Miller 6'0 | 200 - Silsbee: The Deebo Samuel of Texas high school football, Miller, is a mismatch for 4A defenders. He is an excellent route runner. After the catch, he's as good as any ball carrier in the state. Miller racked up over 1,700 yards of offense in 2022 to earn All-State honors, leading the Tigers to a 13-1 record.

WR Bryant Wesco 6'2 | 175 - Midlothian: The Under Armour All-American uses a large catch-radius and elite leaping ability to play over the top of defensive backs. Wesco was ultra-productive in 2022, collecting 58 receptions for 1,160 yards and 17 touchdowns. He’s a red zone weapon who uses long strides and deceptive speed to keep defenders at a disadvantage.   

OL Max Anderson 6'5 | 290 - Frisco Reedy: The highly-coveted Anderson was the standard of consistency in 2022, showcasing elite pass and run-blocking skills on his way to all-state honors. The nation's top colleges have targeted the younger brother of Oklahoma OL Nathan Anderson. He has a chance to make a significant roster impact on his first day on campus, wherever he plays.

OL Daniel Cruz 6'4 | 270 - Richland: Cruz is the top-rated center prospect in the 2024 cycle. He's a durable and experienced player with impressive athleticism and quickness. He easily connects with blocks on the second level, pulls well, and has a sturdy frame with plenty of strength. The all-district selection has secured 30 scholarship offers.

OL Weston Davis 6'5 | 285 - Beaumont United: Davis possesses a good mix of size, power, and athleticism, making him capable of playing any position on the offensive line. He has a loose lower body and is a natural bender. With his quick feet and authoritative blocking style, Davis has the potential to develop into an NFL Draft pick.

OL Blake Frazier 6'5 | 260 - Austin Vandegrift: Frazier keeps climbing up rankings lists because he keeps getting bigger and stronger. He is a technique-sound prospect who has learned much about the position from his father, Steve Frazier, who played offensive line at Michigan. The DCTF four-star's playing style is characterized by his nasty and physical demeanor.   

OL Casey Poe 6'5 | 280 - Lindale: Poe is a highly valued recruit because of his versatility. He has experience playing guard in Lindale's offensive scheme, but he has the length and footwork to kick out and play tackle. No matter where he lines up, he has the requisite strength and demeanor to dominate opponents.

Utility Terry Bussey 5'11 | 175 - Timpson: After an incredible junior season, Timpson's two-way threat was named Mr. Texas Football. He's collected over 30 scholarship offers, and college coordinators are fighting over whether to feature his 4.42 40-yard speed at wide receiver or defensive back. Bussey is a big play waiting to happen, no matter where he lines up.         

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE                

DL Dealyn Evans 6'5 | 270 - Longview Pine Tree: This East Texas powerhouse is an impressive physical specimen who displays a lethal combination of power and first-step quickness, making him one of the most disruptive defensive presences in the nation. Evans has experience playing defensive end but has the size of a defensive tackle. He can play up and down the line.

DL Colin Simmons 6'3 | 225 - Duncanville: The No. 1 rated prospect in the state. Simmons uses a lightning-quick get-off to terrorize quarterbacks behind the line of scrimmage. The five-star defensive end had a school record 22.5 sacks while leading the Panthers to the 6A Division I state championship. On the recruiting front, Simmons has racked up 45 offers.

DL Nigel Smith 6'5 | 250 - Melissa: Smith earned 7-5A Division II Defensive Lineman of the Year and All-State honors after racking up 103 tackles, 17 TFLs and 11 sacks. He is a run-stopping force who can also get pressure on the quarterback. He is quick enough to play on the edge and strong enough to play inside.

DL Zina Umeozulu 6'4 | 220 - Allen: Umeozulu is a highly-regarded four-star defensive end who has received more than 30 scholarship offers from top-tier programs nationwide. He is skilled at disengaging from blockers with his long arms and making tackles from a distance. His older brother, Neto Umeozulu, is an offensive lineman at Texas.

LB Payton Pierce 6'1 | 225 - Lovejoy: Pierce is anxious to return to the field after missing a large portion of the 2022 season with an injury. He is a state-champion wrestler who controls the game as the quarterback of the defense for the Leopards — a tackling machine who has received 40 offers. Pierce checks all of the boxes.

LB Ty'Anthony Smith 6'2 | 205 - Jasper: The LB MVP at the Next Level Athlete Texas Top 100 Showcase in Houston is one of the top-rated linebackers in the nation because he is instinctive and diagnoses plays quickly. Smith gets downhill instantly and delivers big hits when he arrives at the ball. Over 25 colleges are fighting for his commitment.

LB Justin Williams 6'2 | 205 - Conroe Oak Ridge: Speed is what makes Williams' game unique. He boasts a laser-timed 4.44 40-yard dash, which is apparent on the gridiron as he quickly gets up the field to obliterate ball carriers and make tackles behind the line of scrimmage. The No. 1 rated OLB will play in the Under Armour All-America Game.

DB Kobe Black 6'0 | 190 - Waco Connally: The No. 1 rated cornerback prospect in Texas by all of the major recruiting services. Black possesses the height and size to take on the opposition's top outside receiver. He is a playmaker in all three phases of the game at Connally, showcasing terrific ball skills on the defensive side of the ball as a result.

DB Xavier Filsaime 6'1 | 180 - McKinney: Filsaime's impressive 10.52 100-meter speed is evident on film as he quickly tracks down the football and delivers bone-jarring hits. His lateral range is also remarkable, and he swiftly closes ground to make plays versus the pass. He always plays under control. The state's No. 1 safety is an Under Armour All-American.

DB Aaron Flowers 6'0 | 185 - Forney: Flowers has displayed versatility, playing both safety and cornerback. His body control is impressive, never wasting a movement while in reverse, and he is able to plant and change directions quickly. Flowers collected 55 tackles, six PBUs, and two INTs to earn first-team all-district honors as a junior in 2022.

DB Corian Gipson 6'1 | 175 - Lancaster: A skilled defensive back prospect with good height and frame, Gipson is adept at multiple roles within the secondary—a natural football player with solid instincts and body control, demonstrating awareness and a high IQ. Gipson is fearless in mixing it up against the run and relishes an opportunity to make a big stick.

DB/Utility Jaydan Hardy 6'0 | 170 - Lewisville: The son of former Tennessee linebacker Darryl Hardy is a four-year varsity starter known for his versatility. Hardy is a four-star safety projection who can play any position in the secondary. However, Lewisville also relies on his speed and playmaking ability on offense and special teams—a true three-phase standout.

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