This series spotlights the five highest-rated college football prospects who played for the Aledo Bearcats over the last 14 recruiting cycles as rated on DCTF (2012-24).  

1. RB Johnathan Gray - No. 1 RB - Class of 2012

As the state's No. 2 prospect overall, Gray had a remarkable TXHSFB career, owning the single-season career TD record (65) and ranking second all-time with 10,889 career rushing yards. As a junior, he rushed for 323 yards and eight touchdowns in the Texas Class 4A Division II state title game. Gray signed with the Texas Longhorns and played all four years in Austin, but Achilles' tendon injuries in both feet derailed his bid for an NFL career. 

2. RB Jase McClellan - No. 2 RB - Class of 2020

As the state's No. 7 prospect overall, McClellan played all four years for the Bearcats, leading them to three state title wins (2016, 2018, 2019). He was an Under Armour All-American before signing with Alabama, where he helped the Crimson Tide win the national title in his freshman season (2020). As a senior in 2024, McClellan had his best season production-wise, rushing for 890 yards and eight scores. He has declared for the 2024 NFL Draft. 

3. S BJ Allen - No. 2 S - Class of 2022

As the state's No. 12 prospect overall, Allen was a four-time all-district selection and an Under Armour All-American. He helped lead Aledo to three state championship seasons (2018, 2019, 2020), earning 5A Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2020 after collecting 67 tackles, six PBUs, and two interceptions. Allen signed with the Texas Longhorns, appearing in two games before transferring to North Texas, where he has three years of eligibility remaining. 

4. WR JoJo Earle - No. 2 WR - Class of 2021

As the state's No. 13 prospect overall, Earle helped lead Aledo to three straight state title wins before signing with Alabama. He was known for his electric 4.28 pro-shuttle time and elite top-end speed, racking up 4,984 total yards and 65 touchdowns in his prep career. Earle played two seasons at Alabama, earning Freshman All-SEC Team honors in 2021. Earle transferred to TCU before the 2023 season, securing 16 receptions for 239 yards and three TDs as a junior. He has one year of eligibility remaining for the Horned Frogs.  

5. OG Chuck Filiaga - No. 2 OT - Class of 2017

As the state's No. 26 prospect overall, 'Big Chuck' only played one year in TXHSFB after transferring from Vista Murrieta (Cali.). He helped lead the Bearcats to the 2016 5A Division II state title and played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and the inaugural Polynesian Bowl. Filiaga signed with Michigan out of high school before transferring to Minnesota, where he blocked for an offense that rushed for 2,698 yards and 33 touchdowns his senior season. He had 21 career college starts, appearing in 51 games. Filiaga is currently a member of the New Orleans Saints.