While the game of college football has undergone numerous changes over the past few years, one constant remains the same: the only way for a program to build a solid foundation is by recruiting from the high school ranks and filling holes through the transfer portal. Below are players from Texas high schools who are expected to make an impact in the FCS.

Abilene Christian

DL Paul Blair, South Oak Cliff

Coaches love to recruit players from winning programs, and Blair meets that criterion, as the Bears played in the Class 5A Division II state championship game all four years of his high school career. Blair shined as a senior, finishing with 69 tackles, 16 TFLs, and six sacks.

East Texas A&M

DB Jai Trawick, DeSoto

Another athlete from a state championship program, Trawick finished his high school career with 19 tackles, two interceptions, and one pass deflection. However, Trawick clocked a 10.56 in the 100-meter dash in 2024, and that speed has Lions coaches excited about his future.

Houston Christian

LB Agape Lawrence, Frisco Emerson

Lawrence shined for the Mavericks over his final two seasons in high school. The two-time 4-5A Division II All-District first-team selection recorded 284 tackles, 23 TFLs, 6.5 sacks, and 13 quarterback hurries in those seasons. The coaching staff raved about Lawrence heading into fall camp.

Lamar

LB Albert Simon, Nederland

Simon was a force in the middle of the Bulldog defense. He earned first-team District 8-5A All-District honors after registering 87 tackles, 15 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, and forcing four fumbles. The three-star prospect was rated as the No. 220 linebacker nationally and among the top 320 prospects in Texas, according to 247Sports.

Prairie View A&M

OL Quan Byers, Denton Guyer

Byers played his first three seasons of high school football at Dallas Parish Episcopal before finishing at Denton Guyer. He was a member of the Wildcats' basketball team, which won the Class 6A Division II state championship this year. The 6-foot-7, 330-pound offensive tackle might be the steal of the year for the Panthers. His size, agility, and work ethic could one day be showcased in the NFL.

Stephen F. Austin

DT Kylan Darville, North Shore

Lumberjack coaches believe Darville has unlimited potential and an exciting future. Known for being tough, fast, and physical on the interior, combined with his work ethic, has some believing Darville will eventually add to the number of SFA players in the NFL when his collegiate career is complete.

Tarleton

QB Cardea Collier, Alvarado

Head coach Todd Whitten said Collier might be “the most decorated high school signing” in Tarleton history on National Signing Day. Collier was named Offensive Player of the Year by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and Class 4A Quarterback of the Year by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football after gaining 5,279 all-purpose yards and accounting for 75 touchdowns last season.

Texas Southern

TE Kevin Magera, Mesquite Horn

The 6-foot-5, 225-pound tight end chose the Tigers over offers from UTEP, Marshall, Arkansas State, Houston, Bowling Green, and Louisiana Tech. A three-star DCTF recruit, Magera recorded a throw of 41-11 in the shot put and a 107-6 in the discus during his junior year. 

UIW

LB Ja’Brelle Asberry, North Crowley

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram Defensive Player of the Year and District 3-6A Most Valuable Player was a stalwart on defense for the Class 6A Division I state champions last year. Asberry finished the 2024 campaign with 20 tackles, two TFLs, one QBH, six INTs, and nine forced fumbles.

UTRGV

WR Keilan Sweeny, Richmond Randle

One of many standouts on the Class 5A Division II state champion squad, Sweeny filled up the stat sheet with 258 yards and three touchdowns receiving, completing 29 of 39 pass attempts for 410 yards and three touchdowns, and added 302 yards rushing on 54 attempts in 2024. The 5-foot-9, 165-pound receiver could soon be a featured weapon on the Vaqueros' offense.