El Paso Pebble Hills has two intriguing underclassmen who could become household names in the near future. 2028 WR/DB Lajuan “LJ” Bailey (6’2, 165), a cousin of NFL running back Aaron Jones and younger brother of Missouri running back Tavorus Jones, was the leader of Pebble Hill’s freshman football team as a three-phase player (WR, DB, KR). Coach Ryan Warner plans for Bailey to alternate this season between X and slot receiver and also moonlight as a cornerback.

“The kid is really athletic,” Warner said. “Great ball skills, tracking the ball on defense and then attacking the ball on offense.”

2029 WR/S Noah Tarrant (6’4, 194) looked and played like a varsity veteran despite just graduating from eighth grade. He won a jump ball in the end zone and had a one-handed catch that was ruled out of bounds. He had five Division I offers already from the likes of Texas A&M and Texas Tech.

“He’s a threat every time he’s on the field,” Warner said. “What I don’t think he gets a lot of credit for is his route running. For him to be an incoming freshman and be as comfortable on the football field as he is, it speaks to his development.” (Carter Yates)

South Oak Cliff 2027 QB Jayden Williams (6’1, 175) led his team to a 3-0 run, a strong showing for the Golden Bears.
Williams was sharp and efficient, helping the offense rack up 76 points on the day.
“It feels good to be out here with players who’ve been through it already,” Williams said. “You can learn a lot from them. I think it’s really helping. I haven’t had much time to build chemistry with the receivers in the offseason, so this has been a great chance to develop that.”
He already sounds like a leader. (Greg Powers)

Kenedy 2029 WR Dylan Russell showed me in the opening game of Division III bracket play why he’s got a chance to be a special prospect. He ran a laser 4.47 at the TCU camp this summer, but he’s also got good size and is a solid route runner at an early age. Expect him to have a monster career in South Texas. (Matt Stepp)

Hamshire-Fannett 2027 LB Isaiah Reed (6’2, 200) was one of the most athletic linebackers regardless of classification.
He reported that he boasts 10.92 100-meter and 4.46 40-yard dash speed and that has helped power his recruitment, leading to offers from Baylor, Houston, Lamar, Texas State and UTSA. Reed quickly deflected to credit his coaches and teammates support, because he would not have these opportunities without them.
“Great coaching, a lot of competition,” Reed said when asked about his accomplishments. “The coaches really push us, and we all work hard together. That makes a big difference.” (Powers)

PSJA North’s performance in a loaded pool with Argyle, Hutto and Klein was extremely impressive, the Raiders went 3-0 and will set up an all-South Texas first round game Saturday against Laredo United. PSJA North made a run to the quarter-finals in 2023 and in 2024 they won the consolation bracket. (Stepp)

Longview has a QB/WR duo that could take TXHSFB by storm this season. 2027 QB Johnny “Tre” Hamilton (6’3, 205) won three playoff games in his first Varsity starts as a sophomore. New offensive coordinator Timothy Sanders said Hamilton is a great processor who stays calm in the pocket. He’ll throw to 2028 WR Jaden Hurndon (6’2, 185). Sanders says he’s a special talent who’s a deep threat as well as a physical presence in the intermediate game. He has offers from Texas Tech, TCU, Oregon and Michigan State. (Yates)

Willis’ Jermaine Bishop had the performance of the day in Division I as he nearly willed Willis to a win over defending state champions DeSoto. The Texas commit played nearly the entire way on both sides of the ball in Willis’ 26-25 loss to the Eagles, he hauled in four touchdowns and made several pass breakups as well. He caught what appeared to be the game winning touchdown, but it was negated by a four-second call. (Stepp)

South Oak Cliff looked strong in their State 7-on-7 debut going 3-0, I watched their opening game, a 24-12 win over Alvin Shadow Creek and the Golden Bears defense was electric with three interceptions, including a game-sealing pick six late. (Stepp)

Day Two of the Texas 7-on-7 State Tournament was filled with talent from top to bottom. At the Division III level, the champions, Tidehaven, boasted a loaded roster starting in the driver’s seat with quarterback Kale Russell, a four-year varsity starter with lots of arm strength. On the defensive side, Bryce Sliva, an all-district linebacker, came up with several interceptions to shift the momentum in the game. (Mallory Hartley)

At the Division II level, Frisco Panther Creek had guys all over the field. Parker Ord, a BYU commit, is a name to know heading into the 2025 season. He’s a big-bodied tight end who always gets open and possesses smooth route running abilities.

Speaking of reliable, at the Division I level, Crandall 2027 wide receiver Jeremiah Douglas catches nearly everything thrown in his direction and has over 20 offers to speak to his abilities. Another pass catcher that stood out today was Pflugerville Weiss’ Tre Moore. Checking in at 6’3, 200 pounds, he immediately passes the eyeball test and will have big shoes to fill after the departure of Adrian Wilson. On the defensive side, Temple 2026 defensive back Jason Bradford was the anchor in the secondary for the Wildcats today. He’s a TCU commit with a great frame that will give opposing offensives trouble. (Hartley)

A Correction Was Made on June 30: Aaron Jones is LJ Bailey's cousin, not older brother. DCTF regrets this error.