2028 Waxahachie DT Aaron Snell (6-0, 270) has embraced the standard set by his brothers and put his own stamp on it in the trenches.

Growing up at Waxahachie behind WR Kenedy Snell (Class of 2017) and S Jay’Quan Snell (Class of 2027) gave him a daily measuring stick, a constant reminder of what the standard looked like.

“I feel like they really paved the way for me,” Snell said. “Since they started it, I have to finish it because I’m the youngest. I’ve got to leave a good history and make a mark so people can remember us, and so we can really make history.”

The foundation was laid early, long before Aaron ever suited up on Friday nights. Kenedy, the oldest of the three and now an assistant coach at Waxahachie, made sure the work started at home.

“He took us out in the garage,” Snell said. “This was way back, when I was probably four or five years old. He had me doing jumping jacks, jump rope, push-ups. He was doing weights because he was older at the time, but he was just getting me started. Like I said, he’s been paving the way for us, and now we’re trying to make history.”

While Jay’Quan developed into a hard-hitting, rangy safety and Kenedy brought a rocked-up build to wide receiver, Aaron grew into the family’s physical force in the trenches.

“Yes, sir. I’m kind of like the powerhouse of the group,” Snell said. “I’ve always been the chunky or biggest one. My brothers always kind of had the height. My older brother probably got the more rocked-up side too. We were all left with something different.”

That constant competition inside the Snell household forged Aaron’s edge. Being tested daily by his brothers accelerated both his maturity and his toughness.

“It made me tougher by helping me grow up and mature more,” Snell said. “It made me stronger mentally and physically and helped make me a better man. It just pushed me to keep getting better and better.”

Those traits translated quickly once he stepped into a larger role at Waxahachie. As a sophomore, Snell emerged as an interior enforcer, earning 11-6A Defensive District Newcomer of the Year honors. He became the type of lineman who straps on his helmet and goes to war on every snap.

“I never give up on a play, whether it’s good or bad,” Snell said. “I keep a high motor no matter what. No matter what the scoreboard says or if the crowd is booing, you’ve got to do your part, keep your job, and stay locked in on the task.”

College programs have taken notice of that rise. Snell’s first offer came from Southern Miss, a moment that underscored how far his work had taken him.

“My brother Jay’Quan was taking me home,” Snell said. “He was driving the truck, and it was supposed to be a surprise. He tried to keep it a secret, but he went ahead and told me. He said, ‘You got your first offer today.’ I looked at him, shocked, and said, ‘For real? Who?’ It was Southern Miss. That was my first one. It was an emotional moment for me because I’d been working toward that for a long time. Even if it wasn’t them, I would’ve been grateful for any offer. I’m glad I got it, and I’m glad there are more to come.”

More did follow, including in-state offers from SMU and Texas A&M. The Aggies’ offer carried extra significance with Jay’Quan already committed in College Station.

“That day was very exciting,” Snell said. “We sat down for dinner with the safeties coach. Toward the end of dinner, I talked to the D-line coach, Coach Elijah Robinson. He said he likes to start early with the guys he picks and that he wanted to offer me. I was very shocked. Not only would I get (the opportunity) to play with my brother again, but I’d get to play with him at a higher level. That’s history at its best.”

On the field, Snell’s calling card remains effort and relentlessness, traits sharpened by years of competition and fun with his family in Waxahachie.

“What makes me special is that a lot of people didn’t really know about me at first,” Snell said. “I’m trying to make history as part of a brotherhood. I like being around my brothers so people can see all of us on the field together. It’s not just Jay’Quan or Kenedy anymore—you see us as one.”