Written By National Scout: Marc Henry @marchen44
Buck Randall’s emergence as the starting quarterback for the Highland Park Scots is the culmination of years of hard work and development, a journey that began well before he ever put on a varsity uniform. His rise through the ranks of youth football, particularly with Texas EPIC, who as team is a mainstay on the DR7 Circuit, has been marked by a consistent progression in skill and football IQ. Under the mentorship of Texas EPIC Head Coach Don Smith, Randle honed his abilities, learning the intricacies of the quarterback position and refining the skills that now make him a formidable presence on the field.
Highland Park, known for its rich tradition of producing top-tier quarterback talent, has seen its fair share of stars. Players like Matt Stafford, who went on to become the first overall pick in the NFL Draft, Chandler Morris, who made a name for himself at Oklahoma, TCU and now North Texas, John Stephen Jones, the grandson of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, and Brayden Schager, now a senior at Hawaii. All of these signal callers took their first snaps in the spotlight under the same program that Randall now leads. The expectation for Randle to carry on this legacy is immense, but his track record suggests he’s more than capable.
Randall’s game is characterized by a powerful and accurate arm, capable of making every throw on the route tree. His technical soundness sets him apart, particularly for a player of his age. Whether it’s a deep pass, a quick slant, or a touch pass over the middle, Randall’s command of the football is evident. Beyond his physical tools, his mental approach to the game is what truly makes him stand out. He’s known for his poise, decision-making, and an almost uncanny ability to avoid mistakes—traits that are invaluable at the quarterback position, especially in high-pressure situations.
Coach Randy Allen, who has built a storied career at Highland Park with multiple state titles, including the memorable 2018 championship, is no stranger to developing young quarterbacks. Under his guidance, Randle will have the opportunity to grow even further, learning from one of the most successful coaches in Texas high school football history. Allen’s system is designed to maximize a quarterback’s strengths, and with Randall’s skill set, the Scots’ offense could be in for a dynamic season.
As Randall takes the field for his first start against Rockwall Heath, the anticipation is palpable. This is not just the start of a new season for Highland Park, but potentially the beginning of a new era under center. The combination of Randall’s talent and Allen’s coaching could lead to something special, not just for this season but for the future of the Scots’ program. For Randall, the sky truly is the limit, and his performance on Thursday night will be the first step in what has the potential to be a stellar high school career.
