The matchup between Southlake Carroll and Waxahachie is more than just a battle between two tradition-rich programs in Texas high school football. It is also a showcase of some of the most talented prospects in the state, with several already committed to Power 4 programs and many more beginning to emerge on the recruiting radar. Below is a deeper look at the individual players who stood out..
Southlake Carroll Dragons
Angelo Renda | Quarterback | 2026 | Pittsburgh Commit
Renda has the frame of a prototypical quarterback with room to add size, and he already possesses a strong arm capable of driving the football outside the numbers and stretching the field vertically. He is advanced in his timing and anticipation, consistently throwing to spots before receivers come out of their breaks, which demonstrates a high-level processing ability. His footwork is clean and efficient inside the pocket, keeping him balanced when resetting his base. He also throws accurately on the move rolling either left or right, which is rare at the high school level. Although not a run-first quarterback, Renda is athletic enough to extend plays and punish defenses if they underestimate his ability to take off.
Brock Boyd | Wide Receiver | 2026 | Ohio State Commit
Boyd measures in at 6-foot-2 with a long, lean frame and fluid stride that allows him to accelerate with little effort. He is a complete wide receiver, capable of winning at all three levels of the route tree. Boyd understands leverage against defensive backs, manipulates stems to create separation, and demonstrates elite hands, consistently tracking the ball naturally over either shoulder. He thrives in contested-catch situations, using his size and body control to high-point the football. Boyd’s long speed has been verified with track results, and while he is smooth enough to beat press coverage off the line, he becomes especially dangerous once he reaches full stride.
Blake Gunter | Wide Receiver | 2027 | Multiple FBS Offers
Gunter at 6-foot-1, has a compact build with explosive quickness. His biggest strength lies in his route running, where he shows crisp breaks and little wasted movement. He has strong hands and consistently catches the football away from his body, making him a reliable option in traffic. Gunter proved his production with 759 yards and 8 touchdowns as just a sophomore, numbers that stand out given the competition level. After the catch, he displays toughness and shiftiness, often making the first defender miss. With offers already on the table from Pittsburgh, Arkansas State, Tulane, UTEP, and UTSA, Gunter projects as a versatile receiver who can play outside or in the slot.
Brody Knowles | Wide Receiver | 2027
Knowles is a long, lean receiver at 6-foot-5, who uses his size effectively to win contested balls. He has natural body control and adjusts smoothly to passes that are off target. Against press coverage, his length gives him a consistent advantage, and he shows comfort with physical matchups on the perimeter. Knowles has the upside to become a Power 4-caliber outside receiver as his frame fills out.
Luke Wilson | Offensive Line | 2027 | Oklahoma Commit
Wilson has the body of a true tackle, with excellent height and arm length to handle edge rushers. In pass protection, he is advanced, using his quick kick slide to gain depth and mirror defenders. In the run game, he plays with power and torque, finishing blocks with physicality. Wilson is also agile for his size, capable of climbing to the second level and locking onto linebackers.
Tristan Dare | Offensive Line | 2027 | Michigan Commit
Dare brings a wide frame, thick lower body, and long arms that allow him to dominate at the point of attack. He plays with excellent leverage for his size and uses violent, accurate hands to reset and control defenders. He is particularly effective in zone blocking schemes, where he can move laterally and climb into space with ease. Dare is a rare athlete for his size, moving fluidly and showing the ability to redirect against quicker defenders. His profile fits perfectly in the Big Ten, and at Michigan he has the ceiling to become a high-level starter with NFL potential.
Brooks Biggers | Running Back | 2027 | Texas State Offer
Biggers is a compactly built back who runs with patience and vision. He waits for blocks to develop before accelerating through the hole and demonstrates excellent balance through contact. Defenders rarely knock him backward, and his burst through the line allows him to consistently generate positive yardage. Biggers also has reliable hands as a pass catcher out of the backfield, giving him versatility. His toughness, vision, and three-down ability make him a valuable weapon in the Dragons offense.
Waxahachie Indians
Sedrick Marsh Jr. | Edge | 2027 | Multiple Power 5 Offers
Marsh is a 6-foot-5 edge defender with a long wingspan and lean frame that can carry additional weight without sacrificing explosiveness. He has a devastating first step and consistently wins off the snap, often beating offensive tackles before they can set their base. Marsh bends naturally around the edge, which is unusual for a player of his height, and he also shows strength in the run game by extending his arms, setting the edge, and disengaging with power. His athleticism allows him to chase plays from the backside and collapse pockets quickly. With offers from LSU, Texas A&M, Missouri, Baylor, and several others, Marsh is a true national recruit.
Carmelo Clawson | Edge/LB | 2027
Clawson has a strong, stocky build with a powerful lower half. He is stout against the run, holding his ground at the line of scrimmage and using leverage to neutralize blockers. He flashes pass rush ability both on the edge and when sliding inside, giving him versatility. Clawson displays a balance of power and speed and hel moves laterally with effectiveness.
Kaden Tolleson | Linebacker/ DB | 2027 | Arkansas State and Southern Miss Offers
Tolleson is a hybrid defender who can attack from multiple positions. His instincts stand out, as he diagnoses plays quickly and flows to the ball with urgency. He is a strong tackler in space and rarely misses opportunities to finish plays. In coverage, he moves fluidly enough to defend running backs and tight ends in man-to-man matchups. His sideline-to-sideline speed allows him to impact both the run game and passing game.
Taylen Strange | Running Back | 2028 | SMU Offer
Strange is only a sophomore but already looks the part of a featured back. He has a compact, powerful build with a strong lower half and runs with natural leverage. His vision and patience are advanced, allowing him to find cutback lanes and maximize yardage. Strange runs with balance through contact, consistently falling forward for extra yards. He is also shifty in the open field, showing quick lateral movements that make defenders miss.His acceleration through the hole makes him dangerous. With an early offer from SMU, Strange is on his way to become a heavily recruited prospect.
Jordan Smith | Wide Receiver | 2027
Smith uses his speed to stretch defenses vertically. He runs sharp routes, particularly on slants, posts, and deep patterns, and is quick in and out of breaks. After the catch, he is elusive and has the vision to turn short completions into explosive plays. His athleticism is evident in his smooth transitions and ability to separate downfield. Smith will be a key cog in the Indians offense this season.
