By: Nick Gradney (National Scout @StatZ_G)
Oftentimes, we learn about players when they’re already established and nearly a household name. Seldom do we take the time out to get to know them before the camps, combines, offers and more. It is important to track them as they become polished and when they’re on the rise. Football is quite simply a young man’s game. These kids have so many resources, training tools and the right people willing to lead them to the fountain of success. You mix that with the God-given ability they were blessed with and it’s guaranteed a star will be born. There are tons of promising kids with bright futures throughout the country who haven’t played a snap of high school ball yet. The youth is where it’s at. Take a look at some of the next generation of talent in the Houston area for the class of 2029.
ATH Isaiah Dixon Jr. – Attucks Middle School This kid is a hidden gem from the Houston area. He’s still very raw as expected for someone his age, but a major athlete nonetheless with great instincts. Dixon Jr. can play multiple positions, but he’s most electric with the football in his hands. He has good vision, quick feet and can make defenders miss in open space. Just put him on the field and he’ll make plays. In today’s game, you see more position less football, which will continue to grow. Isaiah is a hard-nosed, young athlete who looks to make a name for himself for years to come. He’s not the biggest, but he makes plays that are just jaw-dropping. I’m not sure how any high school coach wouldn’t be able to use a player like him. You can look at Isaiah film and just see the God-given ability. He can turn what seems to be an eventual 5 yard loss into an 80 yard score. I’m not exactly sure what he’ll play at the next level, but my money is on running back. Keep an eye open and your alerts on for Next Gen 29′ athlete Isaiah Dixon Jr.
DB Rashadd Scott Jr. – Pershing Middle School Get to know Rashadd Scott Jr. – a young defensive back on the rise in the Houston area. In an era where the value of secondary players have gone up tremendously, every good team on any level needs good play from their defensive backs. Scott is a quick, twitchy athlete with a lot of promise. I saw a play where it looked like he was beat but showed off his makeup speed to get back into the play and break up a pass. He can also line up at wide receiver as well. He understands small nuances like sitting in windows and changing his routes based on coverage. Rashadd has solid technique at an early age, which will only improve with time and repetition. This is a kid who I’d love to see play in the DR7 circuit this upcoming season. Keep an eye open and your alerts on for Next Gen 29′ athlete Rashadd Scott Jr.
ATH Patrick Barriere Jr – Cunningham Middle School This is a young athlete who is no stranger to the DR Sportz brand. We’ve been following the development of Patrick Barriere Jr. for a while now and he continues to show improvement. He’s a hard worker and comes from a football background. He primarily plays running back but has shown some diversity a defensive back as well. Barriere Jr. trains with elite talent in the Houston area. This kid has a solid, stocky build and is strong enough to absorb any contact and keep on moving after the first hit. He can cover any part of the field and have great closing speed. His reaction time is very quick and he knows to get his head around just in time to avoid a penalty. Every time I watch him play, the one constant is that his feet never stop moving. That is not only commendable but that’s a part of having a high motor. Next year, Patrick will attend perennial powerhouse North Shore High School. Keep an eye open and your alerts on for Next Gen 29′ athlete Patrick Barriere Jr.
QB Gabriel Couisnard Jr – Legacy School of Sports Science Gabriel Couisnard Jr. is undoubtedly one of the best signal callers in the class of 2029. There’s so much to love about his game. His poise in the pocket gives you a sense of calmness, which allows his teammates to stay confident, knowing their quarterback can handle pressure well. It seems like his arm strength improves every time I watch perform. Couisnard Jr. can quickly go through his progressions, make the best read, step into his throws and deliver a dot. One of the more impressive things about Couisnard is how he can throw on the run with the same precision. The accuracy is to be admired. His consistency is a huge factor as to why he’ll be a force once he gets to high school. One can argue that he’s ready now. Gabriel isn’t just an immobile quarterback who’s a sitting duck. He has great escapability and can make plays in the ground game as well. I can never talk about this kid enough. Keep an eye open and your alerts on for Next Gen 29′ athlete Gabriel Couisnard Jr.
QB Mason West – Leaman Junior High school This young man jumped off my screen when I first watched him. I was blown away at how polished he looked, throwing the football. One of the most notable things I saw was Mason lined up directly under center and not in the shotgun like we’re accustomed to seeing today. He throws darts – I’m talking tight spirals on the money and the receiver doesn’t have to slow down or reach back for it. West possesses really good mechanics from the waist down and an aesthically pleasing throwing motion. He’s a naturally gifted passer. Mason has already attended many different camps to showcase his skill set, including one held by the University of Houston. He puts in the time and effort to be great and you can see it paying off. There’s a ton of hype about this young star on the rise and it’s well deserved, but that doesn’t stop the grind with him. It wouldn’t surprise me one bit if this kid ends up being a heavily recruited player in a couple of years. Keep an eye open and your alerts on for Next Gen 29′ athlete Mason West.
ATH Kaden Midkiff – Spillane Middle School I’ll just go ahead and say it, this young phenom in the making is freakishly talented. Kaden Midkiff plays both sides of the football and he’s polished all around. He will be a great pass rusher due to his quick get off, active, strong hands and pursuit awareness. The one thing most great edge rushers have in common is their ability to bend. Kaden fits into that. When you watch his film, he stands out immediately. His impact can not be overlooked and he’ll be a force on the defensive line for whatever senior high school he attends next year. Midkiff also plays offense and reminds me of a throwback tight end – very Jason Witten-esque. That shows you he loves the game of football and that he’s willing to get on the field by any means necessary. Keep an eye open and your alerts on for Next Gen 29′ athlete Kaden Midkiff.
ATH Dylan Thomas – Thornton Dylan is an exceptional athlete who looks the part just as well as he plays in. Standing about 6’0, 150 lbs, he has something that can’t be taught or bought, which is size. Young Dylan has an arsenal of moves that are lethal against opposing defenses. The 2029 standout displays versatility from where he lines up to the types of routes he can run as a high level. He has sticky hands with a wide catch radius. If you just put the ball near his vicinity, there’s a great chance he’s coming down with it. Thomas also plays safety, which is a great spot for him due to his length and ball skills. This kid is a playmaker. For years to come, coaches will fall in love with such a unique talent and you can expect to hear his name a lot going forward. Keep an eye open and your alerts on for Next Gen 29′ athlete Dylan Thomas.
WR Kvonte Kidd-Ellis – KIPP Liberation College Prep I’ve been watching this kid ever since he was in the 7th grade. Nothing short of amazing is Kvonte Kidd-Ellis. He is a true wideout in every sense of the word. Kvonte also has skills on the court, so you know his athleticism is elite. He towers over most of his competition and no matter how many defenders they put on him, he still finds a way to make a play happen out of nothing. Kvonte hands are superb and he’s a deep threat every time he’s on the field. He can make insane one-handed catches look routine. Kidd-Ellis reminds me of a young Randy Moss with his slim, rangy stature and long arms. He’s a walking highlight reel and the fact that he’s still in junior high school is unfair to his teams opponents. I’m not sure if he knows that he’s just scratching the surface of what could lie ahead for him if he seizes every opportunity and plays to his advantages. I normally don’t like to put too much on a kid this early, but he’s a 5 star in the making. Keep an eye open and your alerts on for Next Gen 29′ athlete Kvonte Kidd-Ellis.
