By: Nick Gradney (National Scout) @StatZ_G
Having a huge breakout season can come with many things – a bigger following, confidence, more responsibility from your coaches and even collegiate offers. There will be a ton of kids across the nation who will make an impact on their team this year that could change their lives. Take a look at a select few below.
27′ ATH Brendell Vedol (@brendell_vedol) is a hard-hitting defensive playmaker with a hunting mentality. He consistently displays field awareness, block shedding, and closing speed to make sure tackles in the open field. Perhaps his best trait is his ability to jar the ball free out of the receivers hands – that’s what stands out the most on his film. Vedol size and skill set is similar to fellow New Orleans native and NFL pro Tyrann Mathieu. This kid can play all three phases. He plays with a chip on his shoulder as if he’s constantly doubted. He will be an asset to any college program who will be lucky enough to have him. Recruiters, please don’t sleep, come get you a baller. I expect a full breakout year with Brendell filling up the stat sheet on offense, defense, and special teams.
27′ WR Kaiden Hewett (@kaidenhewett) is a true diamond in the rough who just gets better with time. He’s is somewhat of a late bloomer, but that’s okay because people are starting to take notice of his gift. Hewett is a sure handed pass catcher with elite ability to make contested receptions. He has an adequate amount of speed and really nice route running skills to create separation from the defender. He’s a tall, young kid with a solid frame that he’s still growing into, so that’ll only make him more dangerous and more coveted. He attends the most prolific school in HISD, Lamar, so there will be major eyes on him this upcoming season. I will not be surprised if he puts together a dominant junior campaign and gains a ton of notoriety.
28′ WR Cameron Lestrick (@CLestrick) is a long, big body receiver with strong hands and a wide catch radius. He can be effective going across the middle or win outside the numbers. His will to progress and be coachable is a character plus. Watching his growth from the summer of 2024 up until now has been tremendous. Lestrick won a state championship as a freshman and will be a key factor going into his sophomore year. His ceiling is very high, and with a breakout year in 2025, college recruiters may come knocking.
27′ DB Ra’Mond Bailey (@Ramondbailey7) is a fearless defensive back who doesn’t shy away from the action. He’s a fierce competitor who will let you know it. Bailey has a heavy presence out on the field, and his play backs it up. He can play multiple positions in the secondary, but he’s probably best suited for safety. This kid is a ball hawk with physicality any coach would love. His versatility proves how much of an athlete he really is. He may also play some offense this upcoming season. Bailey has a lot of quality tools to have a breakout season and is expected to be a leader defensively.
28′ ATH Esdras Gonzalez (@egskii2fyee_) is a player on the rise that will grab everyone’s attention when he’s on the field. He will start on both sides of the ball in 2025. I’ve watched and evaluated a ton of players over the years, and he is one who just has that “it” factor. His ability to impact multiple positions will set him up to get a bunch of looks by schools at the next level. Gonzalez has great ball skills to play safety, the route running ability to play wide receiver and the vision to line up at running back. This kid will be a workhorse. Expect a breakout year for this young star in the making.
27′ WR Tristian Birmingham (@TristianBirm4) is flat out a division one prospect. He leaves me in awe every time I watch him. This kid is a highlight reel in human form. He’s tall, strong, and possesses really nice speed to break away in the open field. He can run every route in the tree and win one on one battles consistently against any type of defensive back. Birmingham is one of Oklahoma’s best receivers and will soon put the nation on notice if they are not already after a breakout junior season.
27′ ATH KJ Fontenot (@FontenotKj) will be the next best defensive back to come out of Port Arthur Memorial. I’ve had eyes on Fontenot for the last couple of years. He’s truly a star. Even with offers from Syracuse, UTSA, Lamar, and Sacramento State, there’s still a lot left to be desired about this kid. KJ shows sticky coverage and aggressive hands to disrupt the pass. He can also play offense and effectively make plays as a receiver. He’s one of the most technically sound players in his class. Fontenot has really good instincts and will make quarterbacks pay if the ball lingers too long. Look for KJ to have a breakout year this season and add more offers to his résumé.
26′ QB Romin Seymour (@RominSeymour9) is one of the best quarterbacks in the Houston area. Some may question why he’s one this list with a three star ranking and offers from Texas A&M, Colorado, Missouri, Florida, and more. However, statistically, he has yet to be amongst the top passers in the state, which isn’t a knock on him. He wasn’t asked to do much at Elkins, but now that he’s in a pass heavy offense at Ridge Point with elite receivers such as Robert Haynes IV and Bailen George, he can put up prolific numbers and earn all state honors in Texas. Seymour stands a legit 6’4 and is an accurate pocket passer with enough escapability while maintaining his vision downfield. Expect a major breakout senior year from Romin Seymour in 2025.
