Last week, Class of 2027 Langham Creek four-star linebacker Jhadyn Nelson announced his commitment to Texas Tech.
Nelson was one of the hottest recruits in Houston this offseason as he picked up 23 offers from many big time Power Four schools across the country before ultimately deciding to commit to the Red Raiders.
For the four-star linebacker the decision came down to one thing… family.
“Texas Tech was the first school to offer me and see my potential early on,” Nelson said on his commitment. “Later on down the line the coaching staff and I built a really strong connection, but that wasn’t made me want to commit. What made me want to commit was the fact that I get to play with my big brother in college. I got to play with my brother in high school for two years and now I’ll be able to play with him in college. That is huge because I’m a big family guy so that was the icing on the cake.”
Texas Tech is coming off a big season making the College Football Playoff and one of the biggest reasons was the defense led by Butkus award winner LB Jacob Rodriguez.
Seeing the type of year Rodriguez had and playing the same position, Nelson knows defensive coordinator Shiel Wood can develop him into one of the best linebacker in the country.
“Coach Wood has only been there for a year and the numbers literally prove he is one of the best defensive coordinators and linebacker coaches in the country,” he said. “He helped Jacob Rodriguez have the season he did in one year, winning the Butkus Award and potential first round draft pick so I know he can do that with me.”
Now with his commitment out of the way, Nelson is ready to focus in on his senior year.
“Knowing where I’m going already is like a weight lifted off my shoulders,” Nelson said. “I’m looking forward to perfecting my craft at outside linebacker, working on my skills at Edge with pass rushing and also at inside linebacker.”
Nelson mentioned still plans on taking his official visits that he has scheduled but remains a hundred percent locked in with Texas Tech.
Watch out for Langham Creek and Nelson next fall as they try and reach the playoffs in 2026.
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PROVIDING AN UNMISTAKABLE PRESENCE IN THE ATTACKING THIRD THAT CAN TILT A GAME IN AN INSTANT, MACARTHUR JUNIOR STRIKER SANTIAGO ARRIAZOLA HAS ALREADY ESTABLISHED HIMSELF AS THE TEAM’S MOST POTENT SCORING THREAT, EARNING DISTRICT 14-6A MVP HONORS LAST WINTER.
THAT SEASON SAW THE GENERALS FINISH 11-3-6 BEFORE NARROWLY FALLING TO THE WOODLANDS IN THE OPENING ROUND OF THE PLAYOFFS, BUT ARRIAZOLA’S PERFORMANCES LEFT NO DOUBT ABOUT HIS IMPACT.
“I’ve learned to trust my instincts more as I’ve developed in the attack,” he said. “My communication and positivity with teammates have also played a big role. As a striker, my finishing technique and ability to read space have definitely improved a lot over the past few years.”
Currently, Big Mac eyes its fourth consecutive district title while aiming for a more extended postseason run, hoping to match—or surpass—the three-round journey the team produced in 2023.
For Arriazola, success comes down to more than individual skill.
“Everyone needs to be at their best when we reach that point,” he said. “We need to be giving 110 percent—not just 100. This team knows how we play, how we operate, and I feel like we’re closer than ever. So, playing as a family will be vital toward accomplishing that.”
While Arriazola is primarily a striker, he also sees the game through a broader lens, sometimes slotting into center back. He draws inspiration from the world’s best, citing Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk as a model. “I aspire to be like him because of his demeanor and how physical his play-style is. He’s utilized in set pieces too, so I try to be as well-rounded as he is.”
Part of what drives Santiago is a healthy, competitive push from home, given that his older sister, Emily, is a standout striker for MacArthur’s girls program.
“We always push ourselves to the limits, so there’s definitely a competitive aspect between us,” he said with a smile. “But we’re still there to support and root for each other when we can.”
With his instincts sharpened, his finishing refined, and his team firing on all cylinders, Arriazola represents both the present and future of MacArthur soccer. As the Generals chase another district crown and set their sights on postseason glory, it’s clear their pivotal weapon will be leading the charge every step of the way.
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FOR MOST HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES, THE DREAM IS TO KEEP PLAYING AT THE NEXT LEVEL. FOR CLEMENTS PITCHER DANTE MARTINEZ, THE PERSPECTIVE IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT.
The senior knows this is his final ride in competitive baseball, and he plans to enjoy every second of it. Having played the game since he was five years old, Martinez isn’t taking a single inning for granted this season.
“I have no intention of playing in college, so I want to have the best time this season and see how far we can take it,” said the second-team, all-district selection. “I love the quote, ‘Live every moment like it’s your last.’ When you think about it, it holds a lot of value. That’s the plan this year — just let it rip.”
Clements got a taste of postseason baseball a year ago after finishing second in district play. Now, the Rangers want more.
“Getting a taste of the playoffs just makes us want it even more,” Martinez said. “We know we have it in us, so we’re looking to win district and try to take a few more steps in the playoffs.”
Martinez has always embraced the pressure that comes with the game. In fact, he welcomes it.
“I play with the mentality of wanting the ball to come to me at the most important time,” he said. “Some people shy away from that pressure, but I have a lot of confidence in my ability. I want the ball.”
That mentality mirrors the steady rhythm of baseball itself — something Martinez has always appreciated.
“There’s something about the consistency of baseball,” he said. “The routine, trying to improve every day at practice — that’s what I love. Baseball helps me take my mind off things and just allows me to play.”
While his future may include studying business or math in college rather than taking the mound, Martinez knows the lessons from the diamond will stay with him long after the final out.
“It’s really been my life for as long as I can remember,” he said. “I’m going to miss it, but I’ll take all the memories and hopefully finish on a good note.”
For Martinez, the scoreboard will eventually go dark — but the memories from the diamond will last forever.
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