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WRECK 'EM: Langham Creek’s Jhaydn Nelson locks in with Red Raiders
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.
GAME ON: Technical Mastery from Arriazola Opens Doors for MacArthur Past District Play
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.