In a state where Friday nights mean everything and the competition is relentless, it takes a special kind of player to stand out. At Cypress Springs, that player is Paris Melvin Jr.
Call him what you want – a four-star talent, a playmaker, a throwback – but just know this: he doesn’t come off the field.
Melvin, now entering his senior year, is an athlete in every sense of the word.
Offensively, he lines up in the backfield or in the slot. Defensively, he locks down receivers at corner or flies around as a nickelback. Wherever the Panthers need a spark, Melvin delivers.
Last season, he totaled over 1,500 scrimmage yards, 21 touchdowns, and added an interception with four pass breakups on defense – enough to earn District 16-6A MVP honors and turn heads across Texas.
“Really, it’s something that I’ve been doing since I was a kid,” Melvin said. “Now, it’s come to the point where I just don’t like being off the field. When I’m not out there doing everything I can to make a play, it makes me feel like I’ve done something wrong.”
That mindset – never sitting still, always impacting the game – has helped shape him into one of the most dynamic two-way athletes in the country. His skill set draws natural comparisons to Travis Hunter, the Colorado star turned No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
But for Melvin, the inspiration goes even deeper.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE 2025 VYPE FOOTBALL PREVIEW MAGAZINE
“Most people would assume that it’s Travis Hunter. Of course, he’s an athlete I aspire to be like… But I have two favorites: Deion Sanders and CeeDee Lamb.”
Deion’s once-in-a-generation versatility and Lamb’s explosive playmaking – especially meaningful given his roots in the Houston area, where he starred at Foster before ascending to Oklahoma and, ultimately, the Dallas Cowboys – both resonate with Melvin.
“CeeDee is my favorite current player and plays at my favorite position,” he said. “I’m not on his level yet, of course, but I do get a lot of comparisons to him.”
That confidence comes naturally. Ask Melvin what sets him apart, and his answer is simple but revealing.
“It’s the way I’m built,” Melvin said. “There’s nothing you could tell me that I can’t do. If you doubt me, I’m just going to go out there and prove it.”
Now in the latter stages of his high school career, Melvin ultimately announced his future program after committing to the University of Houston in July. The Coogs will be getting more than just a recruit – they’re getting a mentality.
And that distinct mindset has been forged at Cy Springs, a program that didn’t always get the attention it’s starting to now.
“When I first got here after eighth grade, there wasn’t anyone on the outside who believed in this program,” Melvin said. “When everyone turned left, I turned right. I’m grateful that I stayed and have been able to build something with Coach [Oji] Fagan and his staff. Now, we’re in the process of becoming one of the top teams in the state. Stay tuned for that.”
If Melvin Jr. has anything to say about it – and he usually does, on every down and on every side of the ball – Cypress Springs won’t just be in the conversation. They’ll be leading it.