For Jack Daulton, this season at The Woodlands isn’t just the final chapter of a high school career – it’s the culmination of a commitment that began years ago.
With a future at TCU already secured, the senior signal-caller is focused on delivering something even more meaningful before he graduates: a playoff run that breaks through the ceiling.
Daulton, a dual-threat weapon under center, earned first-team, all-district honors in 2024 after throwing for over 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns, while rushing for another 1,142 yards and 18 scores. His dynamic play helped propel the Highlanders to an 11-2 record and a trip to the 6A-D1 Regional Semifinals, where they ultimately fell to powerhouse Duncanville.
Now in the final stretch of his high school career, the 6-foot-2 standout is embracing the responsibility that comes with leadership.
“We’ve really been dedicating ourselves a lot throughout the offseason,” he said. “From the early morning workouts to 7-on-7, it takes a certain amount of commitment to achieve what we’re looking for. As seniors, it’s up to us to set an example, and I feel that it’s been a productive summer.”
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While The Woodlands hasn’t reached a State Final since 2016, the team’s recent momentum – paired with Daulton’s continued rise – has positioned the Highlanders to make another serious run in 2025.
As for what comes next, Daulton committed to TCU in February – a decision driven largely by a strong early connection with the Horned Frogs' staff.
“The biggest appeal to me was easily the coaching that’s been built up there,” Daulton said. “Coach [Kendal] Briles was the first guy to spot me out of the crowd during camps and workouts. I’m really excited to keep building that relationship with him and Coach [Sonny] Dykes – and hopefully become the best version of myself possible.”
Daulton’s game blends poise with mobility – a style that continues to define the next wave of quarterbacks at the college and pro levels. That balance, he says, has been a long-term focus.
“Above all else, I think I’ve gradually refined my pocket presence,” he said. “Sometimes I rely on my legs a little too much, so it’s taken some work to become calmer in those situations.”
When asked who shaped his approach to the position, Daulton names both icons and modern stars.
“As a Patriots fan, it’s only natural that I look up to Tom Brady. He’s been my guy since I was a kid,” he said. “But since running and being mobile has become such a big part of my game, I think Jayden Daniels is a great example of the type of quarterback that programs are leaning toward now. His Heisman year at LSU was something else.”
There’s still one more season to write before Daulton heads to Fort Worth – and if his growth continues on its current trajectory, he just might help The Woodlands finish what it started.